Estimation of the Collection Efficiency of the AxialFlow Cyclone Dust Collector with the Fixed Guide Vanes

INTR0DUCTIONAcyclonedustcollect0r(acyclonedustcollectorissimplyabbreviatedtoacyclone)isthesimplecon-structionwithnom0vingpartsandiseasytotreatthemaintenancewiththehighreliability.Thecycloneisoneofthemostoptimaldustcollect0rsf0rseparatingthesolidparticlesofthesizebetweenXP=2pmandXr=100pm.Theaxialfl0wcycl0newiththefixedguidevanesf0rgeneratingther0tationalfl0worthevortexflowisveryeasytosettingatthevari0usl0cationsinthedustcollectorsystemandalsoisarrangedtothesimplifiedcompactsysteml1-5].How…     

Stabilization of the platinum–ruthenium electrocatalyst against the dissolution of ruthenium with the incorporation of gold

The dissolution of Ru from the PtRu electrocatalyst has been identified as one of the most critical factors in degrading the performance of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). In this work, we prepared an Au-modified PtRu catalyst (Au/PtRu) and found that the incorporation of Au could significantly stabilize the PtRu electrocatalyst against the dissolution of Ru. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) characterization of the Au/PtRu catalysts revealed that the incorporation of Au increased the oxidation potential of Ru, which is the mechanism that leads to a reduction in the dissolution of Ru from the alloyed catalyst. The XPS characterization of the cathode catalyst also showed that with the PtRu as the anode catalyst Ru appeared at the cathode, but the crossover of Ru could be reduced when the anode catalyst was changed to Au/PtRu.     

Study on the Effects of Flow in the Volute Casing on the Performance of a Sirocco Fan

The flow at the exit from the runner blade of a centrifugal fan with forward curved blades (a sirocco fan) sometimes separates and becomes unstable. We have conducted many researches on the impeller shape of a sirocco fan, proper inlet and exit blade angles were considered to obtain optimum performance. In this paper, the casing shape were decided by changing the circumferential angle, magnifying angle and the width, 21 sorts of casings were used. Performance tests, inner flow velocity and pressure distributions were measured as well. Computational fluid dynamic calculations were also made and compared with the experimental results. Finally, the most suitable casing shape for best performance is considered.     

Demonstration of the I–S thermochemical cycle feasibility by experimentally validating the over-azeotropic condition in the hydroiodic acid phase of the Bunsen process

Conventional I–S cycle flowsheets suffer from low thermal efficiency and highly corrosive streams. To alleviate these problems, KAIST has proposed the optimal operating condition for the Bunsen reaction and devised a new flowsheet that produces highly enriched HI through spontaneous L–L phase separation and simple flash processes under low pressure. A series of experiments were performed at KAIST to validate the new flowsheet and extend its feasibility. The experimental procedure, measurement method with a rich iodine condition, and results of experiments are discussed in this paper. When the molar ratio of I₂/H₂SO₄ in the feed increased from 2 to 4, the molar ratio of HI/(HI + H₂O) in the HIx phase improved from 0.157 to 0.22, which is high enough to generate highly enriched HI gas through flashing. An inverse Bunsen reaction and a sulfur formation were observed when the temperature was increased from 313 K to 343 K and the molar ratio of I₂/H₂SO₄ was decreased from 4 to 1. 10–50 wt% of HI in the feed turned into I₂ when an inverse Bunsen reaction and a sulfur formation occurred. The experimental data utilized in the previous parametric study of KAIST has been validated.     

Renewables in Africa—meeting the energy needs of the poor

This paper presents estimates of renewables energy technologies disseminated in sub-Sahara Africa and evaluates the potential of renewables in meeting the energy needs of Africa's poor. Using data mainly from eastern and southern Africa, the paper examines five major renewable energy technologies, namely: (i) large-scale biomass energy; (ii) small-scale biomass energy (iii) solar photovoltaic; (iv) solar thermal; and (v) wind. It then evaluates how suitable each renewable energy technology is to meet the energy needs of the urban and rural poor. The paper ends with key measures that could encourage the large-scale dissemination of renewable energy technologies to the poor in Africa.     

Influences of the Exhaust Flow on the Boundary Layer Flow on the Wafer Surface in Spin Coating System

Recently, development of high technology has been required for the formation of thin uniform film in manufacturing processes of semiconductor as the semiconductor become more sophisticated. Spin coating is usually used for spreading photoresist on a wafer surface. However, since rotating speed of the disk is very high in spin coating, the dropped resist scatters outward and reattaches to the film surface. So, the scattered resist is removed by the exhaust flow generated at the gap between the wafer edge and the catch cup. It is seriously concerned that the stripes called Ekman spiral vortices appears on the disk in the case of high rotating speed and the film thickness increases near the wafer edge in the case of low rotating speed, because it prevent the formation of uniform film. The purpose of this study is to make clear the generation mechanism of Ekman spiral vortices and the influence of exhaust flow on it Moreover the influence of the catch cup geometry on the wafer surface boundary layer flow is investigated.     

