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¨ The first available thermo-economic analyses of Concentrating Solar Power and Desalination (CSP+D) Plants, using real figures from operating plants ¨ Includes all the equations used in the modeling of each component, creating an invaluable template for implementing similar models ¨ Demonstrates modeling and validation of a Multi-effect Distillation (MED) Plant with increased energy recovery and enhanced thermal efficiency ¨ Extended parametric analysis helps readers decide when integrating a Thermal Desalination Plant will yield better results than connecting a Reverse Osmosis Plant. This ground-breaking book demonstrates how two key concerns in many communities across the globe- power and water- can be simultaneously addressed through the coupling of Concentrating Solar Power and Desalination (CSP+D) plants. The book provides a detailed evaluation of the integration of Multi-effect Distillation Plants into CSP plants based on Parabolic Trough Solar Collectors (PT-CSP+MED), as compared to independent water and power production through Reverse Osmosis unit connection to a CSP plant (CSP+RO). Through this compare and contrast method of analysis, the author establish guidelines to assist in identifying cases wherein PT-CSP+MED systems provide superior economic and thermodynamic benefits. The text describes the efficiencies and challenges of PT-CSP power generation in four different desalination plant scenarios, including detailed comparative thermodynamic efficiency analyses of several currently operating CSP+D systems. These findings are then placed in practical context through a complete thermo-economic analysis of two diverse potential sites, ascertaining the most viable CSP+D system in each region, as informed by actual operating conditions, meteorological data and real cost figures for each location.

Concentrating solar power (CSP) technology is poised to take its place as one of the major contributors to the future clean energy mix. Using straightforward manufacturing processes, CSP technology capitalises on conventional power generation cycles, whilst cost effectively matching supply and demand though the integration of thermal energy storage. Concentrating solar power technology provides a comprehensive review of this exciting technology, from the fundamental science to systems design, development and applications.Part one introduces fundamental principles of concentrating solar power systems. Site selection and feasibility analysis are discussed, alongside socio-economic and environmental assessments. Part two focuses on technologies including linear Fresnel reflector technology, parabolic-trough, central tower and parabolic dish concentrating solar power systems, and concentrating photovoltaic systems. Thermal energy storage, hybridization with fossil fuel power plants and the long-term market potential of CSP technology are explored. Part three goes on to discuss optimisation, improvements and applications. Topics discussed include absorber materials for solar thermal receivers, design optimisation through integrated techno-economic modelling, heliostat size optimisation, heat flux and temperature measurement technologies, concentrating solar heating and cooling for industrial processes, and solar fuels and industrial solar chemistry.With its distinguished editors and international team of expert contributors, Concentrating solar power technology is an essential guide for all those involved or interested in the design, production, development, optimisation and application of CSP technology, including renewable energy engineers and consultants, environmental governmental departments, solar thermal equipment manufacturers, researchers and academics. Provides a comprehensive review of concentrating solar power (CSP) technology, from the fundamental science to systems design, development and applicationsReviews fundamental principles of concentrating solar power systems, including site selection and feasibility analysis and socio-economic and environmental assessmentsProvides an overview of technologies such as linear Fresnel reflector technology, parabolic-trough, central tower and parabolic dish concentrating solar power systems, and concentrating photovoltaic systems

Luminescent solar concentrators (LSC) absorb large-area solar radiation and guide down-converted emission to solar cells for electricity production. Quantum dots (QDs) have been widely engineered at device and quantum dot levels for LSCs. Here, we demonstrate cascaded energy transfer and exciton recycling at nanoassembly level for LSCs. The graded structure composed of different sized toxic-heavy-metal-free InP/ZnS core/shell QDs incorporated on copper doped InP QDs, facilitating exciton routing toward narrow band gap QDs at a high nonradiative energy transfer efficiency of 66%. At the final stage of non-radiative energy transfer, the photogenerated holes make ultrafast electronic transitions to copper-induced mid-gap states for radiative recombination in the near-infrared. The exciton recycling facilitates a photoluminescence quantum yield increase of 34% and 61% in comparison with semi-graded and ungraded energy profiles, respectively. Thanks to the suppressed reabsorption and enhanced photoluminescence quantum yield, the graded LSC achieved an optical quantum efficiency of 22.2%. Hence, engineering at nanoassembly level combined with nonradiative energy transfer and exciton funneling offer promise for efficient solar energy harvesting.

Concentrator Photovoltaics (CPV) is one of the most promising technologies to produce solar electricity at competitive prices. High performing CPV systems with efficiencies well over 30% and multi-megawatt CPV plants are now a reality. As a result of these achievements, the global CPV market is expected to grow dramatically over the next few years reaching cumulative installed capacity of 12.5 GW by 2020. In this context, both new and consolidated players are moving fast to gain a strategic advantage in this emerging market. Written with clear, brief and self-contained technical explanations, this book provides a complete overview of CPV covering: the fundamentals of solar radiation, solar cells, concentrator optics, modules and trackers; all aspects of characterization and reliability; case studies based on the description of actual systems and plants in the field; environmental impact, market potential and cost analysis.

This paper introduces a novel approach to the design of multi-element planar solar concentrators, aimed at optimizing solar energy harvesting systems. The proposed methodology is based on the integration of identical unit cells, strategically arranged to enhance solar radiation capture efficiency and achieve high angular selectivity. Mathematical modeling of the operational principles of the unit cells forms the foundation for determining production parameters and streamlining the concentrator assembly process. Particular emphasis is placed on analyzing key performance metrics, such as solar radiation concentration and optical efficiency, thereby advancing the understanding of the relationship between design parameters and energy output. The study employs MATLAB R2022b and ZemaxOpticStudio 13 software to model the solar concentrator, identifying the optimal cell configuration to achieve a geometric concentration ratio of 3.45, with angular selectivity ranging from 23° to 90°. This research contributes significantly to the field of solar concentrator technology, offering a pathway for more efficient utilization of renewable energy sources and improved adaptability to diverse operating conditions.

