Browsing by Keyword "Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment"
Now showing 1 - 20 of 129
Results Per Page
Sort Options
Item Achievements of European projects on membrane reactor for hydrogen production(2017-09-10) Di Marcoberardino, Gioele; Binotti, Marco; Manzolini, Giampaolo; Viviente, José Luis; Arratibel, Alba; Roses, Leonardo; Gallucci, Fausto; TECNOLOGÍA DE MEMBRANAS E INTENSIFICACIÓN DE PROCESOSMembrane reactors for hydrogen production can increase both the hydrogen production efficiency at small scale and the electric efficiency in micro-cogeneration systems when coupled with Polymeric Electrolyte Membrane fuel cells. This paper discusses the achievements of three European projects (FERRET, FluidCELL, BIONICO) which investigate the application of the membrane reactor concept to hydrogen production and micro-cogeneration systems using both natural gas and biofuels (biogas and bio-ethanol) as feedstock. The membranes, used to selectively separate hydrogen from the other reaction products (CH4, CO2, H2O, etc.), are of asymmetric type with a thin layer of Pd alloy (<5 μm), and supported on a ceramic porous material to increase their mechanical stability. In FERRET, the flexibility of the membrane reactor under diverse natural gas quality is validated. The reactor is integrated in a micro-CHP system and achieves a net electric efficiency of about 42% (8% points higher than the reference case). In FluidCELL, the use of bio-ethanol as feedstock for micro-cogeneration Polymeric Electrolyte Membrane based system is investigated in off-grid applications and a net electric efficiency around 40% is obtained (6% higher than the reference case). Finally, BIONICO investigates the hydrogen production from biogas. While BIONICO has just started, FERRET and FluidCELL are in their third year and the two prototypes are close to be tested confirming the potentiality of membrane reactor technology at small scale.Item Analysis of electrical drive speed control limitations of a power take-off system for wave energy converters(2017-12) Gaspar, José F.; Kamarlouei, Mojtaba; Sinha, Ashank; Xu, Haitong; Calvário, Miguel; Faÿ, François-Xavier; Robles, Eider; Guedes Soares, C.; Tecnalia Research & Innovation; RENOVABLES EFICIENCIA ENERGETICA Y CIRCULARIDAD; RENOVABLES OFFSHOREThe active control of wave energy converters with oil-hydraulic power take-off systems presents important demands on the electrical drives attached to their pumps, in particular on the required drive accelerations and rotational speeds. This work analyzes these demands on the drives and designs reliable control approaches for such drives by simulating a wave-to-wire model in a hardware in-the-loop simulation test rig. The model is based on a point absorber wave energy converter, being the wave, hydrodynamic and oil-hydraulic part simulated in a computer that sends and receives signals from the real embedded components, such as the drive generator, controller and back-to-back converter. Three different control strategies are developed and tested in this test rig and the results revealed that despite the drive limitations to acceleration levels, well above 1 × 104 rpm/s, these do not significantly affect the power take-off efficiency, because the required acceleration peaks rarely achieve these values. Moreover this drive is much more economical than an oil-hydraulic and equivalent one that is able to operate at those peaks of acceleration.Item Analysis of loss of life of dry-type WTSU transformers in offshore wind farms(2020) Etxegarai, A.; Valverde, V.; Eguia, P.; Perea, E.; DIGITAL ENERGYCurrently, dry-type transformers are commonly installed as wind turbine step-up (WTSU) transformers, especially in offshore wind farms. Due to their low flammability and resistance to moisture, their performance is optimal in offshore platforms. Nonetheless, their thermal-electrical degradation must be carefully considered given the special wind and weather conditions in marine environments. The present paper studies the thermal aging of dry-type WTSU transformers in offshore wind farms considering the most thermally stressed location i.e. the winding hot-spot. The estimation of the transformer lifetime consumption introduced in this work can be applied in the framework of digital twins for diagnostic and prognostic monitoring purposes The thermal degradation study is based on a typical offshore load profile and includes the analysis of the impact of several transformer characteristics and operating conditions. As a result of the analysis, it can be concluded that lower temperature insulations, forced air cooling systems, a lower mean winding