Solar Compass最新文献

{"title":"Post technical assessment and field manual for solar home systems in island communities: The case of Ghana","authors":"Emmanuel Effah ,&nbsp;Samuel Gyamfi ,&nbsp;Felix Amankwah Diawuo ,&nbsp;Mathew Anabadongo Atinsia","doi":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100107","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100107","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Solar Home Systems (SHSs) have emerged as a solution for rural electrification in Sub-Saharan Africa, offering a sustainable alternative to grid electricity in remote communities. Despite their growing deployment and socio-economic impacts, the long-term sustainability of SHSs is often threatened by inadequate maintenance practices and the absence of user-friendly field manuals. This study introduces a Technical Field Audit (TFA) framework aimed at developing a practical Field Manual (FM) for SHSs in remote communities in Ghana. The manual is designed to help users with limited literacy, in resolving minor faults, minimizing reliance on technicians and delays in repairs.</div><div>A comprehensive TFA of 166 households across three regions: Bono East, Oti and Upper West was conducted and common technical challenges such as blown fuses, battery over-discharge, and undercharge were identified as the most frequent faults that compromise SHS performance. The study presents a flowchart-based troubleshooting guide that help users to address minor faults independently, reducing reliance on technical support. The findings highlight that while user education plays an important role in the upkeep of the SHSs, users education influence the types of appliances added to their SHS. About 15% of users modified their SHSs by adding components like inverters to support additional appliances such as fans and televisions indicating unmet user expectations. The deployment of the FM reduced maintenance calls, with 80% of cases requiring no calls after implementation compared to only 20% pre-implementation, demonstrating its effectiveness in solving minor technical problems independently.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101173,"journal":{"name":"Solar Compass","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 100107"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143422352","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Optimization of DCM boost chopper performance controlled by optimal PIDF regulator for stand-alone PV system","authors":"Ella Nkouna Paul Lionnel ,&nbsp;Arnaud Obono Biyobo ,&nbsp;Paul Owoundi Etouke ,&nbsp;Yves Paulin Dangwe Sounsoumou ,&nbsp;Reagan Jean Jacques Molu ,&nbsp;Serge Raoul Dzonde Naoussi","doi":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100113","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100113","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper proposes a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) strategy for a photovoltaic (PV) panel, combining the Perturb and Observe (P&amp;O) technique, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and an optimal Duty Cycle Modulation (DCM) circuit. The Boost chopper, regulated by a Proportional-Integral-Derivative controller with a first-order low-pass filter (PIDF), serves as an interface between the photovoltaic source (PV) and the load, maximizing the extraction of energy produced by the solar panel. The results obtained in virtual simulation in the MATLAB/Simulink environment are satisfactory: we observe in standard conditions, namely temperature <em>T</em> = 25 °C and solar irradiation of 1000W/m², a response without overshoot, a zero static error, a system stability time of 0.32 s, 0.13 s and 0.15 s respectively for three respective load values ​​(R₀ = 50 Ω, R₀₁ = 37.5 Ω and R₀₂ = 25 Ω) in steady state. In transient state, taking into account the variation in solar irradiation, it can be seen that despite the fluctuations, the system manages to remain stable, attesting to the robustness of the controller used. To control the DCM Boost chopper. The comparative study carried out with other MPPT techniques such as (VSS-P&amp;O, MIC, FOCV, FSS-RBFA, VSS-RBFA, AFLC, PSO and CS) applied to conventional boost converters attests that the proposed new prototype offers quite satisfactory performances compared to the latter.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101173,"journal":{"name":"Solar Compass","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 100113"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143683373","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Performance assessment of sustainable evacuated tube heat pipe solar collector driven seawater desalination system","authors":"Manish Sonkar,&nbsp;B. Kiran Naik","doi":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100112","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100112","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study proposes a solar-powered humidification and dehumidification freshwater extraction system, analyzing its efficiency through heat transfer modeling. Despite extensive research on thermal desalination using various renewable energy sources, limited attention has been given to solar energy applications, particularly for humidification-dehumidification-based freshwater extraction and seawater recovery. The proposed system aims to be both economical and energy-efficient, leveraging low-grade solar energy for heating and utilizing natural water bodies as thermal reservoirs. The humidifier and condenser components were validated individually using data from existing literature, yielding an estimated maximum error of ±12 %. A parametric analysis highlights the impact of the exit temperature from an evacuated tube heat pipe solar collector on the system's performance, showing membrane energy exchange, water condenser energy exchange, and freshwater condensation rate of 0.91 kW/m², 0.21 kW/m², and 0.154 L/h-m², respectively, within the specified conditions and operating range. Performance analysis indicates that using cooling water from seawater, alongside enhanced effectiveness of condenser and optimized fluid flow rate ratio, improves the system's performance. The exit temperature from the solar collector emerges as a primary influence on the overall performance, and the correlation matrix of performance parameters is identified as a significant factor in system effectiveness. This research offers insights into solar-driven seawater recovery across various regions, acting as a reference for identifying solar energy hotspots.