Review
Environmental Sciences
Pouya Esfanjani, Sajjad Jahangiri, Ali Heidarian, Mohammad Sadegh Valipour, Saman Rashidi
Summary: By utilizing solar-driven cooling systems, the consumption of fossil fuels can be effectively reduced, the potentials of dish collectors and linear Fresnel reflectors in cooling systems can be enhanced, and carbon dioxide emissions can be decreased while increasing production efficiency. In addition, combining solar energy with biomass energy in hybrid systems can also achieve the goal of energy recovery and utilization.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Biao Liu, Xuelai Zhang, Jun Ji
Summary: This article reviews the design and applications of solar phase-change energy storage systems in residential buildings. Integrating phase-change materials (PCMs) into solar thermal collector systems can improve efficiency but may face PCM leakage issues. Adjusting inclination angle and selecting PCM in appropriate temperature zones can enhance system efficiency, while considerations for separated systems include heat exchanger types, structures, and solar collector types.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Hassan Olfian, Seyed Soheil Mousavi Ajarostaghi, Mohammadreza Ebrahimnataj, Mousa Farhadi, Muslum Arici
Summary: The aim of this study is to analyze a U-type evacuated tube solar collector that utilizes phase change material to store and reuse solar energy. Both charging and discharging processes are considered and modeled. The results show that the case with 6 mm diameter yields the best performance in terms of liquid fraction and fluid outlet temperature during both charging and discharging processes.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AND ASSESSMENTS
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Mohammad Al-Harahsheh, Mousa Abu-Arabi, Maysam Ahmad, Hasan Mousa
Summary: The performance of a self-powered double-glass cover solar still with phase change material (PCM) connected to solar collector was studied. The addition of PCM and the connection of an external solar collector significantly improved the productivity of the solar still.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Wenye Lin, Zhenjun Ma, Shugang Wang, M. Imroz Sohel, Ermanno Lo Cascio
Summary: This paper presents an experimental investigation of an air-based solar photovoltaic thermal (PVT) collector coupled with a centralised phase change material (PCM) thermal energy storage (TES) system, and the development of a model-based strategy to facilitate optimisation of the PVT-PCM systems. The experiments revealed the deficiencies of PVT-PCM systems and the optimal design for improving system efficiency and latent heat utilization ratio.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mishal Alsehli
Summary: The research investigates the performance of a hybrid solar desalination arrangement to solve freshwater shortage in remote areas. The use of a parabolic trough solar collector, automatic solar tracking system, modified solar still, and condensation units improved the productivity of the system. The inclusion of hot feed water, condenser, and phase change material further enhanced the yield of the modified solar still. The study shows the potential of this hybrid solar desalination system in providing a large quantity of fresh water in arid regions.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
V. V. Tyagi, K. Chopra, B. Kalidasan, Aditya Chauhan, U. Stritih, Sanjeev Anand, A. K. Pandey, Ahmet Sari, Richa Kothari
Summary: This paper discusses the significant role of thermal energy storage in building energy performance, combining thermal properties of PCM materials and their applications in energy efficient buildings. The article summarizes the advancements, applications, and future solutions in thermal energy storage technologies, with a focus on PCM composites, control strategies, and PCM-based PV/T systems.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AND ASSESSMENTS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Hossein Senobar, Mohamad Aramesh, Bahman Shabani
Summary: The experimental study shows that the PCM-MF composite stores thermal energy faster and can provide hotter water compared to pure PCM. Higher water flowrates enhance heat storage inside the unit but negatively impact the release of thermal energy to the water flow.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Diogo Ortiz Machado, William D. Chicaiza, Juan M. Escano, Antonio J. Gallego, Gustavo A. de Andrade, Julio E. Normey-Rico, Carlos Bordons, Eduardo F. Camacho
