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Applications of Nanotechnology in Renewable Energy Sources Exploitation

Research · October 2015

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.1.1462.6008

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 Applications of Nanotechnology in
Renewable Energy Sources
Exploitation
Steevan Sequeira
Manipal Technologies Limited

Abstract: The emergence of nanotechnology in PRESENT SCENARIO OF ENERGY

th1980’s was caused by convergence of
experimental advances such as the invention of SECTOR
the scanning tunneling microscope in 1981 and
the discovery of fullerenes in 1985. Now the
nanotechnology products are used in various
fields such as medical, material science,
automobile etc. In this topic the various
applications of nanotechnology in the renewable
energy sources exploitation have been discussed.

INTRODUCTION At present stage the nonrenewable sources are

Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter most prominently used for the satisfying the
on an atomic and molecular scale. Generally world’s energy demand. However these
nanotechnology works with material, devices resources are expected to extinct or non-
and other structures with at least one harvestable by the end of year 2100. This will
dimension sized from 1 to 100nm. result in the requirement unconventional
Nanoscience and Nanotechnology can be used sources of energy. Using the present
across small things and can be used across all technology it would be impossible to harness
other science fields such as chemistry, physics, the energy to satisfy worlds energy demand.
material science and engineering. Today’s So there is a great need for improvement of
scientists and engineers are finding a wide present technology using nanomaterials.
variety ways to deliberately make materials at
the nanoscales to take advantage of their APPLICATIONS IN RENEWABLE

enhanced properties such as high strength, ENERGY SECTOR

lighter weight, increased control of light  Photo-Voltaic Cells

spectrum and greater chemical reactivity. In  Wind Energy
engineering their applications are mainly  Geothermal Energy
found in fabrication, mechanics and  Hydrogen Energy etc.
infrastructure

1
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
The three critical properties that photovoltaics
must have to be effective are transparency,
conductivity, and catalytic activity.
increased surface area to volume ratio of
nanoparticles should enhance solar energy
collection and efficiency by exposing more
conducting surfaces to the sunlight. The
research and development of solar cells using
nanotechnology is probably the
promising for alternative energy production.
Classic nanostructures such as carbon
nanotubes (CNT), fullerenes and quantum dots
are being used to make solar cells lighter,
cheaper, and more efficient. For example,
constructing photovoltaics with vertical laying
CNTs greatly increases the amount of light
that can be collected. Another arena that
nanotechnology will impact is increasing
photovoltaic efficiency through the use of
materials like lead-selenide. These materials
cause more electrons (and therefore more
electricity) to be released when hit by a photon
of light. Additionally, structural properties of
photovoltaics can be modified
nanotechnology.
HYDROGEN ENERGY
Nanotechnology will offer exciting advances
in hydrogen energy production, storage, and
distribution. In hydrogen production, processes
similar to those discussed in photovoltaic’s are
being utilized. Splitting water with light could
get rid of the reliance on fossil fuels and other
The hydrocarbons. This process requires precision,
and at the moment, research into this
production method is in the early stages. One
of the most exciting areas for nanotechnology
to impact hydrogen energy is efficient
hydrogen storage. There is currently no viable
most technology to store large volumes of hydrogen
fuel because it is either too bulky or expensive.
This is a severe limitation to implementing
hydrogen as an alternative energy source.
Researchers at Rensselaer have developed
“nanoblades” that are extremely thin, uniform,
and have high surface areas. Also, scientists
have found that fullerenes can hold large
volumes of hydrogen (equivalent to the density
of hydrogen at the center of Jupiter). The
efficiency of hydrogen transport could be
further enhanced by the use of carbon
nanotube wiring in place of traditional
pipelines. These lines would have increased
strength, conductivity, and stability at high
using temperatures. Researchers at Rice University
are examining CNT wiring for just this
purpose. Nanoparticle monitors are also being
developed at New Mexico Tech to be placed in
hydrogen transport pathways to detect
potential impurities.
2

WIND ENERGY
The wind energy is a renewable source of
energy. Wind turbines are used to convert the
wind power into electric power. Electric
generator inside the turbine converts the
mechanical power into the electric power.
Wind turbine systems are available ranging
from 50W to 3-4 MW. The impact of
nanotechnology will be in the following areas:
 For wind turbines through by using
composite materials based on carbon
nanotubes the light weight & high
strength rotor blades can be
developed.
 Carbon nanotubes composites can be
used in wind turbines which can
provide excellent conductivity.
 The wind turbines life time can be
increased by using nano paints and
Weight can be reduced by using fiber
glass and efficiency can be increased
by coating
GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
New nanotech materials could provide the
efficiency boost needed to make geothermal
power a more practical energy source if
research at Pacific Northwest National
Laboratory proves out. Geothermal power is
renewable and produces almost no pollution.
Unlike solar and windpower, it provides steady
base-load power. But in conventional
geothermal power production, hot rock needs
to heat water to 300 deg F [149 deg C] or
hotter. That hot rock might be found 5,000 feet
beneath the ground in a few places, but
typically it's much deeper. nanomaterials may
help make geothermal more practical by
allowing efficient energy production closer to
the surface at lower temperatures."Metal
organic heat carriers" are nanomaterials one-
thousandth the width of a human hair, of
which some could absorb 30% of their weight
in organic compounds. In geothermal power
systems, this could help drive turbines with
organic compounds at lower temperatures.
Tests may prove the technology ready to use in
5 years on existing geothermal systems.
ADVANTAGES
 The nanomaterial coating can
prevent the corrosive materials
from corrosion.
 They decrease the frictional, tear
and wear losses thus they
increase the efficiency of the
system.
 They are extremely light
weighted but are harder than
materials like steel, iron etc.
 Plenty of raw materials are
available for the manufacture.
 They are durable for number of
years etc.
DISADVANTAGES
 Presently nanotechnology is very
expensive as its production cost
is high.
 Impact of nanotechnology on the
environment is still unknown.
CONCLUSION
 Though the nanotech products
are expensive they increase the
performance, efficiency of the
power generation units
tremendously
 Life of parts of the power
generation units will be increased
3
  Maintenance of the power Alternative Energy & Nanotechnology by
generation units can be Grant E Gardner, PCOST
minimized. Harvesting the potential of nanotechnology in
renewable energy by Manzar Ahmed,
REFRENCES University of South Asia , Lahore
www.nano.org.uk/what-is-nanotechnology
Carbon Nanotubes Manufacturing and ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Applications – A WTEC International Study I Thank the HOD & Staff of the mechanical
by Pulickel M. Ajayan engineering department of Srinivas Institute of
Applications of nanotechnolgy in energy Technology for their constructive suggestions.
sector by Hessen nanotech, Hessen Germany.
Nanotechnology & its application in
renewable energy by Dr. Prem Felix Siril
School of Basic Sciences IIT Mandi

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