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The efficient use and understanding of photovoltaic thermal (PVT) modules require accurately evaluating the temperature of their photovoltaic cells. But due to their specific composition, measuring this temperature directly is usually very complicated, if not impossible in practice. In this article, we present an original methodology to estimate the temperature of the cells of a PVT module. In order to do this, we simultaneously conduct experiments on both PVT and PV modules equipped with identical PV cells, and compare their electrical performance. The temperature of the PV module's back side is measured and used to estimate the temperature of the PV cells. The latter is then combined with the electrical power output difference between PV and PVT modules in order to obtain, through a specifically developed thermal model, the cell temperature of the PVT module. In addition, an experimental comparative analysis of different PVT modules is presented. The methodology and the results are promising but the experimental measurements used are subject to significant uncertainties that impact the accuracy of the estimation. The model uses an innovative approach to estimate the PV cell temperature of PVT modules, and recommendations are provided to optimize experimental data measurement accuracy in order to use this model in the best possible conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Performance of PV modules under arid conditions are considered. • Environmental parameters affect the performance on PV cells. • There are significant differences of sensitivity and performance between PV technologies. • The impact of local environment can drastically vary between different arid locations. Abstract Arid and semi-arid climates are blessed with abundant sunshine, and photovoltaic (PV) modules are now widely used under these climatic conditions. The aim of this paper is to put into perspective the recent uses of solar PV installations under arid climates with the evolution of PV technologies. The novelty of this review is to present up-to-date experimental results under such climates, and to plot results of experiments running for about one year or more. The effect of environmental parameters such as weather or dust are analyzed depending on different locations and technologies. These parameters have a tremendous impact on PV modules performance and degradation, and it is critically important to consider them carefully when implementing a PV installation under such conditions. From this review, general conclusions and guidelines are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar energy has seen tremendous development in recent years towards fulfilling the energy requirements of our planet. This paper presents an extensive review of solar-energy-based technologies and research work conducted under cold climatic conditions. These conditions include mountainous, continental, cold oceanic and polar climates and in general, all climates where below Zero temperatures are common during the winter. This article describes the use of solar energy under cold conditions from various aspects: greenhouses, buildings and housing, heat pumps, heat storage, PV panels, solar thermal and PV/T, high-latitude issues, cooling, and policies. Both environmental and economic aspects are considered in this paper, and the zones covered more or less intensively are Central and Northern Europe, North America, Turkey, Iran, China, Japan, the Andes and Antarctica. This analysis shows that, for most cold climatic conditions, it is worth implementing solar energy technologies for certain uses. However, many parameters need to be carefully considered before concluding on the relevance of a given technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A comparative cooking experiment is done between two solar cookers. [•] A solar charged heat storage with improvements is competitive regarding standard cookers. [•] The storage charged over 220°C enables frying as well as boiling water. [•] Simulations modelize the behavior of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] An experimental comparison between two absorbers for charging a heat storage is done. [•] Both absorbers are coupled with a small-scale low cost solar parabolic trough. [•] The objective is to store heat above 200°C for cooking and frying purposes. [•] A simulation model is made to complete the experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the issue of boosting the ranking of a university by using self-citations. According to the 2017 Times Higher Education, Veltech University, Chennai, India is ranked 43rd in Asia World University Ranking. Citations are weighted 30% of the overall score and it appears that Veltech reaches the maximum score on this criterion.