Search Results (11)

According to the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR), 20% of worldwide electricity consumption is for refrigeration, with domestic refrigeration appliances comprising a fifth of this demand. As the uptake of renewable energy sources for on-grid and isolated electricity supply increases, the need for mechanisms to match demand and supply better and increase power system flexibility has led to enhanced attention on demand-side management (DSM) practices to boost technology, infrastructure, and market efficiencies. Refrigeration requirements will continue to rise with development and climate change. In this work, particle swarm optimization (PSO) is used to evaluate energy saving and load factor improvement possibilities for refrigeration devices at a site in Kenya, using a combination of DSM load shifting and strategic conservation, and based on appliance temperature evolution measurements. Refrigeration energy savings of up to 18% are obtained, and the load factor is reduced. Modeling is done for a hybrid system with grid, solar PV, and battery, showing a marginal increase in solar energy supply to the load relative to the no DSM case, while the grid portion of the load supply reduces by almost 25% for DSM relative to No DSM. Full article

As an important part of the emerging energy portfolio, the coordinated development of the photovoltaic (PV) industry and ecological environment is a core factor in realizing the high-quality development of the energy industry. Xinjiang, located in northwestern China, possesses vast open land, abundant solar radiation, and low land-use conflict, making it a strategic hub for large-scale PV power station deployment. However, the region’s fragile ecological background is highly sensitive to land-use changes induced by PV infrastructure expansion. Therefore, scientifically evaluating the ecological impacts of PV construction is essential to support environmentally informed operation and maintenance (O&M) strategies.This study investigates the spatial distribution of PV installations and their macro-scale ecological effects across Xinjiang from 2000 to 2020. Utilizing multi-temporal satellite remote sensing data and geospatial analysis techniques on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform, we constructed a Remote Sensing Ecological Index (RSEI) model to quantify the long-term ecological response to PV development. It was found that PV installations were concentrated in unutilized land (37.10%) and grassland (34.45%), with the smallest proportion being found in forested land (1.68%). Nearly 70% of the PV areas showed an improving trend in the ecological environment index, and there were significantly more ecological quality-improving areas than degraded areas (69% vs. 31%). There were significant regional differences, and the highest ecological environment index was found in 2020 for the Northern Xinjiang Altay PV area (0.30), while the lowest (0.10) was observed in Hetian in southern Xinjiang. The results of this study provide a spatial optimization basis for the integration of PV development and ecological protection in Xinjiang and provide practical guidance to help the government to formulate a comprehensive management strategy of “PV + ecology”, which will help to realize the synergistic development of clean energy development and ecological safety. Full article

As the strategic position of distributed photovoltaic (PV) power generation in multi-level distribution networks continues to rise, its impact on the stable operation of the grid is becoming increasingly significant. This study delves into the influence of two key factors, the integration location and penetration rate of PV systems, on the distribution and flow of energy and the steady-state performance of multi-level distribution networks. Based on this, the study proposes a simplified grid analysis framework for analyzing and optimizing the energy allocation strategy of distribution systems and develops a PV configuration strategy aimed at optimizing the energy planning and design process of engineering projects. Taking a typical PV-participating distribution system as an example, the study provides a detailed description of the typical three-layer distribution network structure and deduces the relationship of the PV, node voltage, and node voltage deviation. The study verifies the accuracy and practical value of the proposed simplified framework through real-time monitoring simulation of node voltages and line losses. Finally, to achieve optimal energy allocation, the study proposes a PV segmentation strategy applied to the system and compares it with the traditional reactive power control strategy, demonstrating the advantage of the strategy in improving the system’s clean energy ratio and reducing network losses. This paper’s research on the impact of PV systems and the proposed simplified theory for distribution networks is universally applicable, and it holds significant reference value for practical engineering design. Full article

Remote agricultural regions in desert areas, such as Ghardaïa in southern Algeria, face significant challenges in energy supply due to their isolated locations and harsh climatic conditions. Harnessing solar energy through photovoltaic (PV) systems offers a sustainable solution to these energy needs. This study aims to identify suitable areas for PV power installations in Ghardaïa, utilizing a geographic information system (GIS) combined with the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (AHP). Various environmental, economic, and technical factors, such as solar radiation, land use, and proximity to infrastructure, are incorporated into the analysis to create a multi-criteria decision-making framework. The integration of fuzzy logic into AHP enables a more flexible evaluation of these factors. The results revealed the presence of ideal locations for installing photovoltaic stations, with 346,673.30 hectares identified as highly suitable, 977,606.84 hectares as very suitable, and 937,385.97 hectares as suitable. These areas are characterized by high levels of solar radiation and suitable infrastructure availability, contributing to reduced implementation costs and facilitating logistical operations. Additionally, the proximity of these locations to agricultural areas enhances the efficiency of electricity delivery to farmers. The study emphasizes the need for well-considered strategic planning to achieve sustainable development in remote rural areas. Full article

