Adoption of Solar Pumping Systems by Vegetable Farmers in Niayes Agro-Ecological Zone of Senegal: Adoption as a Sequential Process

This article examines the determinants of the adoption of solar pumping systems (PV) by vegetable farmers in the Niayes area of Senegal. To measure the determinants, we used a sequential logit model to translate the adoption process from becoming aware of solar pumping systems to testing them, i.e. using them at least once, and then continuing to use them over time. The results show that the main variables affecting awareness of the use of solar pumping systems (PV) are age, marital status, experience, access to credit, the farmer’s knowledge of climate change, the farmer’s origin in the Thiès region and length of time in the Niayes area. The first use of PVs is influenced by factors such as the size of the plot, the distance of the plot from the main road or from the market. Finally, the decision to adopt or continue use is influenced by gender, experience, household size and access to credit. Surprisingly, access to credit does not affect the first use of solar pumping systems, but plays a key role in their continued use.

Theoretical Comparative Energy Efficiency Analysis of Dual Axis Solar Tracking Systems

This paper developed a theoretical model substantially based on the principle that only the normal component of solar radiation is actually converted into electrical energy. This theoretical model helped to predict minimum and maximum daily energy gain (compared to static PV system tilted with certain angle) when using dual axis PV solar tracking systems, at any given location on earth without prior experimental data. Based on equations derived from model, minimum and maximum energy gain is computed and summarized in tables of minimum and maximum. Furthermore, the model equations could be used to set up future experimental studies related to the matter.

Power Electronics and Its Application to Solar Photovoltaic Systems in India

Out of many renewable energy resources, solar energy is one of the conspicuous sources of energy which can supply the increasing demand of energy. As of May 2014, India has an installed PV capacity of 2.5 GW. The solar photovoltaic project includes power electronics with high quality performance devices, incorporated with smart energy management principles. Power electronics is used to improve the energy efficiency of apparatus, and help the generation of environmentally clean energy. In this article the explanation of role of power electronics and the discussion about similar and future concepts in solar photovoltaic systems related to reliability and advancement of each technology in India has been presented.

Optimisation of Electrical Distribution System by Using Solar Thermal Powered Systems and Its Impact on Electrical Distribution Feeders

In this research, the performance of the solar thermal powered systems (STPS) is analyzed with different models (without inserts, with inserts and with Nano fluids with different concentrations) and its impact on the Electric load in a residential/Institutional Electrical Distribution system. For this purpose, the electrical and solar thermal water heater is tested and validated. Solar thermal powered systems and its impact on the Institutional electrical distribution feeders are tested and compared with the energy efficiency (EE) and cost optimization. The goal of this paper is to analyze the impact of solar thermal energy on electrical energy consumption in the electrical distribution feeder level. The electrical system cost and energy consumptions are tabulated and observed that there is a considerable savings.

Solar Radiation Estimation Based on a New Combined Approach of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and Genetic Algorithms (GA) in South Algeria

When designing solar systems and assessing the effectiveness of their many uses,estimating sun irradiance is a crucial first step.This study examined three approaches(ANN,GA-ANN,and ANFIS)for estimating daily global solar radiation(GSR)in the south of Algeria:Adrar,Ouargla,and Bechar.The proposed hybrid GA-ANN model,based on genetic algorithm-based optimization,was developed to improve the ANN model.The GA-ANN and ANFIS models performed better than the standalone ANN-based model,with GA-ANN being better suited for forecasting in all sites,and it performed the best with the best values in the testing phase of Coefficient of Determination(R=0.9005),Mean Absolute Percentage Error(MAPE=8.40%),and Relative Root Mean Square Error(rRMSE=12.56%).Nevertheless,the ANFIS model outperformed the GA-ANN model in forecasting daily GSR,with the best values of indicators when testing the model being R=0.9374,MAPE=7.78%,and rRMSE=10.54%.Generally,we may conclude that the initial ANN stand-alone model performance when forecasting solar radiation has been improved,and the results obtained after injecting the genetic algorithm into the ANN to optimize its weights were satisfactory.The model can be used to forecast daily GSR in dry climates and other climates and may also be helpful in selecting solar energy system installations and sizes.

