• Energy Research

In this paper, a modified bald eagle search optimization algorithm was applied for the first time to determine the parameters of the triple diode model (TDM) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Two experimental datasets are considered; the first is measured I–V points for a PSC at standard conditions. The second consists of the measured I–V points for a modified PSC. In contrast, the cost function to be minimized is the root mean square error (RMSE) between the experimental dataset and the calculated one. To prove the superiority of modified bald eagle search optimization (mBES), a comparison with the original bald eagle search optimization (BES), particle swarm optimizer (PSO), Hunger games search (HGS), and recent Coronavirus Disease Optimization Algorithm (COVIDOA) was implemented. Furthermore, statistical analysis of ANOVA and Tukey tests was performed. The results demonstrate the lead of the recommended mBES in identifying the parameters of the TDM for PSCs, where the RMSE achieved the least value among the used optimization algorithms in this study.

De nos jours, les caloducs sont considérés comme des technologies de transfert de chaleur passif populaires en raison de leurs performances thermiques élevées. Le caloduc est un appareil de transfert de chaleur supérieur dans lequel la chaleur latente de vaporisation est utilisée pour transférer de la chaleur sur une longue distance sous une différence de température de fonctionnement limitée. La simulation numérique des dispositifs de transfert de chaleur est une étape principale avant la mise en œuvre dans des applications réelles, car de nombreux paramètres peuvent être testés dans des comportements rentables et rapides. La présente étude fournit un examen des simulations numériques de divers caloducs dans différentes applications telles que le refroidissement des composants électroniques, le chauffage, la ventilation et la climatisation (CVC), les réacteurs nucléaires, les systèmes d'énergie solaire, les véhicules électriques, les systèmes de récupération de chaleur résiduelle, cryogénique, etc. Tout d'abord, ce travail introduit un arrière-plan sur les principaux composants des caloducs tels qu'un tube sous vide, une mèche et un fluide de travail. Les caractéristiques d'écoulement de fluide et de performance thermique des pointes de chaleur sont discutées, en tenant compte des paramètres optimaux. Enfin, les défis critiques et les recommandations pour les travaux futurs rencontrant la large application des caloducs sont étudiés en profondeur. Hoy en día, las tuberías de calor se consideran tecnologías populares de transferencia de calor pasiva debido a su alto rendimiento térmico. El tubo de calor es un aparato de transferencia de calor superior en el que se emplea calor latente de vaporización para transferir calor durante una distancia extendida bajo una diferencia de temperatura de funcionamiento limitada. La simulación numérica de dispositivos de transferencia de calor es un paso principal antes de implementarlos en aplicaciones de la vida real, ya que muchos parámetros se pueden probar en comportamientos rentables y eficaces en el tiempo. El presente estudio proporciona una revisión de las simulaciones numéricas de diversos tubos de calor en diferentes aplicaciones como refrigeración de componentes electrónicos, calefacción, ventilación y aire acondicionado (HVAC), reactores nucleares, sistemas de energía solar, vehículos eléctricos, sistemas de recuperación de calor residual, criogénicos, etc. En primer lugar, este trabajo introduce un trasfondo sobre los componentes principales de las tuberías de calor, como un tubo de vacío, una mecha y un fluido de trabajo. Se discuten las características de flujo de fluido y rendimiento térmico de los pips de calor, considerando los parámetros óptimos. Finalmente, se estudian a fondo los desafíos críticos y las recomendaciones para el trabajo futuro que se encuentra con la amplia aplicación de las tuberías de calor. Nowadays heat pipes are considered to be popular passive heat transfer technologies due to their high thermal performance. The heat pipe is a superior heat transfer apparatus in which latent heat of vaporization is employed to transfer heat for an extended distance under a limited operating temperature difference. Numerical simulation of heat transfer devices is a principal step before implementing in real-life applications as many parameters can be tested in cost-and time-effective behaviors. The present study provides a review of the numerical simulations of various heat pipes in different applications such as cooling of electronic components, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), nuclear reactors, solar energy systems, electric vehicles, waste heat recovery systems, cryogenic, etc. Firstly, this work introduces a background about the main components of heat pipes such as an evacuated tube, wick, and working fluid. The fluid flow and thermal performance characteristics of heat pips are discussed, considering the optimum parameters. Finally, the critical challenges and recommendations for future work encountering the broad application of heat pipes are thoroughly studied. تعتبر أنابيب الحرارة في الوقت الحاضر تقنيات نقل الحرارة السلبية الشائعة بسبب أدائها الحراري العالي. أنبوب الحرارة هو جهاز نقل حرارة فائق يتم فيه استخدام الحرارة الكامنة للتبخير لنقل الحرارة لمسافة طويلة في ظل اختلاف محدود في درجة حرارة التشغيل. تعد المحاكاة العددية لأجهزة نقل الحرارة خطوة رئيسية قبل التنفيذ في تطبيقات الحياة الواقعية حيث يمكن اختبار العديد من المعلمات في السلوكيات الفعالة من حيث التكلفة والوقت. تقدم هذه الدراسة مراجعة للمحاكاة العددية لأنابيب الحرارة المختلفة في تطبيقات مختلفة مثل تبريد المكونات الإلكترونية والتدفئة والتهوية وتكييف الهواء (HVAC) والمفاعلات النووية وأنظمة الطاقة الشمسية والمركبات الكهربائية وأنظمة استرداد الحرارة المهدرة والتبريد وما إلى ذلك. أولاً، يقدم هذا العمل خلفية حول المكونات الرئيسية لأنابيب الحرارة مثل الأنبوب المفرغ والفتيل وسائل التشغيل. تتم مناقشة خصائص تدفق السوائل والأداء الحراري لنقاط الحرارة، مع الأخذ في الاعتبار المعلمات المثلى. أخيرًا، تمت دراسة التحديات والتوصيات الحاسمة للعمل المستقبلي الذي يواجه التطبيق الواسع لأنابيب الحرارة دراسة وافية.