Urban surfaces such as rooftops, facades, and infrastructure offer significant potential for solar energy integration, contributing to energy efficiency and sustainability in cities. This article introduces an advanced multi-criteria assessment (MCA) framework designed to evaluate the suitability of various urban surfaces for solar energy deployment. The framework extends beyond traditional economic, environmental, and technological factors to include social, political, legal, health and safety, cultural, and psychological dimensions, providing a comprehensive evaluation of photovoltaic (PV) applications in urban contexts. By synthesizing existing literature and applying this holistic MCA framework, this research offers valuable insights for urban planners, architects, and policymakers, enabling strategic optimization of solar energy integration in urban environments. The findings underscore the importance of sustainable urban development and climate resilience, highlighting key factors influencing solar technology deployment and proposing actionable recommendations to address existing challenges. Full article

Africa has abundant solar resources but only 2% of its current capacity is generated from renewable sources. Photovoltaics (PV) offer sustainable, decentralized electricity access to meet development needs. This review synthesizes the recent literature on PV in Africa, with a focus on Mozambique. The 10 most cited studies highlight the optimization of technical components, such as storage and bifacial modules, and challenges in integrating large-scale PV. Case studies demonstrated Mozambique’s potential for PV applications in water heating, irrigation, and rural electrification. These benefits include reduced emissions and energy access. However, barriers, such as high costs, lack of infrastructure, and training, exist. While solar cookers are insufficient, thermal systems have unrealized potential. Mozambique’s urban and rural electrification rates are 57% and 13%, respectively, despite its energy resources. Targeted policies, financing, and community engagement are essential for promoting adoption. While PV can sustainably expand electricity access, coordinated efforts must address costs, infrastructure, maintenance, and social factors for successful implementation. Mozambique has immense solar potential, but strategic planning and support are critical to unlocking these benefits. This review provides insights into optimizing PV systems and policy frameworks for a clean and inclusive energy production future in Africa, to synthesize the 10 most cited studies on photovoltaic solar energy in Africa, and to deeply reflect upon the current energy needs in Mozambique, the benefits of employing PV and solar thermal systems, and the challenges of implementing such systems within the Mozambican context. Full article

Non-renewable-resource consumption and global greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions are critical issues that pose a significant threat to sustainable development. Solar energy is a promising source to generate renewable energy and an appealing alternative electricity source for households. The primary goal of this research is to detect the rooftops that have no solar photovoltaic (PV) system deployed on them but that receive moderate to high solar-energy radiation using the Geographic Information System (GIS) and deep-learning techniques. Although various studies have been conducted on this subject, not many addressed these two issues simultaneously at a residential level. Identifying the installed solar PV systems in a large area can be expensive and time-consuming work if performed manually. Therefore, the deep-learning algorithm is an emerging alternative method to detect objects using aerial images. We employed the Single-Shot-Detector (SSD) model with the backbone of residual neural network 34 (ResNet34) to detect the solar PV systems and used GIS software to compute solar isolation and calculate the electricity production estimate (EPE) of each rooftop. Our results show that the SSD model detected 6010 solar panels on 4150 properties with an accuracy of 78% and observed that there were 176 Statistical Area 1s (SA1s) that had no rooftops with solar PV systems installed. Moreover, the total electricity production from the suitable area was estimated at over 929.8 Giga Watt-hours (GWhs) annually. Finally, the relation between solar-PV-system density and EPE was also identified using the bivariant correlation technique. Detecting the existing solar PV systems is useful in a broad range of applications including electricity-generation prediction, power-plant-production management, uncovering patterns between regions, etc. Examination of the spatial distribution of solar-energy potential in a region and performing an overlay analysis with socio-economic factors can help policymakers to understand the explanation behind the pattern and strategize the incentives accordingly. Full article

