Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ning Ma, Fugui Meng, Wenpeng Hong, Haoran Li, Xiaojuan Niu
Summary: This paper proposes an improved recompression combined cycle configuration using CO2-propane in a direct-heating solar power tower (SPT) plant. The effects of critical parameters on overall performance were analyzed in detail. The study shows that the exergy loss of regenerators was reduced, and the entire exergy efficiency of the SPT plant was improved by configuring two high-temperature regenerators. The use of CO2-propane mixture provides a valuable reference for the application in the dry-cooling Brayton cycle of the direct-heated SPT plant.
Article
Thermodynamics
Xiang Wan, Kun Wang, Cheng-Ming Zhang, Tie-Chen Zhang, Chun-Hua Min
Summary: An integrated model of solar power tower coupling with the Brayton power cycle is developed, and the particle swarm optimization algorithm is utilized to search for optimal operation parameters and control schemes under off-design conditions with different ambient temperatures. The proposed control schemes improve power cycle efficiency and save total power output in low ambient temperature, while controlling losses in a small range in high ambient temperature.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Tingyu Xiao, Chao Liu, Xurong Wang, Shukun Wang, Xiaoxiao Xu, Qibin Li, Xiaoxiao Li
Summary: This study examines the environmental sustainability of a solar-driven sCO(2) power generation system using detailed life cycle assessment. The results show that auxiliary electricity consumption, thermal energy storage, and solar field manufacture have the greatest impact on the overall environmental performance of the system. The recompression layout shows better environmental performance compared to the simple recuperative layout.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Qingfei Lu, Jiayi Zhao, Shichuan Fang, Wei Ye, Shuaicheng Pan
Summary: This paper investigates the performance degradation of solar-power used SCO2 Brayton cycle under off-design condition using MATLAB code. The results show that the recompression model with specific bypass fraction performs better than the regenerative model under off-design condition. The compressor is identified as an important component that limits the cycle performance. In addition, the paper introduces weather factors and develops a relationship model between the SCO2 cycle performance and cloud coefficient.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AND ASSESSMENTS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Rui Chen, Manuel Romero, Jose Gonzalez-Aguilar, Francesco Rovense, Zhenghua Rao, Shengming Liao
Summary: This paper discusses the design features and performance of particle-based central receiver concentrating solar power plants, and considers the impact of the optical subsystem and thermal-to-electricity subsystem on the overall efficiency of the plant through global optimization.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Matthew Carlson, Francisco Alvarez
Summary: A new generation of CSP technologies is being developed to provide dispatchable renewable power generation and reduce the levelized cost of electricity. The U.S. Department of Energy has funded three pathways for Generation 3 CSP technology development, leveraging different heat transfer fluids to transfer heat to a supercritical carbon dioxide Brayton cycle.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESOURCES TECHNOLOGY-TRANSACTIONS OF THE ASME
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Leopoldo Martinez-Manuel, Wujun Wang, Bjorn Laumert, Manuel Pena-Cruz
Summary: By optimizing the optical performance, the efficiency of solar receivers can be significantly improved, the light flux distribution can be more uniform, and the material volume can be reduced.
Article
Thermodynamics
Tufan Akba, Derek K. Baker, M. Pinar Menguec
Summary: This study presents a novel methodology to design and assess the performance of a micro-scale solar-only air-breathing open Brayton cycle. Different thermodynamic layouts are generated and evaluated under various solar irradiation levels. The use of PyCycle, a thermodynamic cycle modeling library, allows for jet engine performance modeling to be transformed into solar thermal plant performance modeling. The study also demonstrates the importance of the thermodynamic configuration on the off-design performance of the plant.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Zhen Xu, Xinxin Liu, Yingchun Xie
Summary: Dry-cooled supercritical CO2-H2S recompression Brayton cycle is a promising power generation technology for concentrated solar power plant. The purpose of this study is to recognize the off-design behaviors of the cycle using CO2-H2S mixture as working fluid.
