Aim of the present study is to apply multi-objective optimization for the energy and exergy modelling and drying characteristics analysis of curry leaves using a photovoltaic thermal (PVT) solar dryer with thermodynamic performance assessment. The combined effect of key input control factors such as ambient air temperature, mass flow rate, humidity, and solar radiation on the responses, including moisture content, drying rate, energy consumption, and drying efficiency, is explored. Optimal operational process parameters are evaluated at 30.00 °C (ambient air temperature), 0.0109 kg/s (mass flow rate), 676.373 W/m2 (solar radiation), and 40.00% (humidity). Effect of these parameters on the optimal responses is seen as 0.2047 d.b. (moisture content), 0.6999 kg/hr (drying rate), 1.5271 kWh (energy consumption), and 19.44% (drying efficiency). Furthermore, experimental validations are conducted at optimal conditions with good agreement between the optimization predicted and experimental results, with 0.972 solution desirability. Thermodynamic parameters assessment with energy and exergy performance are conducted in terms of specific energy consumption, specific moisture extraction rate, energy efficiency, convective heat transfer coefficient, heat loss coefficient, entropy generation rate, heat removal factor, sustainability index, improvement potential, waste exergy ratio, exergy efficiency, and drying kinetics validation. Quality assessment of curry leaves is measured with the drying process, which had moderate reductions in product quality, as evidenced by high retention of overall quality parameters.

This research article evaluates the performance of an Inverted Solar Collector (ISC) dryer for drying Sandfish in the Sahara region of Algeria (El-Oued City). Experimental studies compared an ISC dryer equipped with copper fins (CF) and paraffin wax (PCM) latent heat storage to an ISC dryer without CF-PCM, as well as to natural sun drying. Performance assessment considered both thermal efficiency and product quality. Sandfish with an initial moisture content of 73.18

ABSTRACT One of the significant challenges in managing organic pollutants is to develop stable, highly effective metal oxide‐based photocatalysts. This study shows the green synthesis of Nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs) using Kalanchoe pinnata (KP) leaves extract. The synthesized NiO NPs were characterized using various spectroscopy and analytical techniques such as XRD, FTIR, ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometer, FESEM, HRTEM, and BET. The crystallite size was found to be 4.69 nm for NiO NPs (control) and 3.63 nm for Ni (KP) NPs. The d‐spacing was calculated and found to be 0.245 nm for NiO NPs (control) and 0.213 nm for NiO (KP) NPs. The most effective NiO(KP) NPs synthesized using Kalanchoe pinnata leaves exhibited a light‐assisted degradation efficiency of ∼ 94.46% with a kinetic rate constant of 0.06 min −1 . The UV‐vis absorption spectra were checked, and it was found to be 299 nm for the NiO (KP) NPs, and for the light‐assisted degradation of Congo red at 498 nm. The E g of NiO(KP) NPs was 2.97 eV. Thus, the current findings illustrate the potential of NiO(KP) NPs as a good photocatalyst for dye pollutants.

In this study, a 2D transient numerical model is developed to investigate the performance of a dual media tank (DMT) thermal energy storage (TES) system. The physical model consists of sandstone as storage materials and Syntherm 1000 as an HTF. The model is simulated, and the effect of design and operating parameters on charging rate, pressure drop, and thermocline thickness is studied. The design and operating parameters include void fraction, pebbles diameter, and mass flow rate. The result shows an increase in temperature degradation with a decrease in void fraction. Similarly, the effect of mass flow rate on thermocline thickness is studied, and the result shows 11

Rapid growth of solar thermal technologies necessitates efficient, stable thermal energy storage systems for high-temperature applications. PCMs are among the best options. Authors of this review analyze in detail the progress made in the field of the eutectic and composite PCMs developed for solar applications with a temperature range from medium to high. Unlike earlier reviews that treat eutectic and composite PCMs separately, this work provides a unified comparative analysis linking thermodynamic design, thermophysical properties, enhancement strategies, and system-level integration for high-temperature solar TES. It also incorporates material selection criteria, performance metrics, and emerging AI-assisted PCM design approaches within a single review framework. Eutectic metal-salt systems offer adjustable melting points and stability, while composite PCMs enhance thermal conductivity and strength using conductive matrices like graphite and metal scaffolds. This compilation provides a structured account of synthesis methods, thermophysical property optimization, and integration of these techniques in concentrated solar power and solar thermochemical fuel systems. In the comparative evaluation, eutectic PCMs exhibit latent heats of over 200 kJ kg−1 and stable operation above 500 °C, while composites achieve conductivity up to an order of magnitude higher. Among the challenges today are phase segregation, corrosion, and cost scalability. The adoption of new trends such as nano-enhanced structures, metal–organic framework composites, additive manufacturing, and AI-based predictive modelling signals the emergence of next-generation, multifunctional TES materials. The review proposes a roadmap for the future that accents the importance of sustainable material design, techno-economic feasibility, and integration in solar energy systems with zero emissions.

