Ali H Al-Waeli

The American University of Iraq, Sulaimani · Engineering Department

This book gives you theory and design of PV/T systems. Are you interested in solar energy? If you are, you must have read about solar panels, or photovoltaics (PV). If you have installed a photovoltaic system, you must have noticed it not to generate the amount of power mentioned in its datasheet. A major issue that PV suffers from is its temperatu...

The purpose of this paper is to review findings on the integration of solar thermal collectors, photovoltaic thermal collectors, and heat pumps to provide both electrical and thermal energy. The energy consumption of HP systems in buildings is significant. Studies have verified the benefits of using PVT collectors in heat pumps to provide electrici...

This chapter focuses on the latest developments and achievements in PV/T systems, encompassing innovative configurations employing nanofluids for efficient heat transfer, harnessing phase change materials as advanced thermal storage agents, and integrating cutting-edge heat pipe technology. A comprehensive synthesis of diverse research is presented...

This chapter discusses PV/T systems with nanofluids and nano-phase change material (nano-PCM) from a design viewpoint. The numerical and energy balance equations are provided, as well as the physical design. In addition, the boundary conditions of a CFD analysis are determined. The element of enhancement of PCM when adding nanoparticles was calcula...

In this chapter, the concepts and fundamentals of PV/T collectors are provided in a simplistic manner along with mathematical models that help in evaluating the performance of these systems. The chapter emphasizes traditional PV/T collectors, namely air-based PV/T, water-based PV/T and the combination of air and water as working fluids for PV/T sys...

This opening chapter presents a comprehensive introduction that encompasses an exploration of PV/T collectors, underpinned by an in-depth review of the relevant literature. The chapter aims to present the technology and the rationale for using it. Moreover, the classifications of PV/T collectors are presented along with a critical assessment to ill...

This chapter displays the performance of PV/T collectors utilizing nanofluids and nano-PCM based on results and observations from experimental tests and numerical simulations. This chapter is crucial to establishing solid evidence on the performance of this PV/T design. The chapter discusses elements to optimize the performance of the system such a...

This chapter marks the culmination of the book, offering a comprehensive Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) for PV/T systems integrated with nanofluids and nano-PCM. Building upon the designs explored in Chaps. 4 and 5, this chapter presents a holistic assessment of economic viability. By considering the entire lifecycle, the economic benefits and dra...

Solar energy technologies are in continuous growth from an installation capacity and efficiency standpoints. The improvements to solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are multifaceted. However, to effectively understand and estimate the performance of building-integrated PV (BIPV) systems it is necessary to account for the various parameters that impact...

The technology and performance of solar adsorption cooling systems have reached maturity, enabling them to meet the growing demand for air conditioning. High upfront and operating costs have, however, hindered the commercial spread of solar adsorption cooling systems. Comparing the solar adsorption cooling system with commercial air conditioners, t...

Photovoltaic (PV) modules' efficiency decreases due to the presence of external electrical potentials due to the phenomenon known as potential induced degradation (PID). Powerlines or other external sources can generate this potential, or solar cells themselves can generate it through their electric field. An electric field changes the internal ele...

Solar energy technologies are in continuous growth from an installation capacity and efficiency standpoints. The improvements to solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are multifaceted. However, to effectively understand and estimate the performance of Building Integrated PV (BIPV) systems it is necessary to account for the various parameters that impact...

As an emerging technology, photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) systems have been gaining attention from manufacturers and experts because they increase the efficiency of photovoltaic units while producing thermal energy for a variety of uses. Likewise, electric cars are gaining ground as opposed to cars powered by fossil fuels. Electrical vehicles (EVs) ar...

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were employed as added particles for nanofluids in this practical investigation. To identify the most appropriate nanofluid for cooling PVT systems that are functional in the extreme summer environment of Baghdad, the parameters of base fluid, surfactant, and sonication time used for mixing were examined. Water...

In the recent decades, the researchers have been focused on the use of photovoltaic thermal (PVT) systems that provide the best performance and cooling for the photovoltaic panels. In this study, a PVT system consisting of a monocrystalline PV panel and a spiral heat exchanger was connected to an underground heat exchanger that is buried at a depth...

