No description available.

Flux ropes are magnetic structures commonly found in the solar corona. They are thought to play an important role in solar flares and coronal mass ejections. Understanding their formation and eruption is of paramount importance for our understanding of space weather. In this thesis the magnetofrictional method is applied to simulate the formation of flux ropes and track their evolution up to eruption both in solar and stellar coronae. Initially, the coronal magnetic field of a solar active region is simulated using observed magnetograms to drive the coronal evolution. From the sequence of magnetograms the formation of a flux rope is simulated, and compared with coronal observations. Secondly a procedure to produce proxy SOLIS synoptic magnetograms from SDO/HMI and SOHO/MDI magnetograms is presented. This procedure allows SOLIS-like synoptic magnetograms to be produced during times when SOLIS magnetograms are not available. Thirdly, a series of scaling laws for the formation and life-times of flux ropes in stellar coronae are determined as a function of stellar differential rotation and surface diffusion. These scaling laws can be used to infer the response of stellar coronae to the transport of magnetic fields at their surface. Finally, global long-term simulations of stellar corona are carried out to determine the coronal response to flux emergence and differential rotation. A bipole emergence model is developed and is used in conjunction with a surface flux transport model in order to drive the global coronal evolution. These global simulations allow the flux, energy and flux rope distributions to be studied as a function of a star's differential rotation and flux emergence rate.

No description available.

Thesis advisor: Udayan Mohanty / Solar fuel synthesis via photoelectrochemistry represents a promising strategy to achieve solar energy conversion and storage. The improvement of photoelectrochemical water splitting performance lies in choosing suitable photoelectrode materials, followed by strategic optimization of their properties. Among those properties, the interface between the semiconductors and electrolyte is of paramount importance, yet it is still not well understood. In my dissertation, I will mainly focus on understanding and controlling those interfaces, with two study platforms. The first study platform is tantalum nitride (Ta3N5), which is an attractive photoanode material with good optoelectronic properties. However, it suffers from low photovoltage despite of the high theoretical expectation and rapid performance decay when it is used for water oxidation. With the help of various characterization methods, it was found that water or hydroxyl group adsorption on the surface as well as the self-limited surface oxidation during water oxidation led to the positive shift of band edge positions and Fermi level, accompanied with increase of charge transfer resistance on the surface. In consequence, decrease of photovoltage and photocurrent was observed. Two different strategies were developed. The first was to fully isolate Ta3N5 from water with the deposition of uniform protection layer through atomic layer deposition. The second strategy utilized the reaction between Ta¬3N5 and co-catalyst instead of water, which led to the formation of a photo-induced interface that favored the desired chemistry instead of side reactions. The second study platform is a Si buried junction protected by GaN. By tuning the loading amount of Pt nanoparticles on GaN surface, both the photocurrent density and photovoltage of the photocathode was improved. With detailed spectroscopic study, it was implied that both charge transfer kinetics and interfacial energetics could be influenced by the loading of Pt on the surface. / Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2019. / Submitted to: Boston College. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Chemistry.

A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Science, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg May 23, 2016 / Amongst the major technological challenges of the twenty rst century is the harvesting of renewable energy sources. We studied the solar cell performance of the ternary compounds AgAlX2 (X = S, Se and Te) and AgInS2 as promising materials for meeting this challenge. Structural, electronic and optical properties of the compounds were investigated by means of the density functional theory and many body perturbation theory. Using cohesive energy and enthalpy, we found that among six potential phases of AgAlX2 and AgInS2, the chalcopyrite and the orthorhombic structures were very competitive as zero pressure phases. We predicted a low pressure-induced phase transition from the chalcopyrite phase to a rhombohedral phase. For the chalcopyrite phase, we found that the tetragonal distortion and anion displacement were the cause of the crystal eld splitting. The bandgaps from the general gradient approximation PBEsol were underestimated when compared to experiment and accurate bandgaps were obtained from the hybrid functioanl HSE06, the meta-general gradient approximation MBJ and GW approximation. Optical absorption from the Bethe-Selpeter equation indicated the presence of bound exciton in AgAlX2. We estimated the solar cell performance of the compounds using the Shockley and Queisser model and the spectroscopy limited maximum e ciency approach. We found that apart from AgAlS2, the estimated theoretical e ciency of the other compounds was greater that 13 %.