Monitoring of Large Size Solar Thermal Systems： Design and Data Analysis

This paper describes how to achieve an efficient design and management of a tele-monitoring system of several solar thermal plants. The system will be able to make an analysis that assures a more efficient management of each plant and of the whole system. In the first part of this study, the features of the monitoring system that allows to monitor the operating parameters and to discover the issues before they actually become dangerous for the plant have been identified. The data collected in the different solar thermal systems realized in Italian jails have been analyzed. The results of these elaborations allowed us both to find out some anomalies of functioning of the plants, and to optimize the management of the whole plant in a more efficient way.

The Problem of the Existence of Planetary Systems Similar to the Solar System

A simple methodology was shown in order to determine when a lonely star of a certain type might have a planetary family like the one of the Sun’s.

PV Solar Yield Applicable Simulator Based on Free Irradiance Data Source:Applied Comprehensive Tool for Solar Engineers

Accurate PV system simulators are implemented with expensive software platforms using paid irradiance data.The main purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a PV system simulator,beginning with a solar cell parameter extraction model,then test and validate long-termIrradiance data using free online source(Typical Meteorological Year TMY in(PVGIS)European website),and finally building full solar generator simulator to run in working real conditions.Comparing results with Accurate Paid PV simulators(which use theMuneer model)showed good accuracy of the proposed simulator.Work flow starts with the Irradiance model’s data processing,then solar cell 5 parameters model data processing(to extract cell parameters),and finally full system simulator.MATLAB coding programs in real working conditions are used for simulation.Results of solar cell parameter extraction show 99.6%to 99.99%matching with data sheet and cell performance under standard test conditions.Systemmodel simulation output shows 8%less yearly generated energy compared to the PVGIS 2022 long-term simulation(hourly basis(one-year time)).This is due to incident energy variations(between the years 2016 and 2022)of 4.02%.The novelty of the algorithm is the methodology,as it tests irradiance data on an hourly basis and validates results for a whole continuous year.Also,the 5-parameter solar cell model is used to be validated in long term analysis,not only STC conditions and could be applied on any PV solar cell.The algorithm and block diagramused are scalable,modular,and interchangeable with similarmodels to be tested.This simulator could test severalmethods andmodels in solar pv technology.

Design of High Efficiency DC-DC Converter for Photovoltaic Solar Home Applications

The solar energy conversion system is very interesting alternative on supplement the electric system generation, due to the persistent cost reduction of the overall system and cleaner power generation. To obtain a stable voltage from an input supply （PV cells） that is higher and lower than the output, a high efficiency and minimum ripple DC-DC converter required in the system for residential power production. Buck-boost converters make it possible to efficiently convert a DC voltage to either a lower or higher voltages. Buck-boost converters are especially useful for PV maximum power tracking purposes, where the objective is to draw maximum possible power from solar panels at all times, regardless of the load. This paper analyzes and describes step by step the process of designing, and simulation of high efficiency low ripple voltage buck-boost DC-DC converter for the photovoltaic solar conversion system applicable to a （typical） single family home based on battery-based systems. The input voltage can typically change from （20 V） initially, down to （5 V）, and provide a regulated voltage within the range of the battery （12 V）. PLECS simulation results provide strong evidences about the high efficiency, minimum ripple voltage, high accuracy, and the usefulness of the system of the proposed converter when applied to either residential or solar home applications.

Experimental investigation on solar-flue gas chimney

Flue gases exhausted from thermal power plants contain more than 50% of the fuel thermal energy. In the present work, experimental investigation was carried out to study the utilization of thermal energy in flue gases to enhance the performance of modified solar chimney consisting of Savonius wind rotor. A modified solar chimney model was designed and fabricated to carry out experimental measurement. The model consists of thermal energy conversion unit; Savonius wind rotor and a chimney. The thermal energy in the flue gas transfers to the air particles in the air channel across the absorber plate and results in upward air stream due to the buoyancy effect. With an 9 absorber area of 2.36 re＇and flue gas mass flow rate of0.18 kg/s, air velocity＇ of 4.1 m/s was achieved at the top of the thermal unit. Increasing the mass flow rate of the flue gas to 0.24 kg/s enhances the air velocity to be 4.6 m/s. The results have demonstrated the possibility＇ of utilizing the thermal energy in the waste flue gas to enhance the performance of a solar chimney and facilitate the continuous operation during the absence of the sun.

