Research

Jump to: Review

15 pages, 3199 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimized Fractional Maximum Power Point Tracking Using Bald Eagle Search for Thermoelectric Generation System

by Hegazy Rezk, Abdul Ghani Olabi, Rania M. Ghoniem and Mohammad Ali Abdelkareem

Energies 2023, 16(10), 4064; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en16104064 - 12 May 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 816

The amount of energy that a thermoelectric generator (TEG) is capable of harvesting mainly depends on the temperature difference between the hot and cold sides of the TEG. To ensure that the TEG operates efficiently under any condition or temperature variation, it is [...] Read more.

The amount of energy that a thermoelectric generator (TEG) is capable of harvesting mainly depends on the temperature difference between the hot and cold sides of the TEG. To ensure that the TEG operates efficiently under any condition or temperature variation, it is crucial to have a reliable MPPT that keeps the TEG as close as possible to its MPP. Fractional control is usually preferred over integer control because it allows for more precise, flexible, and robust control over a system. The controller parameters in fractional control are not limited to integer values, but rather can have fractional values, which enables more precise control of the system’s dynamics. In this paper, an optimized fractional PID-based MPPT that effectively addresses two primary issues, dynamic response and oscillation around MPP, is proposed. Firstly, the five unknown parameters of the optimized fractional PID-based MPPT were estimated by the BES “bald eagle search” algorithm. To validate the superiority of the BES, the results were compared with those obtained using other optimization algorithms, such as ant lion optimizer (ALO), equilibrium optimizer (EO), cuckoo search (CS), and WOA “whale optimization algorithm”. The results demonstrate that BES outperforms ALO, EO, CS, and WOA. Additionally, the tracking performance of proposed MPPT was evaluated using two scenarios that involved variations in temperature differences and sudden changes in the load demanded. Overall, the proposed optimized fractional PID-based MPPT effectively improves dynamic performance and eliminates oscillation around MPP under steady state compared to other tracking methods, such as P&O “perturb and observe” and incremental conductance (INR). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Solar Thermal Energy)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 46402 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Conjugate Radiation and Convection Heat Transfer Analysis in Solar Cooker Cavity Using a Computational Approach

by Abhisek Sarangi, Asish Sarangi, Sudhansu Sekhar Sahoo, Ramesh Kumar Mallik and Mohamed M. Awad

Energies 2023, 16(9), 3868; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en16093868 - 02 May 2023

Viewed by 1150

Abstract

The heat loss caused by radiation and persistently laminar natural convection in a solar cooker cavity that has a rectangular cavity or a trapezoidal cavity are computationally explored in this paper. The hot bottom and the adiabatic side wall are both taken into [...] Read more.

The heat loss caused by radiation and persistently laminar natural convection in a solar cooker cavity that has a rectangular cavity or a trapezoidal cavity are computationally explored in this paper. The hot bottom and the adiabatic side wall are both taken into account. Two possibilities are considered for the top wall: first, a cold wall, and, second, losses from wind-induced convection and radiation. The parameters of heat loss in various depth cavities have been investigated along with a variety of external heat transfer coefficient values above the glass surface were simulated. The emissivity of the bottom surface, the absolute temperature ratio, on heat loss from the considered geometries, are also calculated. Analysis of the cavity’s flow pattern and isotherms at different depths has been conducted, and it is discovered that the total rate of heat transfer from the top wall increases as the bottom wall’s emissivity, the absolute temperature ratio, the Rayleigh number, and the external Nusselt number all increase. While radiation heat transfer increases monotonically, convective heat transfer rates shift slightly as these values rise at different emissivities of the bottom, and the opposite occurs when Ra increases at the same emissivity. Furthermore, it has been discovered that as the aspect ratio of the cavity increases, the overall Nusselt number decreases. A trapezoidal cavity has a faster rate of heat transfer than a rectangular cavity for the same parameters. Generic empirical correlations were developed for the total average Nusselt number concerning all influencing parameters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Solar Thermal Energy)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 5960 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of a Hybrid MPPT Technique, SA-P&O, on PV System Performance under Partial Shading Conditions

by Ahmed G. Abo-Khalil, Ibrahim I. El-Sharkawy, Ali Radwan and Saim Memon

Energies 2023, 16(2), 577; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en16020577 - 04 Jan 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 1861

Abstract

The electricity sector has been undergoing profound transformations. In particular, the Portuguese self-consumer regime has allowed customers of the medium and low voltage electricity grid to be producers/consumers of electricity, actively contributing to greater energy efficiency. In this context, the energy that comes [...] Read more.