Este trabalho propõe caracterizar a complementaridade espacial-temporal entre energia eólica e solar fotovoltaica entre regiões do Brasil e estudar, no âmbito da comercialização de energia elétrica no Setor Elétrico Brasileiro - SEB, se um portfólio formado por estas fontes trazem vantagens econômicas relevantes para o investidor. Para atender a estes objetivos, foram estudados métodos para tratamento dos dados como a correção da irradiância solar, cálculo da energia gerada pelas fontes estudadas, o ambiente de contratação de energia elétrica no Brasil, métodos de otimização e modelos de análise de risco para contratação de energia no mercado livre de energia. A metodologia proposta para responder as questões colocadas foi aplicada em um estudo de caso envolvendo três regiões brasileiras em um horizonte de dez anos. Concluiu-se que existe a complementaridade energética entre as fontes nas diferentes regiões estudadas e em diferentes períodos de tempo. Confirmou-se que tecnicamente pode-se reduzir a oscilação na geração de energia analisando as fontes de forma complementar, porém, o custo de instalação da fonte fotovoltaica ainda é muito alto, inviabilizando até o momento investimentos em larga escala e de forma complementar a fonte eólica. Também verificou-se, dentro dos locais avaliados, que somente um dos três locais apresentou benefício econômico-financeiro com a formação de portfólio das fontes eólica e solar atuando no mercado de venda de energia e atendendo os critérios de risco limite estabelecidos quando avaliadas segundo a ótica da maximização da receita no mercado livre. / This thesis proposes to characterize the spatial-temporal complementarity between wind and solar photovoltaic energy between regions of Brazil and study, in the marketing of electricity in the Brazilian Electrical Sector - SEB, a portfolio formed by these sources bring significant economic benefits to the investor. To meet these goals, methods for data processing were studied as correction of solar irradiance calculation of the energy generated by the sources studied, the environment of contracting electricity in Brazil, optimization methods and models for risk analysis for contracting energy in the free energy market. The proposed methodology to answer the questions was applied in a case study involving three Brazilian regions with a horizon of ten years time series. It was concluded that there is complementarity between energy sources in the different regions studied and in different time periods. It was confirmed that technically can reduce the fluctuation in power generation by analyzing the complement of sources, however, the installation cost of photovoltaic power is still too high, preventing yet large-scale investments and complementary way the source wind. Also it was found within the sites evaluated, only one of the three sites presented economic and financial benefit by the portfolio of wind and solar sources acting in the sale of energy market and considering the risk criteria limit established when evaluated according to perspective of maximizing revenue in the free energy market.

University of Macau / Faculty of Science and Technology. / Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