Sustainable urban energy generation is an attractive goal with a growing solution: building integrated photovoltaic system. By combining the functions of a building envelope with those of a photovoltaic system in a single construction, building integrated photovoltaic systems simultaneously serve as a building component and an energy generation system. India has a high potential for building integrated photovoltaic applications in massive scales due to the extensive urbanization and ambitious targets set by the Indian government for renewable energy. This analysis offers a thorough evaluation of building integrated photovoltaic performance, architectural integration, and policy aspects in India through a systematic review approach, drawing on the PRISMA framework. The studies and projects related to the scope of the research were found by searching through databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, IEEE Xplore, Google Scholar, and technical reports through predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The novelty of this study is that it has an analytical framework is India-specific, and merges the aspects of architectural design, technical performance, operational challenges, policy analysis, and comparative evaluation of real-world case studies of building integrated photovoltaic systems. The study clearly differentiates building integrated photovoltaic systems from building applied photovoltaic systems to avoid conceptual ambiguity, unlike previous studies. The case studies analyzed in this study showed that annual energy production of over 89,000 kWh/year and average annual energy yields of nearly 1460 kWh/kWp could be achieved. Semitransparent glazing solutions, bifacial modules, roof mounted photovoltaic tiles and façade mounted solutions were proposed as the solutions for urban application. The study also addresses some challenges such as partial shading, thermal degradation, complexity, maintenance requirements, and lack of policies for building integrated photovoltaic in India.

This review mentions material and energy balance methods in biomethanation plants to increase the efficiency of converting organic waste into biogas. It intends to optimize energy inputs and outputs by using key parameters, including feedstock composition, operational conditions, and system design. Important facts involve maintaining a carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio of 20:1–30:1, optimal moisture content, and particle size for feedstock. Operational parameters like temperature (35–40°C), pH (6.8–7.2), mixing intensity and retention time are essential. Energy inputs include operational energy, feedstock production, pre-treatment, and heating. Outputs cover biogas production, electricity and heat generation by integrated heat and power (CHP) systems, and digestate utilization as fertilizer. Environmental effects involve greenhouse gas reduction by capturing methane and generating renewable energy. Article underscores the importance of balancing these elements to get a positive energy balance and elevate sustainable biomethane production.

The integration of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) into Delhi's sub-transmission network offers a transformative potential to enhance grid reliability, stability, and efficiency, while facilitating the increased adoption of renewable energy sources. However, the deployment of BESS is hindered by regulatory and policy challenges. This research paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the current regulatory framework governing Delhi's electricity sector, identifying gaps and barriers that impede the seamless integration of BESS. The study proposes a well-structured framework addressing key aspects such as grid stability, financial feasibility, technical standards, and regulatory compliance. By examining international best practices and tailoring them to Delhi's unique context, the paper suggests modifications to existing policies and introduces new regulatory measures to promote BESS integration. The proposed framework aims to create an enabling environment for the deployment of BESS technology, thus supporting Delhi's energy transition toward a more sustainable and resilient grid. This research contributes to the policy discourse by offering actionable recommendations to policymakers, regulators, and stakeholders involved in the energy sector.