The electricity sector has been undergoing profound transformations. In particular, the Portuguese self-consumer regime has allowed customers of the medium and low voltage electricity grid to be producers/consumers of electricity, actively contributing to greater energy efficiency. In this context, the energy that comes from the sun is not used to its maximum. In addition, photovoltaic cells have a characteristic operating curve (voltage vs. current), in which any operating point is reflected. Within this curve, there is a particular point known as the maximum power point (MPP) at which the cell supplies the maximum power output to a load. If the cell does not operate at this point, it has lower efficiency values. To harness maximum power under standard and dynamic shading conditions, there are various techniques of low complexity for capturing maximum power. We present a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm capable of dealing with the problem of partial shading. This algorithm involves modifying one of the most used algorithms within photovoltaic systems, known as P&O, using a simulated annealing (SA) algorithm. P&O is often used due to its straightforward implementation, but it is susceptible to partial shade conditions. Sampling was added to this algorithm to a better approach to the point of maximum power using the SA, and then to attain a more precise convergence with P&O. Implementing a maximum power point tracking method under partial shading was the major goal of this study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Solar Thermal Energy)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 19233 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Exhaust Emission and Efficiency of Algal Biodiesel Powered Compression Ignition Engine: Application of Box–Behnken and Desirability Based Multi-Objective Response Surface Methodology

by Prabhakar Sharma, Ajay Chhillar, Zafar Said and Saim Memon

Energies 2021, 14(18), 5968; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14185968 - 20 Sep 2021

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 2369

Abstract

Sustainable Development Goals were established by the United Nations General Assembly to ensure that everyone has access to clean, affordable, and sustainable energy. Third-generation biodiesel derived from algae sources can be a feasible option in tackling climate change caused by fossil fuels as [...] Read more.

Sustainable Development Goals were established by the United Nations General Assembly to ensure that everyone has access to clean, affordable, and sustainable energy. Third-generation biodiesel derived from algae sources can be a feasible option in tackling climate change caused by fossil fuels as it has no impact on the human food supply chain. In this paper, the combustion and emission characteristics of Azolla Pinnata oil biodiesel-diesel blends are investigated. The multi-objective response surface methodology (MORSM) with Box–Behnken design is employed to decrease the number of trials to conserve finite resources in terms of human labor, time, and cost. MORSM was used in this study to investigate the interaction, model prediction, and optimization of the operating parameters of algae biodiesel-powered diesel engines to obtain the best performance with the least emission. For engine output prediction, a prognostic model is developed. Engine operating parameters are optimized using the desirability technique, with the best efficiency and lowest emission as the criteria. The results show Theil’s uncertainty for the model’s predictive capability (Theil’s U2) to be between 0.0449 and 0.1804. The Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency is validated to be excellent between 0.965 and 0.9988, whilst the mean absolute percentage deviation is less than 4.4%. The optimized engine operating conditions achieved are 81.2% of engine load, 17.5 of compression ratio, and 10% of biodiesel blending ratio. The proposed MORSM-based technique’s dependability and robustness validate the experimental methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Solar Thermal Energy)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 4659 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thermo-Economic Analysis on Integrated CO₂, Organic Rankine Cycles, and NaClO Plant Using Liquefied Natural Gas

by Tri Tjahjono, Mehdi Ali Ehyaei, Abolfazl Ahmadi, Siamak Hoseinzadeh and Saim Memon

Energies 2021, 14(10), 2849; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14102849 - 14 May 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3042

Abstract

The thermal energy conversion of natural gas (NG) using appropriate configuration cycles represents one of the best nonrenewable energy resources because of its high heating value and low environmental effects. The natural gas can be converted to liquefied natural gas (LNG), via the [...] Read more.

