International Journal of Renewable Energy and Electrical Power Systems

Solar Water Heaters’ Role in Achieving Energy Sustainability in Domestic Applications: A Review

2026-02-16T07:00:55+00:00

Currently, the use of photovoltaic solar energy is widespread due to frequent power outages on the main grid and high fuel prices. Despite this widespread use, there are several drawbacks associated with photovoltaic solar energy, such as its electricity production decreasing as temperatures rise, high storage costs with batteries, and low capacity in photovoltaic solar power plants. Therefore, it is necessary to use other renewable energy sources better suited to local climate conditions. Among the most suitable renewable energies for climate conditions is solar thermal energy. Solar thermal energy is a simple technology that can be used to operate heating and cooling systems, which are among the most energy-intensive systems, especially cooling, which accounts for 20% of global electricity consumption. The efficiency of solar thermal energy is 81%, which is much higher than that of photovoltaic solar energy (19%). Its efficiency increases with rising temperatures, making it one of the most suitable renewable energy sources for Arab countries suffering from extremely high temperatures. Furthermore, its cost is lower than that of photovoltaic solar energy, and it requires less space. Solar thermal energy can be a solution for cooling and heating in areas with high electricity prices or far from cities. Examples of the use of solar thermal energy are the solar water heaters and solar absorption refrigeration.

Multi-physics Simulation in Battery and Supercapacitor: A Comprehensive Review

2026-02-27T04:23:45+00:00

This review investigates the pivotal role of computational and multi-physics simulation in addressing the fundamental challenges associated with modern energy storage technologies, particularly lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors. These challenges include system complexity, performance degradation, thermal constraints, and safety limitations under demanding operating conditions. The study systematically examines the principal modeling approaches employed in the literature, ranging from low-complexity Equivalent Circuit Models (ECMs) to high-fidelity physics-based electrochemical models such as the Doyle-Fuller-Newman (DFN) framework, in addition to coupled thermal models. The distinct simulation requirements of batteries and supercapacitors are highlighted based on their differing energy storage mechanisms. Multi-physics simulation is shown to provide powerful predictive capabilities, enabling accurate estimation of state of charge and state of health, improved thermal management strategies, and accelerated design optimization. By reducing reliance on costly experimental prototyping, simulation significantly shortens the development cycle while enhancing device safety, efficiency, and operational lifespan. This review emphasizes the indispensable role of integrated modeling approaches in advancing next-generation energy storage systems.

Exploring Human Waste Based Biogas Production for Power Generation in Nigeria: A Sustainable Energy Solution

2026-02-19T04:57:55+00:00

Nigeria’s electricity sector continues to experience persistent challenges that negatively affect economic growth, public health, and social development, particularly in rural and off-grid communities. This study examines the feasibility of generating electricity from biogas produced using human excreta as a decentralised and sustainable energy solution, while also addressing sanitation and waste management issues. The paper reviews the current status of human excreta-based biogas development in Nigeria and observes that existing applications are largely limited to cooking and heating, with minimal emphasis on electricity generation. Key anaerobic digestion processes suitable for human waste are examined, including microbial conversion mechanisms, biogas composition, and factors influencing methane yield. The study also discusses biogas purification and upgrading techniques required to improve fuel quality for power generation. Special attention is given to the modification of conventional septic tanks into cost-effective bioflex biodigesters using locally available materials. Electricity conversion options are evaluated, with emphasis on the use of modified spark-ignition generator sets, demonstrating stable performance and favorable combustion characteristics of biogas. Furthermore, the economic, environmental, and social implications of deploying human excreta-based biogas systems in Nigeria are assessed. The findings indicate that biogas derived from human waste can support reliable small- and medium-scale electricity generation, making it a viable option for improving energy access, strengthening sanitation infrastructure, and promoting long-term sustainable development in Nigeria.

Analysis on Multilevel Inverter for Renewable Energy Integration using LS-SPWM

2026-01-31T08:24:16+00:00

With the rise of renewable energy sources like solar and wind, power electronics are crucial for linking these energy systems to the electric grid. Multilevel Inverters (MLIs) are gaining attention because they generate high-quality output voltage waveforms with much less harmonic distortion compared to traditional two-level inverters. Traditional inverters create a single stepped waveform that can stress their components and require large output filter capacitors to meet harmonic distortion limits. MLIs address these issues by using multiple levels of DC voltage to create stepped waveforms that closely resemble pure sine waves. This leads to improved power quality due to reduced harmonic distortion. The key principle behind MLIs is summing stepped voltages from capacitors, batteries, or other isolated DC sources to form staircase-like AC waveforms. Simulation results show that MLI technology helps reduce the needed output filter capacitance while lowering voltage stress on active switching devices. This reduces the likelihood of electromagnetic interference and allows MLIs to operate at lower switching frequencies, resulting in less switching loss and greater efficiency. Additionally, MLIs can easily convert high voltages from low-voltage components, making them suitable for medium voltage applications without needing complex setups. These benefits have made MLIs a popular choice for high-power applications like renewable energy integration, industrial motor drives, rail traction, and flexible AC transmission systems.

Energy-efficient Solar Roof Integrated Electric Tricycle with Predictive Control under Urban Driving Conditions

2026-02-26T11:45:26+00:00

Solar-assisted electric mobility presents a sustainable solution for low-speed urban transportation, particularly for assistive electric tricycles designed for handicapped users. In this work, a solar-integrated eco-predictive control strategy is developed for an electric tricycle operating under an urban drive cycle. A comprehensive system model incorporating longitudinal vehicle dynamics, motor power characteristics, lithium-ion battery behaviour and rooftop photovoltaic generation is formulated. The photovoltaic system is interfaced through a DC-DC buck-boost converter to supply auxiliary propulsion energy. An eco-predictive controller is implemented to smooth the speed reference and reduce transient power demand. Simulation results demonstrate a significant reduction in net battery energy consumption and improvement in the final state of charge. The solar roof generates 0.0616 kWh during the drive cycle and offsets approximately 28.59% of propulsion energy demand. The combined approach enhances energy efficiency, reduces battery stress and improves sustainability without compromising speed tracking performance.