Abstract: Solar energy offers over 2,945,926 TWh/year of global Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) potential, that can be used to substitute fossil fuels in power generation and mitigate 2.1 GtCO2 of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission to support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations (UN). Thermal energy storage (TES) is required in CSP plants to improve dispatchability, reliability, efficiency, and economy. Of …
Published at Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews – Massive grid-scale energy storage for next-generation concentrated solar power: A review of the potential emerging concepts
The cost of renewable energy has significantly decreased in recent years, which marks the way towards a fully renewable and sustainable future. However, this energy transition is not possible without massive grid-scale energy storage technology since most of the renewable energies are highly variable. In areas with a high solar resource, Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) can play a crucial …
Published at Journal of Cleaner Production – Salinity impacts on a unique desalination system embedded with concentrated solar energy for cleaner production
Abstract: This research comprehensively analyzed a unique solar desalination unit that operates on concentrated solar energy. The analysis primarily focused on evaluating three crucial components: the condenser, flash chamber, and brine heater. Testing was initially performed using seawater sourced from the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. Subsequently, to investigate the influence of salinity on the …
Published at Solar Energy – Numerical analysis of wind-induced convective heat losses in large-scale open volumetric cavity receivers and the evaluation of countermeasures
FIGURE 1: Schematic of solar power plant with open volumetric receiver (OVR). Abstract: This study investigates the wind influence on the operation of an open volumetric cavity receiver (OVR) designed with a tower height of approximately 200m and a total thermal power of 240MW�ℎ. The receiver design incorporates an air return system where parts of the air are returned between the …
Published at Renewable Energy – Techno-economic assessment of concentrated solar power generation in Saudi Arabia
Abstract: Saudi Arabia plans to shift a large portion of its domestic energy production away from fossil fuel towards solar energy by 2030. Yet, the solar energy pool is mainly targeting photovoltaic technology. This study analyzes the potential of cleaner energy production from solar energy using concentrated solar power technology. First, different locations for concentrated solar power technology deployment are …
Published at Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis – Biochar pyrolyzed with concentrated solar radiation for enhanced nitrate adsorption
Abstract: Biochar has been recognized as an effective soil amendment for reducing nitrogen leaching in agriculture, but its large-scale implementation is impeded by the costly production process due to high energy requirements for thermal decomposition of feedstock. This study aimed to develop a novel pyrolysis system utilizing concentrated solar radiation to produce biochar and explore …
Published at International journal of Hydrogen Energy – H2 producing hybrid solar thermochemical ZnSO4/ZnO water splitting cycle: Thermodynamic efficiency analysis
Abstract: This investigation reports the thermodynamic efficiency analysis of a hybrid ZnSO4/ZnO water-splitting cycle. The data required for efficiency calculations are gathered from HSC Chemistry Software. The prime goal is to examine the effects of the thermal energy needed for heating inert sweep gas and separating the gaseous components in the cycle on the solar-to-fuel …
Published at Energy Reports – Chemical and thermal performance analysis of a solar thermochemical reactor for hydrogen production via two-step WS cycle
Abstract: Ceria-based H2O/CO2-splitting solar-driven thermochemical cycle produces hydrogen or syngas. Thermal optimization of solar thermochemical reactor (STCR) improves the solar-to-fuel conversion efficiency. This research presents two conceptual designs and thermal modelling of RPC-ceria-based STCR cavities to attain the optimal operating conditions for CeO2 reduction step. Presented hybrid geometries consisting of cylindrical–hemispherical and conical frustum–hemispherical structures. …
Published at Solar Energy – Investigation of physico-mechanical, thermal properties and solar thermoregulation performance of shape-stable attapulgite based composite phase change material in foam concrete
Abstract Thermal energy storage (TES) by means of phase change materials (PCM) is of great concern to decrease heating and cooling loads. In building envelopes, one of the most efficient TES methods is integration of PCMs with construction materials for preventing temperature fluctuations by taking advantage of energy storage/release feature of PCMs. Aim of this …
Published at Solar Energy – A feasibility study on the application of mesh grids for heliostat wind load reduction
Abstract This study examines the effectiveness of mesh grids in heliostat field perimeter fences and edge-mounted devices for heliostat wind load reduction. Two experimental studies were conducted: (1) the effect of mesh porosity and non-dimensional longitudinal distance of a perimeter fence upstream on the forces on a heliostat, and (2) the effect of mesh porosity …