Article
Thermodynamics
Saboora Khatoon, Man-Hoe Kim
Summary: In pursuit of efficient renewable electricity generation, this study focuses on the application of concentrating solar power technology using receiver tower and heliostat field. Through the development of a suite of code, influential parameters of the system, including heliostat field design, thermal energy storage, and the Brayton power cycle, are calculated. The study evaluates the performance of the system under different climatic conditions and demonstrates the higher efficiency and net power output of the system when using the recompression cycle configuration. The findings and methodology are significant for the future utilization of supercritical carbon dioxide Brayton cycle in concentrated solar power plants.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Brantley H. Mills, Clifford K. Ho, Nathaniel R. Schroeder, Reid Shaeffer, Hendrik F. Laubscher, Kevin J. Albrecht
Summary: This paper describes the design and features of a high-temperature particle receiver system that can achieve a particle outlet temperature of up to 800 degrees C with an efficiency between 60% and 90%. The system has been evaluated and tested at the National Solar Thermal Test Facility, and novel features have been implemented to minimize heat losses and increase thermal efficiency.
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Cristiana Brasil Maia, Felipe Venancio Mitkiewicz Silva, Luben Cabezas-Gomez
Summary: This study explores the combined production of electricity and water using a solar tower CSP system. The system utilizes heliostats to reflect solar radiation and stores thermal energy, transferring it to a recompression closed sCO(2) Brayton cycle. The rejected heat from the power cycle is used in a steam multiple-effect distillation desalination system. Five different locations in Brazil were compared to determine the most viable option, with cities closer to the Equator performing better.
JOURNAL OF THE BRAZILIAN SOCIETY OF MECHANICAL SCIENCES AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Feng Hu, Zhifeng Wang, Fengwu Bai, Yupu Yu
Summary: Solid particle solar receiver (SPSR) and solid particles-supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO(2)) heat exchanger (HX) are critical units in concentrating solar power (CSP) plants. This study establishes mathematical models and conducts experiments to validate the accuracy of the models. The findings provide suggestions for optimizing and regulating the sustainable power system.
Article
Thermodynamics
Yu Zhao, Zhiyuan Chang, Yuanyang Zhao, Qichao Yang, Guangbin Liu, Liansheng Li
Summary: This study investigates three sCO2 solar power generation systems, including a molten salt thermal storage system, a compressed CO2 energy storage system, and a combined molten salt thermal storage and compressed CO2 energy storage system. The research finds that the power generation system coupled with compressed CO2 storage has higher thermal and exergy efficiencies compared to the other two systems. It is also more cost-effective and has a shorter payback period.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Muhammad Imran Khan, Faisal Asfand, Sami G. Al-Ghamdi
Summary: A global transition towards more sustainable systems of production and consumption is currently happening, with a primary focus on energy systems. Concentrated solar power technologies are seen as a promising way to generate electric power in the future, but one of the main challenges is to develop efficient and cost-effective heat transfer fluid and thermal energy storage systems. Solid particle receivers have gained interest in recent years due to their ability to overcome current working temperature limits. This comprehensive review provides insight into different technologies of particle receiver systems for concentrated solar power applications.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AND ASSESSMENTS
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Francesco Rovense, Miguel Angel Reyes-Belmonte, Manuel Romero, Jose Gonzalez-Aguilar
Summary: This study analyzes a 150 MW, multi-tower solar-only combined cycle power plant using olivine particles as heat transfer fluid and thermal energy storage medium. Unitary 53.0 MWth solar tower was designed to meet technical constraints. Thermo-economic optimization determined optimal layouts and storage capacities.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Luis Guerra Rosa, Guilherme De Almeida, Jose Carlos Garcia Pereira, Alejandro Martinez-Hernandez, Jose Gonzalez-Aguilar
