Solar Energy最新文献

{"title":"Daylighting efficacy: A new metric for solar radiation utilization and daylighting design","authors":"Xiaoyang Lin ,&nbsp;Yifan Fan ,&nbsp;Nan Zhang ,&nbsp;Peng Xue ,&nbsp;Tao Luo","doi":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.113456","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.113456","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Appropriate daylighting design can create a comfortable indoor lighting environment, however, the objectives of providing adequate daylight and controlling solar gain often conflict. Existing daylighting metrics effectively evaluate the daylighting performance of buildings, but no connection has been established between daylighting and the solar gain it brings. To address this issue, this paper proposes a new metric, daylighting efficacy (DE), which is defined as the ratio of the luminous flux obtained through daylighting on the whole horizontal work plane to the solar radiation received by the daylighting system (lm/W). The calculation equation for DE is established accordingly, and its application is explored in a reference office using the parametric design approach. Variations of the reference room’s orientation, glazing property and configuration, and window-to-wall ratio are then examined to assess their impact on DE with explanations provided for the underlying causes. Additionally, three innovative daylighting systems are evaluated using DE to demonstrate its suitability for assessing buildings with various daylighting systems. Finally, a comparison between DE and Daylight Factor (DF) is presented to highlight that DF cannot serve as a substitute for DE. The reasonable range for DE will require determination through the combined efforts of future researchers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":428,"journal":{"name":"Solar Energy","volume":"293 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143807032","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Experimental insights of a novel stepped solar distiller by augmenting condensing cover cooling and heat recovery mechanisms","authors":"Pranav Mehta ,&nbsp;Nilesh Bhatt ,&nbsp;Gurmitsingh Bassan ,&nbsp;Ravishankar Sathyamurthy","doi":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.113506","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.113506","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Water scarcity in arid and coastal regions underscores the need for efficient desalination methods, especially for high-salinity sources that are not suitable for traditional reverse osmosis systems. This investigation delves into the design and efficiency of a stepped solar distiller incorporating novel elements like a condensing cover cooling mechanism (CC) and a heat recovery (HR) system. The study, carried out in Gujarat, India, from May to June 2024 under four configurations standalone SSS, SSS with CC, SSS with HR, and SSS with both CC and HR assessed distillate production, thermal effectiveness, and sustainability. The findings reveal that the SSS-CC-HR variant yielded the highest daily water output at 5.9 L/day, surpassing the standalone SSS by 17 %. The cooling of the glass cover decreased its temperature by 20 %, elevating condensation and evaporation rates. The evaporative heat transfer coefficients for SSS-CC-HR, SSS-CC, and SSS-HR were 43–50 % greater than the individual setup, contributing to average thermal efficiencies of 40 %, 39 %, and 38 %, respectively. The exergy efficiency of SSS-CC-HR reached 5.6 %, marking an 80 % improvement over the standalone SSS. This research illustrates that integrating cover cooling and heat recovery significantly boosts solar distillation performance, offering a practical solution to freshwater scarcity in coastal regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":428,"journal":{"name":"Solar Energy","volume":"294 ","pages":"Article 113506"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143806865","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multi-factors-engaged performance assessment on a unique building integrated power generation system","authors":"Yicai Yan ,&nbsp;Na Zhu ,&nbsp;Xudong Zhao ,&nbsp;Zhenyu Luo ,&nbsp;Jianpei Chang","doi":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.113507","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.113507","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A unique building integrated power generation system, by incorporating a photovoltaic (PV) cell, thermoelectric generator (TEG) modules, a seasonally adjustable microchannel heat pipe (MCHP) array and shape stabilized phase change materials (PCMs) plates, named PV-MHCP-PCM-TEG system was proposed to improve the efficiency of both the PV and TEG in this study. The three-way valve can automatically adjust its direction based on the climate, and the incorporation of MCHP array and PCM plates could enhance the heating transfer and reduce the PV cell’s temperature. Firstly, the mathematical model of the system was developed and verified by experiment in Wuhan, China. Then multi-factors-engaged performance assessment on the unique building integrated power generation system was conducted. Finally, the effect of PCM plates on performance of PV-MHCP-PCM-TEG system was performed. The results show that the system has an annual average power generation efficiency of 16.6% and a power output of 329.3 kWh. Compared to the PV system, the power output of this system increased by 10% and the maximum PV cell’s temperature decreased by 26.8℃, and compared to the PV-TEG system, the power output increased by 5.2% and the maximum PV cell’s temperature decreased by 17.3℃.