temperature rise and cool ambient temperatures lead to decreased loss of life values. Also, the present work suggests the suitability of considering thermal degradation studies as an optimal sizing factor for offshore WTSU given the low ambient temperatures in marine environment and the low capacity factors.Item Applications of Models and Tools for Mesoscale and Microscale Thermal Analysis in Mid-Latitude Climate Regions—A Review(2021-11-10) Lobaccaro, Gabriele; De Ridder, Koen; Acero, Juan Angel; Hooyberghs, Hans; Lauwaet, Dirk; Maiheu, Bino; Sharma, Richa; Govehovitch, Benjamin; Tecnalia Research & InnovationUrban analysis at different spatial scales (micro- and mesoscale) of local climate conditions is required to test typical artificial urban boundaries and related climate hazards such as high temperatures in built environments. The multitude of finishing materials and sheltering objects within built environments produce distinct patterns of different climate conditions, particularly during the daytime. The combination of high temperatures and intense solar radiation strongly perturb the environment by increasing the thermal heat stress at the pedestrian level. Therefore, it is becoming common practice to use numerical models and tools that enable multiple design and planning alternatives to be quantitatively and qualitatively tested to inform urban planners and decision-makers. These models and tools can be used to compare the relationships between the micro-climatic environment, the subjective thermal assessment, and the social behaviour, which can reveal the attractiveness and effectiveness of new urban spaces and lead to more sustainable and liveable public spaces. This review article presents the applications of selected environmental numerical models and tools to predict human thermal stress at the mesoscale (e.g., satellite thermal images and UrbClim) and the microscale (e.g., mobile measurements, ENVI-met, and UrbClim HR) focusing on case study cities in mid-latitude climate regions framed in two European research projects.Item Applying International Power Quality Standards for Current Harmonic Distortion to Wave Energy Converters and Verified Device Emulators(2019-09-24) Kelly, James; Aldaiturriaga, Endika; Ruiz-Minguela, Pablo; Tecnalia Research & InnovationThe push for carbon-free energy sources has helped encourage the development of the ocean renewable energy sector. As ocean renewable energy approaches commercial maturity, the industry must be able to prove it can provide clean electrical power of good quality for consumers. As part of the EU funded Open Sea Operating Experience to Reduce Wave Energy Cost (OPERA) project that is tasked with developing the wave energy sector, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) developed electrical power quality standards for marine energy converters, which were applied to an oscillating water column (OWC). This was done both in the laboratory and in the real world. Precise electrical monitoring equipment was installed in the Mutriku Wave Power Plant in Spain and to an OWC emulator in the Lir National Ocean Test Facility at University College Cork in Ireland to monitor the electrical power of both. The electrical power generated was analysed for harmonic current distortion and the results were compared. The observations from sea trials and laboratory trials demonstrate that laboratory emulators can be used in early stage development to identify the harmonic characteristics of a wave energy converter.Item Assessment on the Efficiency of an Active Solar Thermal Facade: Study of the Effect of Dynamic Parameters and Experimental Analysis When Coupled/Uncoupled to a Heat Pump: Study of the effect of dynamic parameters and experimental analysis when coupled/uncoupled to a heat pump(2020) Elguezabal, Peru; Lopez, Alex; Blanco, Jesus Maria; Chica, Jose Antonio; ECOEFICIENCIA DE PRODUCTOS DE CONSTRUCCIÓN; SGThe building sector presents poor performance in terms of energy efficiency and is looking for effective alternatives aimed at reducing the use of fossil fuels. The facade is a key element able to harness renewable energy as an Active Solar Thermal Facade (ASTF). The main purpose of this study is the assessment of a novel design concept based on a steel sandwich panel technology. The performance of the active system will be first addressed by a parametric study in order to analyze its behavior and secondly, by describing a real case based on an experimental test by connecting the active panels to a heat pump. The study shows the impact of solar irradiation and mass flow on the thermal jump achieved, while ambient and fluid