Solar Energy Harvesting, Conversion, and Storage: Materials, Technologies, and Applications

Solar Energy Harvesting, Conversion, and Storage: Materials, Technologies, and Applications explores advanced nanomaterials for solar energy, including thermal and hot water systems, PV, and CSP technologies, and energy storage options. It covers applications in agriculture, aquaculture, desalination, domestic appliances, and transport.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 410 pages
Publication date: 03 May 2023
Publisher: Elsevier - Health Sciences Division

Solar Energy Harvesting, Conversion, and Storage: Materials, Technologies, and Applications delves into the realm of solar energy, exploring its current status and the remarkable advancements in nanomaterials across various technologies. From the capture of energy to its efficient storage, this comprehensive book covers a wide range of topics. It delves into advanced nanomaterials for solar energy, highlighting rapid developments in solar thermal and hot water systems, as well as PV and CSP technologies. Additionally, it explores the storage of harnessed solar or heat energy through diverse energy storage technologies, including phase change materials (PCMs), batteries, and supercapacitors. The book also examines diverse applications, such as agriculture and aquaculture, desalination, domestic appliances, and transportation, highlighting the significant role of solar energy in addressing these societal needs.

The utilization of solar energy has gained significant attention in recent years due to its abundant availability and environmental benefits. Solar energy harvesting, conversion, and storage are crucial components in the effective utilization of solar energy. Solar energy harvesting involves the conversion of solar radiation into electrical energy, which can be used for various purposes. Conversion technologies include photovoltaic (PV) cells, concentrated solar power (CSP) systems, and solar thermal systems. PV cells convert sunlight directly into electricity, while CSP systems use concentrated sunlight to generate heat, which can be used to produce electricity or hot water. Solar thermal systems use the sun's heat to heat water or air, which can be used for heating, cooling, or generating electricity.

Storage is an essential aspect of solar energy systems, as it allows excess energy to be stored for use during periods of low sunlight or high energy demand. Energy storage technologies include batteries, supercapacitors, pumped-storage hydroelectric systems, and thermal storage systems. Batteries are the most common type of energy storage technology used in solar energy systems, as they can store large amounts of energy and provide a long-term storage solution. Supercapacitors, on the other hand, have high power density and can provide quick charging and discharging times, making them ideal for applications requiring high power bursts. Pumped-storage hydroelectric systems use water to store energy during periods of high electricity demand, and then release it during periods of low electricity demand. Thermal storage systems use heat to store energy, either in the form of hot water or hot air.

Nanomaterials have played a significant role in the development of solar energy technologies. Nanomaterials are materials that have been engineered at the nanoscale, which is typically defined as materials with dimensions ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers. Nanomaterials have unique properties that make them ideal for use in solar energy applications, such as high light absorption, high electrical conductivity, and high thermal conductivity.

One of the most promising nanomaterials for solar energy harvesting is graphene. Graphene is a two-dimensional material made up of a single layer of carbon atoms, which are arranged in a honeycomb structure. Graphene has a high light absorption coefficient, which makes it ideal for use in PV cells. Graphene also has high electrical conductivity, which makes it suitable for use in energy storage devices such as batteries and supercapacitors.

Another promising nanomaterial for solar energy harvesting is perovskite. Perovskite is a three-dimensional material made up of a mixture of metal cations and organic ligands. Perovskite has a high light absorption coefficient, which makes it ideal for use in PV cells. Perovskite also has high electrical conductivity, which makes it suitable for use in energy storage devices such as batteries and supercapacitors.

In addition to their use in solar energy harvesting, nanomaterials have also been used in the development of solar thermal and hot water systems. Nanomaterials such as titania and zirconia have been used to improve the efficiency of solar thermal collectors, which are used to heat water or air for various applications. Nanomaterials such as silver nanowires have been used to improve the efficiency of solar thermal collectors, which are used to heat water or air for various applications.

Nanomaterials have also been used in the development of PV and CSP technologies. Nanomaterials such as quantum dots have been used to improve the efficiency of PV cells, while nanomaterials such as perovskite have been used to improve the efficiency of CSP systems.

In conclusion, solar energy harvesting, conversion, and storage are crucial components in the effective utilization of solar energy. Nanomaterials have played a significant role in the development of solar energy technologies, and have enabled the development of more efficient and cost-effective solar energy systems. The use of nanomaterials in solar energy harvesting, conversion, and storage has the potential to revolutionize the way we generate and use energy, and will play an increasingly important role in addressing the global energy crisis in the coming years.

Weight: 652g
Dimension: 152 x 227 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780323906012