Solar Energy and Sustainable Development Journal

Review paper on Green Hydrogen Production, Storage, and Utilization Techniques in Libya

Ibrahim Imbayah — 2024-02-17

the world is currently facing energy-related challenges due to the cost and pollution of non-renewable energy sources and the increasing power demand from renewable energy sources. Green hydrogen is a promising solution in Libya for converting renewable energy into usable fuel. This paper covers the types of hydrogen, its features, preparation methods, and uses. Green hydrogen production is still limited in the world due to safety requirements because hydrogen has a relatively low ignition temperature and an extensive ignition range and is considered a hazardous element, the lack of infrastructure in Libya, as well as the high cost of production currently. However, the production costs of one megawatt of green hydrogen and fossil fuels are insignificant. This suggests that electricity production from green hydrogen could become an economic competitor to fossil fuels in Libya. This is due to the cost of adding renewable energy to the public electricity grid. Also, the production of gray hydrogen is possible in Libya because of oil through the installation of systems for converting methane gas and capturing carbon dioxide gas.

Modular Open Source Solar Photovoltaic-Powered DC Nanogrids with Efficient Energy Management System

Md Motakabbir Rahman — 2024-02-29

Initially the concept of a DC nanogrid was focused on supplying power to individual homes. Techno-economic advances in photovoltaic (PV) technology have enabled solar PV stand-alone nanogrids to power individual devices using device-specific architectures. To reduce costs and increase accessibility for a wider range of people, a modular open-source system is needed to cover all applications at once. This article introduces a modular PV-powered nanogrid system, consisting of a do it yourself (DIY) PV system with batteries to allow for off-grid power. The resultant open-source modular DC nanogrid can deliver DC power to loads of different voltage levels, which is possible because of the efficient and parametric energy management system (EMS) that selects modes of operation for the grid based on DC bus voltage and state of charge of batteries. Simulation results verify the coordination between the EMS and the PV-battery system under varying PV power generation and load conditions. This EMS has potential to enable easy personalization of a vast area of applications and expand appropriate technology for isolated communities. A thorough stability analysis has been conducted, leading to the development of an LQR (Linear Quadratic Regulator) controller as a replacement for the conventional PI (Proportional - Integral) controllers for better transient stability of the system.

Design and Optimization of Plasmonic Nanoparticles-Enhanced Perovskite Solar Cells Using the FDTD Method.

Mohammed M. Shabat — 2024-03-13

This study explores how plasmonic nanoparticles affect absorption, transmission, and reflection—three important performance metrics in organic-inorganic halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Through an investigation of different types of nanoparticles and their concentration in the composite layer, the study provides important information for improving PSC design in order to increase overall efficiency. The results highlight the importance of the type and volume fraction of nanoparticles in the composite layer, which influence the spectral characteristics of the solar cell, such as absorption, reflection, and transmission. These findings could encourage PSCs to be widely used as a practical and affordable renewable energy source, which would advance the development of affordable and efficient solar energy technologies.

Thermoeconomic Assessments of Green Hydrogen Production Via PV&PEM Electrolyzer:

Salem Yosaf — 2024-03-16

The study aims to estimate the amount and cost of hydrogen and oxygen that can be produced in the Al-Jufra region (Libya) using photovoltaic panels (PV). The electricity generated by PV is used to power the proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer. Through the study, the thermal efficiency of the system is calculated, as well as the factors affecting it. The amount of solar radiation that the region receives during the year is also determined, amounting to 81.72 kW/year m2, with a duration of 3421 daylight hours. With this radiation value, it is possible to produce 1272 and 636 mol/year m² of hydrogen and oxygen, respectively, at an estimated cost of $1.42 per mole. Thermodynamic analysis of PV cells and electrolyzer shows that the electrical efficiency and exergy efficiency of PV cells are 4.8% and 5%, respectively, and vary according to the radiation intensity. The exergy and energy efficiency of the analyzer remained constant at 48% and 39%, respectively, according to the aforementioned arrangement. The decrease in the efficiency of PV energy efficiency affects the overall efficiency of the system and does not exceed 3% in ideal conditions. In addition, the expected cost in 2030 is estimated and found to be 5.77% lower than its current price. Comparing the amount and price of production in the Al-Jufra area with other areas in Libya, it becomes clear that the city of Al-Kufra has a 20% higher annual production amount.

Towards Hydrogen Sector Investments for Achieving Sustainable Electricity Generation.