The urgent need to mitigate carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions and address climate change has led to increasing interest in renewable energy technologies. There are other promising energy generation systems, including photovoltaic/thermal (PV/ T) systems. This paper provides a comprehensive review of PV/T systems for CO 2 mitigation applications. PV/T...

Citation: Chaichan, M.T.; Kazem, H.A.; Al-Waeli, A.H.A.; Sopian, K.; Fayad, M.A.; Alawee, W.H.; Dhahad, H.A.; Isahak, W.N.R.W.; Al-Amiery, A.A. Sand and Dust Storms' Impact on the Efficiency of the Photovoltaic Modules Installed in Baghdad: A Review Study with an Empirical Investigation. Energies 2023, 16, 3938. Abstract: Airborne dust and dust sto...

The thermal conductivity and stability of any nanofluid are essential thermophysicalproperties. These properties are affected by many parameters, such as the nanoparticles, the basefluid, the surfactant, and the sonication time used for mixing. In this study, multi-walled carbonnanotubes (MWCNTs) were selected as additive particles, and the remaini...

In this paper, the literature writing on the use of photovoltaic thermal air collectors (PV-T) and integrated greenhouse drying systems for PV-T air collectors as a mean to reduce fossil fuel consumption and reduce global warming is reviewed. Countries with limited electricity sources, solar drying is an effective way to preserve crops for long-ter...

Dust accumulation on photovoltaic modules (PVs) affects performance and reduces productivity. Many parameters specify the dust effect, and the degradation is different for PV technologies. In this study, four PV modules each with a 100 W rating were installed and tested horizontally in Sohar, Oman, for an entire year. Two monocrystalline (m-Si) and...

Double-pass solar air collector with a finned absorber and nano-enhanced PCM in the lower channel is one of the significant and attractive designs proposed to improve the performance. This research paper presents a novel mathematical model of steady-state equilibrium equations created and developed for two air streams: the glass cover, absorber pla...

A photovoltaic panel cell temperature extremely affects its output, while is extensively affected by the variation in the environmental conditions. The current study investigated the main parameters affecting these regards and defines their independent and simultaneous impacts. It was shown that cell temperature depends directly on irradiation and...

A photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) solar collector combines solar photovoltaic (PV) modules and solar thermal that operates simultaneously to generate electricity and thermal energy. Design parameters, operating conditions and environmental factors all have a significant impact on the performance of a PV/T solar collector. This research investigates the...

The bi-fluid photovoltaic thermal (PVT) collector was introduced to provide more heating options along with improved cooling capabilities for the PV module. Since its introduction, this type of PVT system has been investigated thoroughly in various original works. In this review paper, we intend to put the concept and applications of this technolog...

Photovoltaic modules are affected by the weather and are sensitive to dust accumulation. The accumulation of dust causes obvious losses in the produced yield. To reduce these losses to a minimum, it is recommended to clean the photovoltaic units periodically by several cleaning methods. In this practical study, the accumulated dust was collected fo...

Dust causes losses in power generated by the PV modules as well as causes an increase in their temperatures. In this study, the photovoltaic/thermal (PVT) module dust heating effect was investigated using a spiral coil using for two PVT water cooling systems. One of the two systems was cleaned periodically (every two weeks) and the second was left...

A hybrid solar photovoltaic-thermal collector is the combination of a solar thermal unit and a photovoltaic panel for the simultaneous generation of heat and electricity. In these systems, a fluid is used to cool photovoltaic panels and, thus, prevent their reduction of electrical efficiency. The hot fluid leaving the system can also be used in var...

Dust causes losses in power generated by the PV modules as well as causes an increase in their temperatures. In this study, the photovoltaic/thermal (PVT) module dust heating effect was investigated using a spiral coil using for two PVT water cooling systems. One of the two systems was cleaned periodically (every-two weeks) and the second was left...

The development of modern photovoltaic thermal systems (PV/T) is one of the most important steps in the application of using solar energy to produce both electricity and heat. Studies have shown that a system consisting of a heat-collecting tank the is most efficient system, in which the phase change materials (PCMs) are mixed with nanoparticles in...