Preliminary study of the offshore wind and temperature profiles at the North of the Yucatán Peninsula

The stability conditions in the atmospheric boundary layer, the intensity of the wind speeds and consequently the energy potential available in offshore conditions are highly influenced by the distance from the coastline and the differences between the air and sea temperatures. This paper presents a preliminary research undertook to study the offshore wind and temperature vertical profiles at the North-West of the Yucatán Peninsula coast. Ten minute averages were recorded over approximately 2 years from sensors installed at two different heights on a communication tower located at 6.65 km from the coastline. The results have shown that the offshore wind is thermally driven by differential heating of land and sea producing breeze patterns which veer to blow parallel to the coast under the action of the Coriolis force. To investigate further, a dataset of hourly sea surface temperatures derived from GEOS Satellite thermal maps was combined with the onsite measured data to study its effect on the vertical temperature profile. The results suggested largely unstable conditions and the potentially development of a shallow Stable Internal Boundary Layer which occurs when warm air from the land advects over the cold sea.     

Characteristics of the Mach Disk in the Underexpanded Jet in which the Back Pressure Continuously Changes with Time

When the high-pressure gas is exhausted to the vacuum chamber from the nozzle, the underexpanded supersonic jet contained with the Mach disk is generally formed. The eventual purpose of this study is to clarify the unsteady phenomenon of the underexpanded free jet when the back pressure continuously changes with time. The characteristic of the Mach disk has been clarified in consideration of the diameter and position of it by the numerical analysis in this paper. The sonic jet of the exit Mach number Me=1 is assumed and the axisymmetric conservational equation is solved by the TVD method in the numerical calculation. The diameter and position of the Mach disk differs with the results of a steady jet and the influence on the continuously changing of the back pressure is evidenced from the comparison with the case of steady supersonic jet.     

Review of the Debate and the Development of Thrust Vectoring Technology

InMemoryofafriend,Dr.W.HerbstofMBB,Germany,theso-calledfatheroftheX-31experimentalthrustvectoringfighter,wholosthislifeafewyearsagowhilepilotinghisprivateairplane.BertrandRussell'"Menarebornignorant,notstupid-theyaremadestupidbyeducation."AdmiralHymanRickoverf"Thebestengineersarethosewho,inadditiontotechnicalex-pertise,havehadgoodtrainingintheliberalartsandunderstandtheworldaroundthem."ANoLD-NEWEURoPEANDEBArEONTHRUSTVECToRING"talkofthrnstvectoringi8adistrnction,and..thereisn…     

Scenarios for the evolution of the Spanish electricity sector: Is it on the right path towards sustainability?

The Spanish energy and electricity models are clearly unsustainable: the large increase in electricity demand, a huge dependency on energy imports, and significant environmental impacts are clear reasons for concern. In this paper we take a look at the possible evolution of the Spanish electricity sector under different policy scenarios, and try to identify which are the policies that may help to achieve the desired goal, as well as the role that the different technologies may play. Results are quite optimistic in that, under the appropriate policy measures, carbon emissions of the electricity sector may be reduced in 2020 up to 37% compared to 1990, and energy imports may be also much reduced, at reasonable costs. However, this may only be achieved by strongly pursuing energy efficiency improvements and other energy conservation measures, which should then become a must for all energy plans in Spain, together with renewable energy promotion and stronger carbon reduction policies.     

Marangoni Convection in the LiCaAIF_6 Crystal Growth by the Czochralski Technique

Numerical simulation of the mixed convection induced by buoyancy, crystal rotation, and also unbalanced surface tension at the melt-gas interface is conducted by means of the finite volume method in the model of the Czochralski crystal growth. The role of Marangoni convection in the heat and mass transfer is investigated by the comparison of the models with and without surface tension included, and our results indicate that Marangoni convection plays an important role in the heat and mass transfer near the interface of melt and crystal, and also the convection structure.     

Numerical Study of the Effects of the Face Velocity on Ceramic Filter

INTRODUCTIONTheproductsofcoalcombustionsuchasNOx,SOx,COb,andparticulatehavebeenstronglyregulatedtoreducepollutionintheearthenvironment.TherecentlydevelopedCleanCoalTechnologies(CCT)knownasPressurizedFluidizedBedCombustion(PFBC)[']andintegratedGasificationCombinedCycle(IGCC)I"']providetheimprovementofthermalefficiencywithsignificalltlyreducedenvironmelltalimpacts.ThusthePFBCandIGCChaveincreasingattentiontoachievestringentenvironmentalprotection.Advancingthetechnologyofthehotg…     

Electrochemical investigation of the Bunsen reaction in the sulfur–iodine cycle

The Bunsen reaction, as a part of the sulfur–iodine thermochemical cycle, was studied using an electrochemical cell. The effects of current density, operating temperature, H₂SO₄ concentration in the anolyte, HI concentration and I₂/HI molar ratio in the catholyte were explored. Both the H₂SO₄ in anolyte and the HI in catholyte were concentrated during electrolysis. Increasing current density amplified this H₂SO₄ and HI concentration, while the other operating parameters also varied the anolyte and catholyte concentration. The transport properties of the cation exchange membrane were examined. The electrode current efficiency remained close to 100% for most runs except those at high current density. Both the average cell voltage and the heat equivalent of electric energy were determined at different conditions.     

