Hydrogen is a promising alternative as an energy carrier (and carbon-free fuel) to meet the global power demand. Hydrogen production systems can efficiently harvest energy from renewable sources. Even though photo-electrochemical systems offer an attractive potential for both hydrogen production and wastewater treatment systems, their application in industrial scales is not satisfactory. This thesis study proposes a trigeneration system for electricity, hydrogen and clean water production. TiO2 photocatalyst is used in a photoelectrochemical (PEC) reactor, which cleans the water via Fenton-like process and produces hydrogen. A novel solar thermoelectric generator (TEG) unit drives the reactor. For the hot side, the phase change material (PCM) which is heated by the concentrator feeds TEG, and the wastewater stream provides the cold surface. The PEC system is investigated experimentally while the design and calculations of the TEG-PCM sub-system are analyzed theoretically in this study. Moreover, in this study, the synergistic effects of advanced oxidation reactions (AOPs) in a combination of TiO2 photocatalysis are comparatively investigated for hydrogen production and wastewater treatment applications. The synergistic effects of Fenton, Fenton-like, photocatalysis (TiO2/UV) and UV photolysis (H2O2/UV) are investigated individually and in a combination of each other. The effects of various parameters, including pH, type of the electrode and electrolyte and the UV light, on the performance of the combined system are also investigated experimentally. A numerical modeling study is performed to predict the temperature, heat transfer rate and generated power distributions on the thermoelectric generator which is included in the integrated system. The thermodynamic properties of the matter flows at each stage and state point are obtained for the integrated system. The overall energy and exergy efficiencies of the integrated system are 5.2% and 5.5% respectively. The total cost rate of the system is determined to be 0.28 $/h from exergoeconomic analysis results. After 40 minutes of the operation time of the PEC reactor under 2.3V of practical cell potential and 60°C of cell temperature, the reactor produces 22.6 mg of hydrogen and removes 87% of COD. The proposed TEG unit configuration generates 551.2 W of electricity with 7.46% heat to electricity efficiency for the case when the temperature of wastewater is 25°C, and the molten salt is at phase changing temperature of 323°C.

Performance Enhancement and Control of Photovoltaic Systems brings together the latest advances in photovoltaic control and integration, with various embedded technologies applied to stand alone and grid connected systems, in normal and abnormal operating conditions, with new approaches intended to overcome a number of critical limitations in using PV technology. The book begins by introducing modern photovoltaic (PV) systems, system integration, materials, and thermodynamic analysis for improved performance, before examining applications in industrial processes, artificial neural network technology, and economic analysis of PV systems. In-depth chapters then demonstrate the use of advanced control and optimization techniques, covering the use of new embedded technologies, through different applications such as MPPT controllers, solar trackers, cleaning systems, cooling systems, and monitoring systems. Applications of photovoltaic energy systems in distributed generation, microgrid, and smart grid systems will be considered. This book is of interest to all those with an interest in photovoltaics, control, embedded systems, and renewable energy, including researchers, scientists, advanced students, engineers, R&D professionals, and other industry personnel. - Presents the latest materials and thermodynamic analysis techniques for improved PV performance - Provides detailed descriptions and analyses of embedded systems and digital technologies - Explores industrial applications that are supported by case studies and practical examples

Solar energy conversion requires a different mind-set from traditional energy engineering in order to assess distribution, scales of use, systems design, predictive economic models for fluctuating solar resources, and planning to address transient cycles and social adoption. Solar Energy Conversion Systems examines solar energy conversion as an integrative design process, applying systems thinking methods to a solid knowledge base for creators of solar energy systems. This approach permits different levels of access for the emerging broad audience of scientists, engineers, architects, planners, and economists. Traditional texts in solar energy engineering have often emerged from mechanical or chemical engineering fields. Instead, Solar Energy Conversion Systems approaches solar energy conversion from the perspectives of integrative design, environmental technology, sustainability science, and materials science in the wake of amazing new thin films, polymers, and glasses developed by the optoelectronics and semiconductor industries. This is a new solar text for the new generation of green job designers and developers. It's highlighted with vignettes that break down solar conversion into useful stories and provides common points of reference, as well as techniques, for effective estimation of evolving technologies. - Contextualizes solar conversion for systems design and implementation in practical applications - Provides a complete understanding of solar power, from underlying science to essential economic outcomes - Analytical approach emphasizes systems simulations from measured irradiance and weather data rather than estimations from "rules of thumb" - Emphasizes integrative design and solar utility, where trans-disciplinary teams can develop sustainable solar solutions that increase client well-being and ecosystems services for a given locale

This book provides the most up-to-date information on hybrid solar cell and solar thermal collectors, which are commonly referred to as Photovoltaic/Thermal (PV/T) systems. PV/T systems convert solar radiation into thermal and electrical energy to produce electricity, utilize more of the solar spectrum, and save space by combining the two structures to cover lesser area than two systems separately. Research in this area is growing rapidly and is highlighted within this book. The most current methods and techniques available to aid in overall efficiency, reduce cost and improve modeling and system maintenance are all covered. In-depth chapters present the background and basic principles of the technology along with a detailed review of the most current literature. Moreover, the book details design criteria for PV/T systems including residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Provides an objective and decisive source for the supporters of green and renewable source of energy Discusses and evaluates state-of-the-art PV/T system designs Proposes and recommends potential designs for future research on this topic

This book presents basic and advanced concepts for energy harvesting and energy efficiency, as well as related technologies, methods, and their applications. The book provides up-to-date knowledge and discusses the state-of-the-art equipment and methods used for energy harvesting and energy efficiency, combining theory and practical applications. Containing over 200 illustrations and problems and solutions, the book begins with overview chapters on the status quo in this field. Subsequent chapters introduce readers to advanced concepts and methods. In turn, the final part of the book is dedicated to technical strategies, efficient methods and applications in the field of energy efficiency, which also makes it of interest to technicians in industry. The book tackles problems commonly encountered using basic methods of energy harvesting and energy efficiency, and proposes advanced methods to resolve these issues. All the methods proposed have been validated through simulation and experimental results. These “hot topics” will continue to be of interest to scientists and engineers in future decades and will provide challenges to researchers around the globe as issues of climate change and changing energy policies become more pressing. Here, readers will find all the basic and advanced concepts they need. As such, it offers a valuable, comprehensive guide for all students and practicing engineers who wishing to learn about and work in these fields.

Advances in Chemical Engineering, Volume 58 in this long-running serial, highlights new advances in the field with this new volume presenting interesting and timely chapters written by an international board of authors. Provides the authority and expertise of leading contributors from an international board of authors Presents the latest release in the Advances in Chemical Engineering series