18 January 2024

Frontiers of Advanced Solar Energy for Aerospace Technologies and Design

The aviation and space industries have recognized the vast potential of solar energy which can lead to ground-breaking innovations reshaping aerospace technology. Solar based aircraft and spacecraft are revolutionizing the industry offering enhanced efficiency and extended mission capabilities, minimizing reliance on fossil fuels and operational cost reduction. This shift towards solar energy has environmental benefits like mitigating carbon emissions and fostering sustainability in aerospace technology. The continuous power supply provided by solar energy addresses challenges associated with limited resources during long space missions facilitating unprecedented achievements in space exploration.

Recently there have been rapid developments that have emerged in this field captivating researchers and engineers. However, challenges persist with radiation damage to solar panels, weight constraints and the need for scalable energy storage solutions posing significant hurdles. Overcoming these challenges requires further researches and interdisciplinary collaboration to refine and innovate solar energy applications in aerospace. As the aerospace industry continues to embrace and innovate with solar power, we anticipate a future where solar energy becomes an integral and transformative force. Looking ahead, the future of aerospace depends on further advancements such as lighter and efficient solar panels, integration with advanced energy storage systems and potential for solar-powered propulsion systems. Additionally, the increased use of solar energy in commercial aviation promises a greener alternative. This process might align with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and create a sustainable future. This special issue will focus on contributions that offer novel insights into improving the efficiency, reliability, and scalability of solar technologies in aerospace, fostering a deeper understanding of their practical applications. Through rigorous exploration and analysis, we also anticipate playing a role in propelling the aerospace industry toward sustainable and environmentally responsible practices.

The following topics serve as a guide, but are not limited, to the types of research that are encouraged for submission:

• Innovative Solar Cell Technologies for Space Applications
• Radiation Hardening Strategies for Space Solar Panels
• Integration of Perovskite Solar Cells in Aerospace Design
• Advancements in Energy Storage for Prolonged Space Missions
• Materials Science Innovations for Lightweight Solar Arrays
• Spacecraft Power Management and Optimization
• Challenges and Solutions in Powering Deep Space Probes
• Environmental Impact and Sustainability of Solar-Powered Aerospace Systems
• Space-based Solar Power Stations: Feasibility and Future Prospects
• Role of Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing Solar Energy Efficiency in Space
• In-orbit Maintenance and Repair of Solar Power System

Guest editors:

Dr. Rahul Kumar

Assistant Professor,

Department of Aerospace Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, India

Dr. Anuj Jain

Professor,

School of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, India 

Dr. Abhishek Sharma

Assistant Professor,

Department of Mechanical Engineering, B I T Sindri, Dhanbad, Jharkhand, India

Dr. Olusegun D. Samuel

Associate Professor,

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria

Research Associate, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of South Africa, Florida Campus, South Africa

Manuscript submission information:

We wholeheartedly invite the submission of manuscripts featuring innovative, high-quality, and previously unpublished research findings. Submitted contributions, whether review articles or original research papers, will undergo a thorough processing and review process. Each submission considered suitable for peer review will be assessed by a minimum of two independent reviewers.
To submit your manuscript, please use the journal's online submission system and choose the Article Type "SI: Frontiers of Advanced Solar Energy for Aerospace Technologies and Design". A comprehensive guide for authors is available to provide detailed submission instructions.
Upon acceptance of your manuscript, it will enter the production phase and be published simultaneously in the current regular issue, as well as included in the online Special Issue. While articles from this Special Issue will be featured in various regular journal issues, they will be distinctly identified and branded as Special Issue articles.

Important Dates:

Manuscript Submission Deadline: 05.06.2024

Authors Notification: 15.08.2024

Revised Papers Due: 25.10.2024

Final notification: 10.01.2025

03 March 2024

Emerging Trends in Photothermal Conversion for Solar Energy Harvesting

The special issue on "Emerging Trends in Photothermal Conversion for Solar Energy Harvesting" provides a comprehensive overview of cutting-edge developments in harnessing solar energy through photothermal conversion. The collection of articles explores innovative trends and breakthroughs in materials, technologies, and methodologies that significantly impact the efficiency and scalability of photothermal conversion processes. Researchers delve into the latest advancements in nanomaterials, plasmonics, and metamaterials, highlighting their roles in enhancing light absorption and conversion into thermal energy. Additionally, the special issue addresses emerging trends in the integration of photothermal conversion technologies across various applications, including electricity generation, water desalination, and heating systems. Furthermore, discussions encompass the challenges and opportunities associated with scaling up these technologies for practical implementation. By presenting a diverse range of perspectives, the special issue aims to guide future research directions, foster collaboration, and contribute to the continued evolution of photothermal conversion as a pivotal component in sustainable solar energy harvesting.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Nanomaterial Innovations for Enhanced Photothermal Conversion Efficiency
• Plasmonics in Photothermal Energy Harvesting: Mechanisms and Applications
• Metamaterials for Tailored Photothermal Responses in Solar Energy Systems
• Advancements in Solar Thermal Absorbers: Materials and Designs
• Hybrid Photothermal-Electric Systems: Integration and Synergies
• Applications of Photothermal Conversion in Water Desalination
• Scalability Challenges and Solutions in Photothermal Energy Harvesting
• Innovative Approaches to Light Trapping in Photothermal Systems
• Biomedical Applications of Photothermal Conversion for Therapeutics and Imaging
• Environmental Impact and Sustainability Assessment of Photothermal Energy Technologies

Keywords: Solar collector; nanomaterials; solar desalination; energy harvesting; hybrid technologies

Guest editors:

Dr. Hitesh Panchal

Assistant Professor,

Mechanical Engineering Departement, Government Engineering College Patan, Gujarat, India

Dr. Ali etem Gurel

Professor,

Mechanical Engineering Department, Duzce University, Turkey

Manuscript submission information:

We wholeheartedly invite the submission of manuscripts featuring innovative, high-quality, and previously unpublished research findings. Submitted contributions, whether review articles or original research papers, will undergo a thorough processing and review process. Each submission considered suitable for peer review will be assessed by a minimum of two independent reviewers.
To submit your manuscript, please use the journal's online submission system and choose the Article Type "SI: Emerging Trends in Photothermal Conversion for Solar Energy Harvesting". A comprehensive guide for authors is available to provide detailed submission instructions.
Upon acceptance of your manuscript, it will enter the production phase and be published simultaneously in the current regular issue, as well as included in the online Special Issue. While articles from this Special Issue will be featured in various regular journal issues, they will be distinctly identified and branded as Special Issue articles.

Important Dates:

Manuscript submission start: 15 March 2024

Manuscript submission deadline: 15 February 2025