Enhancing the energy efficiency of structures has been a staple of energy policies. The key goal is to slash electricity usage in order to minimize the footprint of houses. This goal is sought by putting restrictions on the design specifications with respect to the properties of the raw materials and components as well as the exploitation of sustainable sources of energy. These facts for the basis for zero-energy building (ZEB) being established. This novel technology has faced several obstacles impeding its commercialization and future advancement. This investigation therefore holistically explored and evaluated the state of zero energy building and factors impeding their commercialization. The review further proposed some suggestion in terms of technology that can be considered by the sector to augment existing technologies. Similarly, the investigation touched on the effect of occupant's character in zero energy structures. Policies in terms of government subsidies and tax rebates were recommended to encourage more investors into the sector. Finally, the perception of zero energy building being more expensive compared to the traditional structures can equally be curbed via efficient and effective public sensitization.

A key medium for energy generation globally is the solar energy. The present work evaluates the challenges of building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPVT) required for various applications from techno-economic and environmental points of view. Many challenges are found for applying solar photovoltaics (PVs) modules combined with building systems: supplying hot and cold water and ventilation for the residential and non-residential building. Moreover, efforts and advances achieved in enhancing the BIPVT thermal and electrical performance are explored. Additionally, the review provides further insight into recognizing the fundamental science of the BIPVT systems, explaining its rapid developments and the thermal performance mechanisms. The BIPVT systems designed for rooftops, windows, and facades are specifically highlighted in the present review. Furthermore, the status of PV modules and BIPVT system, benefits, applications, barriers and challenges, and future prospects are discussed. The BIPVT systems require governmental support and a more economically convenient and efficient tariff to maintain the economic feasibility of the system. The key factors impeding the commercialization of BIPVT systems are the implementation of the feed-in tariff, customers’ perception, national economic support, technical aspects such as the performance, system management, and architectural and material considerations. Finally, this review indicates that further works concerned the BIPVT systems to enhance the technology and advancements are still required.

