A. Sawhney

Bio: A. Sawhney is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Renewable energy & Energy source. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 4 publications receiving 13 citations.

Thermal selective coatings and its enhancement characteristics for efficient power generation through parabolic trough collector (PTC)

Abstract: World climate is an area of concern due to the use of fossil fuels that have been the most commonly preferred resource of energy since the industrial revolution and urbanization. The target to maintain the lowest level of carbon emissions and greenhouse gases has created an urge to look for renewable energy resources. Among the renewable energy resources available worldwide, solar energy is considered as one of the feasible and mature technologies in view of large-scale commercial deployment. Solar photovoltaic and solar thermal conversion (STC) techniques have been implemented so far and are still advancing towards cost-effective solutions. Parabolic trough collector (PTC) is one such economical and feasible STC technology as far as high-temperature thermal applications are concerned and are being widely used for power generation. This paper is an attempt to present the current scenario of PTC technology along with its various advancements over the years. Further in this paper, selective coatings, coating techniques and heat collection element (HCE) or receiver are discussed in detail with regard to their advancements. The present work also illustrates the progressive trends in PTC technology, particularly with respect to various heat transfer fluids, HCE inserts, selective coatings and other performance factors along with some futuristic aspects with respect to coatings and receiver inserts in view of high thermal performance.

Comparative enviro-economic assessment and thermal optimization of two distinctly designed and experimentally validated PV/T collectors

Abstract: This article evaluates and compares the enviro-economic potential of two distinctly (parallel flow and serpentine flow) fabricated PV/T water heating systems in view of their respective thermal optimization A one-dimensional steady-state heat transfer model along with the concept of least entropy production yields around 20 lh−1 being the optimal flow which corresponds to highest thermal exergy of 15 and 18% for the two systems under consideration The modeling results reveal an appreciable validation with the experimental data which correspond to maximum increment in DC power by 177 and 193 W complimented by their low-grade water heating applications worth 4935 and 5308 W, respectively The mitigation potential of both the systems is well appreciated through certain pre-defined parameters as an outcome of the economic modeling An additional 35–40% increment in total efficiency corresponds to almost 7–8% gain in electrical power with respective (parallel and serpentine) thermal configurations Both the systems unanimously contribute 15 and 18% increment in their respective exergy-based mitigation potential as compared against 85 and 97% increment in energy-based enviro-economic parameter with respect to solo PV installation Exergy-based performance indices show smaller increment with respect to energy-based EPI for both the designs, while energy payback period of the serpentine-based thermal installation falls 3 years shorter than a standard 255-W reference PV module

Decarbonisation of the Built Environment: using integrated life cycle and carbon emissions reporting

Abstract: The built environment sector must significantly reduce carbon emissions throughout the design, construction, operation, maintenance, and end-of-life stages. As decarbonisation targets and regulations are announced, construction professionals must implement workflows that allow stakeholders to make prudent decisions. The cost of decarbonisation is one such workflow that needs to be addressed so options can be compared and capital expenditure and operational expenditure decisions can be made. The International Cost Management Standard (ICMS) 3rd edition provides an integrated taxonomy for classifying, defining, measuring, recording, analysing, presenting, and comparing entire life cycle costs and carbon emissions of constructed assets at a regional, national, or international level. With the help of two case studies, the importance of internationally agreed standards to achieve decarbonisation targets and decarbonise the construction sector cost-effectively will be discussed. The discussion will also highlight the role of downstream experts such as quantity surveyors, facility managers, and project managers in the decarbonisation efforts. ICMS-based solutions support sustainable investment strategies by bringing much-needed transparency and cross-border comparability of embodied and operational carbon across the life cycle of construction projects. The use of ICMS benefits all construction stakeholders who wish to reduce carbon for compliance, market, and societal reasons and drive innovation in alternative designs and solutions.

Renewable Energy-Driven Charging Station for Electric Vehicles

Abstract: With the depletion of the conventional sources of energy, the transportation sector has been one of the major affected domains. To reduce this effect on transportation sector, electric vehicles (EV) came up but which in turn augmented the load on the prevailing power grid. Therefore, a new domain has to be explored to reduce the transporting dependency on fossil fuel by reducing the encumbrance on the power grid. Renewable energy penetration in the grid system was considered as a sustainable option which can be used as a standalone source to charge EVs and can also be used as an on-grid system to support the grid during peak load time thus working as ancillary service for grid network. Renewable energy can be from any energy source such as solar photovoltaic, wind, etc. depending on its availability. Charging station can be constructed in workplaces with long working hours. The charging station will have features of fast charging and can also use the property of vehicle-to-grid technology (V2G) so as to use power from vehicles when idle to get a more economic benefit tariff-based charging system. The integration renewable energy will be improving the voltage stabilization and power loss in the grid therefore, reducing the overall economic losses.