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":428,"journal":{"name":"Solar Energy","volume":"294 ","pages":"Article 113507"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143816930","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Thermochromic materials for building Applications: Overview through a bibliometric analysis","authors":"Ana Carolina Hidalgo-Araujo ,&nbsp;Rafael Salomão ,&nbsp;Umberto Berardi ,&nbsp;Kelen Almeida Dornelles","doi":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.113491","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.113491","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper presents a bibliometric analysis of thermochromic materials for building applications to identify research trends, gaps, and future opportunities. The study reviewed 571 publications selected from the Scopus database. It examines global research patterns, including publication trends, patent activity, geographic distribution, leading authors, and growth trends. Key findings highlight the dominance of inorganic pigments, such as vanadium dioxide (VO₂), in smart window applications. In contrast, organic thermochromic pigments remain less explored due to challenges such as photodegradation, despite their potential to improve energy efficiency. Emerging nanotechnologies based on hydrogels and perovskites are promising ways to improve the stability and multifunctionality of thermochromic materials. In contrast, additives such as TiO₂ and SiO₂ can help address durability and photodegradation issues. Although glass applications dominate the research, the potential for thermochromic coatings on roofs and walls remains underexplored. The study highlights ongoing challenges, including the need for improved durability, cost-effective solutions, and multifunctional capabilities. It emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to accelerate innovation and drive significant advances in thermochromic materials for building applications, ultimately promoting their wider implementation. Continued research is essential to achieve the full potential of these materials for energy-efficient and climate-responsive buildings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":428,"journal":{"name":"Solar Energy","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 113491"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143799066","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Review on the graphene/Si Schottky barrier solar cells performance enhancement techniques","authors":"Wafa Alnaqbi ,&nbsp;Aaesha Alnuaimi ,&nbsp;Ammar Nayfeh","doi":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.113497","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.113497","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>2D materials open a new and exciting area for PV research. One example is the Graphene/Si Schottky barrier solar cell (SBSC). Graphene is attractive material to be used in solar cells due to its high transparency, and electrical conductivity. The Gr/Si SBSC suffers from the carrier recombination at the Gr/Si interface, which leads to a low performance, and to solve that, different methods were investigated. This review will summarize the different techniques that was employed to enhance the Gr/Si Power conversion efficiency (). One of the techniques is using different interfacial layers between the Gr, and the Si such as Al₂O₃, MoS₂, P3HT, HfO₂, some graphene derivatives, and other materials. Another technique is doping the graphene with different material like HNO₃, AuCl₃, TFSA, Au, and Pt nanoparticles (NPs). Using different antireflection coating (ARC) is also one of the techniques that have been investigated, these materials included TiO₂, PMMA, and double ARC MgF₂, and ZnS. The first reported Gr/Si SBSC has achieved a 1.65 %, and applying these techniques has improved the performance of the Gr/Si SBSC over the years, reaching to a highest of 16.8 %, with a J_SC of 42.8 mA/cm² for a solar cell with 3 layers of Gr doped by HNO₃, and used PMMA as an ARC, in addition to some treatments applied to improve the performance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":428,"journal":{"name":"Solar Energy","volume":"294 ","pages":"Article 113497"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143791443","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A comprehensive insight into solar drying systems for agricultural and industrial applications","authors":"Prabudh Morya ,&nbsp;Madhu Agarwal ,&nbsp;Ghanshyam Das Agarwal","doi":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.113494","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.113494","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The need for the utilization of renewable energy in place of conventional sources is inevitable due to the ever-growing energy demand of a rapidly increasing population. Solar energy is the most viable alternative for substantially bridging the gap