O objetivo desse estudo é analisar e sistematizar os elementos necessários à modelagem da energia primária solar para geração fotovoltaica em escala. Metodologicamente, investigam-se os assuntos inerentes à solarimetria e a caracterização da radiação solar, desde a formação das equações que definem a incidência da radiação no topo da atmosfera, o desenvolvimento tecnológico de radiômetros, até as normas e critérios de classificação desses equipamentos. Também são elementos metodológicos a caracterização do irradiância solar, incluindo algoritmos de tratamento de dados de irradiância, os processos de estimativa de irradiação para a agricultura e análises probabilísticas de índices de transmitância atmosférica. Busca-se a aplicação das etapas de caracterização e a análise do recurso, definidas neste estudo, por meio da utilização dos dados fornecidos por duas estações solarimétricas: ESUPP e ESPEL. Como resultados são definidos a média diária parcial anual de disponibilidade do recurso para uma região no interior do estado de São Paulo (localização da ESUPP) em 5,29 kWh/m² e a média diária anual de disponibilidade do recurso para a região metropolitana da cidade de São Paulo (localização da ESPEL) em 4,41 kWh/m², além disso verifica-se que a relação entre as componentes global horizontal, difusa horizontal e direta vertical varia para os dados das duas estações solarimétricas, de modo que, parte significativa dos dados da ESPEL apresenta medições de irradiância global horizontal (IGH) entre 12% e 13% superiores à respectiva componente difusa horizontal (IDH) somada a parcela vertical da respectiva componente direta normal (IDNcos?z), enquanto que, essa mesma relação para os dados da ESUPP atendem à relação IGH=IDH+IDNcos?z dentro do intervalo aceitável de mais ou menos 10%. Verifica-se também caráter trimodal das curvas de densidade de probabilidade do índice de transmitância da irradiância global para os dados da ESPEL, enquanto os dados da ESUPP refletem em curva de caráter bimodal. Assim é possível constatar a necessidade de definição de um modelo universal de previsibilidade do recurso e verifica-se que os insumos mais relevantes para o modelo podem variar de região para região dada a caracterização geográfica e de microclima. Conclui-se, portanto, a indiscutível necessidade de dados radiométricos confiáveis medidos em solo para avanços científicos, tecnológicos e comerciais do aproveitamento do recurso solar como fonte energética diante do atual contexto da busca por fontes alternativas de energia limpa e evidencia-se o grande caminho a ser percorrido para a consolidação de uma rede confiável, monitorada e amplificada de medições solarimétricas no Brasil e no mundo. / The purpose of this study is to analyze and to systematize the elements required for modeling primary solar energy for photovoltaic generation in large scale. Solarimetric subjects and subjects related to solar irradiance flux characterization, from the formation of the equations that define the incidence of radiation at the top of the atmosphere, the technologic development of radiometers and the rules and criteria for the classification of these measurement instruments, are methodologically investigated. The characterization of the irradiance flux, including irradiance data treatment algorithms, the irradiance estimate processes for agriculture, and the probability analyses of atmosphere transmittance indexes are also methodological elements. The steps of characterization and resource analysis defined in this study are applied, using data provided for two solarimetric stations: ESUPP and ESPEL. Results showed that the partial annual daily average for resource availability in the countryside of São Paulo State (ESUPP location), is 5.9 kWh/m², and the annual daily average for resource availability in the metropolitan area of São Paulo City (ESPEL location) is 4.41 kWh/m². Moreover, it was observed that the relation between the global horizontal, diffuse horizontal and direct vertical components varies between both solarimetric stations, such that a significant part of the ESPEL data shows global horizontal irradiance (GHI) between 12% and 13% above the respective diffuse horizontal irradiance (DHI) plus the vertical portion of the respective direct normal component (DNIcos?z), while the same relation for the ESUPP data attend the GHI=DHI+DNIcos?z relation within the acceptable range of 10%, give or take. ESPEL data presented trimodal characteristics for the probability density curves of the transmittance index for global irradiation, while ESUPP data reflect on the same curve, with bimodal characteristics. Therefore, it is possible to verify the need of the determination of a universal predictability model of the resource and it is possible to affirm that the more relevant inputs to the model can vary from region to region, depending on the geographic character and microclimate. In conclusion, there is an unquestionable need for reliable radiometric data, measured in ground, for scientific, technologic and commercial advances to improve the use of solar resource as energy source, considering the current scenario, which demands alternative sources for clean energy. It is also evident that there is still a long path to be tracked in order to consolidate a reliable, monitored and amplified network for solarimetric measurements in Brazil and in the world.