Diffusion of Solar Energy Use in the Built Environment Supported by New Design

Places of large potentials of sustainable energy production and places of large energy consumption are often very different and separated by large distances across the globe. This paper first discusses potentials of solar technology in terms of global availability using PV （photovoltaic） technology and actual energy production. Solar energy is widely under-used and one way to reduce this is to improve production in low-energy places with high demand： large cities. According to this option, about 40% of the electricity consumption in the built environment could be produced by solar PV systems and energy storage systems. This paper discusses conditions in the built environment and functional and design qualities enabling an increased diffusion of the technologies In a comparative analysis of PV technologies, the criteria taken into account encompass efficiency of the type of solar cell and commercial availability. Special attention is paid to the design features of different PV systems, like flexibility, colour and transparency that might help in their utilization as integrated in building material and ornaments in modem architecture. The same procedure is followed for electricity storage devices. The preliminary conclusion is that at present the freedom of design is largest for a combination of crystalline silicon PV cells and Li-ion batteries.

Technical and Economic Aspects of Solar Space Heating in Palestine

A computer analysis of solar heating has been performed for Palestine. Results are presented for a prototype building using either fuel oil or gas under different heating loads in three climatic regions （Jordan valley, coastal, and hilly）. Cumulative cost flows are compared for the life-cycle present value technique. Optimum design magnitudes are determined for maximum life-cycle savings. The payback period for capital invested in a solar system, and total savings are found for the optimum conditions. Variations of system performance are estimated. The effects of collector slope, proportionate storage tank volume, heat-exchanger parameters, and the design load on system performance are studied. Finally the economics of solar heating in Palestine are discussed and recommendations are made for increased utilization of solar energy.

Extension of Distribution Transformer Life in the Presence of Smart Inverter-based Distributed Solar Photovoltaic Systems

A transformer is an essential but expensive power delivery equipment for a distribution utility.In many distribution utilities worldwide,a sizable percentage of transformers are near the end of their designed life.At the same time,distribution utilities are adopting smart inverter-based distributed solar photovoltaic(SPV)systems to maximize renewable generation.The central objective of this paper is to propose a methodology to quantify the effect of smart inverter-based distributed SPV systems on the aging of distribution transformers.The proposed method is first tested on a modified IEEE-123 node distribution feeder.After that,the procedure is applied to a practical distribution system,i.e.,the Indian Institute of Technology(IIT)Roorkee campus,India.The transformer aging models,alongside advanced control functionalities of grid-tied smart inverter-based SPV systems,are implemented in MATLAB.The open-source simulation tool(OpenDSS)is used to model distribution networks.To analyze effectiveness of various inverter functionalities,time-series simulations are performed using exponential load models,considering daily load curves from multiple seasons,load types,current harmonics,etc.Findings show replacing a traditional inverter with a smart inverter-based SPV system can enable local reactive power generation and may extend the life of a distribution transformer.Simulation results demonstrate,simply by incorporating smart inverter-based SPV systems,transformer aging is reduced by 15%to 22%in comparison to SPV systems operating with traditional inverters.

Enhancing fault-clearing algorithm for renewable-energy-based distribution systems using artificial neural networks

