Manuel Pérez

Bio: Manuel Pérez is an academic researcher from University of Almería. The author has contributed to research in topics: Parabolic trough & Thermal energy storage. The author has an hindex of 11, co-authored 28 publications receiving 1392 citations.

Parabolic-trough solar collectors and their applications

Abstract: This paper presents an overview of the parabolic-trough collectors that have been built and marketed during the past century, as well as the prototypes currently under development. It also presents a survey of systems which could incorporate this type of concentrating solar system to supply thermal energy up to 400 °C, especially steam power cycles for electricity generation, including examples of each application.

Optimization methods applied to renewable and sustainable energy: A review

Abstract: Energy is a vital input for social and economic development. As a result of the generalization of agricultural, industrial and domestic activities the demand for energy has increased remarkably, especially in emergent countries. This has meant rapid grower in the level of greenhouse gas emissions and the increase in fuel prices, which are the main driving forces behind efforts to utilize renewable energy sources more effectively, i.e. energy which comes from natural resources and is also naturally replenished. Despite the obvious advantages of renewable energy, it presents important drawbacks, such as the discontinuity of generation, as most renewable energy resources depend on the climate, which is why their use requires complex design, planning and control optimization methods. Fortunately, the continuous advances in computer hardware and software are allowing researchers to deal with these optimization problems using computational resources, as can be seen in the large number of optimization methods that have been applied to the renewable and sustainable energy field. This paper presents a review of the current state of the art in computational optimization methods applied to renewable and sustainable energy, offering a clear vision of the latest research advances in this field.

Multifunctional Porous Graphene for High‐Efficiency Steam Generation by Heat Localization

Abstract: Multifunctional nanoporous graphene is realized as a heat generator to convert solar illumination into high-energy steam. The novel 3D nanoporous graphene demonstrates a highly energy-effective steam generation with an energy conversation of 80%.

Solar photocatalysis: Materials, reactors, some commercial, and pre-industrialized applications. A comprehensive approach

Abstract: In the future, solar energy, along with other renewable resources, could play a key role in mass production of fine chemicals. It could also potentially solve environmental problems, as demonstrated by recent developments in the use of solar energy, such as solar photocatalysis. The solar photocatalytic technology has been demonstrated to be effective for: • Treating groundwater, drinking water, industrial wastewater, and air and soil pollution, • Water disinfection, and • Industrial production of fine chemicals. This report summarizes the current status of solar photocatalysis and identifies future opportunities for research and industry in this field, including recent relevant bibliography. The main commercial solar photocatalytic applications are described, included the technologies based on sunlight for antifogging and self-cleaning of coating materials, glass, and concrete. An overview of several different solar photoreactors and the main operating process parameters are also provided. For the estimation of capital costs, it is suggested the use of appropriate “figures of merit”. The present review would be of interest for researchers, technologists, engineers, and industrialists.