Efficient battery thermal management is critical for the performance, safety, and lifespan of modern electric and hybrid vehicles under dynamic operating conditions. This study presents an integrated experimental and data-driven analysis of a hybrid cooling system combining thermoelectric Peltier modules with Al2O3-based nanofluid-assisted liquid cooling. The system is benchmarked against a conventional radiator-based cooling configuration under varying flow rates (1-4 LPM) and nanoparticle concentrations (0.5-2.0 vol.%). The results demonstrate that demand-controlled thermoelectric activation enhances cooling performance by approximately 8%, while reducing auxiliary energy consumption by nearly 30%. A maximum heat-transfer enhancement of 53.4% is achieved at 4 LPM and 2.0 vol.% nanofluid concentration, whereas the highest temperature reduction of 31.6% is observed at low flow conditions (1 LPM). To enable predictive thermal analysis, multiple machine learning models are developed and compared with a Physics-Informed Neural Network (PINN). The PINN improves prediction accuracy by approximately 50% while ensuring physical consistency by embedding governing heat-transfer constraints. The proposed hybrid nanofluid-thermoelectric cooling framework offers a compact, energy-efficient, and scalable solution for next-generation electric vehicle battery thermal management, with enhanced thermal performance, adaptive control capability, and predictive reliability.

A compact, novel, indirect-type domestic hybrid and portable solar dryer (ITDHPSD) was developed and tested at Delhi Technological University. Dryer was tested in November under stagnant conditions, with the inlet and outlet ports closed. Temperature variations and heat losses at the solar collector were evaluated to assess the feasibility of the dryer. Maximum absorber temperature reached 98 degrees C at 13:00 h, and the average overall heat loss coefficient was 10.25 W/m2K. Heat losses from the side panels, bottom, and top glazing have also been assessed. Maximum heat loss was from the top glazing, and the minimum was from the side panels. Furthermore, a thermal performance investigation was carried out in active mode under no-load conditions. Experiments were performed on the dryer from 09:00 to 16:00 h during November (winter season). Thermal performance of the indirect-type domestic hybrid and portable solar dryer was evaluated in terms of heat utilization factor (HUF), coefficient of performance (COP), and thermal efficiency. Mean ambient temperature and mean solar insolation during experimentation were in the range of 21.1 degrees C-30 degrees C and 424-660 W/m2, respectively. Maximum thermal efficiency, HUF, and COP of the solar collector in the ITDHPSD were calculated as 59%, 0.68, and 0.32, respectively, at 13:00 h. ITDHPSD has been found feasible for drying crops and can be used in both domestic and small-scale industries to generate livelihoods. Its superior thermal efficiency and compact size make it a practical, cost-effective solution for drying crops with solar energy.

Water security faces increasing threats from industrial pollutants, especially persistent organic dyes like Malachite Green (MG). These dyes are highly toxic and resistant to degradation, leading to serious ecological and health risks. The present report portrays the microwave-assisted synthesis of the Cr2AlC MAX phase, and selective etching and alkalisation were performed to synthesize functionalised Cr2CTX-OH MXene. XRD analysis revealed the formation of Adsorption tests in batches were carried out at a pH of 6.75, and the results revealed that the functionalised MXene is an extremely efficient adsorbent. A number of parameters, including contact time, adsorbent dosage, and the initial dye concentration, have played an essential part when evaluating the performance. Kinetic analysis followed the pseudo-second-order model (R2 = 0.998). The calculated equilibrium adsorption capacity (qe,cal = 1.855 mg/g) closely matched the experimental values (qe,exp = 1.583 mg/g). According to the results of the isotherm studies, the Freundlich model is a good fit for the process (R2 = 0.894). The fact that the Freundlich constant (n) equals 2.45 demonstrates that multilayer adsorption on a variety of surfaces appears to be favorable. The kinetic experiments showed that the removal efficiency was stable when the dosage was dropped to 20 mg, and it reached its greatest point of around 52% after 120 min. On the other hand, when we optimized the dosage of the adsorbent to 0.05 g, the maximum removal efficiency climbed to 91.6%. Through the use of mathematical modelling of the adsorption data, major advances in knowing about the mechanism were made. These insights were obtained. The kinetics results indicate that a pseudo-second-order model controls the process, as evidenced by R2 value of 0.998. In light of this, it appears that the availability of active surface sites is the factor that determines the rate-limiting stage in the chemisorption process. In terms of the isotherms, the equilibrium data indicate that the Freundlich isotherm model offers the best match (R2 = 0.894), which indicates that multilayer adsorption takes place on a heterogeneous surface. By using reduced HF concentrations and a quicker, cheaper method of microwave-assisted synthesis, Cr2CTX-OH MXene can now be developed with a safe, scalable alternative to traditional synthesis methods. As opposed to the popular Ti3C2TX MXenes that have been studied extensively, this research investigates the ability of Cr-Based MXenes to absorb malachite green through modified surface functionalization combined with enhanced surface area and strong positive charge. In addition, current work revealed the novel application of Cr2CTX-OH MXene that has been created by microwave-assisted synthesis to remove malachite green. Its special surface chemical properties and unique adsorption method make it distinctive from other MXene systems.