Summary: This article reports on preliminary tests conducted on a 7-meter-long optical fiber bundle/cable with a high transmission efficiency for concentrated sunlight at different incidence angles.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Rui Chen, Manuel Romero, Jose Gonzalez-Aguilar, Francesco Rovense, Zhenghua Rao, Shengming Liao
Summary: This paper discusses the design features and performance of particle-based central receiver concentrating solar power plants, and considers the impact of the optical subsystem and thermal-to-electricity subsystem on the overall efficiency of the plant through global optimization.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ricardo Conceicao, Jose Gonzalez-Aguilar, Ahmed Alami Merrouni, Manuel Romero
Summary: This review comprehensively describes the evolution of research on soiling in the solar energy field over time. It covers past research, including notable works, and provides an extensive literature survey from 1942 to 2019. The analysis enriches knowledge about existing research and provides insights on cleaning techniques and environmental effects on soiling deposition. Future prospects and research directions are also discussed.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
L. Briones, C. M. Valverde-Pizarro, I Barras-Garcia, C. Tajuelo, E. S. Sanz-Perez, R. Sanz, J. M. Escola, J. Gonzalez-Aguilar, M. Romero
Summary: This study proposes a method of dip-coating mixed Ca(OH)(2)/gamma-Al2O3 pellets with silica and Al-MCM-41 gels to improve the hardness and structural integrity of pure Ca(OH)(2) pellets in the CaO + H2O <-> Ca(OH)(2) system. The results show that this method can increase the hardness of the pellets and preserve the structural integrity after dehydration/hydration cycles.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Stefan Zoller, Erik Koepf, Dustin Nizamian, Marco Stephan, Adriano Patane, Philipp Haueter, Manuel Romero, Jose Gonzalez-Aguilar, Dick Lieftink, Ellart de Wit, Stefan Brendelberger, Andreas Sizmann, Aldo Steinfeld
Summary: This article reports on an experimental demonstration of producing kerosene from H2O and CO2 using concentrated solar energy, with a setup relevant to industrial implementation. This is a significant milestone towards the production of sustainable aviation fuels.
Article
Thermodynamics
D. D'Souza, M. J. Montes, M. Romero, J. Gonzalez-Aguilar
Summary: This paper presents an optimisation and comparative analysis of different compact plate-fin type structures for microchannel pressurised gas receivers. The study determines the optimal configuration for each structure and finds that the perforated and plain rectangular configurations demonstrate the highest exergy efficiencies of 59.21% and 58.80% respectively.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Francesco Rovense, Andres Sebastian, Ruben Abbas, Manuel Romero, Jose Gonzalez-Aguilar
Summary: This work focuses on the performance analysis of an unfired micro gas turbine integrated in a Concentrating Solar Power plant. By adjusting the inlet pressure, higher power and efficiency can be achieved under different operating conditions. Additionally, the design and analysis of a recuperator were conducted.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Maria del Mar Alonso-Doncel, Cristina Ochoa-Hernandez, Gema Gomez-Pozuelo, Adriana Oliveira, Jose Gonzalez-Aguilar, Angel Peral, Raul Sanz, David P. Serrano
Summary: The synthesis of dendritic ZSM-5 zeolite with a 3D nanoarchitecture by functionalizing the protozeolitic nanounits has provided a great opportunity for the design of novel materials in the energy sector. Dendritic ZSM-5 exhibits outstanding accessibility and a well-defined trimodal pore size distribution, resulting in enhanced performance in various energy applications.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Emanuela Mastronardo, Mario Sanchez, Jose Gonzalez-Aguilar, Juan M. Coronado
Summary: Thermodynamic cycles with high operating temperatures are being studied to improve the efficiency of Concentrating Solar Power plants. New high-temperature Thermochemical Energy Storage systems are needed to meet the demand for on-demand power supply during off-sun periods. Fe-doped CaMnO3 oxides have been proposed as TCES candidate materials, with CMF91 composition showing the best potential due to its large heat storage capacity and thermal stability. Bench-scale reactor tests confirmed the reversible reduction-oxidation of CMF91 pellets under relevant operating conditions, demonstrating their suitability for thermal energy storage applications.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ricardo Conceicao, Alejandro Martinez Hernandez, Manuel Romero, Jose Gonzalez-Aguilar