between demand and supply of conventional energy. Food and industrial products need to be dried for better storage and transportation. Using solar energy to dry agricultural and industrial products has enormous promise in rural as well as in urban areas as it is economical and energy efficient. This review paper delivers insight into various emerging technologies in the vast field of solar dryers, along with a brief introduction to their design and applications. The present work highlights shortcomings and comprehensively reviews the studies on direct solar dryers, indirect solar dryers, mixed-mode solar dryers, greenhouse solar dryers and hybrid solar dryers with their applications. The paper covers the studies performed on solar dryers, mainly in agricultural and industrial aspects, along with recent advancements and their repercussions on the overall performance of solar dryers and highlights the evaluative corners for uplifting their efficiencies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":428,"journal":{"name":"Solar Energy","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 113494"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143785230","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Performance investigation of a concentrated photovoltaics-phase change material-thermoelectric generator system based on topology optimization","authors":"Bohan Hao ,&nbsp;Yemao Wang ,&nbsp;Liyao Xie ,&nbsp;Yulong Zhao ,&nbsp;Barkat Ali Bhayo","doi":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.113488","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.113488","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Incorporating high thermal conductivity fins into the phase change material domain of a Concentrated Photovoltaics-Phase Change Material-Thermoelectric Generator (CPV-PCM-TEG) system can significantly improve the performance of photovoltaic power generation and waste heat recovery. In this study, topology optimization of the fin structure within the PCM was performed, and three topological fin structures were derived using the Solid Isotropic Material with Penalization method. A numerical model of a CPV-PCM-TEG system was then constructed to investigate the impact of these topological fins on overall system performance. The results show that, compared to straight fins, topological fins can further reduce the thermal resistance of the PCM, leading to a 15.68 K reduction in CPV temperature and a 10.52 % enhancement in CPV output power, along with a 4.56 % increase in TEG output power. However, topological fins are less effective without solar radiation, as the TEG output power of the case with topological fins is lower than that of the case with straight fins. The total system output work with topological fins reaches 966.94 J over the entire duration, representing a 3.08 % improvement compared to straight fins. This indicates the superior performance of topological fins within the system. The findings presented in this paper offer valuable guidance for the development of high-performance CPV-PCM-TEG systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":428,"journal":{"name":"Solar Energy","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 113488"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143785231","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Highly stable anti-reflection and anti-dust hard silica coating with controlled mechanical and optical properties for harsh desert environment applications","authors":"B. Aïssa,&nbsp;M.I. Hossain,&nbsp;A. Zekri,&nbsp;A.A. Abdallah,&nbsp;V. Bermudez Benito","doi":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.113485","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.113485","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study addresses a critical issue faced in harsh desert environments characterized by intense sunlight and dusty conditions, which pose significant challenges for applications ranging from solar panels and optical devices to architectural surfaces. In response, we have developed a silica coating that may offer a solution to these environmental challenges. The silica coating exhibits excellent anti-reflective properties, drastically reducing the amount of sunlight reflected from the coated surface and thereby enhancing photon absorption. This study examines the controlled tuning of optical and morphological properties in silica thin films, fabricated through reactive RF magnetron sputtering of an SiO₂ target, using various oxygen-to-argon flow ratios [r(O₂)=O₂/Ar]. Empirical properties of the coatings were systematically examined and demonstrated to be finely tunable by adjusting r(O₂). Additionally, surface morphology, as assessed by average roughness (Ra) measurements, was found to be strongly influenced by the oxygen concentration during deposition. Hydrophilicity of the silica coatings was assessed using contact angle measurements, demonstrating that the oxygen content in the films plays a significant role in influencing their hydrophilic properties. Furthermore, micromechanical properties of these silica coatings right after sputtering deposition and those exposed to outdoor conditions were systematically evaluated using Vickers indentation, showing, on one hand, that the hardness of the silica coatings can be regulated by