Showing papers by "Nasrudin Abd Rahim published in 2023"

A Comparative Investigation on Solar PVT- and PVT-PCM-Based Collector Constancy Performance

Abstract: Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology has a lower adoption rate than expected because of different weather conditions (sunny, cloudy, windy, rainy, and stormy) and high material manufacturing costs. To overcome the barriers to adoption, many researchers are developing methods to increase its performance. A photovoltaic–thermal absorber hybrid system may shift its performance, but to become more efficient, the technology could improve with some strong thermal absorber materials. A phase change material (PCM) could be a suitable possibility to enhance the (electrical and thermal) PV performance. In this study, a solar PVT hybrid system is developed with a PCM and analyzed for comparative performance based on Malaysian weather conditions. The result shows PV performance (both electrical and thermal) was increased by utilizing PCMs. Electrical and thermal efficiency measurements for different collector configurations are compared, and PV performance and temperature readings are presented and discussed. The maximum electrical and thermal efficiency found for PVT and PVT-PCM are 14.57% and 15.32%, and 75.29% and 86.19%, respectively. However, the present work may provide extensive experimental methods for developing a PVT-PCM hybrid system to enhance electrical and thermal performance and use in different applications.

Recent Developments in DC-DC Converter Topologies for Light Electric Vehicle Charging: A Critical Review

Abstract: Rising greenhouse gas emissions stemming from fossil fuel-driven vehicles are causing damage to the environment. To counteract this, one solution is the adoption of electric vehicles (EV) for transportation requirements. In this regard, one category of EVs that requires special attention is light electric vehicle (LEV), mainly because of their wide potential in public transportation—especially in developing countries. To realise widespread adoption of LEVs for this purpose, it is imperative to make their charging systems more robust. Consequently, the subject of LEV charging has gained considerable traction, and numerous research works have been reported on this subject in recent years. Hence, this paper aims to chronicle recent research developments on LEV charging techniques, by placing special attention on DC-DC converter topologies used in both on-board and off-board chargers. This review explores recent LEV charger DC-DC converters in literature by segregating them into isolated and non-isolated topologies. Lastly, this work explores challenges and emerging trends in LEV charging, which can potentially be explored by researchers in the future.

A Three-Phase Hybrid Multilevel Inverter With Enhanced Pulse-Width Modulation Strategy

Abstract: This article presents a three-phase hybrid multilevel inverter (MLI) with enhanced pulsewidth modulation (PWM) strategy. The proposed hybrid MLI is developed based on the series connection of half-bridge and full-bridge for its level generation together with the T-type inverter for its polarity generation. The level and polarity generation circuits operate at high and fundamental frequencies respectively. An enhanced PWM strategy has been proposed to reduce the computational complexity and solve the high-frequency switching transitions issue in the existing hybrid MLI modulation method. The proposed MLI can produce 11 levels of line output voltage with reduced dc sources requirement. The detailed analyses which have been performed include the circuit configuration, operating principles and modeling, PWM signals generation, output voltage characteristics, dynamic response, harmonics content, power loss analysis and voltage stress of power switches. The results obtained from simulation and experiments verified the operating principle and functionality of the proposed hybrid MLI.

Modeling, Energy Performance and Economic Analysis of Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic System for Net Energy Metering Scheme in Malaysia

Abstract: Energy is one of the essential inputs for modernization and social development. Energy demand is increasing, and the primary energy source is fossil fuels, which negatively impact the environment. Energy saving and renewables are the potential solutions which could minimize environmental impact. This paper investigates the energy-saving and solar photovoltaic energy potential of an educational institution, Politeknik Sultan Azlan Shah (PSAS), Malaysia. The feasibility analysis was conducted by assuming that PSAS joined the Net Energy Metering (NEM 3.0) program, where PSAS, as a NEM consumer, has a tripartite supply agreement with renewable energy (SARE) with a distribution licensee known as Tenaga National Berhad (TNB). This paper focuses on zero capital expenditure (CAPEX) saving through a 20-year contract. This paper proposes a rooftop solar photovoltaic diagram using a NEM meter installed in the ring distribution system at PSAS. The estimated savings to be obtained by PSAS in the 20 years that the contract is in force are calculated based on the assumption that the installed solar system has a capacity of 688 kW. The maximum value of power generated by the system for a year is 990,720 kWh. The feasibility analysis found that the cumulative net savings estimate for PSAS based on the overall calculation for 21 years of solar use is RM 3,534,250. Meanwhile, the cumulative assessment of carbon emission reduction obtained in the same period is 14,559,760 kg CO2 or 14,559.76 tons of CO2, which would save 363,994 mature trees from being cut down.

Comparative Experimental Investigation on Front Cooling for Tempered Glass Photovoltaic Thermal System

Abstract: Photovoltaic (PV) technology that converts solar energy into electricity is projected to play a significant role in renewable development in Malaysia. However, its electrical efficiency decreases with the increase in cell temperature. Therefore, a photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) system uses water to boost electrical efficiency by cooling PV cells. The PV/T system, on the other hand, is the combination of solar PV and solar thermal collector (STC) to simultaneously produce electricity and heated flowing fluid. This research study fabricated monocrystalline and polycrystalline PV panels with tempered glass and epoxy lamination to compare with front flow cooling PV/T systems using similar panels. The experiment with real-time data recording on power output and surface temperature was performed at Wisma R&D, the University of Malaya, during clear sunny weather in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The highest daily electrical efficiency for Monocrystalline PV/T is 16.05%, while Polycrystalline PV/T produces 15% efficiency at a flow rate of 1.3 LPM. In comparison, monocrystalline and polycrystalline PVs have an average electrical efficiency of 14.54% and 13.80%, respectively. The highest thermal efficiency for Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline PV/T was 41.26% and 47.71% at a flow rate of 0.8 LPM. Monocrystalline PV/T has the best electrical efficiency, whereas Polycrystalline PV/T is the best for thermal efficiency.

Synthesis of transparent thermal insulation coating for efficient solar cells

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to introduce the simple synthesis process of thermal-insulation coating by using three different nanoparticles, namely, nano-zinc oxide (ZnO), nano-tin dioxide (SnO2) and nano-titanium dioxide (TiO2), which can reduce the temperature of solar cells. Design/methodology/approach The thermal-insulation coating is designed using sol-gel process. The aminopropyltriethoxysilane/methyltrimethoxysilane binder system improves the cross-linking between the hydroxyl groups, -OH of nanoparticles. The isopropyl alcohol is used as a solvent medium. The fabrication method is a dip-coating method. Findings The prepared S1B1 coating (20 Wt.% of SnO2) exhibits high transparency and great thermal insulation property where the surface temperature of solar cells has been reduced by 13°C under 1,000 W/m2 irradiation after 1 h. Meanwhile, the Z1B2 coating (20 Wt.% of ZnO) reduced the temperature of solar cells by 7°C. On the other hand, the embedded nanoparticles have improved the fill factor of solar cells by 0.2 or 33.33%. Research limitations/implications Findings provide a significant method for the development of thermal-insulation coating by a simple synthesis process and low-cost materials. Practical implications The thermal-insulation coating is proposed to prevent exterior heat energy to the inside solar panel glass. At the same time, it can prevent excessive heating on the solar cell’s surface, later improves the efficiency of solar cell. Originality/value This study presents a the novel method to develop and compare the thermal-insulation coating by using various nanoparticles, namely, nano-TiO2, nano-SnO2 and nano-ZnO at different weight percentage.