Summary: This study evaluates the soiling effect in an urban environment by monitoring the specular reflectance loss of heliostats in a solar tower facility. The results show soiling rates ranging from 0.13%/day to 0.58%/day during different seasons, with a focus on the impact of Saharan desert dust and atmospheric pollen concentration in the spring.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mario Zuber, Moritz Patriarca, Simon Ackermann, Philipp Furler, Ricardo Conceicao, Jose Gonzalez-Aguilar, Manuel Romero, Aldo Steinfeld
Summary: The study discusses the use of drop-in fuels made with solar energy for sustainable transportation, particularly in the long-haul aviation industry heavily dependent on jet fuel. The researchers experimentally test a solar reactor that utilizes concentrated solar energy to produce syngas, a precursor for the synthesis of kerosene and other liquid hydrocarbon fuels. They find that the solar-driven redox reforming process yields a peak CH4 molar conversion of 70% and a peak H2 selectivity of 68%, with a solar-to-fuel energy efficiency of 27%, making it a promising option for sustainable transportation.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY & FUELS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Alejandro Martinez-Hernandez, Ricardo Conceicao, Charles-Alexis Asselineau, Manuel Romero, Jose Gonzalez-Aguilar
Summary: A new optical characterization technique for determining the shape of solar concentrators is presented, based on analyzing the correlation coefficient between measured and simulated flux maps. By discretizing the concentrator surfaces and adjusting their shapes iteratively, the technique allows characterization using a single flux map.
Article
Thermodynamics
Pengcheng Zhao, Jingang Wang, Liming Sun, Yun Li, Haiting Xia, Wei He
Summary: The production of green hydrogen through water electrolysis is crucial for renewable energy utilization and decarbonization. This research explores the optimal electrode configuration and system design of compactly-assembled industrial electrolyzer. The findings provide valuable insights for industrial application of water electrolysis equipment.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
V. Baiju, P. Abhishek, S. Harikrishnan
Summary: Thermally driven adsorption desalination systems (ADS) have gained attention as an eco-friendly solution for water scarcity. However, they face challenges related to low water productivity and scalability. To overcome these challenges, integrating ADS with other desalination technologies can create a small-scale hybrid system. This study proposes integrating ADS with a Thermo Electric Dehumidification (TED) unit to enhance its performance.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
C. X. He, Y. H. Liu, X. Y. Huang, S. B. Wan, Q. Chen, J. Sun, T. S. Zhao
Summary: A decentralized centroid multi-path RC network model is constructed to improve the temperature prediction accuracy compared to traditional RC models. By incorporating multiple heat flow paths and decentralizing thermal capacity, a more accurate prediction is achieved.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Chaoying Li, Meng Wang, Nana Li, Di Gu, Chao Yan, Dandan Yuan, Hong Jiang, Baohui Wang, Xirui Wang
Summary: There is an urgent need to shift away from heavy dependence on fossil fuels and embrace renewable energy sources, particularly in the energy-intensive oil refining process. This study presents an innovative concept called the Solar Oil Refinery, which applies solar energy in oil refining. A solar multi-energies-driven hybrid chemical oil refining system that utilizes solar pyrolysis and electrolysis has been developed, significantly improving solar utilization efficiency, cracking rate, and hydrogen yield.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Chao Ma, Guanghui Wang, Dingbiao Wang, Xu Peng, Yushen Yang, Xinxin Liu, Chongrui Yang, Jiaheng Chen
Summary: This study proposes a bio-inspired fish-tail wind rotor to improve the wind power efficiency of the traditional Savonius rotor. Through transient simulations and orthogonal experiments, the key factors affecting the performance are identified. A response surface model is constructed to optimize the power coefficient, resulting in an improvement of 9.4% and 6.6% compared to the Savonius rotor.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Sina Bahmanziari, Abbas-Ali Zamani
Summary: This paper proposes a new framework for improving electrical energy harvesting from piezoelectric smart tiles through a combination of magnetic plucking, mechanical impact, and mechanical vibration force mechanisms. Experimental results demonstrate a significant increase in energy yield and average energy harvesting time compared to other mechanisms.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Nanjiang Dong, Tao Zhang, Rui Wang