adjusting the oxygen levels introduced during the deposition process, and on the other hand, a high mechanical stability of these silica even after 24 months of outdoor exposure in desert environments. Finally, this study also highlights that dust accumulation on the surface of these silica coatings is inversely proportional to the oxygen content into the films, demonstrating the coatings’ self-cleaning properties. The hydrophobicity of the deposited silica thin films further contributes to their self-cleaning capabilities, making them particularly valuable in enhancing the performance of photovoltaic modules, especially in desert environments where dust accumulation can significantly impact efficiency. This multifaceted approach not only improves optical and mechanical properties but also offers a sustainable solution for maintaining the efficiency of solar panels and other devices in challenging environmental conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":428,"journal":{"name":"Solar Energy","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 113485"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143777474","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of process temperature on the cost of concentrating solar thermal industrial process heat","authors":"Alexander Zolan ,&nbsp;Evan Westphal ,&nbsp;Chad Augustine ,&nbsp;Kenneth Armijo ,&nbsp;Ye Wang ,&nbsp;John Pye","doi":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.113427","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.113427","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Concentrating solar thermal (CST) power towers can provide high flux concentrations at commercial scale. As a result, CST towers exhibit potential for high-temperature solar industrial process heat (SIPH) applications. However, at higher operating temperatures, thermal radiation losses can be significant. This study explores the trade-off between thermal and optical losses for SIPH applications using a collection of three case studies at operating temperatures that range from 900-1,550 °C, comparing levelized costs estimates to a baseline estimate of levelized cost of heat (LCOH) for a molten-salt tower system. System costs are restricted to the tower, receiver, and solar field so that the analysis is agnostic to the end use. Blackbody radiation composes the thermal losses at the receiver and ray tracing software estimates the optical losses. The results show the impact of process temperature on the maximum attainable system efficiency, as well as the higher flux concentration requirements as the temperature increases. Under current cost assumptions, the optimal solar field size is larger when optimizing the system design to minimize LCOH compared to maximizing efficiency. The results of this study illustrate the importance of considering the temperature of an industrial process when determining levelized cost goals when using CST technologies to produce process heat at high temperatures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":428,"journal":{"name":"Solar Energy","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 113427"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143777570","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Preparation and photothermal investigation of PDA and CuNPs coupled modified expanded graphite with sodium acetate trihydrate composite phase change materials","authors":"Pengcheng Liu ,&nbsp;Chuang Wang ,&nbsp;Xingxing Cheng ,&nbsp;Shouyuan Wang ,&nbsp;Zhiqiang Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.113478","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.113478","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Phase change material (PCM) is an excellent latent heat storage medium for heat storage and release. In this work, copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) were in situ deposited onto the surface of expanded graphite (EG) modified with polydopamine (PDA). The composite phase change material (CPCM) was then prepared by melt blending and vacuum impregnation by compounding the modified expanded graphite (EPCu) with sodium acetate trihydrate (SAT). The surface morphology of EPCu with varying PDA content, as well as the thermal storage properties and solar energy conversion efficiency of the corresponding CPCMs, were analyzed. The results show that PDA can effectively improve the light absorption ability of EG, and the deposited CuNPs is denser and has better thermal conductivity after PDA modification. From the Differential Scanning Calorimeter test, CPCM has a high latent heat and a phase transition temperature suitable for solar thermal storage, with a photothermal conversion efficiency of 80.81 %. The thermal conductivity of CPCMs combined with EPCu-0.2, EPCu-0.25, and EPCu-0.33 reached 2.43, 2.74, and 3.22 W/(m·K), respectively, representing increases of 411.9 %, 464.4 %, and 545.8 % compared to pure SAT (0.59 W/(m·K)). Excellent thermal stability and reliability after multiple cycles, expanding the applicability of PCM for fast thermal response and solar thermal storage.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":428,"journal":{"name":"Solar Energy","volume":"293 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143777472","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}