The thermal energy conversion of natural gas (NG) using appropriate configuration cycles represents one of the best nonrenewable energy resources because of its high heating value and low environmental effects. The natural gas can be converted to liquefied natural gas (LNG), via the liquefaction process, which is used as a heat source and sink in various multigeneration cycles. In this paper, a new configuration cycle is proposed using LNG as a heat source and heat sink. This new proposed cycle includes the CO₂ cycle, the organic Rankine cycle (ORC), a heater, a cooler, an NaClO plant, and reverse osmosis. This cycle generates electrical power, heating and cooling energy, potable water (PW), hydrogen, and salt all at the same time. For this purpose, one computer program is provided in an engineering equation solver for energy, exergy, and thermo-economic analyses. The results for each subsystem are validated by previous researches in this field. This system produces 10.53 GWh electrical energy, 276.4 GWh cooling energy, 1783 GWh heating energy, 17,280 m³ potable water, 739.56 tons of hydrogen, and 383.78 tons of salt in a year. The proposed system energy efficiency is 54.3%, while the exergy efficiency is equal to 13.1%. The economic evaluation showed that the payback period, the simple payback period, the net present value, and internal rate of return are equal to 7.9 years, 6.9 years, 908.9 million USD, and 0.138, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Solar Thermal Energy)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 3419 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Experimental Investigation on Photovoltaic Array Power Output Affected by the Different Partial Shading Conditions

by Ghoname Abdullah, Hidekazu Nishimura and Toshio Fujita

Energies 2021, 14(9), 2344; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14092344 - 21 Apr 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1950

Abstract

This paper presents an experimental investigation on photovoltaic array (PV array) power output affected by partial shading conditions (PSCs). An experiment setup of a PV array with a series configuration using 2

\times

4 photovoltaic modules (PV modules) was built. The power output [...] Read more.

This paper presents an experimental investigation on photovoltaic array (PV array) power output affected by partial shading conditions (PSCs). An experiment setup of a PV array with a series configuration using 2

\times

4 photovoltaic modules (PV modules) was built. The power output loss due to the shading effect on the first photovoltaic cells (PV cell) connected with bypass diodes of each photovoltaic module, installed in the PV array in the horizontal direction, was evaluated. Depending on the direction of the sun relative to the PV array configuration, the shading percentage was measured during the test and recorded the current and voltage of the PV array. The performance evaluation of the PV array configurations is referred to with respect to the values of maximum power voltage, the maximum power current, maximum power output, power output losses and fill factor (FF). The experimental results show that 44% shading of the first PV cells affects PV array power output loss by more than 80%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Solar Thermal Energy)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

31 pages, 13763 KiB

Open AccessReview

Innovative Approaches to Solar Desalination: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Research

by Ahmed E. Abu El-Maaty, Mohamed M. Awad, Gamal I. Sultan and Ahmed M. Hamed

Energies 2023, 16(9), 3957; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en16093957 - 08 May 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2230

Abstract

Solar desalination systems are a promising solution to the water scarcity problem since the majority of the earth’s water resources are salty. With the increasing focus on desalination research, many innovative methods are being developed to extract salts from saline water. Energy consumption [...] Read more.

Solar desalination systems are a promising solution to the water scarcity problem since the majority of the earth’s water resources are salty. With the increasing focus on desalination research, many innovative methods are being developed to extract salts from saline water. Energy consumption is a significant concern in desalination, and renewable energy, particularly solar energy, is considered a viable alternative to fossil fuel energy. In this review, we will focus on direct and indirect solar desalination methods, specifically traditional direct solar desalination methods such as solar still and humidification dehumidification (HDH) desalination systems. We will also briefly discuss a recent advancement in the desalination method known as the fogging process, which is a development of the HDH desalination system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Solar Thermal Energy)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 4638 KiB

Open AccessReview

Prospects and Challenges of Solar Thermal for Process Heating: A Comprehensive Review

by Laveet Kumar, Junaid Ahmed, Mamdouh El Haj Assad and M. Hasanuzzaman

Energies 2022, 15(22), 8501; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15228501 - 14 Nov 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2519

Abstract

To mitigate the consequences of climate change, there is an increasing need to minimize the usage of fossil fuels, especially in the industrial sector because the majority of the industrial sector primarily rely on fossil fuels to meet their needs for heat energy, [...] Read more.

To mitigate the consequences of climate change, there is an increasing need to minimize the usage of fossil fuels, especially in the industrial sector because the majority of the industrial sector primarily rely on fossil fuels to meet their needs for heat energy, and a practical strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels is to use energy from the sun. Due to their environmental advantages, energy security, and viability as a potential substitute for fossil fuels, solar thermal collectors are acknowledged as promising technology to harness solar thermal energy fir process heating applications. This review is a thorough compendium and evaluation of contemporary literature on solar thermal collectors and their applications in industry. Apart from applications, this review paper also assesses the challenges and limitations currently hindering the global acceptance of this technology in the industrial sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Solar Thermal Energy)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Applied Solar Thermal Energy

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Published Papers (8 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI