Article
Thermodynamics
Hatem Ahmad Aljaerani, M. Samykano, A. K. Pandey, K. Kadirgama, Mathew George, R. Saidur
Summary: This study improved the thermal energy storage characteristics of ternary nitrate molten salt by adding CuO nanoparticles, with 0.1 wt% concentration being the most effective.
INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS IN HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jaejun Lee, Byeongnam Jo
Summary: This study successfully synthesized robust and sustainable microcapsules of NaNO3 salt for harnessing solar thermal energy. By optimizing the synthesis protocol, high encapsulation ratio and efficiency were achieved. The microcapsules showed potential advantages in solar thermal energy storage applications, as confirmed through comprehensive analysis of their morphological characteristics and thermal properties.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yan Han, Cancan Zhang, Yuting Wu, Yuanwei Lu
Summary: This study compared the performance of QNN mixed salt and Solar salt under thermal shock conditions. The results showed that QNN mixed salt has higher melting point, initial crystal temperature, and decomposition temperature, as well as higher specific heat and thermal conductivity compared to Solar salt.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Lina Ma, Cancan Zhang, Yuting Wu, Yuanwei Lu
Summary: This study summarizes the influencing factors and corrosion mechanisms of molten salt, presents anti-corrosion strategies for metallic materials, and proposes future research directions for molten salt corrosion characteristics.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Cristina Prieto, Javier Ruiz-Cabanas, Virginia Madina, A. Ines Fernandez, Luisa F. Cabeza
Summary: This manuscript discusses the challenge of cost-reduction in thermal energy storage system in concentrating solar power (CSP), and evaluates the performance of tank materials in contact with molten salts in a demo plant. The study reveals the corrosion phenomena in the tank materials caused by the introduction of CO2 in the tanks during the preheating process.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Qing Gong, Hao Shi, Yan Chai, Rui Yu, Alfons Weisenburger, Dihua Wang, Alexander Bonk, Thomas Bauer, Wenjin Ding
Summary: This study investigates the high-temperature corrosion in molten MgCl2-KCl-NaCl salt and finds that using affordable Fe-based alloys as structural materials can effectively control the corrosion rate below the target value. This research has significant implications for cost reduction in chloride-TES and increasing energy conversion efficiency in CSP systems.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Teresa Aguilar, Ivan Carrillo-Berdugo, Rodrigo Alcantara, Javier Navas
Summary: The study confirmed the potential application of CuFe2O4-based nanofluids as heat transfer fluids in CSP plants, showing that higher thermal conductivity can be achieved in nanofluids with high concentration of nanoparticles and surfactants, resulting in up to 35% efficiency improvement.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Adnan Ibrahim, Hu Peng, Ali Riaz, Muhammad Abdul Basit, Umair Rashid, Abdul Basit
Summary: Solar power has shown great potential as a sustainable, dispatchable, and affordable source of energy, attracting significant attention as a viable alternative for next-generation energy usage. However, molten salt-based heat transfer fluids and thermal energy storage media face challenges such as severe corrosion and lower specific heat capacity. More effective studies on alternative salt mixtures are necessary to widen thermal stability range, enhance thermal properties, and reduce corrosion rates for use in concentrated solar power applications.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Cristina Prieto, Anton Lopez-Roman, Luisa F. Cabeza
Summary: Commercial CSP plants use solar salt as thermal storage media, but its decomposition at high temperatures can be problematic. This paper investigates the use of different cover gases (dry air and oxygen) on the decomposition of solar salt. Results show that oxygen slows down the thermal decomposition of solar salt, reducing the formation of NOx and nitrites compared to dry air.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Xiaopan Zhang, Yuanwei Lu, Qiang Yu, Yuting Wu, Cancan Zhang
Summary: Different types of nanoparticles were studied for their effects on the thermophysical properties of molten salt nanocomposites. The addition of SiO2 nanoparticles resulted in the highest increase in specific heat and total heat storage density. Network nanostructures were observed in the molten salt nanocomposite doped with SiO2.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Julian Steinbrecher, Alexander Bonk, Veronika Anna Soetz, Thomas Bauer
Summary: The study examines the potential of regeneration mechanisms for aged molten Solar Salt using reactive gas species. It demonstrates that purging with nitrous gases and oxygen can effectively reduce oxide ion concentrations in the salt mixture. The research is the first to provide evidence of regeneration of oxide-rich molten Solar Salt and highlights the significant impact of reactive gases on Solar Salt reaction chemistry.
Article
Thermodynamics
Mario Petrollese, Mario Cascetta, Vittorio Tola, Daniele Cocco, Giorgio Cau
Summary: A novel Pumped Thermal Energy Storage (PTES) system integrated with a Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) plant is proposed and investigated. The system operates with the same working fluid as the CSP plant and includes a Thermal Energy Storage (TES) system composed of three packed-bed tanks. Mathematical models were developed to simulate the system's performance and evaluate the thermal profiles of the TES tanks. A feasible design with an exergetic roundtrip efficiency of about 60% was proposed based on the results.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Kaleb Lippiatt, Stuart Bell, Teng-Cheong Ong, Chris East, Donald McAuley, Geoffrey Will, Ted Steinberg
Summary: Proper materialographic sample preparation is crucial in electron microscopy to achieve high-quality material results, with the use of kerosene as a lubricant showing to be the best option for analyzing molten salt corrosion phenomena.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Qiang Zhang, Kaijun Jiang, Zhihua Ge, Lijun Yang, Xiaoze Du
Summary: The molten salt solar power tower station can effectively compensate for the instability of solar energy, and operating control strategies are crucial for its peak-regulating mode. Research shows that the temperature control of the receiver and water level control of the power cycle system have good robustness under different operating conditions, stabilizing the system's performance.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Chunlei Wu, Qing Wang, Xinmin Wang, Shipeng Sun, Da Cui, Shuo Pan, Hongyu Sheng
Summary: This study predicts and verifies the eutectic compositions of three molten salt systems using thermodynamic calculations and thermal analysis methods. The eutectic salt NaCl-KCl-Na2CO3 exhibits the highest TES density and lower cost, making it a potential candidate for thermal storage materials in next-generation concentrating solar power plants.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Ying-Kun Zhao, Biao Lei, Yu-Ting Wu, Rui-Ping Zhi, Wei Wang, Hang Guo, Chong-Fang Ma
Article
Thermodynamics
Xiaochen Hou, Hongguang Zhang, Tenglong Zhao, Yonghong Xu, Yaming Tian, Jian Li, Mengru Zhang, Yuting Wu
Article
Energy & Fuels
Xiong Yaxuan, Wang Zhenyu, Wu Yuting, Xu Peng, Ding Yulong, Chang Chun, Ma Chongfang
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yong Li, Yuanwei Lu, Yuting Wu, Bengt Sunden, Gongnan Xie
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2019)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Lu-lu Zou, Xia Chen, Yu-ting Wu, Xin Wang, Chong-fang Ma
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2019)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Xia Chen, Yu-ting Wu, Lu-di Zhang, Xin Wang, Chong-fang Ma
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2019)
Article
Thermodynamics
Jian Li, Hongguang Zhang, Yaming Tian, Xiaochen Hou, Yonghong Xu, Tenglong Zhao, Yuting Wu
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2019)
Article
Thermodynamics
B. Cardenas, T. R. Davenne, J. Wang, Y. Ding, Y. Jin, H. Chen, Y. Wu, S. D. Garvey
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2019)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Xiaoming Zhang, Yuting Wu, Chongfang Ma, Qiang Meng, Xiao Hu, Cenyu Yang
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ying Li, Xia Chen, Yuting Wu, Yuanwei Lu, Ruiping Zhi, Xin Wang, Chongfang Ma
Article
Thermodynamics
Dawen Peng, Yuanwei Lu, Cancan Zhang, Qiang Yu, Yuting Wu
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2019)
Article
Thermodynamics
Yuting Wu, Zhiyu Guo, Biao Lei, Lili Shen, Ruiping Zhi
Proceedings Paper
Energy & Fuels
Peng Xu, Xiaoyu Guo, Yaxuan Xiong, Yuting Wu, Chongfang Ma
INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR ENERGY TRANSITIONS
(2019)
Proceedings Paper
Energy & Fuels
Yaxuan Xiong, Zhenyu Wang, Peng Xu, Chen Hongbing, Yuting Wu
INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR ENERGY TRANSITIONS
(2019)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lixia Sang, Wenming Ai, Tai Liu, Yuting Wu, Chongfang Ma
Article
Energy & Fuels
Shahriyar Safat Dipta, Md Habibur Rahaman, Walia Binte Tarique, Ashraful Hossain Howlader, Ayush Pratik, John A. Stride, Ashraf Uddin
Summary: Implementing a double-sided passivation approach can enhance the performance of n-i-p structured PSCs and improve the stability and photovoltaic properties of the cells.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Daniel Ourinson, Andreas Brand, Andreas Lorenz, Marwan Dhamrin, Sebastian Tepner, Michael Linse, Nathalie Goettlicher, Kosuke Tsuji, Jonas D. Huyeng, Florian Clement
Summary: This work presents two approaches to reduce the amount of silver on the rear side of M2-sized industrial iTOPCon solar cells. The Cu-based approach shows promise with similar power conversion efficiency compared to the conventional approach, while the Al-based approach exhibits some limitations but demonstrates the potential of such type of contact for iTOPCon solar cells.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Abasifreke Ebong, Donald Intal, Sandra Huneycutt, Thad Druffel, Ruvini Dharmadasa, Kevin Elmer, Apolo Nambo
Summary: This study demonstrates the successful metallization of a PERC silicon solar cell using screen-printable copper (Cu) paste. The Cu paste contains antioxidant additives and diffusion inhibitors to prevent oxidation and diffusion of Cu. The Cu-printed cells achieved an efficiency of 19% and showed no Cu diffusion after characterization tests. The long-term stability and effectiveness of the Cu diffusion barrier were also confirmed.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Senami Zogbo, Wilfried Favre, Olivier Bonino, Marie-Estelle Gueunier-Farret
Summary: Measuring specific contact resistivity (pc) is crucial for interface engineering in high efficiency solar cells. The Transfer Length Method (TLM) is commonly used for evaluating layer sheet resistance (Rsheet) and pc, but it is not suitable for metal/Transparent Conductive Oxide (TCO) interface evaluation in silicon heterojunction (SHJ) cells. This study investigates the parameters that restrict current confinement within the TCO, including mid-gap trap density (Dit) at the a-Si:H/c-Si interface and the activation energy (Ea = Ec - EF) variation of a-Si:H contact layers.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jean-Baptiste Charpentier, Philippe Voarino, Julien Gaume
Summary: The phenomenon of ribbon lengthening in PV modules exposed to thermal cycling is not well explained in the literature. In this study, a three layers model is proposed to explain this effect, and the predictions of the model are validated through finite element method simulations and experiments. The results show that the model predictions are consistent with the indirect measurements, but not with the direct measurements. Additionally, it is inferred that the encapsulant plays a role after the solder failure.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jean-Baptiste Charpentier, Philippe Voarino, Julien Gaume
Summary: This study investigates the problematic ribbon lengthening observed in PV modules exposed to high amplitude thermal cycling. A simplified system model is proposed and accurate predictions are obtained using the Finite Element Method. The results show that the thickness of the encapsulant has a substantial impact on the lengthening of the ribbons.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
S. Catalan-Gomez, E. Martinez Castellano, M. Schwarz, M. Montes Bajo, L. Dorado Vargas, A. Gonzalo, A. Redondo-Cubero, A. Gallego Carro, A. Hierro, J. M. Ulloa
Summary: This study investigates the use of core-shell gallium nanoparticles as functional light scatterers on solar cells. By optimizing the nanoparticle size, the short-circuit current of the solar cells is significantly improved. The underlying physical mechanism is studied through optical measurements and simulations, and a method to reduce the plasmonic effect of the nanoparticles is demonstrated.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
M. Gamel, G. Lopez, A. M. Medrano, A. Jimenez, A. Datas, M. Garin, I. Martin
Summary: In this study, a highly reflective ohmic contact to p-type c-Ge material is demonstrated, which can improve the efficiency of thermophotovoltaic devices. The experimental results show that this contact can simultaneously meet the requirements of good back surface passivation, low electrical resistivity, and high reflectivity. Moreover, simulations suggest that implementing these back contacts has the potential to achieve conversion efficiencies comparable to high-efficiency c-Ge TPV cells.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Hongyang Wei, Qing Xu, Dongchu Chen, Min Chen, Menglei Chang, Xiufang Ye
Summary: This study prepared solar selective absorption films based on anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) photonic crystals using a unique electrodeposition method. The Co-Ag electrodeposited film exhibited superior solar selective absorption properties and thermal stability.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ankit Kumar, Ankit Chauhan, Jordi Llobet, Helder Fonseca, Patricia C. Sousa, Carlos Calaza, Gil Shalev
Summary: This study found that decorating subwavelength arrays with SiO2 quasi-nanolenses (qNL arrays) can enhance the absorption of the solar spectrum. Optical absorption mechanisms in qNL arrays were investigated using near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM), revealing that the enhancement is a result of the combination of effective antireflection coating, increased optical interactions between adjacent dielectrics for elevated light trapping, and strong light concentration due to the presence of qNLs.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
S. Pingel, T. Wenzel, N. Goettlicher, M. Linse, L. Folcarelli, J. Schube, S. Hoffmann, S. Tepner, Y. C. Lau, J. Huyeng, A. Lorenz, F. Clement
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential to reduce silver consumption in highly efficient SHJ cells through fine-line screen printing using low temperature paste with various screens. The results show that using finer mesh allows for narrower grid fingers and lower resistance, leading to improved cell efficiency. Simulation results indicate that module wire configuration is crucial for reducing silver consumption.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Xibo He, Jun Qiu, Wei Wang, Yicheng Hou, Yong Shuai
Summary: This paper proposes a novel phase change material with high thermal conductivity and stability for fast photo-thermal conversion and storage. The experimental results demonstrate excellent durability and stability of the phase change material, with good performance in thermal conductivity and thermal storage efficiency.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Qingyuan Liu, Lin Wang, Zheng Liu, Guohua Liu
Summary: A new evaporating structure consisting of liquid marble with tunable nanowire array is proposed to enhance solar evaporation. The experiments show that the liquid marble with nanowire array exhibits outstanding evaporation performance, which has significant implications for seawater desalination or wastewater treatment.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Hao Liu, Qiming Liu, Jinpei Liu, Yonggang Zhao, Yingjie Yu, Yue An, Ganghui Wei, Yanzheng Li, Yujun Fu, Junshuai Li, Deyan He
Summary: Moisture in the air is identified as the main cause of performance degradation in organic-inorganic hybrid solar cells. Exposure to air leads to the growth of thin oxide layer on the interface and the formation of silver sulfide, increasing the series resistance and decreasing the fill factor, thus degrading the cell performance.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
E. Blanco, P. Martin, M. Dominguez, P. Fernandez-Palacios, I. Lombardero, C. Sanchez-Perez, I. Garcia, C. Algora, M. Gabas
Summary: This study addresses the lack of optical parameters for p-type Ge wafers by determining the complex refractive indices of commercial Ge wafers with varying doping levels. The obtained data successfully reproduces the critical points associated with interband transitions and absorption features below the bandgap. The refractive indices were validated through experimental measurements and solar cell simulations.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)