Advancements and development pathway of a nascent domain: Underwater solar energy utilization

Shen Liang; Hongfei Zheng; Yifan Wang; Zhiwei Ouyang; Xinglong Ma

doi:10.59717/j.xinn-energy.2024.100025

The Innovation Energy > 2024 Vol. 1 > No. 2 > 100025

Next Article Previous Article

REVIEW Open Access

Cite PDF

Advancements and development pathway of a nascent domain: Underwater solar energy utilization

1.
School of Mechanical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China

More Information

Corresponding author: ma_xlong@bit.edu.cn
Received Date: January 22, 2024

Accepted Date: March 18, 2024

Published Online: May 07, 2024

The Innovation Energy 1(2), https://doi.org/10.59717/j.xinn-energy.2024.100025 | Cite this article

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

DownLoad: Full size image

PUBLIC SUMMARY

PUBLIC SUMMARY
1. A comprehensive analysis of the theoretical framework for underwater solar energy utilization is provided.
  
  A straightforward method to ascertain the solar spectrum in any water clarity conditions is proposed.
  
  The research status of spectrum matched underwater solar cells with optimal energy gaps is reviewed.
  
  New pathway of underwater solar concentration toward efficiency underwater solar energy utilization is proposed.

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT

Underwater solar energy is a compelling renewable resource, primarily due to its notable abundance and sustainability. Currently, the attention paid to capture underwater solar energy for underwater or near-water energy requirement scenarios is insufficient. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the theoretical framework for underwater solar energy utilization. It encompasses an examination of various aspects, including light-water interaction, such as reflection at the air-water interface, and water’s attenuation due to absorption and scattering. Given the challenge in accurately and conveniently evaluating underwater solar spectrum, this work proposes a potential and straightforward methodology to ascertain the solar spectrum in any water clarity conditions by examining the spectral attenuation coefficients of Formazine standard turbidity solution through spectrophotometry. After the comprehensive understanding of the underwater solar spectrum, the spectrum matched underwater solar cells with optimal energy gaps can be designed. The current research status of wide bandgap solar cells (≥1.8 eV), including perovskite solar cells, organic solar cells, and dye-sensitized solar cells are reviewed. Furthermore, this work highlights the potential of underwater solar concentration as a new pathway toward efficiency underwater solar energy utilization. Due to the distinct optical properties between water and air, the terrestrial-based solar concentrator cannot be used underwater. Consequently, developing water-based solar concentrators is recognized as a pivotal domain for future. Naturally, the advancement of suitable underwater concentrating photovoltaic technology and the underwater concentrating photovoltaic-thermal integrated systems are regarded as valuable avenues for research.

FullText(HTML)