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101173,"journal":{"name":"Solar Compass","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 100112"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143480163","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Time series forecast of power output of a 50MWp solar farm in Ghana","authors":"Alhassan Sulemana Puziem ,&nbsp;Felix Amankwah Diawuo ,&nbsp;Peter Acheampong ,&nbsp;Mathew Atinsia Anabadongo ,&nbsp;Dampaak Abdulai","doi":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100111","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100111","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The energy industry in Ghana is working towards the strategic objective of accelerating the development and use of energy efficiency and renewable energy technology to attain a 10 % penetration of the country's electricity mix. However, due to the inherent unpredictability of solar energy compared to conventional sources, adjustments in power system planning and operations will be required to achieve these targets. The variations in solar energy output can cause problems for the grid infrastructure, especially for large-scale solar farms, potentially leading to poorer power flow quality. An autoregressive model (AR) serving as a benchmark model was developed as a reference for the Facebook prophet model. The Prophet outperformed the AR model in percentage-based metrics, with a Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) of 12.1 % and a Median Absolute Percentage Error (MdAPE) of 13.8 % , both lower than the AR model's 16.28 % and 17.23 % respectively. However, the AR model demonstrates stronger performance in absolute error metrics, suggesting it better captures magnitude changes, whereas Prophet excels in relative error metrics, indicating better robustness to scale and variability. It is expected that the results of this study will improve Bui Power Authority (BPA) confidence in the effective decision-making of energy generation and supply. Moreso, this study also contributes to existing research, particularly in Ghana, providing insights to optimize energy production, improve grid stability, and enhance revenue streams.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101173,"journal":{"name":"Solar Compass","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 100111"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143437829","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhancing sustainable residential energy practices through the implementation of an energy-efficient labelling system for domestic consumers in Sri Lanka","authors":"Rafius Zamaan ,&nbsp;Tharanga Wickramarathna","doi":"10.1016/j.solcom.2024.100102","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solcom.2024.100102","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper addresses the imperative need for an energy-efficient labelling system tai-lored for domestic consumers in Sri Lanka. The country faces challenges related to energy dependencies, high energy costs for primary and secondary sources, and lower per capita electricity consumption compared to neighboring countries. The objective of this research is to contribute to sustainable energy practices and enhance residential energy efficiency in Sri Lanka by introducing a comprehensive energy-efficient labelling system for domestic consumers.</div><div>The findings of this study are anticipated to inform energy policies, enhance Energy Se-curity, assist in Energy Resource Assessment, contribute to accurate Demand Forecasting,guide Infrastructure Energy Requirements, support Energy Efficiency initiatives, facilitate Renewable Energy Integration, consider Environmental Implications, weigh Economic Fac-tors, promote International Collaboration, and establish a robust Policy and Regulatory Framework. The proposed energy-efficient labelling system for domestic consumers aims to raise awareness, induce behavioral changes, and provide incentives for energy-efficient practices, ultimately reducing carbon footprints and fostering a more sustainable residential sector.</div><div>In conclusion, this research significantly enhances our comprehension of energy consump-tion in residential buildings, particularly in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The study exposes a lack of awareness and understanding of energy usage among domestic consumers, emphasizing the potential benefits of integrating renewable energy sources and implementing time-of-use tariffs for optimizing efficiency. Findings underscore the importance of natural lighting, ven-tilation, and building envelope efficiency in reducing energy consumption and improving in-door comfort. Additionally, exploration of biogas for cooking and IoT-based solutions reveals promising opportunities for sustainable energy practices. The proposed IoT-based solution,utilizing JavaScript, emerges as a key enabler for real-time energy monitoring and intelligent energy management, demonstrating scalability for future implementations. While acknowl-edging research limitations, including sample size and case study scope, the paper suggests expanding samples and conducting comprehensive case studies for validation. Practical im-plications advocate for tailored energy-efficient labeling systems in Colombo, proposing tax relaxation for start-rated consumers to promote sustainability. This research serves as a foundational step toward a more sustainable energy future, offering valuable guidance for policymakers, stakeholders, and energy-conscious consumers, with potential for continued progress and environmental responsibility through further research in the field.