Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Huaxu Liang, Fuqiang Wang, Luwei Yang, Ziming Cheng, Yong Shuai, Heping Tan
Summary: The spectral beam splitting (SBS) hybrid PV/T system is an effective way to utilize full spectrum solar energy for electricity generation and high-grade heat production. By dividing sunlight based on wavelength matching, the system can increase overall efficiency and separate the photoelectric and photothermal conversion processes. The use of nanofluids, nano-film, and semitransparent PV cells has shown promising advancements in improving system efficiency and addressing operational temperature issues.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Zhisen Zhang, Fangxin Zhang, Wei Zhang, Ming Li, Wenjun Liu, Altyeb Ali Abaker Omer, Jianan Zheng, Xinyu Zhang, Wen Liu
Summary: By integrating solar cells into agricultural lands, agrivoltaics is a promising route to widely deploy photovoltaics, and it can reduce land competition for food and energy production. Although various agrivoltaics have been proposed, their optical properties and effects on plant growth remain disputed, which largely limits the widespread deployment of agrivoltaics.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Gan Huang, Kai Wang, Sara Riera Curt, Benjamin Franchetti, Ioannis Pesmazoglou, Christos N. Markides
Summary: A new type of PV-thermal collector has been developed, which can achieve high energy conversion efficiency and improve the electrical and thermal performance of the module through optimized optical filters. By adjusting the wavelength of the optical filter, the proportion of high-temperature heat and electricity can be flexibly controlled.
Article
Thermodynamics
Gan Huang, Christos N. Markides
Summary: Spectral splitting PVT collectors with semi-transparent PV solar cells can simultaneously generate electricity and high-temperature thermal energy while effectively decoupling the PV cells from the solar thermal absorber. Different types of semi-transparent solar cells exhibit varying levels of performance in generating electrical and thermal energy simultaneously.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Yu Yuan, Hui Fang, Gang Wu, Qichang Yang, Qianlei Ma, Yaning Ji, Ruifeng Cheng, Yi Zhang, Yuxin Tong
Summary: According to its application, the solar spectrum can be divided into plant active spectrum (PAS) and heat active spectrum (HAS). Nanofluid-based spectral splitter (NSS) is an effective method to improve the full-spectrum utilization of solar energy. In this study, ATO-WO3/H2O nanofluids (NFs) were synthesized and their properties were analyzed. The experimental results show that the NSS system can efficiently and stably utilize solar energy and is feasible in both technical and economic aspects.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lingling Ding, Kun Li, Jinghan Li, Qiuhang Lu, Fan Fang, Tao Wang, Kun Chang
Summary: A spatially separated photothermal coupled photocatalytic reaction system was designed using carbonized melamine foam (C-MF) as a substrate to absorb visible and infrared light, and Cu0.04In0.25ZnS y @Ru (CIZS@Ru) as a photocatalyst to absorb UV-visible light. This system achieves broadening of the spectrum response range and full spectrum coverage, improving the efficiency of photocatalytic water splitting.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Tao Zhu, Qiang Li, Aimei Yu
Summary: This study investigates the solar spectrum allocation in a spectral-splitting photovoltaic-thermochemical hybrid system. By allocating specific spectral bands for photovoltaic cells and thermochemical reactions, the overall solar energy conversion can be improved. Experimental results show that optimizing the spectral split can significantly increase the net solar power and solar-to-electricity efficiency of the system.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marti Gibert-Roca, Miquel Casademont-Vinas, Quan Liu, Koen Vandewal, Alejandro R. Goni, Mariano Campoy-Quiles
Summary: This work proposes a novel spectral splitting device concept called RAINBOW, which lays various semiconducting junctions with cascading bandgaps side by side to improve the efficiency of organic solar cells. Simulations and experiments show that this geometry can reduce thermalization losses and improve light harvesting, resulting in a 46.6% relative improvement in efficiency compared to the best sub-cell. A working proof-of-concept monolithic device consisting of two sub-cells deposited from solution on the same substrate is successfully fabricated, demonstrating the feasibility and potential of the RAINBOW solar cell concept.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Huadong Huang, Shiquan Shan, Zhijun Zhou
Summary: A novel solar concentrating photovoltaic and near-field thermophotovoltaic hybrid system is proposed to achieve efficient solar power generation. The efficiency of the hybrid system exceeds the maximum efficiency of future solar thermophotovoltaic systems, and the optimal concentration ratio for practical application is 1000, with an efficiency of 56.20%.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Weihong Li, Chongjia Lin, Gan Huang, Jun Hur, Baoling Huang, Shuhuai Yao