REFERENCES

[1]	Liang, S., Zheng, H., Liu, S., et al. (2022). Optical design and validation of a solar concentrating photovoltaic-thermal (CPV-T) module for building louvers. Energy 239:122256. DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2021.122256. View in Article Google Scholar
[2]	Siddiqui, M.U., Siddiqui, O.K., Alquaity, A.B.S., et al. (2022). A comprehensive review on multi-physics modeling of photovoltaic modules. Energy Conver. Manag. 258:115414. DOI: 10.1016/j.enconman.2022.115414. View in Article Google Scholar
[3]	Jia, B., Liu, F., and Wang, D. (2019). Experimental study on the performance of spiral solar air heater. Sol. Energy 182:16-21. DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2019.02.033. View in Article Google Scholar
[4]	Mehmood, S., Lizana, J., and Friedrich, D. (2023). Solar-driven absorption cooling system with latent heat storage for extremely hot climates. Energy Conver. Manag. 297:117737. DOI: 10.1016/j.enconman.2023.117737. View in Article Google Scholar
[5]	Zhou, P., Navid, I.A., Ma, Y., et al. (2023). Solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of more than 9% in photocatalytic water splitting. Nature 613: 66−70. DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05399-1. View in Article CrossRef Google Scholar Scopus
[6]	Ma, X., Wang, L., Zhao, Z., et al. (2022). A small heat capacity solar distiller with extra effective discharge for brine by the siphoning of a hydrophilic membranous wick. Desalination 521:115306. DOI: 10.1016/j.desal.2021.115306. View in Article Google Scholar
[7]	Attia, H., Osman, M.S., Johnson, D.J., et al. (2017). Modelling of air gap membrane distillation and its application in heavy metals removal. Desalination 424:27-36. DOI: 10.1016/j.desal.2017.09.027. View in Article Google Scholar
[8]	van de Ven, D.-J., Capellan-Peréz, I., Arto, I., et al. (2021). The potential land requirements and related land use change emissions of solar energy. Sci. Rep. 11: 2907. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82042-5. View in Article CrossRef Google Scholar Scopus
[9]	Vyas, M., Chowdhury, S., Verma, A., et al. (2022). Solar photovoltaic tree: Urban PV power plants to increase power to land occupancy ratio. Renew. Energ. 190:283-293. DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2022.03.129. View in Article Google Scholar
[10]	Irigoien, X., Huisman, J., and Harris, R.P. (2004). Global biodiversity patterns of marine phytoplankton and zooplankton. Nature 429: 863−867. DOI: 10.1038/nature02593. View in Article CrossRef Google Scholar Scopus
[11]	Dang, Q., Chen, W., Li, Y., et al. (2022). Sustainable underwater solar conversion systems with enhanced electrode environmental compatibility. ACS Sustain. Chem. Eng. 10(2):935-945. DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.1c06871. View in Article Google Scholar
[12]	Nieuwhof, A., Bakker, M., Knol, E., et al. (2019). Adapting to the sea: Human habitation in the coastal area of the northern Netherlands before medieval dike building. Ocean Coast Manag. 173:77-89. DOI: 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2019.02.014. View in Article Google Scholar
[13]	Zi, Z., Ji, D., Jie, L., et al. (2023). Enhancing energy–climate–economy sustainability in coastal cities through integration of seawater and solar energy. Renew. Sust. Energy Rev. 183:113477. DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2023.113477. View in Article Google Scholar
[14]	Liang, S., Zheng, H., Ma, X., et al. (2021). Study on a passive concentrating photovoltaic-membrane distillation integrated system. Energy Conver. Manag. 242:114332. DOI: 10.1016/j.enconman.2021.114332. View in Article Google Scholar
[15]	McKuin, B., Zumkehr, A., Ta, J., et al. (2021). Energy and water co-benefits from covering canals with solar panels. Nat. Sustain. 4: 609−617. DOI: 10.1038/s41893-021-00693-8. View in Article CrossRef Google Scholar Scopus
[16]	Ghosh, A. (2023). A comprehensive review of water based PV: Flotavoltaics, under water, offshore & canal top. Ocean Eng. 281:115044. DOI: 10.1016/j.oceaneng.2023.115044. View in Article Google Scholar
[17]	Tawalbeh, M., Al-Othman, A., Kafiah, F., et al. (2021). Environmental impacts of solar photovoltaic systems: A critical review of recent progress and future outlook. Sci. Tot. Environ. 759:143528. DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143528. View in Article Google Scholar
[18]	Borthwick, A.G.L. (2016). Marine renewable energy seascape. Engineering 2(1):69-78. DOI: 10.1016/J.ENG.2016.01.011. View in Article Google Scholar
[19]	Wang, X., Shang, J., Luo, Z., et al. (2012). Reviews of power systems and environmental energy conversion for unmanned underwater vehicles. Renew. Sust. Energy Rev. 16(4):1958-1970. DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2011.12.016. View in Article Google Scholar
[20]	Liu, J., Xu, P., Liu, B., et al. (2023). Underwater biomimetic lateral line sensor based on triboelectric nanogenerator for dynamic pressure monitoring and trajectory perception. Small 2308491. DOI: 10.1002/smll.202308491. View in Article Google Scholar
[21]	Kai, L.Y., Sarip, S., Kaidi, H.M., et al. (2021). Current status and possible future applications of marine current energy devices in Malaysia: A review. IEEE Access 9: 86869−86888. DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2021.3088761. View in Article CrossRef Google Scholar
[22]	Dang, Q., Zhang, W., Li, Y., et al. (2021). Algae-inspired multifunctional ocean solar-energy conversion chain enabled by coordination polymers. Cell Rep. Phys. Sci. 2(6):100466. DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrp.2021.100466. View in Article Google Scholar
