Estimation of kinetic parameters of composite materials during the cure process by using wavelet transform and mollification method

In some inverse problem, the convergence of the inverse algorithm is impossible due to the correlation of the involving parameters. Several different approaches have been used to address this problem. This paper proposes a procedure to smooth the temperature data by wavelet transform and mollification method prior to utilizing the Levenberg–Marquart method. Comparison of the two filtering methods shows that a comparable improvement in performance can be achieved specially using the mollification method. In order to examine this technique, a highly ill-posed problem was considered as a test case; that is the estimation of the composite kinetic parameters during the cure process.     

An improved modeling method to determine the model parameters of photovoltaic (PV) modules using differential evolution (DE)

To accurately model the PV module, it is crucial to include the effects of irradiance and temperature when computing the value of the model parameters. Considering the importance of this issue, this paper proposes an improved modeling approach using differential evolution (DE) method. Unlike other PV modeling techniques, this approach enables the computation of model parameters at any irradiance and temperature point using only the information provided by the manufacturer’s data sheet. The key to this improvement is the ability of DE to simultaneously compute all the model parameters at different irradiance and temperature. To validate the accuracy of the proposed model, three PV modules of different types (multi-crystalline, mono-crystalline and thin-film) are tested. The performance of the model is evaluated against the popular single diode model with series resistance R_s. It is found that the proposed model gives superior results for any irradiance and temperature variations. The modeling method is useful for PV simulator developers who require comprehensive and accurate model for the PV module.     

Current status and future prospects for the PVMaT project

The goals of the Photovoltaic Manufacturing Technology project (PVMaT) are to help the US PV industry improve photovoltaic manufacturing processes and accelerate cost reductions for PV components and systems. PVMaT is in its ninth year of implementation, and subcontracts with industry have been completed from four solicitations for R&D on manufacturing process problems. We are in the second year of subcontracts for a fifth PVMaT solicitation.Based on the latest (1998) data from ten PVMaT industrial participants, the average direct manufacturing cost for these producers has been reduced by 29% – from $4.08 to $2.91 per peak watt since 1992 – and there has also been a more than five-fold increase in manufacturing capacity – from 13.1 to 73.3 MW. We believe R&D on manufacturing processes contributes significantly to expeditious reductions in PV manufacturing costs, and we identify areas for future R&D.     

Estimating the power and number of microturbines in small-scale combined heat and power systems

Utilizing the combined heat and power (CHP) systems to produce both electricity and heat is growing rapidly due to their high efficiency and low emissions in domestic, commercial, and industrial applications. In the first two categories among available drivers, due to the compact size and low weight, microturbines are attractive choice. In this paper, by using an energy–economic analysis the type and number of the required microturbines for the specific electricity and heat load curves during a year were selected. For performing this task an objective function annual profit (AP) was introduced and maximized. The operation strategy and the payback period of the chosen system was also determined in this study.     

Photovoltaics in buildings: A case study for rural England and Malaysia

This paper presents results obtained from a practical study of photovoltaics in buildings, in rural England and a computer model simulation study in Malaysia. It is a particular application of Building integrated PhotoVoltaics (BiPV) where the PV modules are fitted as partial roofing material. Data from a monitored BiPV-UK installation were analysed and compared with PVSYST 2.0 predictions. This computer model was then used to simulate BiPV applications for the standard school building in Malaysia, enhanced with a thermal computer model SUNREL 1.0β. Whilst cost-effectiveness has been a major issue in its proliferated use, the technology has been without doubt established. Based on the simulated system performances, it can be seen that the application of BiPV technology in Malaysia seems to offer a much better potential as has been expected.     

Three-dimensional numerical simulation of convection and radiation in a differentially heated cavity using the discrete ordinates method

The main purpose of this paper is to study, in a three-dimensional, differentially heated cavity, the phenomenon of radiation and natural convection in both transparent and participating media. The discrete ordinates method (DOM) is used to solve the radiative transfer equation. The Navier-Stokes equations (NSE), describing natural convection, are solved with a segregated SIMPLE-like algorithm. For non-participating media, the coupling between the radiative transfer and NSE is done via the radiative heat exchange between surfaces. For participating media, a source term is added in the energy equation. The local and mean heat flux as a function of the Rayleigh number is studied, for both transparent and participating media with different optical thicknesses. The effect of the Planck number on the heat flux is also analyzed for different values of the Rayleigh number. Also, a comparison between a purely two-dimensional case and the results obtained in the mid-plane of a long rectangular enclosure is presented.     