A photovoltaic/thermal system (PV/T) was investigated experimentally using silicon carbide nanofluid as a cooling fluid. A PV/T system was tested in Oman with 0.5 wt.% of nanoparticles in terms of thermophysical properties, performance parameters, and efficiencies. At 25 °C, it was found that there is an increase in the fluid’s thermal conductivity...

The consumption of energy for cooling is an important issue, especially in subtropical climates where there are high temperatures and dry weather in the summer; this climate forces homeowners to use mechanical-electric cooling and ventilation. The main advantage of passive cooling is to minimize energy demands which are required to achieve thermal...

A photovoltaic/thermal solar collector which uses air and water under the same collector area is known as a bi-fluid type or dual fluid photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) solar collector. A dual fluid PV/T system is more complex than a single fluid system, as two fluids are used simultaneously, making boundary conditions complicated. In addition, the infl...

Solar energy and photovoltaic (PV) systems became an essential part of the global energy profile. The PV systems are designed using different configurations such as standalone, grid-connected, and tracking. However, PV systems could be added to other renewable energy systems or nonrenew-able energy systems such as wind turbines and diesel generator...

Solar cells are considered one of the most important and widespread solar applications in the world. However, the performance of the PV modules is significantly affected by the dust in the air. This paper, therefore, presents a comparison of an outdoor experimental study of dust effect on monocrystalline, and polycrystalline photovoltaic (PV) modul...

Providing accurate measurements and monitoring of air quality is considered to be one of the most prominent features of modern cities. One component of air pollution is particles of diameter between 2.5 and 10 micrometres and less. They are mixtures of small solid particles and liquid droplets produced due to chemical reactions. Having said this, i...

Both electrical and thermal efficiencies combine in determining and evaluating the performance of a PV/T collector. In this study, two PV/T systems consisting of poly and monocrystalline PV panels were used, which are connected from the bottom by a heat exchanger consisting of a spiral tube through which a nanofluid circulates. In this study, a bas...

Nanofluids are widely used today as an excellent heat carrier in various solar energy applications. In the current study, the possibility of using a nanofluid consisting of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles added to a blend of water and ethylene glycol (EG) at 75% to 25%, respectively, were investigated. Nano-CuO was added in four mass fractions (0....

The drop in photovoltaic energy conversion efficiency under actual operating conditions because of cell temperature increase is a significant challenge to PV adoption and utilization. In this study, the efficiency and effectiveness of using underground water in cooling and cleaning photovoltaics will be practically ascertained in Baghdad-Iraq. Meth...

Photovoltaic modules are affected by the weather and are sensitive to dust accumulation. The accumulation of dust causes obvious losses in the produced yield. To reduce these losses to a minimum, it is recommended to clean the photovoltaic units periodically by several cleaning methods. In this practical study, the accumulated dust was collected fo...

Symmetrical compound parabolic concentrators (CPC) for a stationary double pass photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) air solar collector has been widely employed. However, for high yearly energy delivery, the solar incidence angle must be within the full acceptance angle of the CPC which is a challenge to determine for a symmetrical CPC. This paper presents...

Photovoltaic/thermal (PVT) collectors continue to evolve through research and development with a visible increase in research studies and general interest around the topic. This chapter presents an updated review of current advancements in this technology. Moreover, we present a critical assessment of the established designs and research in the fie...

This chapter presents part of the efforts of the Omani experience in spreading the culture of using Photovoltaic (PV) systems to produce environmentally friendly electrical energy. Some schools have equipped with PV systems connected to the national grid. In this study, the performance of the PV power station installed in one of these schools (Asma...

This paper evaluated a 1.4 kW grid-connected photovoltaic system (GCPV) using two neural network models based on experimental data for one year. The novelty of this study is to propose and compare full recurrent neural network (FRNN), and principal component analysis (PCA) models based on entire year experimental data, considering limited research...