We have proposed a fruitful design principle targeting a concentration ratio (CR) >1000× for a typical high concentrating photovoltaics (HCPV) system, on account of a two-concentrator system + homogenizer. The principle of a primary dual-lens concentrator unit, completely analogous basic optics seen in the superposition compound eyes, is a trend not hitherto reported for solar concentrators to our knowledge. Such a concentrator unit, consisting of two aspherical lenses, can be applied to minify the sunlight and reveal useful effects. We underline that, at this stage, the CR can be attained by two orders of magnitude simply by varying the radius ratio of such two lenses known from the optics side. The output beam is spatially minimized and nearly parallel, exactly as occurs in the superposition compound eye. In our scheme, thanks to such an array of dual-lens design, a sequence of equidistant focal points is formed. The secondary concentrator consists of a multi-reflective channel, which can collect all concentrated beams from the primary concentrator to a small area where a solar cell is placed. The secondary concentrator is located right underneath the primary concentrator. The optical characteristics are substantiated by optical simulations that confirm the applicability of thousands-fold gain in CR value, ~1100×. This, however, also reduced the uniformity of the illumination area. To regain the uniformity, we devise a fully new homogenizer, hinging on the scattering principle. A calculated optical efficiency for the entire system is ~75%. Experimentally, a prototype of such a dual-lens concentrator is implemented to evaluate the converging features. As a final note, we mention that the approach may be extended to implement an even higher CR, be it simply by taking an extra concentrator unit. With simple design of the concentrator part, which may allow the fabrication process by modeling method and large acceptant angle (0.6°), we assess its large potential as part of a general strategy to implement a highly efficient CPV system, with minimal critical elaboration steps and large flexibility.

Photovoltaic concentrating systems have recently become one of the topics of interest to researchers around the world due to the high cost of semiconductors used in the manufacture of solar cells, as well as the wide area of traditional photovoltaic panels. The target can be met by compensating for the vast areas of solar cells with smaller cell areas made of reflective or refractive materials that concentrate higher intensity solar radiation to reach a higher outward power. In this research a parabolic dish solar photovoltaic concentrator is studied theoretically. The concentration ratio at the reflecting concentrator has been studied as a function of reflectance and shading losses under five different rim angles ( 45°, 55°, 65°,75° and 85°) using equations simulated in the MATLAB software. Following that, the total absorbed solar radiation and output power provided by CPV with multi-junction solar cells. the results indicated that the concentration ratio increase linearly with reflectance, while it increases as the rim angle decrease. The best value of concentration ratio is about 172 for rim angle 45° and reflectance 95%.

This paper presents studies of the optical-energy characteristics of a parabolic solar collector for production of thermal energy for heating a building. The results of calculations, three-dimensional and topological distribution of energy in the focal zone of a solar concentrator with a diameter of 6.36 m installed at the Institute of Materials Science, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan are presented. A mathematical model of the thermal regime of a solar concentrator is proposed, calculations are carried out to determine the operating temperature and the efficiency of the receiver. For efficient conversion of concentrated solar radiation, a receiver was developed from a solid copper pipe with a diameter of 12 mm in the form of a single cylindrical spiral. The outlet diameter of such a receiver was D = 200 mm. To reduce the loss from the outside, the receiver is covered with asbestos material and cement with a thickness of 20 mm. The degree of geometric concentration of the solar concentrator is 2126; the power is 18.03 kW at 800 W/m 2 of solar radiation. Calculations show that the average daily thermal efficiency of the concentrator across the seasons of the year remains high (over 25%), and the system can also be operated for heating buildings.

In recent years, China has become not just a large producer but a major market for solar photovoltaics (PV), increasing interest in solar electricity prices in China. The cost of solar PV electricity generation is affected by many local factors, making it a challenge to understand whether China has reached the threshold at which a grid-connected solar PV system supplies electricity to the end user at the same price as grid-supplied power or the price of desulfurized coal electricity, or even lower. Here, we analyse the net costs and net profits associated with building and operating a distributed solar PV project over its lifetime, taking into consideration total project investments, electricity outputs and trading prices in 344 prefecture-level Chinese cities. We reveal that all of these cities can achieve—without subsidies—solar PV electricity prices lower than grid-supplied prices, and around 22% of the cities’ solar generation electricity prices can compete with desulfurized coal benchmark electricity prices. Although solar photovoltaic use grows rapidly in China, comparison with grid prices is difficult as photovoltaic electricity prices depend on local factors. Using prefecture-level data, Yan et al. find that 100% of user-side systems can achieve grid parity, while 22% can produce electricity cheaper than coal-based power plants.

Concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) technology is a promising approach for collecting solar energy and converting it into electricity through photovoltaic cells, with high conversion efficiency. Compared to conventional flat panel photovoltaic systems, CPV systems use concentrators solar energy from a larger area into a smaller one, resulting in a higher density of solar radiation and increased electrical output. However, the use of concentrators can lead to nonuniform radiation and high temperatures that may damage the solar cells. Therefore, implementing a suitable thermal management solution is crucial to ensure optimal performance of CPV systems. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of recent research and technical challenges in solar concentrators, trackers, and cooling systems for mitigating temperature effects and enhancing the efficiency of CPV cells. It will explore the causes and potential solutions for temperature effects in CPV systems, particularly focusing on the components involved.