Estimating ‘Value at Risk’ of crude oil price and its spillover effect using the GED-GARCH approach

Estimation has been carried out using GARCH-type models, based on the Generalized Error Distribution (GED), for both the extreme downside and upside Value-at-Risks (VaR) of returns in the WTI and Brent crude oil spot markets. Furthermore, according to a new concept of Granger causality in risk, a kernel-based test is proposed to detect extreme risk spillover effect between the two oil markets. Results of an empirical study indicate that the GED-GARCH-based VaR approach appears more effective than the well-recognized HSAF (i.e. historical simulation with ARMA forecasts). Moreover, this approach is also more realistic and comprehensive than the standard normal distribution-based VaR model that is commonly used. Results reveal that there is significant two-way risk spillover effect between WTI and Brent markets. Supplementary study indicates that at the 99% confidence level, when negative market news arises that brings about a slump in oil price return, historical information on risk in the WTI market helps to forecast the Brent market. Conversely, it is not the case when positive news occurs and returns rise. Historical information on risk in the two markets can facilitate forecasts of future extreme market risks for each other. These results are valuable for anyone who needs evaluation and forecasts of the risk situation in international crude oil markets.     

Comparative study on the performance of pyrolyzed and plasma-treated iron(II) phthalocyanine-based catalysts for oxygen reduction in pH neutral electrolyte solutions

The performance of pyrolyzed and plasma-treated non-precious catalysts for the oxygen reduction is discussed in the light of their application in microbial fuel cells. An Ar-radio frequency (RF) plasma treatment is applied to enhance the electrochemical activity of iron(II) phthalocyanine (FePc)-based catalysts. The electrochemical properties of the catalysts are analyzed by galvanodynamic linear sweep voltammetry and chronoamperometric experiments. Surface elemental analysis of the catalysts is examined by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The influence of plasma power and treatment time on the elemental surface concentration and performance of the catalysts is investigated. The electrochemical activity, expressed in terms of the current density at 0 V vs. Ag/AgCl, is up to 40% higher for the plasma-treated samples than for pyrolyzed ones. It is found that optimal treatment time was 30 min and optimal plasma power was 150 W for the best electroactivity of FePc-based catalysts. From the results of XPS data, it is revealed that Ar-plasma treatment of the catalysts leads to an increase in the oxygen and nitrogen concentration on the catalysts surface. A correlation is found between the activity and surface concentration of oxygen and nitrogen on the catalysts’ surface.     

Application of real-time spectroscopic ellipsometry for characterizing the structure and optical properties of microcrystalline component layers of amorphous semiconductor solar cells

Over the past few years, we have applied real-time spectroscopic ellipsometry (RTSE) to probe hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H)-based solar cell fabrication on the research scale. From RTSE measurements, the microstructural development of the component layers of the cell can be characterized with sub-monolayer sensitivity, including the time evolution of (i) the bulk layer thickness which provide the deposition rates, and (ii) the surface roughness layer thickness which provide insights into precursor surface diffusion. In the same analysis, RTSE also yields the optical properties of the growing films, including the dielectric functions and optical gaps. Results reported earlier have been confined to p-i-n and n-i-p cells consisting solely of amorphous layers, because such layers are found to grow homogeneously, making data analysis relatively straightforward. In this study, we report the first results of an analysis of RTSE data collected during the deposition of an n-type microcrystalline silicon (μc-Si:H) component layer in an a-Si:H p-i-n solar cell. Such an analysis is more difficult owing to (i) the modification of the underlying i-layer by the H₂-rich plasma used in doped μc-Si:H growth and (ii) the more complex morphological development of μc-Si:H, including surface roughening during growth.     

Lattice Boltzmann method modeling and experimental study on liquid water characteristics in the gas diffusion layer of proton exchange membrane fuel cells

Water transport through the gas diffusion layer (GDL) is vital to proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), especially under flooding conditions. In this paper, a two-dimensional (2D) lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) is applied to reveal the water dynamic characteristics in GDL, and the computational domain is reconstructed based on the experiment. In-situ experiments, including I–V performance and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests under flooding conditions, are carried out and analyzed. It is found that the porosity distribution inside the GDL is a crucial factor in water dynamic behavior research. The horizontal liquid water saturation (HS_w) under the channel of real GDL (with porosity distribution) at 0.4 relative thickness are 3.2 times, 2.1 times and 3.4 times higher than the ideal GDL (without porosity distribution) in the case of 0.8 mm, 1.2 mm and 2.0 mm, respectively. The numerical simulation and experimental study show that water dynamic characteristics under the rib influence cell performance directly. In our LBM model, the GDL water distribution inconsistency (Var_w) under 2.0 mm width rib is 43.1% and 28.0% higher than that under the 0.8 mm and 1.2 mm rib, respectively. With the rib wider from 0.8 mm to 2.0 mm, some parts of cell impedance such as R_mt, R_ct, and L_mt increase 64.22%, 98.89%, and 47.46%, respectively. However, GDL under the channel shows no influence on water transport process.     

