N. Pradeep

Bio: N. Pradeep is an academic researcher from Indian Institute of Technology Madras. The author has contributed to research in topics: Thermocline & Thermal energy storage. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 3 citations.

Optimizing the thermal performance of solar energy devices using meta-heuristic algorithms: A critical review

Abstract: Since solar energy is intermittent, finding the best solutions for solar operated devices is a challenge. Multiple techniques exist to reach the best solutions for optimal solar operated devices. A thorough review of solar energy systems' optimization methods and tools is presented in this work. The intelligent optimization techniques for solar energy systems are discussed, including their functions, constraints, contributions, mathematical models, and analysis methods. Optimization studies using new and traditional generation techniques are analyzed, and a few optimization methods, including combined hybrid algorithms, are presented. New generation artificial intelligence algorithms have been most widely used during the last decade, needing less computational time. They have good convergence and better accuracy than traditional optimization methods. They can scan local and global optima and do robust calculations. Solar system optimization has demonstrated remarkable benefits in size, load demand, and electricity output. The improvements reduce operating expenditures, power losses, and peak output integration and controllability. With a 50% rise in power prices, the optimal number of solar collectors rises by approximately 25%. However, with adjustment as per optimization techniques, the solar absorption cooling system's maximum thermal efficiency can be increased up to 75%. The present study recommends using two or more algorithms to overcome the curbs of a single algorithm. The main aim of the optimization strategies, according to this assessment, is to reduce capital expenditures, operation and maintenance expenses, and emissions while improving system reliability. The paper also briefly describes several solar energy optimization challenges and issues. Lastly, some practical future approaches for establishing a reliable and efficient solar power system are proposed for developing the complex renewable energy-based hybrid system.

Thermocline storage for concentrated solar power plants: Descriptive review and critical analysis

Abstract: The present research work is part of a desire to provide additional and necessary knowledge for the development of thermal storage technology. In concentrating solar power plants, the main objective is the economic competitiveness of the electricity production. Achieving this goal requires maintaining the sustainability of electrical energy production during the absence of solar power using stored thermal energy. Thermocline is considered as a favorable solution for thermal power storage system that achieves cost reduction for concentrated solar power (CSP) plants. However, Thermocline uses a large quantity of material, often molten salts, in one or two huge tanks several tens of meters high and in diameter. Hence, Understanding the behavior of a thermal storage system used in a solar concentration plants. The importance of these devices has led many research groups to study the improvement of their performances in both experimental and numerical approach. In thermocline tanks, the material storing hot and cold fluid is stratified; a hot layer in the upper part and a cold layer in the lower part as well as a thermal gradient zone between both layers. This paper presents a comprehensive survey of thermal storage based thermocline for CSP plants, their advantages, the methods enabling its performance to be improved and the different latest concepts for the combination of thermal energy system. Moreover, suggestions for future numerical and experimental research and applications guidance were also presented, as well as the different features to be studied in our current project. • The latest advances in thermal storage based thermocline are reviewed. • The current project of solar collectors using thermocline storage thermal is reviewed. • Enhancement of different parts of thermocline system is discussed. • Theoretical models characterizing the storage performance are summarized.