[23]	Li, Z., Liu, X., Hu, Q., et al. (2023). Design of an origami-inspired solar folding mechanism for underwater gliders. OCEANS 2023 - Limerick. DOI: 10.1109/OCEANSLimerick52467.2023.10244585. View in Article Google Scholar
[24]	Hahn, G.G., Adoram-Kershner, L.A., Cantin, H.P., et al. (2019). Assessing solar power for globally migrating marine and submarine systems. IEEE J. Ocean. Eng. 44: 693−706. DOI: 10.1109/JOE.2018.2835178. View in Article CrossRef Google Scholar
[25]	Jamal, M., and Muaddi, J. (1990). Solar energy at various depths below a water surface. Int. J. Energy Res. 14: 859−867. DOI: 10.1002/er.4440140808. View in Article CrossRef Google Scholar Scopus
[26]	Mobley, C. (1994). Light and water: Radiative transfer in natural waters. San Diego: Academic Press. https://searchworks.stanford.edu/view/2898931. View in Article Google Scholar
[27]	Tina, G.M., Rosa-Clot, M., Rosa-Clot, P., et al (2012). Optical and thermal behavior of submerged photovoltaic solar panel: SP2. Energy 39(1):17-26. DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2011.08.053. View in Article Google Scholar
[28]	Ma, X., Zheng, H., and Tian, M. (2016). Optimize the shape of curved-Fresnel lens to maximize its transmittance. Sol. Energy 127:285-293. DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2016.01.014. View in Article Google Scholar
[29]	Morel, A.Y. (1974). Optical properties of pure water and pure sea water. Optical aspects of oceanography. London: Academic Press. https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:204270475. View in Article Google Scholar
[30]	Tina, G.M., Rosa-Clot, M., Lojpur, V., et al. (2019). Numerical and experimental analysis of photovoltaic cells under a water layer and natural and artificial light. IEEE J. Photovolt. 9: 733−740. DOI: 10.1109/JPHOTOV.2019.2896669. View in Article CrossRef Google Scholar
[31]	Smith, R.C., and Baker, K.S. (1981). Optical properties of the clearest natural waters (200–800 nm). Appl. Opt. 20(2): 177−184. DOI: 10.1364/AO.20.000177. View in Article CrossRef Google Scholar
[32]	Woźniak, S.B., Meler, J., and Stoń-Egiert, J. (2022). Inherent optical properties of suspended particulate matter in the southern Baltic Sea in relation to the concentration, composition and characteristics of the particle size distribution; new forms of multicomponent parameterizations of optical properties. J. Marine. Sys. 229:103720. DOI: 10.1016/j.jmarsys.2022.103720. View in Article Google Scholar
[33]	Duntley, S.Q. (1963). Light in the Sea. J. Opt. Soc. Am. 53(2): 214−233. DOI: 10.1364/JOSA.53.000214. View in Article CrossRef Google Scholar
[34]	Wang, J., and Seyed-Yagoobi, J. (1994). Effects of water turbidity and salt concentration levels on penetration of solar radiation under water. Sol. Energy 52(5):429-438. DOI: 10.1016/0038-092X(94)90120-Q. View in Article Google Scholar
[35]	Joshi, K.B., Costello, J.H., and Priya, S. (2011). Estimation of solar energy harvested for autonomous jellyfish vehicles (AJVs). IEEE J. Ocean. Eng. 36: 539−551. DOI: 10.1109/JOE.2011.2164955. View in Article CrossRef Google Scholar
[36]	Shi, W., and Wang, M. (2010). Characterization of global ocean turbidity from moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer ocean color observations. J. Geophys. Res. 115. DOI: 10.1029/2010JC006160. View in Article Google Scholar
[37]	Röhr, J.A., Lipton, J., Kong, J., et al. (2020). Efficiency limits of underwater solar cells. Joule 4(4):840-849. DOI: 10.1016/j.joule.2020.02.005. View in Article Google Scholar
[38]	Jenkins, P.P., Messenger, S., Trautz, K.M., et al. (2014). High-bandgap solar cells for underwater photovoltaic applications. IEEE J. Photovolt. 4: 202−207. DOI: 10.1109/JPHOTOV.2013.2283578. View in Article CrossRef Google Scholar Scopus
[39]	Mishra, D.R., Narumalani, S., Rundquist, D., et al. (2005). Characterizing the vertical diffuse attenuation coefficient for downwelling irradiance in coastal waters: Implications for water penetration by high resolution satellite data. ISPRS J. Photogramm. 60(1):48-64. DOI: 10.1016/j.isprsjprs.2005.09.003. View in Article Google Scholar
[40]	Arst, H., Erm, A., Herlevi, A., et al. (2008). Optical properties of boreal lake waters in Finland and Estonia. Boreal. Environ. Res. 13: 133−158. DOI: https://helda.helsinki.fi/server/api/core/bitstreams/824c3d03-7e8c-4680-9608-43440ace9fba/content. View in Article CrossRef Google Scholar Scopus
[41]	Enaganti, P., and Goel, S. (2021). Investigation of silicon solar cells under submerged conditions with the influence of various parameters: A comparative study. Energy Technol. 9(7):2100018. DOI: 10.1002/ente.202100018. View in Article Google Scholar
[42]	Lanzafame, R., Nachtmann, S., Rosa-Clot, M., et al. (2010). Field experience with performances evaluation of a single-crystalline photovoltaic panel in an underwater environment. IEEE T. Ind. Electron. 57: 2492−2498. DOI: 10.1109/TIE.2009.2035489. View in Article CrossRef Google Scholar Scopus
[43]	Stachiw, J.D. (1980). Performance of photovoltaic cells in undersea environment. J. Eng. Ind. 102: 51−59. DOI: 10.1115/1.3183829. View in Article CrossRef Google Scholar Scopus
[44]	Enaganti, P., Dwivedi, P., Srivastava, A., et al. (2020). Analysing consequence of solar irradiance on amorphous silicon solar cell in variable underwater environments. Int. J. Energ Res. 44. DOI: 10.1002/er.5226. View in Article Google Scholar