Microbial fuel cells convert the chemical energy conserved in organic matter in wastewater directly to electrical energy through living microorganisms. These devices are environmentally friendly thanks to their ability to simultaneously produce electrical energy and wastewater treatment. The output power of the yeast microbial fuel cell (YMFC) depends mainly on glucose concentration and glucose/yeast ratio. Thus, the paper aims to boost the power of YMFC by identifying the best values of glucose concentration and glucose/yeast ratio. The suggested approach comprises fuzzy modelling and optimization. Fuzzy is used to build the model based on the measured data. In the optimization stage, the marine predators’ algorithm (MPA) is applied to identify the best glucose concentration values and glucose/yeast ratio corresponding to the maximum output power of YMFC. The results revealed the superiority of the combination of fuzzy and MPA compared with the response surface methodology (RSM) approach. Regarding the modelling accuracy, the coefficient of determination increased by 13.32% and 8.37%, respectively, for without methylene blue and with methylene blue compared with RSM. The integration between fuzzy and MPA succeeded in maximizing the output power from YMFC. Without MB, the power density increased by 25% and 29.3%, respectively, compared with measured data and RSM. In addition, with MB, the power density increased by 22.4% and 26%, compared with measured data and RSM.

Solar electric power generation utilizing photovoltaic (PV) modules is associated with low electrical efficiency that substantially decreases as its surface temperature exceeds an appropriate limit, particularly in hot climate regions. Consequently, it is required to keep PV modules relatively under a condition of low temperature using a cooling system as possible. The present experimental study evaluates the performance of the combined photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) module employing a water cooling system attached to the back surface during June for the city of Sohag in Egypt. The experimental results show that utilizing a water cooling system decreases the average surface temperature of the PV module from 44.8 °C to 30.3 °C on the back side and from 46.6 °C to 36.9 °C on the front side. The maximum value of the thermal heat gain of the PV/T module that is maintained at noon equals 230 W, and the corresponding value of the electrical power output is 34.4 W. Furthermore, the electrical efficiency of the PV/T module is 8% higher than that of the PV module without a water cooling system. Finally, the maximum and average values of the overall efficiency of PV/T module are 76.4% and 68.9%, respectively.

Abstract Utilizing photovoltaic (PV) panels for generating electrical power is accompanied with a low electrical efficiency that is further reduced as its surface temperature surpasses an acceptable limit. In order to overcome this critical issue, it is necessary to maintain the PV panels relatively at low surface temperatures as possible as using appropriate cooling systems. The current implementation assesses experimentally the performance of a combined PV thermal (PV/T) system using a forced-air cooling system during April, May, June, and July of summer weather of Egypt. The results reveal that the highest values of the solar intensity and the ambient air temperature are obtained in July. Employing the forced-air cooling system reduces the average temperature on the front and back sides of the PV panel during July by 12% and 12.8%, respectively. In addition, the forced-air cooling system enhances noticeably the electrical power output of the PV panel by 3.3%, 4.3%, 4.5%, and 6.1% during April, May, June, and July, respectively. Moreover, the maximum value of the average thermal efficiency achieved during July is 37%; whereas, the corresponding value of the average overall efficiency fulfilled during April is 48.7%.

By 2035, Egypt pursues to generate 22% of the total electricity from photovoltaic power plants to meet the national spreading demand for electricity. The Egyptian government has implemented feed-in tariffs (FiT) support program to provide the economic incentives to invest in the PV power plants. The present study is carried out to evaluate the techno-economic feasibility of a large-scale grid-connected photovoltaic (LS GCPV) of the Benban Solar Park with a total capacity of 1600 MW AC producing annual electricity of 3.8 TWh. The characteristics of PV panels considering the meteorological data of Benban Solar Park are evaluated. Additionally, the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to constructing Benban Solar Park is assessed. As well, the influences of annual operation and maintenance cost and the interest rate on the electricity cost and the payback period are evaluated. The results indicate that the electricity cost is about 8.1 US¢/kWh with 10.1 years payback period, which is indeed economically feasible with an interest rate of 12%. Furthermore, the Benban Solar Park will avoid annually almost 1.2 million tons of greenhouse gas. Finally, based on the techno-economic analysis, the improvement directions for the feasibility analysis based on agrivoltaic systems are proposed.