Solar Energy

The potential of solar cars in the world

Published

11 months ago

November 16, 2023

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The potential of solar cars in the world

by Staff Writers

Lisbon, Portugal (SPX) Oct 16, 2023

A new study, modeling the potential of solar-powered vehicles in the urban context in 100 cities across the world, shows that solar energy provides a range between 11 and 29 km per day, reducing charging needs by half.

Despite the rapid adoption of electric vehicles, the transport sector is still responsible for around a third of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions worldwide. Therefore, to achieve decarbonization targets, it is required to significantly decrease the emissions associated with mobility.

Integrating photovoltaic modules into electric vehicles, solar cars, can contribute to this goal, reducing CO2 emissions associated with electricity generation and the charging costs and frequency, with benefits for users and the electrical grid itself.

“Cities are today the main market for electric vehicles and, due to the relatively small travelled distances, are particularly interesting for solar-powered vehicles. However, in urban areas, we have buildings, trees and other obstacles casting shadows onto the roads thus limiting the solar potential of driving or parked vehicles. The purpose of the work was to assess if the impact of these shadows is a significant limitation to the potential of solar cars”, explains Miguel Centeno Brito, first author of this study, researcher at Instituto Dom Luiz – IDL, at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon (Ciencias ULisboa) (Portugal).

The study also finds that the most favorable locations for solar-powered vehicles are cities in Africa, the Middle East, southern Europe and Southeast Asia, although the potential is interesting in other geographies, including China, North America and Australia. Losses associated with shading in the city are around 25%, and therefore relevant, but not an impediment to the large-scale dissemination of this solution.

Meanwhile, the research team launched an experimental campaign with citizen scientists to experimentally validate the model.

With growing urban populations and concerns about environmental sustainability becoming increasingly urgent, solar-powered vehicles could not come at a more opportune time. “Our results can help establish a roadmap for policymakers and the automotive industry to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly urban future”, concludes Miguel Centeno Brito.

This worldwide study was developed by researchers from Ciencias ULisboa (Portugal), in collaboration with partners in France (Mines Paris – PSL) and Luxembourg (LIST).

Research Report:Effect of urban shadowing on the potential of solar-powered vehicles

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Solar Energy

NASA continues to assess Solar Sail system progress following deployment

Published

25 mins ago

October 23, 2024

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NASA continues to assess Solar Sail system progress following deployment

by Clarence Oxford

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Oct 23, 2024

NASA’s Advanced Composite Solar Sail System is advancing through post-deployment testing, with mission operators carefully reviewing data to evaluate the performance of the spacecraft’s composite booms. Following the successful deployment of both the booms and solar sail, the spacecraft continues to experience slow tumbling in orbit due to the deactivation of its attitude control system.

Prior to the deployment phase, the team deactivated the attitude control system to accommodate changes in the spacecraft’s dynamics during the unfurling of the solar sail. This system is vital for maintaining a spacecraft’s orientation in space, ensuring proper alignment for communications and solar energy collection.

While the solar sail has fully deployed into its square shape-approximately half the size of a tennis court-the team is analyzing a slight bend detected in one of the four composite booms. The bend likely occurred as the booms were stretched during deployment. However, preliminary analysis suggests the bend has partially straightened over time as the spacecraft slowly tumbles in orbit.

The primary goal of the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System mission is to validate the deployment of the composite booms, contributing crucial data for future applications of this technology in solar sails and other space structures. The data gathered so far has already been extremely useful and will continue to inform the advancement of solar sail missions.

The mission team expects that the slight bend will not interfere with the solar sail’s planned maneuvers, which are slated for the later stages of the technology demonstration.

Currently, efforts are focused on repositioning the spacecraft, which remains in low-power mode to conserve energy. The team is working to optimize the orientation of the solar panels to receive more sunlight and prioritize essential operations, such as two-way communication with mission control. Once the attitude control system is reactivated, operators will be able to precisely position the spacecraft’s high-bandwidth antenna for improved communication, collect additional data, and prepare for the mission’s upcoming sailing maneuvers.