The underlying objective of the paper is to identify and evaluate in the research process vital factors that impact the development of design and construction enterprises of photovoltaic farms on the energy markets, in particular narrowed down to renewable energy sources (RES) markets, including energy coming from photovoltaic sources. The first part of the paper, the epistemological one, introduces a scientific discourse pertaining to conditionings and restrictions related to RES markets in the dimensions of sustainable development. This has been done with the use of literature query, legislative and administrative acts, and reports drawn up for the European Commission. In this reference, we summarized the EU’s essential measures aimed at promoting the idea of sustainability. The second part of the paper, the empirical one, presents a summary of the results obtained within the research pertaining to “opportunities and threats in managing projects of photovoltaic farms in production enterprises of energy appliances”. The research was conducted in a group of 24 design and construction enterprises of photovoltaic farms. The concentration of the research, in the context of the underlying objective of this paper, pertained to the aggregation and evaluation of selected factors that stimulate the development and competitiveness of construction projects and the implementation of photovoltaic farms. We considered the hierarchy of strategic objectives of the investigated enterprises and selected threats to their market position. Two primary criteria were adopted to aggregate and evaluate vital factors that impact the development of design and construction enterprises of PV farms. The first of them is the qualitative one—top scores, weighted averages of respondent evaluations on the five-point Likert scale. The second one is the quantitative criterion—number of indications N ≥ 22 of the respondents (over 90%). A measurable value of the paper is the scientific discourse pertaining to dimensions of competitiveness of the investigated and analyzed enterprises on the RES market, in particular narrowed down to photovoltaic farms. Full article

Universities are cradles of innovation, with many start-ups involved in sustainable energy solutions. The extent in which such solutions reach the market and the kind of risk-related factors young firms encounter, are hardly known and understood. We aim to clarify market introduction and focus on the empirics of firms’ risk-taking behavior related to strategic choices, competences, and interactions with (national) ecosystem conditions. We use a unique dataset of almost 110 university spin-off firms and a small selected sample from this set. A total of 60% of spin-offs are able to reach the market, most of them in the first five years of spin-offs’ lives. Wind energy provides the best chances, as compared to such things as solar photovoltaics (PV) and advanced biomass. In-depth results suggest the high probability of quick market introduction in ‘Innovation Leader’ countries, like Sweden and Denmark, if combined with employing rich collaborative networks. A second set of favorable influences includes a practical mindset and accessing substantial investment capital. In contrast, strong risks tend to be connected to activity in fundamental inventions, highly specialized technology, weakly developed (sub) markets, poorly built networks, and short refunding time of substantial investment. This study provides a unique contribution to understanding the market introduction of sustainable energy solutions and risk-taking in this effort by young high-tech firms, among others, connected to differences between countries. Full article

The strategic transition from fossil energy to renewable energy is an irreversible global trend, but the pace of renewable energy deployment and the path of cost reduction are uncertain. In this paper, a two-factor learning-curve model of wind power and photovoltaics (PV) was established based on the latest empirical data from the United States, and the paths of cost reduction and corresponding social impacts were explored through scenario analysis. The results demonstrate that both of the technologies are undergoing a period of rapid development, with the learning-by-searching ratio (LSR) being greatly improved in comparison with the previous literature. Research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) have contributed to investment cost reduction in the past decade, and the cost difference between high and low RD&D spending scenarios is predicted to be 5.5%, 8.9%, and 11.27% for wind power, utility-scale PV, and residential PV, respectively, in 2030. Although higher RD&D requires more capital, it can effectively promote cost reduction, reduce the total social cost of deploying renewable energy, and reduce the abatement carbon price that is needed to promote deployment. RD&D and the institutional support behind it are of great importance in allowing renewables to penetrate the commercial market and contribute to long-term social welfare. Full article

Photovoltaic (PV) power generation is embedded in a globally competitive environment. This characteristic forces PV power plants to perform most processes relevant for their competitiveness with maximum efficiency. From managers’ point of view, the evaluation of solar energy performance from installed plants is justified to indicate their level of organizational competitiveness, which supports the decision-making process. This manuscript purposes a computational tool that graphically presents the level of competitiveness of PV power plants units based on performance indicators. This tool was developed by using the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) concept, which represents a set of measures focusing on the most critical aspects for the success of the organizations. The KPIs encompass four Fundamental Viewpoints (FV): Strategic Alliances, Solar Energy Monitoring, Management and Strategic Processes, and Power Generation Innovations. These four FVs were deployed on 26 Critical Success Factors (CSFs) and 39 KPIs. Sequentially, the tool was applied in four solar generation plants, where three presented an organizational competitiveness global level “potentially competitive”. The proposed computational tool allows managers to assess the degree of organization competitiveness as well as aid in prospecting of future scenarios and decision-making. Full article