[45]	Enaganti, P.K., Dwivedi, P.K., Srivastava, A.K., et al. (2020). Analysis of submerged amorphous, mono-and poly-crystalline silicon solar cells using halogen lamp and comparison with xenon solar simulator. Sol. Energy 211:744-752. DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2020.10.025. View in Article Google Scholar
[46]	Rosa-Clot, M., and Tina, G.M. (2017). Submerged and floating photovoltaic systems : Modelling, design and case studies, Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/C2016-0-03291-6. View in Article Google Scholar
[47]	Röhr, J.A., Sartor, B.E., Duenow, J.N., et al. (2022). Identifying optimal photovoltaic technologies for underwater applications. iScience 25(7):104531. DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104531. View in Article Google Scholar
[48]	Micha, D.N., and Silvares Junior, R.T. (2019). The influence of solar spectrum and concentration factor on the material choice and the efficiency of multijunction solar cells. Sci. Rep. 9: 20055. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56457-0. View in Article CrossRef Google Scholar
[49]	Liu, C., Dong, H., Zhang, Z., et al. (2022). Promising applications of wide bandgap inorganic perovskites in underwater photovoltaic cells. Sol. Energy 233:489-493. DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2022.01.033. View in Article Google Scholar
[50]	Li, Q., Zheng, Y., Guo, X., et al. (2023). Interface engineering enhances the photovoltaic performance of wide bandgap FAPbBr3 perovskite for application in low-light environments. Adv. Funct. Mater. 33. DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202303729. View in Article Google Scholar
[51]	Ke, W., and Kanatzidis, M.G. (2019). Prospects for low-toxicity lead-free perovskite solar cells. Nat. Commun. 10: 965. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-08918-3. View in Article CrossRef Google Scholar Scopus
[52]	Berhe, T.A., Su, W.-N., Chen, C.-H., et al. (2016). Organometal halide perovskite solar cells: Degradation and stability. Energy Environ. Sci. 9: 323−356. DOI: 10.1039/C5EE02733K. View in Article CrossRef Google Scholar Scopus
[53]	Luo, Z., Zhu, X., Li, H., et al. (2023). Evaluation of the underwater stability of encapsulated perovskite solar cells. Sol. Energy Mat. Sol. C 262:112557. DOI: 10.1016/j.solmat.2023.112557. View in Article Google Scholar
[54]	Kim, J., Seong, D., Kwon, H., et al. (2021). Lead-sealed stretchable underwater perovskite-based optoelectronics via self-recovering polymeric nanomaterials. ACS Nano 15. DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c08018. View in Article Google Scholar
[55]	Riede, M., Spoltore, D., and Leo, K. (2020). Organic solar cells—the path to commercial success. Adv. Energy Mater. 11. DOI: 10.1002/aenm.202002653. View in Article Google Scholar
[56]	Walters, R.J., Yoon, W., Placencia, D., et al. (2015). Multijunction organic photovoltaic cells for underwater solar power. 2015 IEEE 42nd PVSC. 1-3. DOI: 10.1109/PVSC.2015.7355644. View in Article Google Scholar
[57]	Kong, J., Nordlund, D., Jin, J., et al. (2019). Underwater organic solar cells via selective removal of electron acceptors near the top electrode. Acs Energy Lett. 4. DOI: 10.1021/acsenergylett.9b00274. View in Article Google Scholar
[58]	Zhu, Z., Lin, Z., Gu, Y., et al. (2023). Designing reflective hybrid counter electrode for fiber dye-sensitized solar cell with record efficiency. Adv. Funct. Mater. 33. DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202306742. View in Article Google Scholar
[59]	Li, W., Pu, Y., Ge, B., et al. (2019). Dye-sensitized solar cells based on natural and artificial phycobiliproteins to capture low light underwater. Int. J. Hydro. Energy 44(2):1182-1191. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2018.10.176. View in Article Google Scholar
[60]	Hatem, T., Ismail, Z., Elmahgary, M.G., et al. (2021). Optimization of organic meso-superstructured solar cells for underwater iot2 self-powered sensors. IEEE T. Electron Dev. 68: 5319−5321. DOI: 10.1109/TED.2021.3101780. View in Article CrossRef Google Scholar
[61]	Enaganti, P., Soman, S., Devan, S., et al. (2022). Dye-sensitized solar cells as promising candidates for underwater photovoltaic applications. Prog. Photovolt. 30(6):632-639. DOI: 10.1002/pip.3535. View in Article Google Scholar
[62]	Liang, S., Zheng, H., Cui, D., et al. (2020). Design and experimental verification on a deformable underwater solar concentrator with bi-layer film structure. Int. J. Energy Res. 44(13):10320-10332. DOI: 10.1002/er.5655. View in Article Google Scholar
[63]	Liang, S., Zheng, H., Ma, X., et al. (2020). Design and experimental investigation on a solar concentrating photovoltaic underwater. Energy 204:117958. DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2020.117958. View in Article Google Scholar
[64]	Liang, S., Zheng, H., Kang, H., et al. (2024). Optical and electrical behavior of an underwater linear-focusing solar concentrating photovoltaic. Renew. Energy 221:119788. DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2023.119788. View in Article Google Scholar
[65]	Liang, S., Zheng, H., Zhao, Z., et al. (2023). Investigation on an underwater solar concentrating photovoltaic-membrane distillation (CPV-MD) integrated system. Desalination 546:116193. DOI: 10.1016/j.desal.2022.116193. View in Article Google Scholar
[66]	Ma, X., Wang, Z., Zhao, Z., et al. (2024). Simultaneous production of electricity and potable water underwater by integrating concentrating photovoltaic with air gap membrane distillation. Renew. Energy 226:120347. DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2024.120347. View in Article Google Scholar