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Solar Energy

Towards better solar cells through unique electricity generation

Published

1 hour ago

October 23, 2024

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Towards better solar cells through unique electricity generation

by Riko Seibo

Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Oct 23, 2024

Researchers in Japan have experimentally demonstrated the bulk photovoltaic (BPV) effect in alpha-phase indium selenide (a-In2Se3) along the out-of-plane direction for the first time, potentially leading to advancements in solar cell technologies and photosensors. This unusual effect allows certain materials to outperform conventional p-n junctions used in today’s solar cells.

The BPV effect, seen in materials lacking internal symmetry, generates “shift currents” where electrons excited by light move coherently in a specific direction, unlike traditional solar cells. The team, led by Associate Professor Noriyuki Urakami from Shinshu University, focused on the predicted but previously untested a-In2Se3, creating a device that successfully demonstrated the BPV effect.

“Our a-In2Se3 device demonstrated quantum efficiency several orders of magnitude higher than other ferroelectric materials,” said Prof. Urakami, adding that the discovery could impact the selection of materials for future photovoltaic devices.

The researchers hope their findings will contribute to renewable energy generation, accelerating the adoption of solar cells and advancing efforts toward a carbon-neutral society.

Research Report:Bulk photovoltaic effect of an alpha-phase indium selenide(a-In2Se3) crystal along the out-of-plane direction

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Solar Energy

Space Solar and Transition Labs to bring space solar power to Iceland by 2030

Published

24 hours ago

October 22, 2024

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Space Solar and Transition Labs to bring space solar power to Iceland by 2030

by Sophie Jenkins

London, UK (SPX) Oct 22, 2024

Space Solar, a leading company in space-based solar power, has partnered with Transition Labs to provide Reykjavik Energy with electricity from the world’s first space-based solar power plant. This plant, expected to be operational by 2030, will have an initial capacity of 30 MW.

Space Solar’s new solar power system will orbit the Earth, capturing solar energy and transmitting it wirelessly using high-frequency radio waves to stations on the ground. These stations will convert the energy into electricity and feed it directly into the grid, delivering renewable energy 24/7, regardless of weather conditions, with costs comparable to other renewable sources.

The venture marks a major step in the renewable energy sector. Unlike ground-based solar plants, which rely on sunlight and weather, Space Solar’s technology ensures consistent power generation. Their first plant will generate 30 MW within five years, and by 2036, each plant could provide GigaWatts of power, helping to meet growing global energy demands and contribute to a carbon-free future.

Transition Labs, a private climate initiative based in Iceland, has supported Space Solar in making this vision a reality. Reykjavik Energy, known for its leadership in climate action through its subsidiary Carbfix, is a key partner in the project. Together, they are addressing the engineering challenges of space-based solar energy and exploring locations for ground-based reception stations, including Iceland, Canada, and northern Japan.

Kjartan Orn Olafsson, CEO of Transition Labs, highlighted the partnership, stating: “The collaboration with Reykjavik Energy marks a key milestone in Space Solar’s journey toward full-scale deployment. Their forward-thinking approach to climate technology, combined with expertise in carbon storage through Carbfix and a long-standing partnership with Climeworks, makes Reykjavik Energy the perfect partner for Space Solar’s initial phase.”

The independent analysis by Imperial College London indicates that adding 8 GW of space-based solar energy to the UK’s energy system could save over GBP 4 billion in system costs annually.

Martin Soltau, co-CEO of Space Solar, expressed excitement about the project: “Space-based solar power offers unparalleled benefits with competitive energy costs and 24/7 availability. Reykjavik Energy’s recognition of the potential for space-based solar to drive the energy transition is exciting, and we’re thrilled to be working together in partnership toward a sustainable future.”

The agreement with Reykjavik Energy is a significant step in commercializing space-based solar power, positioning Space Solar at the forefront of a new renewable energy revolution with global implications.

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