Summary: The aim of this study is to create a digital twin of a commercial absorption chiller using Adaptive Neuro-fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) for control and optimization purposes. The ANFIS models show good accuracy and precision, outperforming literature models in terms of Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE). The resulting digital twin is suitable for Model Predictive Control applications and fast what-if analysis and optimization.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Arun Uniyal, Yogesh K. Prajapati, Siddharth Suman
Summary: Three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics simulation was used to compare the heat transfer and melting characteristics of a copper U-tube based evacuated tube solar collector filled with different phase change materials. The results showed that the evolution of natural convection current and vortices within the collector differed for each phase change material, affecting their melting and heat transfer behavior. Lauric acid had the highest liquid fraction while stearic acid had the lowest. Increasing the mass flow rate of the heat transfer fluid resulted in a decrease in the liquid fraction of paraffin wax.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Sara Baddadi, Safa Skouri, Rabeb Ayed, Laxmikant Jathar, Salwa Bouadila
Summary: This study compares the performance of four solar collectors in an indirect forced convection solar dryer and finds that a pioneering heating unit increases the temperature by 30 degrees Celsius compared to other collectors. The heating unit has an annual energy consumption of 640 kWh/year and an energy payback period of 2.5 years, while reducing CO2 emissions by 39 tons.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Diogo Ortiz Machado, Adolfo J. Sanchez, Antonio J. Gallego, Gustavo A. de Andrade, Julio E. Normey-Rico, Carlos Bordons, Eduardo F. Camacho
Summary: This paper proposes the first application of a split-range control technique on a concentrating solar collector to improve the production of an absorption plant. Control techniques are simulated and compared in an absorption plant in Spain. The results demonstrate that the proposed controllers significantly reduce the effort of control actuators and improve energy and exergy production.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Agnieszka Jachura, Robert Sekret
Summary: This study conducted an environmental impact assessment on a tube-vacuum solar collector prototype using phase change material, showing that the introduction of PCM can reduce harmful environmental effects. The manufacturing method of materials and waste disposal scenarios were found to play crucial roles in the environmental assessment of the solar collector.
Article
Thermodynamics
Marwan Al-Rjoub, Michael J. Kazmierczak, Amit Bhattacharya, Sathyaprabha Rakkimuthu, Sruthi Ramadurai, Joshua P. Stuckey, Rupak K. Banerjee
Summary: This study introduces a novel active head cooling system that utilizes phase change material for thermal storage and can be designed for portability. The system is capable of handling high heat generation from the head and the cooling duration can be adjusted based on heat load and flow rate.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
S. Senthilraja, R. Gangadevi, Hasan Koten, R. Marimuthu, Mohamed M. Awad
Summary: This article presents the design of a novel experimental setup for producing hydrogen using solar energy. The study investigates the impact of phase change material and water flow rate on the efficiency of a hybrid solar collector and the rate of hydrogen yield. The experimental results demonstrate that the addition of water to the thermal collector decreases the temperature of the photovoltaic (PV) module, while the incorporation of Paraffin PCM in the water-based thermal collector achieves a maximum electrical efficiency of 9.1%.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jose M. Aguilar-Lopez, Ramon A. Garcia, Adolfo J. Sanchez, Antonio J. Gallego, Eduardo F. Camacho
Summary: This paper presents a mobile sensor system that uses a team of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to localize and characterize the shadow of mobile clouds for detecting and estimating low direct normal irradiance (DNI) areas caused by clouds shadows. The simulations show that the algorithm used in this system achieves a similar degree of precision in estimating the shape of the cloud shadow, but with a much faster computational time compared to other algorithms described in literature.
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Antonio J. Gallego, Manuel Macias, Fernando de Castilla, Adolfo J. Sanchez, Eduardo F. Camacho
Summary: The size of current commercial solar trough plants brings new challenges in the applications of advanced control strategies, while Model Predictive Control algorithms have been proven to perform well in controlling these plants.
