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Research

EU Sustainability Goals

EU Sustainability Goals

We started by adding to our already existing knowledge of the negative impacts of climate change and carbon emissions being decreased by using renewable energies. We are reminded of the importance of transitioning to renewable clean energies and learn about this transition including how it could be made easier. 

Turkey Carbon Emissions 

We researched that a total of 506 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions were produced in Turkey in 2019, and 399.3 million tons of this number were due to CO2 emissions. We observed that 138 million tons of this originated from electricity and heat production. This meant that a reduction from these 138 million tons was immediately possible using a transition to renewable clean energies. 

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Greenhouse Gas Emission Statistics Between 1990-2019, Turkey

Turkey Carbon Emissions 

Articles

Articles

Solar Energy: Potential and future prospects

This article played a big part in helping us understand the true potential of solar energies.

“The sun is a major source of inexhaustible free energy (i.e., solar energy) for the planet Earth. Currently, new technologies are being employed to generate electricity from harvested solar energy. These approaches have already been proven and are widely practiced throughout the world as renewable alternatives to conventional non-hydro technologies. Fig. 1 shows a comparison of the non-hydro renewable energy capacities between countries for 2012. Theoretically, solar energy possesses the potential to adequately fulfill the energy demands of the entire world if technologies for its harvesting and supplying were readily available [2]. Nearly four million exajoules (1EJ = 1018J) of solar energy reaches the earth annually, ca. 5 × 104 EJ of which is claimed to be easily harvestable [3]. Despite this huge potential and increase in awareness, the contribution of solar energy to the global energy supply is still negligible [4].” (KABIR 894).

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Techno-ecological synergies of solar energy for global sustainability

This article shows the popularity of solar energy systems and the positive effects of solar energy systems for economy and ecology.

“Solar energy generation is exponentially and globally increasing to meet energy needs, while economic barriers to its deployment are decreasing. Despite its growing penetration in the global marketplace, rarely discussed is an expansion of solar energy engineering principles beyond process and enterprise to account for both economic and ecological systems, including ecosystem goods and services.” (HERNANDEZ 560)

 

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Use of artificial neural networks for mapping solar potential in Turkey

This article showed us that Turkey had very high solar energy efficiency. We were aware that solar energy is still necessary even if solar energy efficiency isn't as high but this helped us notice the even larger potential of solar energies present in Turkey. 


“Solar energy generation is exponentially and globally increasing to meet energy needs, while economic barriers to its deployment are decreasing. Despite its growing penetration in the global marketplace, rarely discussed is an expansion of solar energy engineering principles beyond process and enterprise to account for both economic and ecological systems, including ecosystem goods and services.” (HERNANDEZ 560)
 

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A review on modeling and simulation of solar energy storage systems based on phase change materials

This article was useful in gaining an understanding of the factors that affect the efficiency of solar panels. This was later used in determining the problem. 

“The surface temperature of PV panels has a significant effect on the solar energy to electrical energy conversion efficiency. It has been shown that when the operating temperature of these panels is more than 25 °C the conversion rate decreases between 0.4% to 0.65% per degree Celsius for each cell.” (ASGHARIAN 187)

 

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Photovoltaic Array and Energy Storage System Application on Distribution Network

This article was used to research and gain information on the reasons that can prevent the use of renewable energy and the reasons for an increase in the use of renewable energy.

“Classical distribution networks leave their places to smart networks every passing day. The use of renewable energy sources are also increasing day by day, as intelligent networks are suitable for distributed production systems and bi-directional energy transmission. One of the most important problems related to renewable energy sources is the integration into distribution networks. Renewable energy sources as solar panels and wind turbines can not generate energy continuously, the use of energy storage systems with these energy sources are also important in terms of energy efficiency and low cost energy usage.”  (BAHÇECÄ° 1)
 

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Trip to Gazi Teknopark

We wanted to learn more about the usage and working principles of solar energy panels. We contacted Halk energy and went to Gazi Teknopark in order to watch a presentation about solar energy panels by Halk Energy engineers. We managed to gain useful information and our way of understanding the potential of solar energy panels had changed after the presentations. We understood the working principles and how we can integrate it to our own school and use it. The visit itself helped us alot with the project.

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Trip to Gazi Teknopark

Interview Conducted With Engineers from Halk Enerji
 

Interview with Engineers

The interview was very helpful in getting a lot of insight on the topic of solar panels. We gained information that was not easily accessible on the internet on how the grid of the city works together with solar panels and other carbon-based energies, issues that were present with solar panels and batteries such as the replacement period for solar cells and the product life of batteries and the viability of alternative energy storage options for usage with renewable energies. The information gathered was documented and we discussed it as both schools came together over zoom to determine a path to take for the project.

Conclusion

Conclusion
 

Opportunities of solar
   If we were to cover 500.000km² of the world with solar panels were to cover just working at 20% efficiency, it would generate enough electricity for the whole world. Although the electricity needs of humans would increase by the time we have done installing the solar panels, because solar panel technologies will increase as well, the area will never be a problem. 

The working efficiency of a solar panel is between 15-20%. Though it seems like a normal number, solar cells are capable of converting all this energy to usable electricity, and new and more efficient solar panels are being produced. 

   Since the sun will always exist, solar panels provide us with an infinite and eco-friendly energy source. 

Technology is advancing every day and cars or heating systems start working with electricity as well. This means that over time solar panels and renewable energy will have a more significant role in our lives. 

 

Obstacles of using solar
 Energy storing methods are expensive and weak at the moment. Though science is constantly working on developing new energy-storing methods, until it improves, solar energy will not be preferred. 
   
Though solar panels pay off their price at some point, because this process usually takes 5-10 years, most people and companies don’t want to risk it because it takes too long and until it pays its price off, probably much more efficient solar panels will be developed. 

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