Low-grade waste heat (<200°C) from industrial processes and engines remains largely underutilized, motivating the development of compact power cycles for decarbonization and distributed generation. This review examines the integration of Tesla turbines with Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) and transcritical CO2 systems as an alternative to conventional micro-expanders, which face cost, efficiency, and sealing challenges at high pressure. The Tesla turbine's bladeless, boundary-layer-based operation aligns with high-density supercritical CO2, enabling compact machines and inherent tolerance to two-phase or near-critical behaviour. A structured comparison of analytical, CFD-based, and experimental studies is presented to synthesise validated geometric ranges (disk spacing 0.4–1.0 mm, diameter ratio 0.3–0.4, rotor diameters 100–200 mm), operating windows (pressures 10–220 bar, speeds 3000–15,000 rpm), and reported isentropic efficiencies (≈60–65% for organic ORC, ≈50–63% for CO2 systems). Material and structural considerations under 150–220 bar are reviewed, highlighting the need for high-strength steels, robust sealing, and attention to disk deformation and fatigue. Consolidated design and material tables are proposed as engineering guidance for small-scale systems. Overall, Tesla turbines appear technically viable and potentially cost-effective for small-scale transcritical CO2 ORC applications; large-scale deployment is currently constrained by limited high-pressure experimental data, durability evidence, and fully validated leakage and structural models.

Sustainable biomaterials have gained considerable attention because of their biodegradability, biocompatibility, and potential to be tailored for application-specific design. Among these materials, polysaccharide-based hydrogel composites are promising candidates for use across a range of functional applications. This focused review discusses recent progress in polysaccharide-based hydrogel composites reinforced with inorganic and organic fillers to tune and improve their structural, physicochemical, and functional performance. It addresses this gap by systematically examining the role of polysaccharide matrices, fillers, cross-linking approaches, properties, classification, characterization, and types of hydrogel composites, with a focus on selected multisectoral applications. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of these hydrogel composites in water remediation and biomedical applications. For example, methylene blue removal efficiency of up to 98.87% and pH-responsive sulfasalazine drug release of 77.6% under simulated colonic conditions have been reported. The swelling ratio was found to be around 6000 SR% in the GO/CMTKG/PSA hydrogel composite. The crystal violet adsorption capacity of GO/CMTKG/PAM was found to be 111 mg/g. Overall, this review highlights selected applications in water remediation, biomedicine, agriculture, energy, and industry, emphasizing how filler selection and hydrogel network design govern application-specific performance. It also outlines key challenges and provides a roadmap for developing sustainable, high-performance polysaccharide-based hydrogel composites.

Abstract The present study involves an experimental examination of drying kinetics and thermal performance of the potato slices in three solar drying systems, namely Hybrid Greenhouse Solar Drying (H-GSD), Greenhouse Solar Drying (GSD), and Open Sun Drying (OSD). The objectives of the investigation were to identify the best drying conditions and determine the moisture content, rate of drying, moisture ratio, effective moisture diffusivity, convective heat transfer coefficient, and maximum temperature profiles. It was shown that H-GSD had a greater drying efficiency with moisture reduction of 84 to 7.5% (wet basis) in 10 hours. H-GSD had a higher drying rate of 20.08 g water/g solid/h with a corresponding moisture ratio of 0.44 which was more superior to that of GSD (0.56) and OSD (0.75). EMD values were 1.25E-07 to 2.52E-07m/s, CHTC was 3.02E-04 in H-GSD, showing the forced convection was increasing mass transfer. In H-GSD, drying cabin temperature went as high as 46.75°C in the loaded condition, which was considerably greater than the ambient conditions. A good fit of the drying kinetics in all systems was obtained with the best fit used by Prakash and Kumar with R2 values of above 0.99. These results confirm the efficacy of the solar drying systems that involve the use of heat exchangers in enhancing the drying process and the quality of the products.

