Recovering waste heat from solar cells via a thermoelectric generator
Scientists in Italy have created a hybrid thermoelectric photovoltaic (HTEPV) system based on a thermoelectric generator and a wide-gap perovskite solar cell. The device is able to recover waste heat from the PV unit and produce additional power. According to its creators, this configuration needs large gap cells as these are less sensitive to temperature in terms of efficiency.
Gujarat tenders 224 MW of grid-connected solar
Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Limited (GESCL) has tendered the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) work for an aggregate 224 MW of grid-connected solar projects in the State. The projects, to be set up in 10-55 MW sizes, shall come up in Surendranagar, Morbi, Kutchh, Jamnagar, and Surat districts. Bidding closes on September 8.
IIT Bombay researchers increase hydrogen yield three-fold using a 19% energy-efficient method
The researchers showed a premagnetized carbon-cobalt catalyst interface could deliver up to 650% enhancement in electrocatalytic kinetics of hydrogen evolution reaction. The synergistic interface was able to sustain magnetization, and thus rapid hydrogen evolution rate, for prolonged time periods.
Novel design for east-west solar parks reduces soil deterioration
Researchers from the TNO in the Netherlands have proposed two novel east-west PV plant designs that are claimed to increase soil quality underneath the solar panels. Both approaches are said to provide a 77% ground coverage ratio, which compares to a 90% ratio in conventional east-west oriented projects.
Cleantech Solar commissions 30 MW open-access project in Maharashtra
The solar plant in the Beed district will supply power to leading corporate customers under the captive structure.
Hyundai and UL ally to give EV batteries a second life
The two agreed to advance safe deployment and use of second-life battery energy storage systems.
Reliance New Energy Solar to invest in US-based liquid metal battery firm
The clean energy arm of Reliance Industries Limited will invest US$ 50 million in MIT-incubated Ambri. As part of the transaction the two companies will also partner to develop and manufacture liquid metal batteries in India.
Sandia researchers develop new grid-scale energy storage battery
The battery operates at 230 degrees Fahrenheit, opening what researchers said could be “a whole cascading cost savings” including everything from less expensive materials to less insulation.
Solar parks get off to a good start in India, but challenges remain
Large-scale solar parks will be key to India’s transition to clean and green energy. Such parks are already being built or planned in States like Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. However, there is still scope for forward-looking and well-aligned policies across States to make the most of this global phenomenon.
Indian Railways tenders hydrogen fuel cell technology for trains
The Railways initially plans to convert diesel-powered trains in the 89km Sonipat-Jind section of Northern Railway to run on hydrogen. The hydrogen fuel cell retrofitment kit, along with the balance-of-plant and energy storage and hydrogen storage modules, will replace the existing power-train items onboard 1,600HP diesel-electric multiple unit (DEMU) rakes.