Cited by

ABOUT THIS ARTICLE

Cite this article:

Liang S., Zheng H., Wang Y., et al., (2024). Advancements and development pathway of a nascent domain: Underwater solar energy utilization. The Innovation Energy 1(2): 100025. https://doi.org/10.59717/j.xinn-energy.2024.100025

Liang S., Zheng H., Wang Y., et al., (2024). Advancements and development pathway of a nascent domain: Underwater solar energy utilization. The Innovation Energy 1(2): 100025. https://doi.org/10.59717/j.xinn-energy.2024.100025

Welcome!

To request copyright permission to republish or share portions of our works, please visit Copyright Clearance Center's (CCC) Marketplace website at marketplace.copyright.com.

PDF

Figures(3) Tables(1)

Article Metrics

Article views(4881) PDF downloads(4392)

Advancements and development pathway of a nascent domain: Underwater solar energy utilization

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

PUBLIC SUMMARY

ABSTRACT

REFERENCES

ABOUT THIS ARTICLE

Cite this article:

Welcome!

Share

Article Metrics

Relative Articles

Cited by

Catalog

{{newsColumn.name}}

Official Account

{{newsColumn.name}}

Stay connected

{{newsColumn.name}}

Advancements and development pathway of a nascent domain: Underwater solar energy utilization

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

PUBLIC SUMMARY

ABSTRACT

REFERENCES

ABOUT THIS ARTICLE

Cite this article:

Welcome!

Share

Article Metrics

Relative Articles

Cited by

Catalog

Export File

Citation

Format

Content

{{newsColumn.name}}

Official Account

{{newsColumn.name}}

Stay connected

{{newsColumn.name}}