17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations aim to promote global prosperity and peace. Greenhouse Drying (GHD) contributes significantly to these goals by improving food preservation, reducing post-harvest losses, and enhancing energy efficiency. Traditional solar drying methods face challenges like pest exposure, inconsistent drying, and weather dependence. To overcome these limitations, various solar dryers, including GHD systems, have been developed. GHD is gaining momentum in renewable energy research, with rapid innovation evident in Scopus and Web of Science literature. This review examines the design, performance, and sustainability of GHD systems, exploring effective modifications and evaluating their environmental and economic feasibility. Notable advancements include the Quonset design, which generates temperatures 64 % higher than the surrounding atmosphere, and Solar PV integrated GHD that reduces drying time typically by 2 days. Additionally, the inclined northern wall reflector (INWR) shortens the drying period by 16.67 %, and phase change materials (PCM) maintain a temperature 4-16 degrees C higher than ambient air throughout the night. The review concludes that no single GHD design or performance-enhancement strategy is universally optimal, as their effectiveness is largely determined by climatic conditions, product characteristics, and technoeconomic considerations. Further, the review highlights the strong alignment of GHDs with multiple national and international policy objectives, while noting their limited explicit recognition in existing frameworks. It recommends formal integration of GHDs into renewable energy and agricultural policies to accelerate adoption and maximize climate and sustainability gains. The synthesis of the literature identifies key implementation challenges such as scalability, seasonal performance variability, economic constraints, and supply chain limitations and outlines targeted measures such as subsidies, financing, and technical training to enable effective real-world deployment of GHDs. Based on the review's findings, this study identifies future research priorities and policy measures to enhance GHD performance, strengthen sustainability, and accelerate the widespread adoption of this technology.

Rapid urbanization and the increasing impact of climate change have amplified the need for climate-resilient strategies in Indian cities. Building codes and green rating systems play a pivotal role in shaping sustainable urban development. This article systematically analyzes major frameworks, including the Energy Conservation Sustainable Building Code (ECSBC), the National Building Code (NBC), and various Green Building Rating Systems (GBRS), to assess their contributions to climate resilience. Through a structured evaluation, this study identifies the strengths, gaps, and synergies across existing standards, with a particular focus on energy efficiency, -energy conservation, material sustainability, and the integration of passive design. Peer-reviewed studies demonstrate that enforcement of these policies reduces energy consumption by up to 32% in commercial buildings and 20-30% in residential buildings. This research underscores the imperative of shifting from design compliance to performance-oriented regulation, bolstered by post-construction assessments and enhanced enforcement capabilities within Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), while also advocating for the alignment of mandatory standards with voluntary rating systems and the incorporation of climate resilience metrics to guarantee that buildings are efficient, accountable, and capable of adapting to future risks. Research highlights the need to develop a web-based platform for evaluating the performance of green-rated buildings. This platform could facilitate better communication and collaboration among stakeholders, ensuring that best practices are shared and implemented effectively.

Present study develops, implements, and validates a comprehensive interactive simulation model for thermodynamic and exergetic analysis of a Scheffler parabolic reflector (10 m2) integrated solar steam distillation system (SSDS) for peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) essential oil extraction. The model implements all governing equations and is calibrated at 6 kg batch baseline and 970.5 W/m2 irradiance. Five-tab Python/Streamlit/Plotly dashboard accepts four real-time parameters, including the steam line insulation toggle, and recomputes all 17 thermodynamic outputs in under 100 ms. Simulation results reproduce all published experimental values exactly: ηoptical = 52.25%, ηstill = 95.93%, ηsl = 95.68%, ηc = 87.96%, ηs = 41.98% (non-insulated) and 44.65% (insulated), ηex = 27.58%, and ηEO = 6.24 ml/kWh for 58.5 ml peppermint oil. Steam line insulation toggle shows efficiency gains of 5.20, 4.35, and 2.67 percentage points (pp) for 2, 4 and 6 kg batches, respectively. Exergy efficiency surpasses the best published benchmark (26.62%, Ezzarrouqy et al., 2022), and oil yield represents a 4.52-fold improvement over Munir and Hensel (2010), establishing this interactive simulation as a novel pre-manufacturing design tool for solar essential oil extraction systems.