Solar Energy for Cooling and Power Generation

Dear Colleagues,

We are inviting submissions to a Special Issue of Energies on the subject area of “Solar Energy for Cooling and Power Generation”.

Solar energy is a clean, abundant, and renewable source of energy that has the potential to provide sustainable solutions for heating, cooling, and power generation. However, in order to effectively harness the power of the Sun, it is essential to convert and store solar energy.  The conversion and storage of solar energy are critical for both cooling and power generation applications. By effectively harnessing the power of the Sun, it is possible to provide sustainable solutions that are both environmentally friendly and cost-effective. As technology continues to advance, it is likely that solar energy will play an increasingly important role in meeting our cooling and power generation needs.

One of the most common methods of converting solar energy into usable electricity is through the use of photovoltaic (PV) cells. PV cells are composed of layers of materials, such as silicon, that are able to absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. The electricity generated by the PV cells can then be used to power a variety of devices, including air conditioning units and other cooling systems.  Another method of storing solar energy is through the use of thermal storage systems. These systems work by using solar energy to heat a storage medium, such as water or a phase-change material, during periods of peak sunlight. The stored heat can then be used to generate electricity or to provide cooling when sunlight is not available.

In addition to converting solar energy into electricity, it is also possible to store solar energy for later use. One way to do this is through the use of batteries, which can store the excess energy generated by PV cells during periods of peak sunlight. The stored energy can then be used to power cooling systems and other devices during times when sunlight is not available. One particular application of solar energy for cooling is through using thermal energy to drive absorption and adsorption chillers. Absorption and adsorption chillers use a heat source, such as solar energy, to drive a refrigeration cycle that provides cooling. This makes them an attractive option for cooling applications in areas with abundant sunlight, such as desert regions.

Another application of solar energy for power generation is through the use of concentrated solar power (CSP) systems. CSP systems use mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight onto a small area, generating high temperatures that can be used to produce electricity. CSP systems are typically used in large-scale power generation applications, such as utility-scale power plants.

The aim of this Special Issue is to collect and disseminate novel, intelligent, and autonomous condition-monitoring techniques and their potential applications for solar energy for cooling and power generation.  Topics of interest for this Special Issue include, but are not limited to:

1. Renewable Energy: Solar energy is a renewable source of energy that can be harnessed to provide electricity without depleting natural resources such as fossil fuels. This is important for the sustainable development of the planet.
2. Energy Efficiency: The conversion and storage of solar energy can increase energy efficiency by reducing dependence on traditional energy sources that require large amounts of energy to extract, transport, and refine.
3. Cost Savings: The use of solar energy can reduce electricity costs over time, especially in areas with abundant sunlight. This can be particularly important for rural and remote areas where traditional energy sources are often not available.
4. Carbon Emissions Reduction: Solar energy is a clean source of energy that does not produce greenhouse gas emissions or contribute to air pollution. The conversion and storage of solar energy can therefore help reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change.
5. Improved Energy Security: Dependence on traditional energy sources can make countries vulnerable to geopolitical and economic instability. By promoting the use of solar energy, countries can reduce their dependence on imported energy and improve energy security.
6. Technological Advancements: The development of solar energy technologies can lead to innovations in materials science, engineering, and manufacturing, which can drive economic growth and create new jobs.

Prof. Dr. Salman Ajib
Prof. Dr. Mohammad Ahmad Hamdan
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• solar cooling
• storage of solar energy
• solar thermal power plants
• energy efficiency
• reduction in environmental pollutants
• carbon emissions reduction
• security of energy supplying
• cost savings by energy supplying
• saving of conventional energy resources