Close‐Spaced Sublimation (CSS): A Low‐Cost, High‐Yield Deposition System for Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) Thin Film Solar Cells

Semiconductors are the key materials in many of our modern day devices, such as sensors, integrated circuits, energy harvesting devices, optoelectronics and so on. However, apart from two known elemental semiconductors that are silicon and germanium, we have been using many of the synthesized ones since the microelectronic revolution known as invention of transistor. Numerous compound semiconductors since then have been synthesized, grown, deposited or simply fabricated by numerous processes in the scientific community. To avoid associated chemical disposals or keep safe from toxic or combustible gas usages in any semiconductor fabrication facilities, many researchers choose physical vapor deposition as the simplest method. One of such processes is called Close-Spaced Sublimation (CSS), which is a kind of thermal evaporation by nature. This chapter would give a comprehensive outline on CSS as one of the most advantageous semiconductor deposition processes for many compound semiconductors having relatively low evaporation temperature. Cadmium telluride (CdTe) is one of the examples utilized for solar cell absorber materials since the early 1980s using CSS technique. Therefore, growth of CdTe thin films by CSS and its utilization in thin film solar cells will be discussed to comprehend the ultimate benefits of the close-spaced sublimation (CSS) process

An Innovative Approach for Environmental Monitoring by Solar Powered Kite

This study investigates the design of a solar powered kite equipped with sensors for any environmental data monitoring, such as, temperature, pressure and so on towards the elevated environment. The developed prototype transforms a traditional kite with a unique design approach that involves the upward height measurement, energy harvesting by solar cells as well as data transmission via wireless network. However, the results from initial monitoring shows only the vertical mapping of ambient temperature as the test case. The developed system can successfully sense and display the temperature data from various height within a certain range as found in the initial investigation. Therefore, upon monitoring various environmental parameters at any cases or during emergency situations using the solar-kite as the simple tool, decision can be made to take appropriate measures against any detrimental changes of the environment by other means

Fire risk assessments and fire protection measures for wind turbines: A review

Wind turbine fires pose a significant global problem, leading to substantial financial losses. However, due to limited open discussions and lax regulations in the wind power industry, progress in addressing this issue has been hindered. This study aims to shed light on the fire risks associated with wind turbine nacelles and blades, while also exploring preventive measures and the latest fire detection and extinguishing technologies. The research conducted in this study involves a comprehensive investigation of various case studies, utilizing causal examination to identify common failure forms and their roles in fire incidents. Additionally, typical hazards, with a focus on fire incidents, in wind turbines are diagnosed. The primary causes of these fires were determined to be lightning strikes and hydraulic faults, often exacerbated by the presence of combustible materials. To conclude, the study includes a survey that encompasses education, knowledge analysis, and real-life accident experiences to assess fire risks and prevention measures in wind turbines. The participation of experts from wind farms, including those from the People's Republic of Bangladesh and other countries, adds valuable insights. The findings from this study serve as a crucial resource for enhancing safety standards and mitigating fire incidents within the wind power industry

Physical and electrical properties of molybdenum thin films grown by DC magnetron sputtering for photovoltaic application

DC magnetron sputtering was utilized to grow thin layers of molybdenum (Mo) on top of soda lime glass substrates. Deposition power was varied for suitable characteristics of films grown at various DC powers, i.e. 100 W, 150 W and 200 W. Thin Mo film of approximately 580 nm thickness was successfully grown at DC power of 100 W at room temperature. Structural, morphological, electrical and optical properties of Mo thin films were analyzed. XRD patterns revealed Mo films to be monocrystalline in nature and only one peak was observed corresponding to the (1 1 0)cub reflection plane at 2θ = 40.5°. Exceptionally dense microstructure was found for surface morphology observation by AFM and FESEM. Increasing deposition power resulted in coarser surface of the grown films. The minimum average surface roughness was found to be around 0.995 nm. Scotch tape adhesion test was performed to validate adhesion. Grown Mo films were found metallic in nature with electrical resistivity of 2.64 × 10−5 Ω-cm. Furthermore, it was found that by increasing deposition power, the electrical resistivity could further be reduced. © 201

Lithium-ion battery thermal management for electric vehicles using phase change material: A review

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries in electric vehicles (EVs) present a promising solution to energy and environmental challenges. These batteries offer numerous advantages, including high energy density, endurance, minimum self-discharge, and long life, accelerating their adoption in EVs. High temperatures can lead to thermal runaways, causing safety hazards such as short circuits and explosions. Conversely, low temperatures can trigger the formation of lithium dendrites, resulting in failures and operational issues. To address these concerns, phase change materials (PCM) are being explored to store and release thermal energy without significant temperature changes. This review paper presents an overview of PCM for battery thermal management systems. It examines and compares thermal management strategies employed for Li-ion batteries, highlighting their merits, drawbacks, and cost-effectiveness. Different types of heating and cooling mechanism are summarized. Furthermore, the study discusses potential future developments in the field to enhance the thermal management of Li-ion batteries in EVs