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101173,"journal":{"name":"Solar Compass","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 100102"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143474241","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Solar Powered Transcritical CO2 Cogeneration Plant for the Union Territory of Ladakh, India","authors":"Vivek Kumar,&nbsp;Khalid Parra,&nbsp;Uday Raj Singh,&nbsp;Satya Sekhar Bhogilla","doi":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100124","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100124","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The transcritical and supercritical CO₂ cycles have been gaining significant attention as alternative cycles for power generation. These cycles can be operated with diverse heat sources, such as nuclear, coal, and renewable heat sources, like solar energy. In this work, a concentrating solar power (CSP) plant is proposed as the heat source for the working fluid (CO₂) to exploit the high solar potential offered by the Ladakh UT. Chloride-based salt is proposed as the thermal energy storage (TES) media, which can help to achieve high turbine inlet temperatures (700°C), thereby improving thermal efficiency. The manuscript focuses on cogeneration to improve the overall system efficiency. In addition to power generation utilizing a simple recuperated tCO₂ Rankine Cycle, the high-temperature turbine exhaust is proposed to provide hot water for space heating using a fourth-generation district heating plant. Thermodynamic analysis of the system for a 10 MW capacity plant suggests a high overall efficiency of 49.75 % is attainable. An increase in the turbine-specific work is observed in the winter season as the ambient temperatures drop due to a reduction in the liquid saturation temperature of CO₂. Moreover, a district heating system in line with fourth-generation district heating is recommended, wherein low supply and return temperatures of water will further ensure efficient system performance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101173,"journal":{"name":"Solar Compass","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 100124"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143948252","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Simulation studies and experimental validation on solar multi - effect desalination system","authors":"Thilagan K.,&nbsp;Advaith S.,&nbsp;Mani A.","doi":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100110","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100110","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A solar energy-based multi - effect desalination (MED) system simulation model is developed for each system-level component using sea water as a working fluid. The solar flat plate collector arrays are modelled on the TRNSYS 18 platform. Thiruvananthapuram weather data is made to link with a flat plate module. Flash chamber, multi - effect evaporator, condenser and ejector are modelled in the MATLAB 2016b platform. Output from solar flat plat collector field and weather data from TRNSYS 18 platform are live linked with the platform using TRNSYS - MATLAB live link plugin mode. Thermophysical properties of sea water are modelled based on temperature, pressure and salinity. The simulation helps to understand the MED’s systematic behaviour using sea water properties. Besides, this gives an in-depth understanding of the component-level behaviour of solar MED system with respect to incident solar energy. Also, this system-level model is capable of predicting distillate output from the system with different operating conditions. Using this model, the simulation results are validated with the experiments conducted on a solar MED system with 10 m³ of fresh water as a capacity in Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari, India. It is observed that the average freshwater production rate was 300 kg.h^{protect relax special {t4ht=−}1} during peak production between 10:00 to 15:00 h both in simulation and experimental systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101173,"journal":{"name":"Solar Compass","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 100110"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143386685","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Experimental analysis on a solar photovoltaic indoor cooker integrated with an energy storage system: A positive step towards clean cooking transition for Sub-Saharan Africa","authors":"Jimmy Chaciga ,&nbsp;Denis Okello ,&nbsp;Karidewa Nyeinga ,&nbsp;Ole J. Nydal","doi":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100109","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100109","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The paper presents a solar photovoltaic cooking solution (dual tank system) integrated with energy storage system for indoor cooking. The system consists of a heat storage tank, a heating funnel and a cooking unit. The heat storage contains heat transfer oil and rock pebbles. The heating funnel was made in the form of a Y-shape where a small volume of oil is heated very fast to higher temperatures. The system is based on self-circulation; no pump is required. A 1.8 kW solar PV system generated electricity to supply a heater rated 1.2 kW, 72 V mounted inside the heating funnel. The heated oil in the funnel expanded and overflows into the heat storage. It was observed that the oil in the heating funnel reached temperatures of above 150 °C in less than 30 min: the TES system can store up 9.0 kWh. Several cooking tests were demonstrated during charging and discharge processes. 