Recent progress on nanostructure-based broadband absorbers and their solar energy thermal utilization

Nanostructure-based broadband absorbers are prominently attractive in various research fields such as nanomaterials,nanofabrication,nanophotonics and energy utilization.A highly efficient light absorption in wider wavelength ranges makes such absorbers useful in many solar energy harvesting applications.In this review,we present recent advances of broadband absorbers which absorb light by nanostructures.We start from the mechanism and design strategies of broadband absorbers based on different materials such as carbon-based,plasmonic or dielectric materials and then reviewed recent progress of solar energy thermal utilization dependent on the superior photo-heat conversion capacity of broadband absorbers which may significantly influence the future development of solar energy utilization,seawater purification and photoelectronic device design.

Mineralogy and Thermal Analysis of Natural Pozzolana Opal Shale with Nano-pores

Thermodynamic stability, microvoid distribution and phases transformation of natural pozzolana opal shale（POS） were studied systematically in this work. XRD analysis showed that opal-CT, including microcrystal cristobalite and tridymite, is a major component of POS. DTA and FT-IR indicated that there were many hydroxyl groups and acid sites on the surface of amorphous SiO2 materials. FE-SEM analysis exhibited amorphous SiO2 particles（opal-A） covering over stacking sequences microcrystal cristobalite and tridymite. Meanwhile, MIP analysis demonstrated that porosity and pore size distribution of POS remained uniform below 600 ℃. Because stable porous microstructure is a key factor in improving photocatalyst activity, POS is suited to preparing highly active supported.

Performances of an air thermal energy utilization system developed with fan-coil units in large-scale plastic tunnels covered with external blanket

To improve the problem of low temperature at night in winter due to the lack of thermal storage in large-span plastic tunnels,an air thermal energy utilization system(ATEUS)was developed with fan-coil units to heat a large-scale plastic tunnel covered with an external blanket(LPTEB)on winter nights.The ATEUS was composed of nine fan-coil units mounted on top of the LPTEB,a water reservoir,pipes,and a water circulation pump.With the heat exchange between the air and the water flowing through the coils,the thermal energy from the air can be collected in the daytime,or the thermal energy in the water can be released into the LPTEB at night.On sunny days,the collected thermal energy from the air in the daytime(E_(c))and released thermal energy at night(E_(r))were 0.25-0.44 MJ/m^(2) and 0.24-0.38 MJ/m^(2),respectively.Used ATEUS as a heating system,its coefficient of performance(COP),which is the ratio of the heat consumption of LPTEB to the power consumption of ATEUS,ranged from 1.6-2.1.A dynamic model was also developed to simulate the water temperature(T_(w)).Based on the simulation,E_(c) and E_(r) on sunny days can be increased by 60%-73%and 38%-62%,respectively,by diminishing the heat loss of the water reservoir and increasing the indoor air temperature in the period of collecting thermal energy.Then,the COP can reach 2.6-3.8,and the developed ATEUS can be applied to heating the LPTEB in a way that conserves energy.

Exergy Analysis of Photo-Thermal Interaction Process between Solar Radiation Energy and Solar Receiver

A unified theory of non-equilibrium radiation thermodynamics is always in search as it is meaningful for solar energy utilization.An exergy analysis of photo-thermal interaction process between the solar radiation energy and solar receiver is conducted in this paper.The non-equilibrium radiation thermodynamic system is described.The thermodynamic process of photo-thermal interaction between the solar radiation and solar receiver is introduced.Energy,exergy and entropy equations for the photo-thermal process are provided.Formulas for calculating the optimum receiving temperatures of the solar receiver under both non-concentration and solar concentration conditions are presented.A simple solar receiver is chosen as the calculation example to launch the exergy analysis under non-concentration condition.Furthermore,the effect analysis of solar concentration on the thermodynamic performance of the solar receiver for solar thermal utilization is carried out.The analysis results demonstrate that both the output exergy flux and efficiency of the solar receiver can be improved by increasing the solar concentration ratio during the solar thermal utilization process.The formulas and results provided in this paper may be used as a theoretical reference for the further studies of non-equilibrium radiation thermodynamic theory and solar thermal utilization.

Potential application of a novel building-integrated solar facade water heating system in a subtropical climate:A case study for school canteen

The design and potential application analysis of the novel solar-absorbing integrated facade module and its corresponding building-integrated solar facade water heating system are presented in this study.Compared with the conventional building envelope,the main novities of the proposed facade module lie in its contributions towards the supplied water preheating to loads and the internal heat gain reduction.Besides,the proposed building-integrated solar facade water heating system broadens the combination modes of the solar thermal system and the building envelope.A dynamic model is introduced first for system design and performance prediction.To evaluate the energy-saving potential and feasibility of the implementation of the proposed facade module,this paper carried out a suitable case study by replacing the conventional facade module in the ongoing retrofitting project of a kitchen,part of the canteen of a graduate school.The detailed thermal performances of three system design options are compared in the typical winter and summer weeks and throughout the year,and then,with the preferred system design,the economic,energy,and environmental effects of the proposed system are evaluated.It was found that the system with a high flow rate of the circulating water is suggested.The annual electricity saved reaches 4175.3 kWh with yearly average thermal efficiency at 46.9%,and its corresponding cost payback time,energy payback time,and greenhouse gas payback time are 3.8,1.7,1.7 years,respectively.This study confirms the feasibility and long-term benefits of the proposed building-integrated solar facade water heating system in buildings.