Solar cells convert the irradiance to electricity, but environmental conditions affect cell performance. In this study, a general model for dust accumulation effect on solar cell performance is proposed. An improvement is introduced to the solar cell one-diode model by considering dust impact to simulate solar cell performance and particularly I-V...

Renewable energy utilization in Oman is a topic with growing interest by the Omani government and the private sector. The existing renewable energy resources, which can be used as an energy alternative and eco-friendly energy systems, needs further research, development, planning and awareness. This initiative presents a step in the direction towar...

Renewable energy utilization in Oman is a topic with growing interest by the Omani government and the private sector. The existing renewable energy resources, which can be used as an energy alternative and eco-friendly energy systems, needs further research, development, planning and awareness. This initiative presents a step in the direction towar...

In this paper, evaluation and comparison of a new designed PV/T hybrid collector with three PV/T systems and conventional PV in term of electrical and thermal performance is presented. The problem statement that drives this study is the nonhomogeneous distribution of heat on the PV module and in the collector, which produces a hot spot and reduce s...

Dust is a natural phenomenon, and it represents all the components suspended in the air. Dust causes the photovoltaic performance to deteriorate. The main dust components concentrations vary from one geographic location to another and from one season to another. These components also have different effects on the PV power losses. Therefore, studyin...

Hybrid photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) is a technology with many variations and designs. The aim of this unit is cooling down PV temperature while producing hot water. In this paper, different PV/T designs are compared in terms of energy, exergy and efficiency. Data from experiments and numerical calculations conducted at Bangi, Malaysia was used for t...

Advanced solar air collectors are widely implemented in research for drying purposes. This research study presents a new steady state energy balance and exergy equations for a novel double pass solar air collector with fins and phase change material (PCM) according to first and second law of thermodynamics. The mathematical equations of energy bala...

The use of phase change materials (PCMs) in photovoltaic-thermal systems (PVT) is essential for developing PV systems and raising their productivity. PCM is distinguished by its many variations and properties, the most important of which is the melting point. In this study, the driven question and focus was on investigating which is better for use...

Thermal stress causes reduction in the open circuit voltage of photovoltaic (PV) modules which results in a reduction in overall power generation. Photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) collectors have been used to mitigate this issue by providing both cooling of the cell temperature and yielding thermal energy in the same space. However, the implementation o...

Solar adsorption air conditioning system (SADCS) is an excellent alternative to the conventional vapor compression system (VCS). SADCS has advantages over VCS system notably that it is a green cooling technology that utilizes solar energy to drive the adsorption/desorption cycle, using pure water as a green HFC-free refrigerant, mechanically simple...

The temperature of photovoltaic cell is reduced by heat transfer fluids (HTF) in cooling channels, which are attached to the back of the photovoltaic module in a hybrid thermal photovoltaic system (PV/T). Recently, nanofluids have been implemented as HTF's in PV/T systems. Various types of nanofluids have been synthesized, prepared, and tested, how...

The temperature of photovoltaic cell is reduced by heat transfer fluids (HTF) in cooling channels, which are attached to the back of photovoltaic module in hybrid thermal photovoltaic system (PV/T). Recently, nanofluids have been implemented as HTF's in PV/T systems. Various types of nanofluids have been synthesized, prepared and tested, however, n...

In this paper, evaluation and comparison of a new designed PV/T hybrid collector with three PV/T systems and conventional PV in term of electrical and thermal performance is presented. The problem statement that drives this study is the nonhomogeneous distribution of heat on the PV module and in the collector, which produces a hot spot and reduce s...

Photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) systems used to produce electricity and heat concurrently. The production and efficiencies of these systems were specified by the materials, design, and weather data of the location. In this study, a 100-Watt Web-configuration PV/T systems designed, tested, and evaluated in Sohar, Oman. Two identical Web configuration PV...

Renewable energy utilization in Oman is a topic with growing interest by the Omani government and the private sector. The existing renewable energy resources, which can be used as an energy alternative and eco-friendly energy systems, needs further research, development, planning and awareness. This initiative presents a step in the direction towar...