10 L of water was boiled in 25 min consuming 0.986 kWh; 3 kg of rice was boiled in 1 h consuming 0.556 kWh and 1.26 kWh of energy was used for boiling and simmering of 3 kg of beans within 2–3 h. At the top of the cooker a high-temperature heat front was observed. During the discharge cycle, there is no mixing of cold and hot oil. A thermal charging efficiency of 57.4 % was obtained. Cooking efficiencies of 75.0 % and 59.4 % were obtained during charging and discharge cycles respectively. The system highly scalable for indoor household and institutional solar cooking.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101173,"journal":{"name":"Solar Compass","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 100109"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143347926","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A holistic review of the effects of dust buildup on solar photovoltaic panel efficiency","authors":"Sufyan Yakubu ,&nbsp;Ravi Samikannu ,&nbsp;Sidique Gawusu ,&nbsp;Samuel Dodobatia Wetajega ,&nbsp;Victor Okai ,&nbsp;Abdul-Kadir Seini Shaibu ,&nbsp;Getachew Adam Workneh","doi":"10.1016/j.solcom.2024.100101","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solcom.2024.100101","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Understanding the drivers of photovoltaic system performance is very important in the backdrop of the increasingly significant role that solar energy plays in mitigating carbon emissions. Dust accumulation on surface of photovoltaic panel may result in a high degradation of PVs' efficiency with losses ranging from 10% in mild conditions to over 40% in arid regions. This review systematically explores the effects of dust deposition on PV performance, emphasizing the role of environmental factors such as wind speed, precipitation, humidity, and dust composition. Dust particles impede light transmission, raise cell temperatures, and increase resistive losses, leading to reduced output power. Notable efficiency reductions are linked to specific dust types, such as coal dust (up to 64% losses), fine sand (32%), and gypsum (30%), as highlighted by global case studies. This review further underlines how dust accumulation patterns are influenced by complex interactions of environmental factors such as wind precipitation and humidity. The installation characteristics, such as the height of the panels and their orientation, further exacerbate or mitigate the impact of soiling. This study has been designed to put a great deal of significance on the maximisation of solar PV efficiency, given the critical requirements for global renewable energy targets. It flags some promising cleaning methods and emphasises a holistic approach to the optimisation of PV system design and maintenance practices to empower the widespread adoption of this transformative clean energy solution.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101173,"journal":{"name":"Solar Compass","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 100101"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143145706","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integral ecology approach to life cycle assessment of solar arrays","authors":"Charles E. Sprouse III","doi":"10.1016/j.solcom.2024.100104","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solcom.2024.100104","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this article, a novel approach to life cycle assessment (LCA) is introduced, termed “integral ecology life cycle assessment”. At the most fundamental level, integral ecology LCA is a life cycle study that simultaneously considers all the dimensions of how humanity exists within the natural environment, using the broadest possible lens to determine the ecological impacts of a technological design/product. Currently, most industry practitioners use ISO 14040, an LCA standard that was introduced in 1997 and republished in revised form in 2006. The present integral ecology LCA concept is brought forward as a contribution to the decades long tradition of openly discussing the ways in which LCA practices can evolve and improve. In addition to offering differences in vision and scope, integral ecology LCA also provides new insights by intentionally examining simple foundational questions, handling data unavailability and uncertainty pragmatically rather than scientifically, and honoring value-choices. Recognizing that practical limitations make it impossible to provide a full methodological basis for evaluating every aspect of an integral ecology LCA, the article focuses on introducing the integral ecology LCA concept and selectively utilizes illustrative examples for a ∼1 MW scale photovoltaic solar array. For instance, since a MW scale array occupies several acres, the basic concept of separation vs. integration is shown to be important. Plants, animals, and humans are often separated from solar arrays rather than integrated, which unnecessarily compounds concerns over land use, so different models are favored by integral ecology LCA. Additionally, material sourcing for sizable projects can present an important value-choice, and an integral ecology examination of thin film solar modules yields a meaningfully different ecological profile than typical crystalline silicon (c-Si) modules, while also highlighting the use of the precautionary principle.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101173,"journal":{"name":"Solar Compass","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 100104"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143146496","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}