Richu Zachariah
Current Organizations / Institutes
The organizations/institutes from the scholar's latest article
Previous Organizations / Institutes
The organizations / institutes from the scholar's other articles in the past ten years
Richu Zachariah has a total of 27 co-authors. Here are the top co-authors by number of shared publications:
- Taher Maatallah
Mechanical and Energy Engineering Department, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
4 shared publications - Fahad Ghallab Al‐Amri
Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, College of Engineering Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University Dammam Saudi Arabia
3 shared publications - Abdullah Khalid Alghamdi
Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, College of Engineering, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 34212, Saudi Arabia
2 shared publications - Ahmed T. Okasha
Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, College of Engineering, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 34212, Saudi Arabia
2 shared publications Abdullah Khalid Alghamdi
Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, College of Engineering Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University Dammam Saudi Arabia
1 shared publicationAhmed T. Okasha
Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, College of Engineering Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University Dammam Saudi Arabia
1 shared publication
Latest Publications
- Open Access
- 29 April 2022
- Published by MDPI AG in Sustainability
- Vol. 14 (9) , 5352
Numerical Study of Single-Layer and Stacked Minichannel-Based Heat Sinks Using Different Truncating Ratios for Cooling High Concentration Photovoltaic Systems
The present research aims to discuss and analyze the performance of truncated single-layer and stacked mini-channel-based heat sinks employed for the cooling of a single-cell high concentrating photovoltaic systems. The truncating technique of the fins at the entrance and exit regions from the internal fluid mini channels is opted to reduce the energy, raw material costs and time of the manufacturing process of the mini channels. This proposed solution is constrained by several metrics such as the thermal management and the overall performance of the high concentrating photovoltaic system. In the current research, the use of a truncating ratio of 31% has yielded minimum cell temperature and maximum electrical efficiencies for both single-layer and stacked mini-channel-based heat sinks, while a truncating ratio of 65% has enabled more uniform cell temperature distribution. Moreover, a truncating ratio of 65% has qualified the highest water outlet temperature and the lowest pressure drops relatively compared to the conventional mini-channel-based heat sink configurations. The highest water temperature has reached up to 52.7 by the stacked mini-channel-based heat sink with a truncating ratio of 65% under a geometrical concentration ratio of 2000× and a mass flow rate of −1. For both the single-layer and stacked mini-channel-based heat sinks, the use of a truncating ratio of 65% has driven the upper hands to achieve higher ratio of the thermal power to the pumping power (RTP). The maximum RTP values have been recorded by the single-layer mini-channel-based heat sink with a truncating ratio of 65% equal to 23.61 × and 233.06 × at a mass flow rate of −1 and −1, respectively, under 2000×.- 29 April 2022
- Published by MDPI AG in Sustainability
- Vol. 14 (9) , 5352
Open AccessNumerical Study of Single-Layer and Stacked Minichannel-Based Heat Sinks Using Different Truncating Ratios for Cooling High Concentration Photovoltaic Systems
The present research aims to discuss and analyze the performance of truncated single-layer and stacked mini-channel-based heat sinks employed for the cooling of a single-cell high concentrating photovoltaic systems. The truncating technique of the fins at the entrance and exit regions from the internal fluid mini channels is opted to reduce the energy, raw material costs and time of the manufacturing process of the mini channels. This proposed solution is constrained by several metrics such as the thermal management and the overall performance of the high concentrating photovoltaic system. In the current research, the use of a truncating ratio of 31% has yielded minimum cell temperature and maximum electrical efficiencies for both single-layer and stacked mini-channel-based heat sinks, while a truncating ratio of 65% has enabled more uniform cell temperature distribution. Moreover, a truncating ratio of 65% has qualified the highest water outlet temperature and the lowest pressure drops relatively compared to the conventional mini-channel-based heat sink configurations. The highest water temperature has reached up to 52.7 by the stacked mini-channel-based heat sink with a truncating ratio of 65% under a geometrical concentration ratio of 2000× and a mass flow rate of −1. For both the single-layer and stacked mini-channel-based heat sinks, the use of a truncating ratio of 65% has driven the upper hands to achieve higher ratio of the thermal power to the pumping power (RTP). The maximum RTP values have been recorded by the single-layer mini-channel-based heat sink with a truncating ratio of 65% equal to 23.61 × and 233.06 × at a mass flow rate of −1 and −1, respectively, under 2000×. - 20 April 2022
- Published by Hindawi Limited in International Journal of Energy Research
- Vol. 46 (9) , 12057-12072
Novel trimmed heat extraction system for high‐concentration photovoltaic in hot climate zones
- 20 April 2022
- Published by Hindawi Limited in International Journal of Energy Research
- Vol. 46 (9) , 12057-12072
Novel trimmed heat extraction system for high‐concentration photovoltaic in hot climate zones
- Open Access
- 31 March 2022
- Published by MDPI AG in Sustainability
- Vol. 14 (7) , 4142