The present paper examines the hypothetical and empirical effects of geometrical parameters via transverse ribs on the back of a jet-impingement solar air heater absorber plate. MATLAB software environment was utilised to develop and solve equations on the steady-state energy balance. Moreover, verification of the performance was done through indoo...

Utilizing solar energy to generate electricity on large scale photovoltaic (PV) power plants became a trend as a new option adopted by many countries. The optimum installation of PV power plants depends on the geographical location, which specifies irradiation, latitude, longitude, tilt angle, orientation, etc. However, the PV panel affected by man...

Utilizing solar energy to generate electricity on large scale photovoltaic (PV) power plants became a trend as a new option adopted by many countries. The optimum installation of PV power plants depends on the geographical location, which specifies irradiation, latitude, longitude, tilt angle, orientation, etc. However, the PV panel affected by man...

Renewable energy utilization in Oman is a topic with growing interest by the Omani government and the private sector. The existing renewable energy resources, which can be used as an energy alternative and eco-friendly energy systems, needs further research, development, planning and awareness. This initiative presents a step in the direction towar...

In this study, the aging measurements of a 1.4 kW grid-connected photovoltaic system were analyzed. The system is located at the Solar Energy Laboratory at the College of Engineering, Sohar University, Sohar, Oman. The system variables were monitored and measured for a period of seven years, starting from 1 October 2012 until 30 September 2019, dur...

In this study, the aging measurements of a 1.4 kW grid-connected photovoltaic system were analyzed. The system is located at the Solar Energy Laboratory at the College of Engineering, Sohar University, Sohar, Oman. The system variables were monitored and measured for a period of seven years, starting from 1 October 2012 until 30 September 2019, dur...

The electrical efficiency of photovoltaic modules reduces with increase in cell temperature. However, using photovoltaic/thermal systems to enhance thermal, electrical, and overall outcomes is an excellent option. In this study, three water cooling PVT systems that have variable flow channels (web type, direct type, spiral type) installed, tested,...

Oman Vision 2040: Renewable Energy Program, NEWSLETTER- Volume 1, Issue 1, September 2020

The use of photovoltaics has spread widely, and government agencies have begun adopting plans to deploy plants with large capacities, due to their environmental friendliness, low manufacturing costs, and high productivity. In the sunny countries where this technology should spread, the photovoltaics' energy conversion efficiency decreases due to th...

In this study, the aging measurements of a 1.4 kW grid-connected photovoltaic system were analyzed. The system is located at the Solar Energy Laboratory at the College of Engineering, Sohar University, Sohar, Oman. The system variables were monitored and measured for a period of seven years, starting from 1 October 2012 until 30 September 2019, dur...

A grid-connected photovoltaic system was tested and investigated for the entire year under desertic weather exhibited. The system contains 1.4 kW PV and 1.7 kW inverter-the data was measured every second and used to model and evaluate the system performance. However, dust is one of the essential parameters that affect grid-connected photovoltaic pe...

A grid-connected photovoltaic system was tested and investigated for the entire year under desertic weather exhibited. The system contains 1.4 kW PV and 1.7 kW inverter —the data was measured every second and used to model and evaluate the system performance. However, dust is one of the essential parameters that affect grid-connected photovoltaic p...

The key step for using nanoparticles for heat transfer applications is to prepare nanofluids, either through the one-step or two-step method. Among applications of nanofluids in heat transfer are to use them as working fluid for hybrid photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) systems. PV/T systems combine photovoltaic modules and solar thermal collectors to pro...

Hybrid photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) is a technology with many variations and designs. The aim of this unit is cooling down PV temperature while producing hot water. In this paper, different PV/T designs are compared in terms of energy, exergy and efficiency. Data from experiments and numerical calculations conducted at Bangi, Malaysia was used for t...

Performance degradation of photovoltaic modules occurs when cell temperature increases; this is due to losses within the cell and the effect of surrounding weather as well. An increase in cell temperature leads to a decrease in the open-circuit voltage and hence, the electrical power produced by the PV. A nanofluid and nano-PCM (paraffin wax) -base...