CONTROL ENGINEERING PRACTICE
(2022)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Luisa F. Cabeza, Emiliano Borri, Cristina Prieto
Summary: This paper assesses the research trends and topics in the field of concentrating solar power (CSP) through bibliometric analysis. The results show that the latest approaches for corrosion migration in CSP plants include selective coatings and the use of nanoparticles. The techniques used to evaluate corrosion results are mainly scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and electrochemical testing, but new dynamic techniques are emerging.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ruth Carbajo, Luisa F. Cabeza
Summary: This paper investigates the incorporation of responsible research and innovation (RRI) methods in the discipline of innovation in renewable energy in a non-European context. The study examines the impact of stakeholder perspectives and sociotechnical approaches on innovation strategies in the field of solar technology in Chile. The findings show that while systemic approaches dominate in considering social dimensions, there is a growing deployment of socio-technical approaches that result in implications for innovation and energy policy.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sara Ruiz-Moreno, Adolfo J. Sanchez, Antonio J. Gallego, Eduardo F. Camacho
Summary: This study proposes a methodology for detecting and isolating faults in parabolic-trough solar power plants. The methodology consists of three layers, including a neural network for fault detection and classification, analysis of flow rate dynamics, and analysis of thermal losses. The methodology has been applied and achieved high accuracies in fault detection and isolation.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Laura Boquera, J. Ramon Castro, Angel G. Fernandez, Antonia Navarro, Anna Laura Pisello, Luisa F. Cabeza
Summary: This paper investigates the thermal cycle stability and thermodynamic properties of concrete, and the results show that steel slag aggregate can improve the thermal cycle stability of concrete, although there is a lack of bonding between the steel slag aggregate and the cement paste. On the other hand, concrete mixtures containing silico-calcareous aggregates are prone to collapse after thermal cycling.
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Paula Chanfreut, Jose Maria Maestre, Antonio Ferramosca, Francisco Javier Muros, Eduardo F. F. Camacho
Summary: In this article, a coalitional robust model predictive controller for tracking target sets is presented. The controller dynamically merges local control agents into cooperative coalitions or clusters to achieve an efficient tradeoff between cooperation burden and global performance optimality.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON AUTOMATIC CONTROL
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Josep Anton Farre, Carles Mateu, Merce Teixido, Luisa F. Cabeza
Summary: This study evaluates the scientific literature on automated vacuum waste collection systems through a bibliometric analysis. It finds a scarcity of scientific literature but several patents on the topic. The literature mainly focuses on energy use, gas emissions, and cost-benefit analysis. The study also presents the market status and environmental studies summary, identifies active companies, and provides a complete list of automated vacuum waste collection systems. Most of the environmental-related literature uses life cycle assessment methodology to evaluate different case studies.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Omais Abdur Rehman, Valeria Palomba, Andrea Frazzica, Antonios Charalampidis, Sotirios Karellas, Luisa F. Cabeza
Summary: To reduce dependence on fossil fuels in residential areas, low-carbon-footprint technologies like heat pumps should be used. This study utilizes a low-global-warming-potential refrigerant in a reversible heat pump system, which is supported by a thermal storage tank, photovoltaic installation, and battery storage system with a dedicated control strategy. The performance of the reversible heat pump in three European climates is analyzed through simulations, demonstrating its ability to meet summer cooling demand and heating demand with backup sources. Economic analysis shows that the inclusion of a battery storage system increases overall flexibility and self-sufficiency, although it results in longer payback times compared to reference energy systems.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Josep M. Morera, Emiliano Borri, Gabriel Zsembinszki, David Verez, Gemma Gasa, Esther Bartoli, Luisa F. Cabeza
Summary: This study examines the sustainability of a tannery in Catalonia, Spain. Various measures to increase energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption were proposed and analyzed. A cost analysis was conducted, showing that the tannery could achieve significant energy savings with investments ranging from EUR 1 to 2.5 M, with payback periods ranging from 2 to 7 years.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Yimy F. Medina, Alvaro J. Ruiz, Martin A. Rondon
Summary: This study recommends standardized joint examination techniques based on the modified RAND-UCLA method, achieved through literature review and consensus among rheumatologists. These techniques can improve and standardize the physical examination method of joints for patients, leading to better diagnosis and treatment outcomes for rheumatoid arthritis patients.