Enhanced Net Channel Based-Heat Sink Designs for Cooling of High Concentration Photovoltaic (HCPV) Systems in Dammam City
In this study, enhanced net channel based heat sink designs for cooling HCPV systems at geometrical concentration ratios ranging from 500× to 3000× are presented. The effect of increasing the number of layers in the parallel flow net channel, as well as the fraction of the coolant mass flow rate in the counter flow net channel, on the overall performance of the HCPV systems, are investigated. The various configurations of each proposed net channel based-heat sink design are examined, and a comparative analysis between the different proposed designs is performed under the climate weather conditions of Dammam city, Saudi Arabia. On one hand, the double-layered counter flow net channel heat sink outperformed the other designs in terms of electrical efficiency and in keeping the solar cell operating well below the safe operating limits, achieving a reduction in maximum cell temperature relatively compared to the parallel flow net channel with five layers and conventional mini channel of 11.72% and 12.01%, respectively. On the other hand, for effective usability of the heat recovery rate by the cooling mechanism, the parallel flow net channel is the most appropriate design since it has recorded 27.55% higher outlet water temperature than the double-layered counter flow net channel.
- 31 March 2022
- Published by MDPI AG in Sustainability
- Vol. 14 (7) , 4142
Open AccessEnhanced Net Channel Based-Heat Sink Designs for Cooling of High Concentration Photovoltaic (HCPV) Systems in Dammam City
In this study, enhanced net channel based heat sink designs for cooling HCPV systems at geometrical concentration ratios ranging from 500× to 3000× are presented. The effect of increasing the number of layers in the parallel flow net channel, as well as the fraction of the coolant mass flow rate in the counter flow net channel, on the overall performance of the HCPV systems, are investigated. The various configurations of each proposed net channel based-heat sink design are examined, and a comparative analysis between the different proposed designs is performed under the climate weather conditions of Dammam city, Saudi Arabia. On one hand, the double-layered counter flow net channel heat sink outperformed the other designs in terms of electrical efficiency and in keeping the solar cell operating well below the safe operating limits, achieving a reduction in maximum cell temperature relatively compared to the parallel flow net channel with five layers and conventional mini channel of 11.72% and 12.01%, respectively. On the other hand, for effective usability of the heat recovery rate by the cooling mechanism, the parallel flow net channel is the most appropriate design since it has recorded 27.55% higher outlet water temperature than the double-layered counter flow net channel.
- Open Access
- 1 February 2022
- Published by Elsevier in Alexandria Engineering Journal
- Vol. 61 (2) , 1413-1424
Innovative technique for achieving uniform temperatures across solar panels using heat pipes and liquid immersion cooling in the harsh climate in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- 1 February 2022
- Published by Elsevier in Alexandria Engineering Journal
- Vol. 61 (2) , 1413-1424
Open AccessInnovative technique for achieving uniform temperatures across solar panels using heat pipes and liquid immersion cooling in the harsh climate in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- 1 September 2020
- Published by Wiley in International Journal of Energy Research
- Vol. 45 (2) , 1879-1891
Environmental and economic analysis of a photovoltaic assisted mixed mode solar dryer with thermal energy storage and exhaust air recirculation
- 1 September 2020
- Published by Wiley in International Journal of Energy Research
- Vol. 45 (2) , 1879-1891
Environmental and economic analysis of a photovoltaic assisted mixed mode solar dryer with thermal energy storage and exhaust air recirculation
- 6 February 2020
- Published by Springer Nature
- p. 3-18
Feasibility Study of Liquid-Based Spectral Beam Splitting Technique for Solar Panel Cooling
- 6 February 2020
- Published by Springer Nature
- p. 3-18
Feasibility Study of Liquid-Based Spectral Beam Splitting Technique for Solar Panel Cooling
- 1 November 2019
- Published by Elsevier in Solar Energy
- Vol. 193, 195-204
Exergo-economic analysis of a serpentine flow type water based photovoltaic thermal system with phase change material (PVT-PCM/water)
- 1 November 2019
- Published by Elsevier in Solar Energy
- Vol. 193, 195-204
Exergo-economic analysis of a serpentine flow type water based photovoltaic thermal system with phase change material (PVT-PCM/water)
- 1 March 2017
- Published by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
- p. 1-5
A simple control unit for temperature dependent forced water cooling in solar CPV/T collector
Due to the escalating fossil fuel price due to its decreasing reserve, world is concentrating renewable energy resources. Solar photovoltaics converts incident solar radiation directly into electricity. From the incident radiation, 80% of radiation is absorbed by the PV. A part of it is used for electricity generation and the rest is converted to heat. In this condition cooling of PV panel is necessary for maintaining the PV performance and life period. Passive cooling techniques result in non-uniform cell temperatures. Forced cooling can solve the problem up to a limit. Serpentine tube type water cooling method is employed to the bottom of a PV panel having concentrating mirrors. Altogether it becomes a CPV/T. By sensing the surface temperature, a pump is proposed for circulating water in the present system. Temperature limit is set to 50, above which the pump operates for a duration of set time. Within that time temperature goes below the limit and thus the operating temperature of PV can be maintained with in specified limits.