Is the recent low oil price attributable to the shale revolution?

The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that approximately 52% of total U.S. crude oil was produced from shale oil resources in 2015. We examine whether the recent low crude oil price is attributable to this shale revolution in the U.S., using a SVAR model with structural breaks. Our results reveal that U.S. supply shocks are important drivers of real oil price and, for example, explain approximately a quarter of the 73% decline between June 2014 and February 2016. Failure to consider statistically significant structural changes results in underestimating the role played by global supply shocks, while overestimating the role of the demand shocks.     

Paying the full price of steel – Perspectives on the cost of reducing carbon dioxide emissions from the steel industry

This study examines the impacts felt downstream of carbon pricing and investments made in CO₂ abatement within the steel industry. Using the supply of steel to a passenger car as a case study, the effects of a steel price increase on cost structures and price at each step of the supply chain were assessed. Since the prices of emission allowances under the European Union Emissions Trading System fall well below those required to unlock investments in low-CO₂ production processes in the integrated steelmaking industry this paper seeks to pave the way for a discussion on complementary policy options. The results of the analysis suggest that passing on the compliance costs of the steel industry would have only marginal impacts on costs and prices for the end-use sectors (e.g., on the production cost or selling price of the passenger car). Under the assumptions made herein, at a carbon price of 100 €/tCO₂, the retail price of a mid-sized European passenger car would have to be increased by approximately 100–125 €/car (<0.5%) to cover the projected increases in steel production costs.     

Hydrogen quality sampling at the hydrogen refuelling station – lessons learnt on sampling at the production and at the nozzle

Fuel cell electric vehicles and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure are developing quickly in Europe, the USA and Asia. Hydrogen quality for transport applications requires compliance with ISO 14687-2: 2012 and EN 17124:2018 - this needs representative sampling, at the hydrogen production process and at hydrogen dispenser nozzle (which typically fill vehicles to a Nominal Working Pressure of either 35 or 70 MPa). The low thresholds in ISO 14687-2 for oxygen and water can be exceeded if the sampling procedure fails to purge the system sufficiently, which would lead to false results (60% in this study). Purging requirements to remove water were studied using a low pressure sampling rig. For hydrogen dispenser sampling using the Linde H2 Qualitizer (suitable for dispensing pressures up to 70 MPa), purging number and the effect of the initial fill level of a vehicle compressed hydrogen storage system were investigated experimentally to avoid hydrogen quality violation due to oxygen false positive. The study procedure reduces from 60% to 0% hydrogen quality violation. The next challenges highlighted are safe purging and reliable sampling of reactive contaminants in gas cylinders.     

Numerical Study on the Suppression of Shock Induced Separation on the Non-Adiabatic Wall

IntroductionThe supersonic flow inevitably encounters the shockwaves that are in contact with the solid walls on which theturbulent boundary layer is developed. This sitUationproduces locally a complex phenomenon known as shockwave/turbulent boundary layer interaction. Basic stlldiesof the complex combinations of heat transfer andcompressibility are required to understand their effects onthe turbulent boundary layer characteristics. If the shockwave is strong enough, then the boundary layer c…     

Influence of the cooling rate on the ageing of lead–calcium alloys

Cast lead–calcium alloys were known to be sensitive to experimental parameters, which cause large variations on the ageing and overageing behaviour. From the study of these parameters, the quenching rate was the only significant parameter. A critical cooling rate was defined based on hardness, electrical resistivity and metallographical observations. The inconsistencies in the literature noticed on the evolutions of lead–calcium alloys can now be explained by whether or not this critical cooling rate was respected.     

The future developments of the electricity prices in view of the implementation of the Paris Agreements: Will the current trends prevail,or a reversal is ahead?

We assess the impact on the European electricity market of the European Union “Clean energy for all Europeans” package, which implements the EU Nationally Determined Contribution in Paris COP 21. We focus on the year 2030, which is the year with defined climate targets. For the assessment, we employ a game-theoretic framework of the wholesale electricity market, with high technical detail. The model is applied to two core scenarios, a Base scenario and a Low Carbon scenario to provide insights regarding the future electricity capacity, generation mix, cross-border trade and electricity prices. We also assess three additional variants of the core scenarios concerning different levels of: a) fossil and CO₂ prices; b) additional flexibility provided by batteries; c) market integration. We find that the electricity prices in 2030 substantially increase from today's level, driven by the increase in fuel and CO₂ prices. The flexibility from batteries helps in mitigating the price peaks and the price volatility. The increased low marginal cost electricity generation, the expansion of non-dispatchable and distributed capacities, and the higher market integration further reduce the market power from producers in the electricity markets from today's level.