inlet temperatures are the most influencing parameters in the efficiency of the facade. When coupled to the heat pump, results from a measurement campaign demonstrate a remarkable improvement in the performance of the ASTF. The results presented provide significant proof about the benefits of a synergetic combination of both technologies—solar facades and heat pumps—as efficient alternatives for the building sector, aiming to improve energy efficiency as well as reduce their dependence on non-renewable sources.Item Battery Storage Demonstration Projects An Overview Across Europe(Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc., 2021) Astero, Poria; Maki, Kari; Evens, Corentin; Papadimitriou, Christina; Efthymiou, Venizelos; Niebe, Astrid; Holly, Stefanie; Marinelli, Mattia; Gabderakhmanova, Tatiana; Melendez, Joaquim; Herraiz, Sergio; Rodriguez-Sanchez, Raul; Morch, Andrei; De Urtasun, Laura Gimenez; Fernandez, Gregorio; Divshali, Poria Hasanpor; Tecnalia Research & InnovationThis paper summarises results and experiences from several demonstration projects across European countries in the field of battery energy storage system (BESS) integration to the power system. These research projects are selected among research institutes and universities that are part of the European Energy Research Alliance (EERA) Joint Program on Smart Grids. The paper categorizes these projects according to the demonstrated applications of BESS and then reviews specific aspects of each project. This paper provides an opportunity to find out the summary of the most recent results as well as challenges and open research questions in projects focusing on different BESS application in the power system.Item Broadband antireflective coating stack based on mesoporous silica by acid-catalyzed sol-gel method for concentrated photovoltaic application(2018-11) Agustín-Sáenz, Cecilia; Sánchez-García, José Ángel; Machado, Maider; Brizuela, Marta; Zubillaga, Oihana; Tercjak, Agnieszka; Tecnalia Research & Innovation; VALORIZACIÓN DE RESIDUOS; INGENIERÍA DE SUPERFICIES; SISTEMAS FOTOVOLTAICOSSilica multi-layer stacks have been designed with the aim to provide broadband antireflective (AR) properties for glass components in concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) application. Silica porous coatings were grown by combining acid-catalyzed sol-gel route and evaporation induced self-assembly (EISA) method with four types of organic/inorganic systems. Sols were prepared using tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) as inorganic precursor assembled with two di-block copolymers, one tri-block copolymer and one cationic surfactant as organic templates. Optical properties were characterized by ellipsometry and spectrophotometry while the material structure was analyzed by environmental ellipsometric porosimetry (EEP) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The concentration of inorganic and organic phases was optimized and a broadband AR bi-layer stack was obtained providing a 7.2% (under the reference AM1.5 solar spectral irradiance) increase in transmittance over bare glass in the wavelength range 300–2000 nm when coated on both sides.Item Carbon-Free Electricity Generation in Spain with PV–Storage Hybrid Systems(2022-06-29) Fraile Ardanuy, Jesús; Alvaro-Hermana, Roberto; Castano-Solis, Sandra; Merino, Julia; Tecnalia Research & InnovationClimate change motivated by human activities constitutes one of the main challenges of this century. To cut carbon emissions in order to mitigate carbon’s dangerous effects, the current energy generation mix should be shifted to renewable sources. The main drawback of these technologies is their intermittency, which will require energy storage systems to be fully integrated into the generation mix, allowing them to be more controllable. In recent years, great progress to develop an effective and economically feasible energy storage systems, particularly motivated by the recent rise of demand for electric transportation, has been made. Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery prices have fallen near 90% over the past decade, making possible the affordability of electric vehicles and transforming the economics of renewable energy. In this work, a study on storage capacity demand previously presented as conference paper is expanded, including a deep analysis of the Spanish generation mix, the evaluation of the energy storage requirements for different low-carbon and carbon-free scenarios in Mainland Spain, and the calculation of the CO2 emissions’ reduction and the associated storage costs.Item CFD model-based analysis and experimental assessment of key design parameters for an integrated unglazed metallic thermal collector façade(2020-02) Elguezabal, P.; Lopez, A.; Blanco, J.M.; Chica, J.A.; ECOEFICIENCIA DE PRODUCTOS DE CONSTRUCCIÓN; SGActive façade systems incorporating solar thermal collectors currently offer very promising energetic solutions. From among the available systems, a simple solution is the unglazed heat collector for potential integration in low-temperature applications. However, when adopting system definitions, the modification of some design parameters and their impact has to be fully understood. In this study, the case of an unglazed collector integrated into a sandwich panel is assessed and a specific analysis is performed for a proper assessment of the influence of key design parameters. Based on that case study of the real built system, a CFD model is developed and validated and a parametric assessment is then performed, by altering the configurations of both the panel and the hydraulic circuit. In this way, the potential of each measure to harness solar energy can be evaluated and each parameter with its different level of impact can be highlighted, to identify those of higher relevance. A characterization of the real solution completes the study, by providing the efficiency curves and the total energy collected during the experimental campaign. The maximum estimate of the efficiency of a 6 m2 façade was within a range between 0.47 and 0.34 and the heat loss factor was between 4.8 and 7.5. The case study exercises reveal the real energy efficiency and solar production patterns. There was also an opportunity to consider significant improvements to increase the output of the active façade. The main conclusions concerned the different criteria that improved the definition of the system and greater comprehension of alternative designs that may be integrated in the underlying concept.Item Challenges for Digitalisation in Building Renovation to Enhance the Efficiency of the Process: A Spanish Case Study: A spanish case study(2021-11-03) Lasarte, Natalia; Elguezabal, Peru; Sagarna, Maialen; Leon, Iñigo; Otaduy, Juan Pedro; E&I SEGURAS Y RESILIENTES; ECOEFICIENCIA DE PRODUCTOS DE CONSTRUCCIÓNAlthough construction is one of the largest industries in the world, it is one of the least digitised and its productivity is still very low. Excesses of time and cost are common and are even more accentuated for building renovation. Recently, the building information modeling (BIM) methodology has strongly entered in the construction sector and appears to be an effective paradigm shift. Considering all of the previously mentioned aspects, this article addresses the identification and analysis of the critical barriers of renovation and the potential for digitalisation to overcome them using BIM. The methodology that was used is based on an open innovation approach called Living Labs, where consultations with the key stakeholders of the construction process aims for a higher digitalisation to focus on real needs and fitted to the user’s requirements. Starting from a worldwide survey, the analysis of the Spanish casuistry is deepened. From the analysis of barriers and opportunities, the necessary requirements for an optimal BIM application in renovation are highlighted. After identifying the key aspects that each stakeholder’ typology has considered as relevant, a set of key performance indicators have been selected, to monitor the improvements in the renovation process when BIM is adopted.Item Changes of solar cell parameters during damp-heat exposure(2016-10-01) Zhu, Jiang; Koehl, Michael; Hoffmann, Stephan; Berger, Karl Anton; Zamini, Shokufeh; Bennett, Ian; Gerritsen, Eric; Malbranche, Philippe; Pugliatti, Paola; Di Stefano, Agnese; Aleo, Francesco; Bertani, Dario; Paletta, Fabrizio; Roca, Francesco; Graditi, Giorgio; Pellegrino, Michele; Zubillaga, Oihana; Cano, F.J.; Pozza, Alberto; Sample, Tony; Gottschalg, Ralph; Iranzo, F. J.Cano; SISTEMAS FOTOVOLTAICOS; SGThe electrical ageing of photovoltaic modules during extended damp-heat tests at different stress levels is investigated for three types of crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules with different backsheets, encapsulants and cell types. Deploying different stress levels allows determination of an equivalent stress dose function, which is a first step towards a lifetime prediction of devices. The derived humidity dose is used to characterise the degradation of power as well as that of the solar cell's equivalent circuit parameters calculated from measured current–voltage characteristics. An application of this to the samples demonstrates different modes in the degradation and thus enables better understanding of the module's underlying ageing mechanisms. The analysis of changes in the solar cell equivalent circuit parameters identified the primary contributors to the power degradation and distinguished the potential ageing mechanism for each types of module investigated in this paper. © 2016 The Authors. Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. © 2016 The Authors. Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.Item A Characterization of European Collective Action Initiatives and Their Role as Enablers of Citizens’ Participation in the Energy Transition(2021-12-14) Lupi, Veronica; Candelise, Chiara; Calull, Merce Almuni; Delvaux, Sarah; Valkering, Pieter; Hubert, Wit; Sciullo, Alessandro; Ivask, Nele; van der Waal, Esther; Iturriza, Izaskun Jimenez; Paci, Daniele; Della Valle, Nives; Koukoufikis, Giorgos; Dunlop, Tessa; Policies for Innovation and TechnologyThis paper provides novel additional evidence on the characteristics of Collective Action Initiatives (CAIs), investigating their role within the European energy sector. It analyses and presents results of a survey administered in six European countries: the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Poland, Estonia, and Spain. CAIs are studied in light of four key dimensions, those being their creation dynamics, the way they are organized, financed, and the activities they undertake. The results presented are also interpreted to reflect on their role as drivers of social innovation (SI) within energy transition in Europe. The analysis shows that the contribution of CAIs to the energy transition has a much wider scope than the development of energy projects and provision of energy services. CAIs are intrinsically socially innovative models of implementation as characterised by a strong level of citizen involvement and participation. Moreover, they have a potential multi-level role in the energy transition, from the technological and social perspectives. Indeed, alongside traditional energy activities, our results show that CAIs are evolving and expanding towards socially innovative activities, raising awareness on environmental issues, promoting citizens’ mobilization, and fostering social inclusion.Item Climate change risk assessment: A holistic multi-stakeholder methodology for the sustainable development of cities: A holistic multi-stakeholder methodology for the sustainable development of cities(2021-02) Gandini, Alessandra; Quesada, Laura; Prieto, Iñaki; Garmendia, Leire; Tecnalia Research & Innovation; LABORATORIO DE TRANSFORMACIÓN URBANACities are at risk due to global climate change, increasing both the frequency and the intensity of storms and extreme precipitation, sea-level rise, and other extreme weather events. Disaster risk reduction and adaptation to climate change should include a holistic and multi-scale perspective, to address the challenges of sustainable urban development and the conservation of the cultural value of our cities. In this research, an integral multi-stakeholder methodological approach is presented for risk assessment, supported by a data-collection and analysis strategy and a multi-scale urban model based on CityGML. A method of sampling buildings is presented together with the necessary data analysis, in order to perform the analysis at city scale. The methodology is implemented in Donostia- San Sebastián (northern Spain), a city located alongside a river estuary on the coastline. A sample of 2262 buildings are analyzed with varied characteristics at risk of extreme precipitation and/or storm surges and sea-level rise. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of the methodology at generating a unique risk index through a balance between the resources for data collection and the accuracy of the results, supported by a graphical 3D representation to facilitate results interpretation, and the subsequent evidence-based decision-making for prioritizing sustainable interventions.Item Collective Action and Social Innovation in the Energy Sector: A Mobilization Model Perspective: A mobilization model perspective(2020) Gregg, Jay Sterling; Nyborg, Sophie; Hansen, Meiken; Schwanitz, Valeria Jana; Wierling, August; Zeiss, Jan Pedro; Delvaux, Sarah; Saenz, Victor; Polo-Alvarez, Lucia; Candelise, Chiara; Gilcrease, Winston; Arrobbio, Osman; Sciullo, Alessandro; Padovan, Dario; Tecnalia Research & Innovation; Policies for Innovation and TechnologyThis conceptual paper applies a mobilization model to Collective Action Initiatives (CAIs) in the energy sector. The goal is to synthesize aspects of sustainable transition