• Energy Research
• 2021-2025close
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Abstract In this article, we have studied an identical section of a core-shell ZnO Nanorod (NR) based lead-free perovskite solar cell. Various factors affecting the solar cell’s performance have been rigorously investigated for device optimization; specifically, the length and diameter of the ZnO NR core, perovskite shell thickness, thickness of perovskite cap layer, and hole transport layer (HTL) thickness. The defect density of states (DOS) in the perovskite absorber layer and the effect of interface defect density on the performance of the cell are also studied. We obtained power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 14.50%, the open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 0.96 V; short-circuit current density (JSC) of 18.11 mA/cm2 and Fill factor (FF) of 83.35%. We also analyzed the effect of tilt or inclination of NR on the performance of the cell which is a crucial factor toward achieving high performance. By optimizing the device parameters, we have achieved a PCE of 21.27%, VOC of 0.97 V, JSC of 29.56 mA/cm2, and FF of 84.15% at an inclination of 10-degree tilt with respect to the incident light under AM 1.5 illumination. The shadowing mechanism behind efficiency droop is also presented to further realize an optimal design high-performance PSC.

Abstract Solar energy is a potential clean source of energy to meet our thermal and electrical energy demands but its penetration is hindered by the factors such as intermittency of solar radiation, lower thermal efficiency, and capital requirement for the solar energy systems. Improving the thermal performance of the solar collectors and effectively collecting the thermal energy from photovoltaic panels can pave the way to promote clean energy utilization. Heat pipe, being a passive energy system with a high heat transfer rate ability, can aid in ameliorating the performance of solar collectors as well as photovoltaic panels. This review study is proposed to discuss the theoretical and experimental aspects of the design and integration of heat pipes with various solar applications including solar thermal, freshwater production, and photovoltaic-thermal systems. In addition, numerical models relevant to heat pipe and solar energy systems are highlighted. An elaborate analysis of various influencing factors on the thermal performance of heat pipe integrated solar energy systems is also presented. The critical observations from experimental aspects are elucidated, and the future scope of heat pipe systems are also substantiated. This review encourages the selection of a particular heat pipe and the heat transfer enhancement method to attain higher energy conversion rate and the productivity corresponding to various solar energy systems.

Abstract The depletion of fossil fuel and their impact on the environment due to continual usage for our ever-increasing power needs has forced us to look pro-actively towards other renewable forms of clean energy like wind, solar, ocean energy, etc. Amongst all renewable sources of energy, solar energy is abundantly available throughout the world and can meet the energy needs of our planet if appropriately harnessed. Solar thermal collectors are used to collect solar thermal energy, and then it is transferred to the fluid. The fluid may be air, water, oil, etc. depending on the application. Many researchers are working towards performance enhancement of solar thermal collectors. This article concentrates on solar air collectors and different types of modifications made in the recent past to improve its efficiency. This study is an attempt to summarize and present solar air heaters and various modifications for performance enhancement. The effect of modifications on the Nusselt number, friction factor, and thermohydraulic performance of the solar thermal collector is reported. The present article also discusses the effect of impingement of air on the device thermal efficiency and the geometric modifications. This paper will enable researchers working in this field to get a summary of important work done related to solar thermal collectors.