Tendo em vista a Economia do Hidrogênio e sua infinidade de possibilidades, este trabalho estuda a geração de hidrogênio utilizando a energia solar fotovoltaica. Tendo em vista o consumo mundial de energia crescente, novos métodos de produção energética tem que ser levados em consideração, como o fato do hidrogênio ser um vetor energético de baixo impacto ambiental. Por outro lado, as reservas de combustíveis fósseis não serão capazes de satisfazer essa demanda em longo prazo e seu uso contínuo produz efeitos colaterais, como a poluição que ameaça a saúde humana e os gases de efeito estufa associados à mudança climática. No contexto do Brasil, a eletrólise da água combinada com as energias renováveis e células a combustível seriam uma boa base para melhorar o fornecimento de energia distribuída. Propõe-se, no presente trabalho, produzir hidrogênio por energia renovável, especificamente pelo acoplamento direto de um gerador fotovoltaico a um eletrolisador alcalino de água experimental, concebido localmente. Busca-se entender as características inerentes da interação desses dispositivos, encontrar as eficiências de cada etapa do sistema montado, assim como a eficiência global, adquirindo uma noção mais precisa e prática do uso da energia solar fotovoltaica na alimentação de um eletrolisador. Os resultados experimentais evidenciaram que a transferência da energia do gerador fotovoltaico ao eletrolisador depende fortemente das condições instantâneas climáticas e do modo como estes estão conectados. A interdependência entre variáveis foi reproduzida pelas investigações com destaque para: densidade de corrente no eletrolisador, potencial elétrico, irradiância solar, concentração do eletrólito, área do eletrodo e dimensões da célula eletrolítica. A eficiência do eletrolisador alcançada foi de 21%. A eficiência global (irradiância solar - hidrogênio) foi de 2%. O presente estudo dá subsídios para que seja dimensionado o acoplamento do sistema eletrolisador - gerador FV a partir de uma célula eletrolítica buscando-se minimizar perdas. / In view of the Hydrogen Economy and its endless possibilities, this work studies the hydrogen production using solar photovoltaic energy. With increasing global energy consumption, new methods of energy production have got to be taken into consideration, as hydrogen that it is an energy carrier with low environmental impact. On the other hand, fossil fuel reserves will not be able to meet this demand in the long term and its continuous use produces side effects such as pollution that threatens human health and greenhouse gases which are associated with climate change. For Brazilian energy context, electrolysis combined with renewable power source and fuel cell power generation would be a good basis to improve the distributed energy supply. It is proposed in this paper, to produce hydrogen by a direct coupling of a PV array with an experimental alkaline electrolyzer designed locally. It seeks to understand the inherent characteristics of the interaction of these energy forms, find the efficiencies of each step of the assembled system, as well as the global efficiency, acquiring a more precise notion and practice of the use of solar photovoltaic coupled with an electrolyzer. The experimental results showed that the transfer of energy from the PV array to the electrolyzer depends heavily on instant climatic conditions and how they are connected. The interdependence between variables was reproduced by the investigations, considering especially: current density, electric potential, solar irradiance, concentration of electrolyte, the electrode area and size of the electrolytic cell. The electrolyzer achieved an efficiency of 21%, approximately one-third of a commercial electrolyser efficiency. The overall efficiency (sol-hydrogen) was 2%. The present study gives subsidies to design an electrolyser PV generator system based on a given electrolytic cell seeking low losses.

The aim of this thesis was to investigate and challenge current thinking regarding the sensitivity of the thermal performance of active solar water heating systems to the control strategy employed, with particular attention to the effect of the control temperature differential settings between the solar absorber plate and the solar store at which the circulating pump is switched on and off (dTon and dToff). A mathematical analysis suggested that the performance should be more sensitive to the above parameters than is generally believed. The theoretical appraisal also suggested a relationship for the ratio dTon/dToff required for stable pump control. Measured data from a large-scale solar heating field trial were carefully correlated with the predictions of a computer model. The calibrated model was then used to carry out a sensitivity analysis into the effect of altering the control criteria. The results have shown that, contrary to current thinking, the long-term thermal performance of the system is significantly impaired by the use of a pump switch-on criterion (dTon) higher than 6°K, and that the sensitivity to this parameter increases with increasing dTon. The results have also revealed that the heat losses throughout the system are five or six times higher than theoretical calculations based on the insulation manufacturers' specifications predict. This is not an isolated result, but has been experienced on other monitored installations, and the implication is that the quoted figures for insulation performance (which are derived from tests under tightly controlled laboratory conditions) are extremely difficult to achieve in practice. It is argued that the above two observations are linked, and that a high switch-on criterion leads to significant amounts of collectable solar radiation being wasted as the collector absorber plate loses heat to the surrounding air without reaching a temperature sufficient to turn the circulating pump on. The effect of the control settings on pump switching stability was also investigated, and, whilst the point at which instability occurred did not agree precisely with the theoretical value, the general relationship between the ratio dTon/dToff and the number of pump switching cycles per year supported the mathematical hypothesis. The discrepancy was attributed to the difficulty of measuring the collector overall heat loss coefficient, U1, precisely. For the installation under study it was found that a value of dTon/dToff above 8 would ensure stable pump control. Interpreting optimum performance in terms of both annual solar energy output and pump switching stability, the combination of all the above results led to the general recommendation that a pump switch-on setting of 4-6°K with a switch-off setting of 0.1-0.5°K should be employed to achieve optimum performance of a solar water heating system utilising flat plate solar collectors in the UK. The switch-on criterion of 4-6°K can be achieved reasonably easily by the use of standard, inexpensive controllers and nickel-based temperature sensors. However, such controllers are not capable of consistently resolving temperature differentials to the degree required to meet the switch-off criterion of 0.1-0.5°K over the full operating temperature range. For large installations, therefore, the use of high quality controllers with calibrated platinum resistance thermometers as temperature sensors will prove cost-effective and is strongly recommended.