Summary: In this study, a dual-band selective solar harvesting (SSH) window is developed by integrating a transparent photovoltaic and a transparent solar absorber, which can achieve full-spectrum utilization and increase solar harvesting efficiency up to three times. Compared with common smart windows, simulations show that this window not only generates electricity but also achieves over 30% higher energy savings. This research opens up a new avenue for the development of energy-efficient buildings.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Liang Fei, Yunjie Yin, Mengfan Yang, Shoufeng Zhang, Chaoxia Wang
Summary: Efficient solar energy harvesting is achieved through a visible solar storage fabric that utilizes UV-Vis-NIR wavelengths and enables real-time monitoring of energy state through color change. This fabric, which can be worn on the body, combines photochemistry thermophysics coupled energy storage and vis-NIR light harvesting to achieve high energy efficiency.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Hualong Song, Hongsheng Wang, Hongfei Zheng, Hui Kong
Summary: This paper proposes a hydrogen production system based on spectral splitting technology, which combines a two-step thermochemical cycle (TC) with photovoltaic power generation electrolysis water for the first time, achieving full spectrum and efficient utilization of solar energy. The system only requires solar energy and water as inputs, achieving zero-carbon hydrogen production and cascade utilization of energy.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Mohammad Alnajideen, Gao Min
Summary: A novel hybrid photovoltaic-thermoelectric system with a solar concentrator was designed, increasing overall efficiency by 6.3% due to thermoelectric harvesting of light energy.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Qiyao Guo, Yuanyuan Zhao, Qunwei Tang, Jialong Duan
Summary: This study demonstrates that the efficiency of carbon-electrode, all-inorganic perovskite solar cells can be significantly enhanced under high irradiation conditions. By integrating a thermoelectric generator into the solar cell, the heat generated by the carbon electrode is utilized to further improve the efficiency.
Article
Thermodynamics
Tianxiang Hu, Trevor Hocksun Kwan, Honglun Yang, Lijun Wu, Weixin Liu, Qiliang Wang, Gang Pei
Summary: It is a great challenge for concentrated solar thermal technology to maximize the use of solar energy due to heat loss. This study employs solar spectrum splitting technology to enhance absorption and conversion of solar radiation. The beam-splitting photothermal system shows excellent performance, with a stable exergy efficiency improvement ratio of around 9% at a splitting wavelength of 1300 nm.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Shitong Fang, Houfan Du, Tao Yan, Keyu Chen, Zhiyuan Li, Xiaoqing Ma, Zhihui Lai, Shengxi Zhou
Summary: This paper proposes a new type of nonlinear VIV energy harvester (ANVEH) that compensates for the decrease in peak energy output at low wind speeds by introducing an auxiliary structure. Theoretical and experimental results show that ANVEH performs better than traditional nonlinear VIV energy harvesters under various system parameter variations.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Wei Jiang, Shuo Zhang, Teng Wang, Yufei Zhang, Aimin Sha, Jingjing Xiao, Dongdong Yuan
Summary: A standardized method was developed to evaluate the availability of solar energy resources in road areas, which combined the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Geographic Information System (GIS). By analyzing critical factors and using a multi-indicator evaluation method, the method accurately evaluated the utilization of solar energy resources and guided the optimal location selection for road photovoltaic (PV) projects. The results provided guidance for the application of road PV projects and site selection for route corridors worldwide, promoting the integration of transportation and energy.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Chang Liu, Jacob A. Wrubel, Elliot Padgett, Guido Bender
Summary: The study investigates the effects of coating defects on the performance of the anode porous transport layer (PTL) in water electrolyzers. The results show that an increasing fraction of uncoated regions on the PTL leads to decreased cell performance, with continuous uncoated regions having a more severe impact compared to multiple thin uncoated strips.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Marcos Tostado-Veliz, Xiaolong Jin, Rohit Bhakar, Francisco Jurado
Summary: In this paper, a coordinated charging price mechanism for clusters of parking lots is proposed. The research shows that enabling vehicle-to-grid characteristics can bring significant economic benefits for users and the cluster coordinator, and vehicle-to-grid impacts noticeably on the risk-averse character of the uncertainty-aware strategies. The developed pricing mechanism can reduce the cost for users, avoiding to directly translate the energy cost to charging points.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Duan Kang
Summary: Building an energy superpower is a key strategy for China and a long-term goal for other countries. This study proposes an evaluation system and index for measuring energy superpower, and finds that China has significantly improved its ranking over the past 21 years, surpassing other countries.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Fucheng Deng, Yifei Wang, Xiaosen Li, Gang Li, Yi Wang, Bin Huang
Summary: This study investigated the synergistic blockage mechanism of sand and hydrate in gravel filling layer and the evolution of permeability in the layer. Experimental models and modified permeability models were established to analyze the effects of sand particles and hydrate formation on permeability. The study provided valuable insights for the safe and efficient exploitation of hydrate reservoirs.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Hao Wang, Xiwen Chen, Natan Vital, Edward Duffy, Abolfazl Razi