JOURNAL OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY HEALTHCARE
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Rabeb Ayed, Salwa Bouadila, Safa Skouri, Laura Boquera, Luisa F. Cabeza, Mariem Lazaar
Summary: By enhancing the thermal properties of cement-based building materials with textile fibers, energy consumption and CO2 emissions related to space conditioning in buildings can be reduced. This study produced lightweight coating mortars by partially replacing sand with textile waste and characterized the mechanical and thermal properties of the reinforced cementitious composites. The results showed that the thermal conductivity decreased with increasing proportion of reinforcing material. The application of these thermally improved mortars as coating mortars appears to be a relevant solution to enhance the thermal performance of buildings.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Cristina Prieto, Anton Lopez-Roman, Guillermo Garcia-Rivero, Esther Bartoli, Luisa F. Cabeza
Summary: Solar concentration technology is dispatchable with the use of thermal energy storage systems, such as the indirect storage systems based on molten salts used in commercial parabolic trough power plants. This study examines the compatibility between thermal oil and salts, considering cross-contamination in the equipment. The results show that while the thermal oil undergoes complete thermal-oxidative degradation, it does not significantly affect the composition of the salts.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ricard Garrido, Luisa F. Cabeza, Victor Falguera
Summary: Due to environmental and political concerns, the industrial focus has shifted towards renewable raw materials. This study assessed the economic feasibility of producing lactic acid from cow manure. The results showed that the manufacturing of lactic acid from lignocellulosic biomass is economically viable. The sensitivity analysis revealed that yield has the greatest impact on net present value.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Alan Waich, Julian Esteban Barahona-Correa, Maria del Carmen Figueredo, Martin Alonso Rondon-Sepulveda, Alvaro J. Ruiz, Julio Cesar Castellanos, Patricia Hidalgo-Martinez
Summary: The study aimed to assess the sleep quality, insomnia, and perceived stress of healthcare workers at a high complexity hospital in Bogota, Colombia. A cross-sectional study was conducted, surveying 1,155 healthcare workers using an online-based survey. The results showed that 74.9% had poor sleep quality, 12.4% had insomnia, and 13.2% reported high levels of perceived stress. Poor sleep quality was more prevalent among females, those aged 31-45, and married personnel. It was also associated with the family's perceived risk of COVID-19 infection.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Siddharth Sradhasagar, Omkar Subhasish Khuntia, Srikanta Biswal, Sougat Purohit, Amritendu Roy
Summary: In this study, machine learning models were developed to predict the bandgap and its character of double perovskite materials, with LGBMRegressor and XGBClassifier models identified as the best predictors. These models were further employed to predict the bandgap of novel bismuth-based transition metal oxide double perovskites, showing high accuracy, especially in the range of 1.2-1.8 eV.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Wei Shuai, Haoran Xu, Baoyang Luo, Yihui Huang, Dong Chen, Peiwang Zhu, Gang Xiao
Summary: In this study, a hybrid model based on numerical simulation and deep learning is proposed for the optimization and operation of solar receivers. By applying the model to different application scenarios and considering multiple performance objectives, small errors are achieved and optimal structure parameters and heliostat scales are identified. This approach is not only applicable to gas turbines but also heating systems.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mubashar Ali, Zunaira Bibi, M. W. Younis, Muhammad Mubashir, Muqaddas Iqbal, Muhammad Usman Ali, Muhammad Asif Iqbal
Summary: This study investigates the structural, mechanical, and optoelectronic properties of the BaCuF3 fluoroperovskite using the first-principles modelling approach. The stability and characteristics of different cubic structures of BaCuF3 are evaluated, and the alpha-BaCuF3 and beta-BaCuF3 compounds are found to be mechanically stable with favorable optical properties for solar cells and high-frequency UV applications.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Dong Le Khac, Shahariar Chowdhury, Asmaa Soheil Najm, Montri Luengchavanon, Araa mebdir Holi, Mohammad Shah Jamal, Chin Hua Chia, Kuaanan Techato, Vidhya Selvanathan
Summary: A novel recycling system is proposed in this study to decompose and reclaim the constituent materials of organic-inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs). By utilizing a one-step solution process extraction approach, the chemical composition of each layer is successfully preserved, enabling their potential reuse. The proposed recycling technique helps mitigate pollution risks, minimize waste generation, and reduce recycling costs.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Peijie Lin, Feng Guo, Xiaoyang Lu, Qianying Zheng, Shuying Cheng, Yaohai Lin, Zhicong Chen, Lijun Wu, Zhuang Qian
Summary: This paper proposes an open-set fault diagnosis model for PV arrays based on 1D VoVNet-SVDD. The model accurately diagnoses various types of faults and is capable of identifying unknown fault types.