Summary: This study establishes a multiobjective mixed-variable configuration optimization model for a comprehensive combined cooling, heating, and power energy system, and proposes an efficient generating operator to optimize this model. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm performs better than other state-of-the-art algorithms.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Ahmed E. Mansy, Eman A. El Desouky, Tarek H. Taha, M. A. Abu-Saied, Hamada El-Gendi, Ranya A. Amer, Zhen-Yu Tian
Summary: This study aims to convert office paper waste into bioethanol through a sustainable pathway. The results show that physiochemical and enzymatic hydrolysis of the waste can yield a high glucose concentration. The optimal conditions were determined using the Box-Behnken design, and a blended membrane was used for ethanol purification.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Sven Klute, Marcus Budt, Mathias van Beek, Christian Doetsch
Summary: Heat pumps are crucial for decarbonizing heat supply, and steam generating heat pumps have the potential to decarbonize the industrial sector. This paper presents the current state, technical and economic data, and modeling principles of steam generating heat pumps.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Le Zhang, To-Hung Tsui, Yen Wah Tong, Pruk Aggarangsi, Ronghou Liu
Summary: This study investigates the effectiveness of a current-carrying-coil-based magnetic field in promoting anaerobic digestion of chicken manure. The results show that the applied magnetic field increases methane yield, decreases carbon dioxide production, and reduces the concentration of ammonia nitrogen. Microbial community analysis reveals the enrichment of certain methanogenic genera and enhanced metabolic pathways. Pilot-scale experiments confirm the technical effectiveness of the magnetic field assistance in enhancing anaerobic digestion of chicken manure.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Bo Chen, Ruiqing Ma, Yang Zhou, Rui Ma, Wentao Jiang, Fan Yang
Summary: This paper presents an advanced energy management strategy for fuel cell hybrid electric heavy-duty vehicles, focusing on speed planning and energy allocation. By utilizing predictive co-optimization control, this strategy ensures safe inter-vehicle distance and minimizes energy demand. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in reducing fuel cell degradation cost and overall operation cost.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Fabio Fatigati, Roberto Cipollone
Summary: Organic Rankine Cycle-based microcogeneration systems that use solar sources to generate electricity and hot water can help reduce CO2 emissions in residential energy-intensive sectors. The adoption of a recuperative heat exchanger in these systems improves efficiency, reduces thermal power requirements, and saves on electricity costs.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Lipeng He, Renwen Liu, Xuejin Liu, Xiaotian Zheng, Limin Zhang, Jieqiong Lin
Summary: This research proposes a piezoelectric-electromagnetic hybrid energy harvester (PEHEH) for low-frequency wave motion and self-sensing wave environment monitoring. The PEHEH shows promising power output and the ability to self-power and self-sense the wave environment.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Shangling Chu, Yang Liu, Zipeng Xu, Heng Zhang, Haiping Chen, Dan Gao
Summary: This paper studies a distributed energy system integrated with solar and natural gas, analyzes the impact of different parameters on its energy utilization and emissions reduction, and obtains the optimal solution through an optimization algorithm. The results show that compared to traditional separation production systems, this integrated system achieves higher energy utilization and greater reduction in carbon emissions.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Qingpu Li, Yaqi Ding, Guangming Chen, Yongmei Xuan, Neng Gao, Nian Li, Xinyue Hao
Summary: This paper proposes and studies a piston-type thermally-driven pump with a structure similar to a linear compressor, aiming to eliminate the high-quality energy consumption of existing pumps and replace mechanical pumps. The coupling mechanism of working fluid flow and element dimension is analyzed based on force analysis, and experimental data analysis is used to determine the pump operation stroke. Theoretical simulation is conducted to analyze the correlation mechanism of the piston assembly. The research shows that the thermally-driven pump can greatly reduce power consumption and has potential for industrial applications.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)