Technology

University of New South Wales researchers investigated the impact of sodium-induced degradation in heterojunction solar cells under accelerated damp-heat testing. They considered three different types of sodium salts and identified the degradation mechanisms attributed to each contaminant.

The International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (PVPS) highlights key performance indicators (KPIs) for PV systems in its latest report. It calls for clear KPI definitions and standardized data handling to enhance system efficiency and reliability.

As the penetration of variable renewable energy increases, curtailment of solar PV generation will only increase. Since curtailment will almost always be cheaper than investing in new transmission capacity or new grid-scale storage, curtailed energy should be rewarded, so that PV investment decisions can include curtailment as one of the flexibility options for grid operators.

Scientists have designed a novel control approach for water-to-water heat pumps that use carbon dioxide. They relied on a virtual heat pump for their tests. The coefficient of performance (COE) improved by up to 14.6%.

Researchers in China claim to have built a perovskite solar cell that can effictively reduce ion migration and offer superior stability. The device utilizes an ultrathin membrane made of a polymeric material known as PDTBT2T-FTBDT (D18), which reportedly offers conformal coverage on the surface of perovskite film due to its high fluidity.

The Korean manufacturer said its new products are now available in the North American market and are suitable for multi-unit homes, apartments, new-builds and retrofits. The systems work with new AI technology and reportedly perform better when connected to a PV system.

Researchers have proposed an atmospheric polygeneration system for hot, humid climates that generates water, cooling, and hydrogen, while Inpex has started preparations for a blue hydrogen production project in Niigata, Japan.

Norway’s Mer Group has installed a pilot EV charging station with a timber canopy in Spittal an der Drau, Austria, in collaboration with local partners.

Scientists have developed a multi-physics thermal model for panels with a natural convection cooling loop and tested it against experimental data. They have also experimented with varying the coolant channel thickness and different coolants. The highest measured electrical efficiency reached 15.45%.

BatX Energies says it has opened a lithium battery recycling facility in India to extract critical materials using a hydrometallurgical process.