Summary: This study proposes a HVAC energy optimization model based on deep reinforcement learning algorithm. It achieves 37% energy savings and ensures thermal comfort for open office buildings. The model has a low complexity, uses a few controllable factors, and has a short training time with good generalizability.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Moyue Cong, Yongzhuo Gao, Weidong Wang, Long He, Xiwang Mao, Yi Long, Wei Dong
Summary: This study introduces a multi-strategy ultra-wideband energy harvesting device that achieves high power output without the need for external power input. By utilizing asymmetry, stagger array, magnetic coupling, and nonlinearity strategies, the device maintains a stable output voltage and high power density output at non-resonant frequencies. Temperature and humidity monitoring are performed using Bluetooth sensors to adaptively assess the device.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Tianshu Dong, Xiudong Duan, Yuanyuan Huang, Danji Huang, Yingdong Luo, Ziyu Liu, Xiaomeng Ai, Jiakun Fang, Chaolong Song
Summary: Electrochemical water splitting is crucial for hydrogen production, and improving the hydrogen separation rate from the electrode is essential for enhancing water electrolyzer performance. However, issues such as air bubble adhesion to the electrode plate hinder the process. Therefore, a methodology to investigate the two-phase flow within the electrolyzer is in high demand. This study proposes using a microfluidic system as a simulator for the electrolyzer and optimizing the two-phase flow by manipulating the micro-structure of the flow.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Shuo Han, Yifan Yuan, Mengjiao He, Ziwen Zhao, Beibei Xu, Diyi Chen, Jakub Jurasz
Summary: Giving full play to the flexibility of hydropower and integrating more variable renewable energy is of great significance for accelerating the transformation of China's power energy system. This study proposes a novel day-ahead scheduling model that considers the flexibility limited by irregular vibration zones (VZs) and the probability of flexibility shortage in a hydropower-variable renewable energy hybrid generation system. The model is applied to a real hydropower station and effectively improves the flexibility supply capacity of hydropower, especially during heavy load demand in flood season.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Zhen Wang, Kangqi Fan, Shizhong Zhao, Shuxin Wu, Xuan Zhang, Kangjia Zhai, Zhiqi Li, Hua He
Summary: This study developed a high-performance rotary energy harvester (AI-REH) inspired by archery, which efficiently accumulates and releases ultralow-frequency vibration energy. By utilizing a magnetic coupling strategy and an accumulator spring, the AI-REH achieves significantly accelerated rotor speeds and enhanced electric outputs.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yi Yang, Qianyi Xing, Kang Wang, Caihong Li, Jianzhou Wang, Xiaojia Huang
Summary: In this study, a novel hybrid Quantile Regression (QR) model is proposed for Probabilistic Load Forecasting (PLF). The model integrates causal dilated convolution, residual connection, and Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM) for multi-scale feature extraction. In addition, a Combined Probabilistic Load Forecasting System (CPLFS) is proposed to overcome the inherent flaws of relying on a single model. Simulation results show that the hybrid QR outperforms traditional models and CPLFS exceeds the best benchmarks in terms of prediction accuracy and stability.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Wen-Jiang Zou, Young-Bae Kim, Seunghun Jung
Summary: This paper proposes a dynamic prediction model for capacity fade in vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs). The model accurately predicts changes in electrolyte volume and capacity fade, enhancing the competitiveness of VRFBs in energy storage applications.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yuechao Ma, Shengtie Wang, Guangchen Liu, Guizhen Tian, Jianwei Zhang, Ruiming Liu
Summary: This paper focuses on the balance of state of charge (SOC) among multiple battery energy storage units (MBESUs) and bus voltage balance in an islanded bipolar DC microgrid. A SOC automatic balancing strategy is proposed considering the energy flow relationship and utilizing the adaptive virtual resistance algorithm. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy in achieving SOC balancing and decreasing bus voltage unbalance.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Raad Z. Homod, Basil Sh. Munahi, Hayder Ibrahim Mohammed, Musatafa Abbas Abbood Albadr, Aissa Abderrahmane, Jasim M. Mahdi, Mohamed Bechir Ben Hamida, Bilal Naji Alhasnawi, A. S. Albahri, Hussein Togun, Umar F. Alqsair, Zaher Mundher Yaseen
Summary: In this study, the control problem of the multiple-boiler system (MBS) is formulated as a dynamic Markov decision process and a deep clustering reinforcement learning approach is applied to obtain the optimal control policy. The proposed strategy, based on bang-bang action, shows superior response and achieves more than 32% energy saving compared to conventional fixed parameter controllers under dynamic indoor/outdoor actual conditions.