Integrating small and large-scale photovoltaic(PV)solar systems into electrical distribution systems has become mandatory due to increased electricity bills and the concern for limiting greenhouse gases.However,the reliable and efficient operation of PV-based distribution systems can be confronted by the intermittence and high variability of solar sources and their consequential faults.In this regard,this article suggests a moderated fault-clearing strategy based on the incremental conductance–maximum power point tracking(IC–MPPT)technique and artificial neural networks(ANNs)to enhance fault detection,localization,and restoration pro-cesses in PV-based distribution systems.The proposed strategy leverages IC–MPPT to ensure optimal power generation from the PV solar system,even in the presence of faults.By tracking the maximum power point,the algorithm maintains the performance of the system and mitigates against the impact of faults on the output power.Furthermore,an ANN is employed to improve fault detec-tion and localization accuracy.The developed ANN-based moderated fault-clearing strategy is trained using historical data and fault scenarios,enabling it to recognize fault patterns and make informed decisions through extensive simulations and comparisons with traditional fault-clearing methods.To accomplish this study,benchmarks in PV-based distribution systems are constructed and em-ployed using the MATLAB®/Simulink®software package.Moreover,to validate the efficacy of the developed ANN-based moderated fault-clearing strategy,a real case study of a 1-MW PV-based distribution system in an industrial field located in Giza governorate,Egypt,is tested and investigated.The obtained results demonstrate the effectiveness of the IC–MPPT and ANN-based moderated fault-clearing strategy in achieving faster fault detection,precise fault localization,and efficient restoration in PV solar-based dis-tribution systems while preserving maximum power extraction under small and large system disturbances.Furthermore,IC–MPPT based on an ANN achieves an average power of 98.556 kW and 299.632 kWh energy availability,whereas the IC–MPPT based on a pro-portional–integral controller achieves 95.7996 kW and 283.4036 kWh,and the classic perturb-and-observe MPPT algorithm achieves 92.2657 kW and 276.8014 kWh.

Unveiling the shadows: a qualitative exploration of barriers to rooftop solar photovoltaic adoption in residential sectors

In the face of global climate change,the urgent shift towards renewable energy sources such as solar power is vital for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering a sustainable future,presenting a universal challenge and opportunity for energy policy worldwide.India’s adoption of rooftop solar photovoltaic is pivotal due to its vast solar potential,which aligns with national goals to increase renewable energy capacity,reduce carbon emissions,and achieve energy security.Kerala’s geographical location offers abundant solar potential,making it a prime candidate for the adoption of rooftop solar photovoltaic systems.Coupled with the state’s strong commitment to renewable energy initiatives such as the ambitious“SOURA”(solar subsidy program by the Kerala State Electricity Board)project and various incentives for solar adoption,Kerala stands at the forefront of India’s transition towards sustainable energy solutions.Understanding the barriers to rooftop solar photovoltaic adoption in Kerala is crucial for tailoring ef-fective policies and strategies that address specific hindrances from economic constraints to informational gaps.This study employs a qualitative research method to identify the barriers to rooftop solar photovoltaic adoption among households in Kerala.Through face-to-face interviews with a purposively selected sample of 52 households,the research aims to gain in-depth insights into the multifaceted challenges hindering the widespread adoption of solar energy in residential settings.The findings reveal several key barriers:financial barriers,informational barriers,technical barriers,regulatory barriers,social barriers,and psychological barriers.Sentiment analysis indicates that while there is a predominantly positive attitude towards solar photovoltaic adoption,there are sig-nificant concerns that still need to be addressed.Addressing these barriers with targeted policy interventions and public awareness campaigns could significantly enhance the adoption of rooftop solar photovoltaic systems in Kerala.

A single diffractive optical element implementing spectrum-splitting and beam-concentration functions simultaneously with high diffraction efficiency

In this paper,a novel method is proposed and employed to design a single diffractive optical element（DOE） for implementing spectrum-splitting and beam-concentration（SSBC） functions simultaneously.We develop an optimization algorithm,through which the SSBC DOE can be optimized within an arbitrary thickness range according to the limitations of modern photolithography technology.Theoretical simulation results reveal that the designed SSBC DOE has a high optical focusing efficiency.It is expected that the designed SSBC DOE should have practical applications in high-efficiency solar cell systems.

Torque Free Axi-Symmetric Gyros with Changing Moments of Inertia

The properties and characteristics of torque free gyros with rotational symmetry and changing moments of inertia are the subject of the subsequent discussion. It shall be understood that the symmetry can be expressed by the notation (A=B) which does not presuppose geometric symmetry, where A and B are the principle moments of inertia about x and y axes respectively. We study the case of a torque free gyro upon which no external torque is acting. The equations of motion are derived when the origin of the xyz-coordinate system coincides with the gyro’s mass center c. This study is useful for the satellites, which have rotational symmetry and changed inertia moments, the antennas and the solar power collector systems.