Mohamed Khaleel — 2024-03-25

Hydrogen constitutes an integral component within an expansive array of energy technologies poised to facilitate the nation's transition towards achieving a net-zero state. In additional, this endeavor involves harnessing regional resources judiciously, thereby fostering equitable and sustainable growth. The strategic development and utilization of hydrogen technologies necessitate a nuanced approach, encompassing an assessment of diverse technologies spanning various sectors especially power sector. Such a meticulous strategy aims to forge the most efficacious, cost-effective, and sustainable pathways, underpinned by the discerning adoption of these technologies in the market. The article delves into the intricate relationship between hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, shedding light on their combined impact on the evolving landscape of electricity generation. A particular focus is placed on the integration of variable renewable energy sources, elucidating how hydrogen serves as a key enabler in optimizing the utilization of these fluctuating energy resources. In addition, the article encompasses various methods of hydrogen production, exploring their technological advancements and implications for achieving sustainable electricity generation. Emphasizing the significance of technology development in the hydrogen sector, the paper delves into the potential of hydrogen production methods and their implications for advancing sustainable electricity generation. In essence, the article navigates the trajectory of the hydrogen sector's evolution within the broader context of electricity generation, offering valuable insights into the ongoing developments, challenges, and opportunities. By addressing the critical nexus between hydrogen technologies and the dynamic electricity landscape, the paper aims to contribute to the discourse on the future trajectory of investments in the hydrogen sector for enhanced electricity generation. To Conclude, the United Kingdom has committed GBP 20 billion over a span of 20 years to the development of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) facilities. Additionally, the nation has identified and shortlisted electrolysis projects totalling 408 megawatts (MW) capacity. In Korea, Hanwha Impact has achieved a significant milestone by attaining a 60% hydrogen co-firing share in an 80 MW gas turbine, representing the largest co-firing share recorded thus far in mid-to-large gas turbines. Meanwhile, Anhui Province Energy Group in China has successfully conducted trials involving the co-firing of ammonia at a 300 MW unit. The Group has plans to further extend these trials, aiming to achieve a 50% co-firing level at a 1 GW coal unit. In the United States, notable progress has been made, with a 38% hydrogen co-firing share attained in 2023 at an operational 753 MW combined-cycle power plant.

Enhancing Photoconversion Efficiency by Optimization of Electron/Hole Transport Interlayers in Antimony Sulfide Solar Cell using SCAPS-1D Simulation.

Mutaz Aljuboori — 2024-03-29

Enhancing photoconversion efficiency in a solar cell with the composition "glass/Mo/CUSbS₃/ Sb₂S₃/CdS/i:ZnO/AL:ZnO" by varying the thickness of the absorption layer (Sb₂S₃) and adding a secondary absorption layer was performed. The thickness of the original absorption layer (Sb₂S₃) was gradually increased from (1 µm) to (3.5 µm). The best efficiency (23.14%) and filling factor (87.52%) were achieved with an absorption layer thickness of 3.5 µm. This indicates that a thicker absorption layer can enhance efficiency. A secondary absorption layer was introduced between the original absorption layer and the reflection layer. Several materials were considered for this secondary absorption layer, including MAPbI3, Sb₂Se₃, CZTS, and CZTSe. The best-performing secondary absorption layer was found to be Sb₂Se₃. The solar cell structure, after combining it with the best reflection layer (CUSbS₃) and the optimized thickness for the original absorption layer (3.5 µm), was established as "glass/Mo/CUSbS₃/Sb₂Se₃/Sb₂S₃/CdS/i:ZnO/Al:ZnO". The optimized solar cell configuration yielded the best conversion efficiency (27.01%) and a high filling factor (85.12%).

These results highlight the significance of layer thickness and the addition of secondary absorption layers in enhancing the solar cell efficiency. The final configuration demonstrates substantial improvements in efficiency and suggests that thoughtful design and material choices can lead to more efficient photovoltaic devices.

A Hybrid of Meta-Heuristic Techniques Based on Cuckoo Search and Particle Swarm Optimizations for Solar PV Systems Subjected to Partially Shaded Conditions

Aiman Nouh — 2024-03-30

Solar energy has a significant role in meeting rising energy demand while reducing environmental impact. Solar radiation and temperature are important factors on which PV energy production depends, but its optimal operation point is influenced by variations in the aforementioned environmental factors. The nonlinear behavior of the solar system and the variable nature of environmental conditions make determining the optimal operation point difficult. To overcome these difficulties, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) finding techniques are used to extract the optimal power from the photovoltaic energy system. The behavior of MPPT varies for different weather conditions, such as partial shading conditions (PSC), and uniform irradiance conditions. Conventional techniques are simple, quick, and efficient for tracing the MPP quickly, but they are limited to uniform weather conditions. In addition, these techniques don't achieve the Global Maxima (GM) and mostly stay stuck at the Local Maxima (LM). The Meta-Heuristic techniques aid in finding the GM, but their primary disadvantage is that they take a longer time to trace the Global Maxima. This study addresses the problem by combining Cuckoo Search (CS) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithms, leading to a hybrid (CSPSO) technique to extract the global maximum (GM). To verify the effectiveness of the suggested technique, its performance is examined under three different irradiance patterns for different PV array configurations (such as 3S and 4S3P) through MATLAB simulation. The outcomes of CSPSO are compared with the prior well-known Meta-Heuristic techniques such as Cuckoo Search (CS), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and Crow Search Algorithm (CSA). The results show the suggested technique excels over other techniques in terms of accuracy, tracking efficiency, and tracking speed. The suggested technique is capable of tracking GMPP with an average efficiency of 99.925% and an average tracking time of 0.13 s in all shading patterns studied.