- 1 March 2017
- Published by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
- p. 1-5
A simple control unit for temperature dependent forced water cooling in solar CPV/T collector
Due to the escalating fossil fuel price due to its decreasing reserve, world is concentrating renewable energy resources. Solar photovoltaics converts incident solar radiation directly into electricity. From the incident radiation, 80% of radiation is absorbed by the PV. A part of it is used for electricity generation and the rest is converted to heat. In this condition cooling of PV panel is necessary for maintaining the PV performance and life period. Passive cooling techniques result in non-uniform cell temperatures. Forced cooling can solve the problem up to a limit. Serpentine tube type water cooling method is employed to the bottom of a PV panel having concentrating mirrors. Altogether it becomes a CPV/T. By sensing the surface temperature, a pump is proposed for circulating water in the present system. Temperature limit is set to 50, above which the pump operates for a duration of set time. Within that time temperature goes below the limit and thus the operating temperature of PV can be maintained with in specified limits.
- 1 March 2017
- Published by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
- Vol. 1, 1-6
A comprehensive review on the recent advancements in PV panel cooling techniques using phase changing materials
Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) panels, used to convert solar energy into electricity face many issues regarding its efficiency. Solar panels convert only a fraction of the solar radiations falling on them to electricity. The efficiency of silicon based solar panels ranges from 14%-17%. The manufactures of solar panels declare that the efficiency of the installed panels will be reduced by 0.07% in each year. In addition to this there are efficiency losses due to various factors. Among them temperature have a major contribution. This is a comprehensive review to study the effect of using Phase Changing Materials (PCM) on temperature for passive conductive cooling of SPV panels.
- 1 March 2017
- Published by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
- Vol. 1, 1-6
A comprehensive review on the recent advancements in PV panel cooling techniques using phase changing materials
Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) panels, used to convert solar energy into electricity face many issues regarding its efficiency. Solar panels convert only a fraction of the solar radiations falling on them to electricity. The efficiency of silicon based solar panels ranges from 14%-17%. The manufactures of solar panels declare that the efficiency of the installed panels will be reduced by 0.07% in each year. In addition to this there are efficiency losses due to various factors. Among them temperature have a major contribution. This is a comprehensive review to study the effect of using Phase Changing Materials (PCM) on temperature for passive conductive cooling of SPV panels.
- 1 March 2017
- Published by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
- p. 1-6
Variable step size Perturb and observe MPPT algorithm for standalone solar photovoltaic system
The maximum power obtained from a solar photovoltaic system varies due to the variation in the atmospheric condition. Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controller is implemented to track the maximum power with respect to the changes in the weather conditions to efficiently operate the solar Photovoltaic (PV) system. In this paper, a comparative study between different P&O algorithms such as conventional Perturbation & Observation (P&O) MPPT and variable step size Perturb & Observe (VSS P&O) MPPT are presented. The performance study of standalone solar PV system is carried out under various weather conditions with different MPPT controller. DC-DC boost converter is adopted as power conditioning unit.
- 1 March 2017
- Published by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
- p. 1-6
Variable step size Perturb and observe MPPT algorithm for standalone solar photovoltaic system
The maximum power obtained from a solar photovoltaic system varies due to the variation in the atmospheric condition. Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controller is implemented to track the maximum power with respect to the changes in the weather conditions to efficiently operate the solar Photovoltaic (PV) system. In this paper, a comparative study between different P&O algorithms such as conventional Perturbation & Observation (P&O) MPPT and variable step size Perturb & Observe (VSS P&O) MPPT are presented. The performance study of standalone solar PV system is carried out under various weather conditions with different MPPT controller. DC-DC boost converter is adopted as power conditioning unit.