theories with social movement theory to gain insights into how CAIs mobilize to bring about niche-regime change in the context of the sustainable energy transition. First, we demonstrate how energy communities, as a representation of CAIs, relate to social innovation. We then discuss how CAIs in the energy sector are understood within both sustainability transition theory and institutional dynamics theory. While these theories are adept at describing the role energy CAIs have in the energy transition, they do not yet offer much insight concerning the underlying social dimensions for the formation and upscaling of energy CAIs. Therefore, we adapt and apply a mobilization model to gain insight into the dimensions of mobilization and upscaling of CAIs in the energy sector. By doing so we show that the expanding role of CAIs in the energy sector is a function of their power acquisition through mobilization processes. We conclude with a look at future opportunities and challenges of CAIs in the energy transition.Item Comparative assessment of control strategies for the biradial turbine in the Mutriku OWC plant(2020-02) Faÿ, François-Xavier; Henriques, João C.; Kelly, James; Mueller, Markus; Abusara, Moahammad; Sheng, Wanan; Marcos, Marga; Tecnalia Research & Innovation; RENOVABLES EFICIENCIA ENERGETICA Y CIRCULARIDADTo be competitive against other renewable energy sources, energy converted from the ocean waves needs to reduce its associated levelised cost of energy. It has been proven that advanced control algorithms can increase power production and device reliability. They act throughout the power conversion chain, from the hydrodynamics of wave absorption to the power take-off to improve the energy yield. The present work highlights the development and test of several algorithms to control the biradial turbine which is to be installed in the Mutriku oscillating water column plant. A collection of adaptive and predictive controllers is explored and both turbine speed controllers and latching strategies are examined. A Wave-to-Wire model of one chamber of the plant is detailed and simulation results of six control laws are obtained. The controllers are then validated using an electrical test infrastructure to prepare the future deployment in the plant. Finally, the control strategies are assessed against criteria like energy production, power quality or reliability.Item Comparison between carbon molecular sieve and Pd-Ag membranes in H2-CH4 separation at high pressure(2020-10-30) Nordio, Maria; Melendez, Jon; van Sint Annaland, Martin; Pacheco Tanaka, D. Alfredo; Llosa Tanco, Margot; Gallucci, Fausto; Tecnalia Research & Innovation; TECNOLOGÍA DE MEMBRANAS E INTENSIFICACIÓN DE PROCESOSFrom a permeability and selectivity perspective, supported thin-film Pd–Ag membranes are the best candidates for high-purity hydrogen recovery for methane-hydrogen mixtures from the natural gas grid. However, the high hydrogen flux also results in induced bulk-to-membrane mass transfer limitations (concentration polarization) especially when working at low hydrogen concentration and high pressure, which further reduces the hydrogen permeance in the presence of mixtures. Additionally, Pd is a precious metal and its price is lately increasing dramatically. The use of inexpensive CMSM could become a promising alternative. In this manuscript, a detailed comparison between these two membrane technologies, operating under the same working pressure and mixtures, is presented. First, the permeation properties of CMSM and Pd–Ag membranes are compared in terms of permeance and purity, and subsequently, making use of this experimental investigation, an economic evaluation including capital and variable costs has been performed for a separation system to recover 25 kg/day of hydrogen from a methane-hydrogen mixture. To widen the perspective, also a sensitivity analysis by changing the pressure difference, membrane lifetime, membrane support cost and cost of Pd/Ag membrane recovery has been considered. The results show that at high pressure the use of CMSM is to more economic than the Pd-based membranes at the same recovery and similar purity.Item Comparison between Energy Simulation and Monitoring Data in an Office Building(2021-12-30) Martin-Escudero, Koldobika; Atxalandabaso, Garazi; Erkoreka, Aitor; Uriarte, Amaia; Porta, Matteo; EDIFICACIÓN DE ENERGÍA POSITIVA; Tecnalia Research & InnovationOne of the most important steps in the retrofitting process of a building is to understand its pre-retrofitting stage energy performance. The best choice for carrying this out is by means of a calibrated building energy simulation (BES) model. Then, the testing of different retrofitting solutions in the validated model allows for quantifying the improvements that may be obtained, in order to choose the most suitable solution. In this work, based on the available detailed building drawings, constructive details, building operational data and the data sets obtained on a minute basis (for a whole year) from a dedicated energy monitoring system, the calibration of an in-use office building energy model has been carried out. It has been possible to construct a detailed white box model based on Design Builder software. Then, comparing the model output for indoor air temperature, lighting consumption and heating consumption against the monitored data, some of the building envelope parameters and inner building inertia of the model were fine tuned to obtain fits fulfilling the ASHRAE criteria. Problems found during this fitting process and how they are solved are explained in detail. The model calibration is firstly performed on an hourly basis for a typical winter and summer week; then, the whole year results of the simulation are compared against the monitored data. The results show a good agreement for indoor temperature, lighting and heating consumption compared with the ASHRAE criteria for the mean bias error (MBE).Item Compatibility of container materials for Concentrated Solar Power with a solar salt and alumina based nanofluid: A study under dynamic conditions: A study under dynamic conditions(2020-02) Nieto-Maestre, Javier; Muñoz-Sánchez, Belén; Fernández, Angel G.; Faik, Abdessamad; Grosu, Yaroslav; García-Romero, Ana; Tecnalia Research & Innovation; VALORIZACIÓN DE RESIDUOSThermal energy storage (TES) is an efficient solution for improving the dispatchability of Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plants. A system, consisting of two tanks with Solar Salt (NaNO3 60% wt. and KNO3 40% wt.) is commonly used. However, the investment cost of this technology is very high, due to the huge amount of salts required (thousands of tons). A pronounced interest is evident for improving the thermophysical properties of molten salts by adding small amounts of nanoparticles in order to reduce the mass of molten salts at CSP. At the moment, the effect of nanoparticle addition on corrosion of container materials is poorly explored. In particular, there are no works regarding the dynamic effect of nanoparticles on the corrosivity of molten salts. In this work we present first ever dynamic corrosion tests for Solar salt doped with alumina nanoparticles (1% wt.). Carbon Steel A516 and SS347, used in double-tank system, were tested. Corrosion rates were 94.8 μm yr−1 and negligible respectively (1000 h, 385 °C). Detailed examination of construction materials revealed incorporation of nanoparticles into the corrosion layer and considerably lower corrosion rate as compared to the previously reported work on the nanoparticles-free Solar salt.Item Composite material incorporating protective coatings for photovoltaic cell encapsulation(2022-09-15) Yurrita, Naiara; Aizpurua, Jon; Cambarau, Werther; Imbuluzqueta, Gorka; Hernández, Juan M.; Cano, Francisco J.; Huerta, Irene; Rico, Elena; Caño, Teodosio del; Wölper, Sarah; Haacke, Florian; Zubillaga, Oihana; Tecnalia Research & Innovation; SISTEMAS FOTOVOLTAICOS; SGPhotovoltaic modules consisting of one back-contact cell were manufactured by vacuum resin infusion process using glass reinforced epoxy composite as encapsulant where the cells are embedded. Incorporation of three coatings onto the composite surface was studied with the aim to improve the electrical performance stability of the modules under ultraviolet (UV), thermal cycling and damp-heat environmental weathering. Photovoltaic and aging performance were examined through the short-circuit current density values and colour change of the composite. Decrease in the initial photovoltaic performance of the modules was caused by the coating deposition. The highest drop in the initial values was observed for the varnish type coating, showing a decrease of 2.6% in short-circuit current. Regarding the performance stability, the decrease was more pronounced in the damp-heat test, presenting the varnish type coating the minimum loss of 1.4% in short-circuit current and a variation of 87% in b* chromatic parameter after 1000 h exposure at 85 °C and 85% relative humidity. The study concluded that the protective coating should be selected to provide the composite modules with an optimal trade-off between the initial electrical performance and the desired stability, with further research work targeted to improve moisture barrier properties.