An Adaptive TE-PV Hybrid Energy Harvesting System for Self-Powered IoT Sensor Applications

In this paper, an integrated thermoelectric (TE) and photovoltaic (PV) hybrid energy harvesting system (HEHS) is proposed for self-powered internet of thing (IoT)-enabled wireless sensor networks (WSNs). The proposed system can run at a minimum of 0.8 V input voltage under indoor light illumination of at least 50 lux and a minimum temperature difference, ∆T = 5 °C. At the lowest illumination and temperature difference, the device can deliver 0.14 W of power. At the highest illumination of 200 lux and ∆T = 13 °C, the device can deliver 2.13 W. The developed HEHS can charge a 0.47 F, 5.5 V supercapacitor (SC) up to 4.12 V at the combined input voltage of 3.2 V within 17 s. In the absence of any energy sources, the designed device can back up the complete system for 92 s. The sensors can successfully send 39 data string to the webserver within this time at a two-second data transmission interval. A message queuing telemetry transport (MQTT) based IoT framework with a customised smartphone application ‘MQTT dashboard’ is developed and integrated with an ESP32 Wi-Fi module to transmit, store, and monitor the sensors data over time. This research, therefore, opens up new prospects for self-powered autonomous IoT sensor systems under fluctuating environments and energy harvesting regimes, however, utilising available atmospheric light and thermal energy

Prospective Efficient Ambient Energy Harvesting Sources for IoT-Equipped Sensor Applications

In the past few years, the internet of things (IoT) has garnered a lot of attention owing to its significant deployment for fulfilling the global demand. It has been seen that power-efficient devices such as sensors and IoT play a significant role in our regular lives. However, the popularity of IoT sensors and low-power electronic devices is limited due to the lower lifetime of various energy resources which are needed for powering the sensors over time. For overcoming this issue, it is important to design and develop better, high-performing, and effective energy harvesting systems. In this article, different types of ambient energy harvesting systems which can power IoT-enabled sensors, as well as wireless sensor networks (WSNs), are reviewed. Various energy harvesting models which can increase the sustainability of the energy supply required for IoT devices are also discussed. Furthermore, the challenges which need to be overcome to make IoT-enabled sensors more durable, reliable, energy-efficient, and economical are identified

Grid-Vehicle-Grid (G2V2G) Efficient Power Transmission: An Overview of Concept, Operations, Benefits, Concerns, and Future Challenges

Electric vehicles (EVs) are proportionally increasing day-by-day with the inclusion of upgraded technology toward considered zero carbon emission efforts. To mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector, grid-to-vehicle (G2V) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technologies are getting significant attention nowadays. EVs equipped with modern technology can help to stabilize the power grids through load-balancing topology during peak hours. The improvement in EVs can support the surroundings in numerous ways, such as power grid voltage and frequency regulations, harmonics distortions, accessible solar energy implemented to the grids, and peak load stabilizations. This literature review analyzes G2V and V2G impacts in more depth, namely opportunities, improvements in strategies, operation, control, issues, and new technology adoptions. This paper emphasizes the possibilities of bringing advancements in EV technology, smooth operations between grids and EVs, fast bidirectional charging and discharging scopes, control of grids and EVs structures, issues, benefits, pitfalls, challenges, and recommendations

The Role of Deposition Temperature in the Photovoltaic Properties of RF-Sputtered CdSe Thin Films

Cadmium selenide (CdSe) thin films were grown on borosilicate glass substrates using the RF magnetron sputtering method. In this study, CdSe thin film was deposited at a deposition temperature in the range of 25 °C to 400 °C. The influence of deposition or growth temperature on the structural, morphological, and opto-electrical properties of CdSe films was investigated elaborately to achieve a good-quality window layer for solar-cell applications. The crystal structure, surface morphology, and opto-electrical characteristics of sputtered CdSe films were determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), UV–Vis spectrophotometry, and Hall effect measurement, respectively. The XRD results revealed the polycrystalline nature of CdSe, with a hexagonal structure having a strong preferential orientation toward the (002) plane. As evident from the FESEM images, the average grain size and surface morphology of the films were dependent on deposition temperatures. The carrier concentration was obtained as 1014 cm−3. The band gap in the range of 1.65–1.79 eV was found. The explored results suggested that sputtered CdSe thin film deposited at 300 °C has the potential to be used as a window layer in solar cells