Solar assisted heat pump (SAHP) system integrates a solar thermal energy source with a heat pump. This technique is a very fundamental concept, especially for drying applications. By combining a solar thermal energy source such as solar thermal collectors and a heat pump dryer will assist in reducing the operation cost of drying and producing produ...

This research article aims to examine the feasibility of several machine learning techniques to forecast the exergetic performance of a building‐integrated photovoltaic‐thermal (BIPVT) collector. In this regard, it uses multiple linear regression, multilayer perceptron, radial basis function regressor, sequential minimal optimization improved suppo...

The energy requirements and demands of air conditioning systems is steadily increasing. The use of solar assisted Single Effect Absorption Chillers (SEAC) can alleviate energy losses and reduce CO2 emissions. The needs to customize such systems is crucial. Hence, the feasibleness of using a absorption solar cycle in Najaf, Iraq is evaluated in this...

This paper aims to enhance the power production performance of the PV/T based on three cooling models using nanofluid, SiC-water and nano-PCM. The effect of solar irradiance and ambient temperature on the power productivity performance has been investigated based on sensitivity analysis that shows that electrical current and solar irradiance has mo...

This work presents the effects of the preheating environment on the microstructural, compositional, optical, and electrical properties of spin-coating-deposited CZTS thin films. CZTS precursors were prepared using a sol-gel method and deposited by spin-coating; they were subsequently preheated at 150 °C under different atmospheres (air, Ar, and N2)...

More interesting research in the field of photovoltaic thermal is being conducted widely due to shifting interest in supplying both electrical and thermal needs especially in areas that suffer from small installation space. Photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) offers to produce both electricity and thermal power from solar irradiance within the same area; t...

In this article, an experimental analysis was carried out to evaluate the impact of the dust accumulation on the PV modules on the resulted energy losses. The dust used in the experiments was collected from three specific location of Sultanate of Oman. Samples of fly and participated dust from three sites were collected for a period of 3 months for...

Cooling techniques of photovoltaic (PV) panels have received more attention from researchers due to their positive results on the efficiency of the PV panel. Examples of these techniques are the use of hybrid photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) configurations, nanofluid-based PV/T and nano-PCM-based PV/T. These techniques vary in enhancement rate and cost-...

The accumulation of dust on the surface of the solar cell causes a clear decrease in its performance. The present study has led to investigate the impact of pollution and dust of four different Iraq regions of different conditions on solar cells performance. The areas studied were Baghdad, an agricultural area in Mahmoodia, the Karbala-Najaf desert...

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 structure...

Combining a corrugated surface and nanofluids technologies have caused attracted significant interest to develop the ability of compact heat exchangers in order to produce more efficient and reliable thermal systems. In this paper, the forced convective turbulent flow of SiO2-water nanofluid through different corrugated channels is studied numerica...

Advanced concepts of hybrid photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) collectors are proposed to improve electrical efficiency and utilize the waste heat as thermal energy. The use of air, water, and combinations of the two are considered traditional techniques. The complexity is raised when using advanced state-of-the-art systems to improve the overall efficien...

Advanced PV/T systems are introduced and explained in detail, in this chapter. The concepts of novel base fluids such as nanofluids and their application in PV/T systems are described. Nanofluid-based PV/T systems are introduced, along with nanofluid preparation, mixing, and thermophysical property tests. The concept and methodology of the two-step...

PV/T collectors are hybrid units combining both photovoltaic (PV) modules and solar thermal collectors to generate electrical and thermal energy simultaneously. The thermal collector generates heat and provides cooling for the PV concurrently. PV/T design and development face many hurdles and issues that must be addressed. This chapter provides the...

The core of the book is to explain the theory and applications of Photovoltaic Thermal (PV/T) collectors which is provided in this chapter. The concepts and components of PV/T are illustrated as well as energy efficiency calculations. The case for using PV/T collectors is stated and followed by the rationale in terms of the combined efficiency per...

Discussion of economic aspects of any technology is critical to establish its utility and market potential. Given that PV/T is used as an energy source, it must be cost-competitive with conventional renewable energy and fossil fuel sources. For research and development to understand and evaluate the economic aspect of PV/T systems, it is recommende...