Optimization of hydrogen enrichment via palladium membrane in vacuum environments using Taguchi method and normalized regression analysis

In this study, the separation of hydrogen from gas mixtures using a palladium membrane coupled with a vacuum environment on the permeate side was studied experimentally. The gas mixtures composed of H₂, N₂, and CO₂ were used as the feed. Hydrogen permeation fluxes were measured with membrane operating temperature in the range of 320–380 °C, pressures on the retentate side in the range of 2–5 atm, and vacuum pressures on the permeate side in the range of 15–51 kPa. The Taguchi method was used to design the operating conditions for the experiments based on an orthogonal array. Using the measured H₂ permeation fluxes from the Taguchi approach, the stepwise regression analysis was also employed for establishing the prediction models of H₂ permeation flux, followed by the analysis of variance (ANOVA) to identify the significance and suitability of operating conditions. Based on both the Taguchi approach and ANOVA, the H₂ permeation flux was mostly affected by the gas mixture composition, followed by the retentate side pressure, the vacuum degree, and the membrane temperature. The predicted optimal operating conditions were the gas mixture with 75% H₂ and 25% N₂, the membrane temperature of 320 °C, the retentate side pressure of 5 atm, and the vacuum degree of 51 kPa. Under these conditions, the H₂ permeation flux was 0.185 mol s^?1 m^?2. A second-order normalized regression model with a relative error of less than 7% was obtained based on the measured H₂ permeation flux.     

The effect of fullerene doping on photoelectric conversion using titanyl phthalocyanine and a perylene pigment

The effect of fullerene (C₆₀) doping on photoelectric conversion using titanyl phthalocyanine (TiOPc) and a perylene pigment, N, N′-dimethyl-3,4 : 9,10-perylenebis(dicarboximide) (MPCI), was investigated. A new three-layer cell, ITO/MPCI/C₆₀-doped TiOPc/TiOPc/Au, exhibited a higher quantum yield for charge-carrier photogeneration than a two-layer cell without the C₆₀-doped TiOPc layer, ITO/MPCI/TiOPc/Au, upon irradiation with monochromatic light which TiOPc mainly absorbs. The three-layer cell showed a high conversion efficiency of 0.63% for incident white light at an intensity of ca. 100 mW cm⁻².     

Effects of voltage supply on the methane production rates and pathways in an anaerobic digestion reactor using different electron donors

The effects of voltage on the methane production rate (k) of various types of anaerobic sludge biomasses are quantitatively demonstrated. Voltage is supplied to the anaerobic digestion (AD) sludges independently and quickly improves the methane production rates and specific methanogenic activities (SMAs), regardless of bio-electrochemical activation of the sludge. This supports previous findings that bio-electrochemical AD (BEAD) shows higher stabilization and methane production rates than those of AD. However, in reactors fed with H₂/CO₂, SMA and k are not significantly increased by the voltage supply, indicating that direct electron transfer for hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis is not a major methane formation pathway. The voltage supply contributed to indirect electron transfer for H₂ production. Therefore, indirect electron transfer via H₂ is a significant factor in hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis. These findings indicate changes in the general pathways of AD achieved using a voltage supply and provide a better understanding of previous BEAD studies.     

Performance effect on the TEG system for waste heat recovery in automobiles using ZnO and SiO2 nanofluid coolants

Enhancement in heat transfer of the cold side is vital to amplify the performance of a thermoelectric generator (TEG). With enriched thermophysical properties of nanofluids, significant improvement in heat transfer process can be obtained. The current study concerns the performance comparison of an automobile waste heat recovery system with EG‐water (EG‐W) mixture, ZnO, and SiO₂ nanofluid as coolants for the TEG system. The effects on performance parameters, that is, circuit voltage, conversion efficiency, and output power with exhaust inlet temperature, the total area of TEG, Reynolds number, and particle concentration of nanofluids for the TEG system have been investigated. A detailed performance analysis revealed an increase in voltage, power output, and conversion efficiency of the TEG system with SiO ₂ nanofluid, followed by ZnO and EG‐W coolants. The electric power and conversion efficiency for SiO ₂ nanofluid at an exhaust inlet temperature of 500K were enhanced by 11.80% and 11.39% respectively, in comparison with EG‐W coolants. Moreover, the model speculates that an optimal total area of TEGs exists for the maximum power output of the system. With SiO ₂ nanofluid as a coolant, the total area of TEGs can be diminished by up to 34% as compared with EG‐W, which brings significant convenience for the placement of TEGs and reduces the cost of the TEG system.     

Wake modelling of a VAWT in dynamic stall: impact on the prediction of flow and induction fields

Dynamic stall is a relevant phenomenon in the design and operation of a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) as it impacts loading, control and wake dynamics. Although streamtube models and single‐wake vortex models are commonly used for VAWT simulation, they either do not explicitly simulate the distribution of vorticity in the wake (streamtube models) or simplify it into a single‐wake release point (single‐wake vortex models). This can lead to inaccurate predictions of the vorticity distribution and wake dynamics, and therefore of the induction field, rotor loading and wake development, including wake mixing and re‐energizing. In this work, we use a double‐wake panel model developed for the simulation of dynamic stall in a VAWT to analyse (i) what is the flow field in dynamic stall, including the induction field, (ii) what is the error due to assuming a simplified wake, in both vorticity distribution and induction and (iii) how an incorrect simulation of the vorticity distribution can affect the prediction of the dynamics of the near and far wake. The results demonstrate that for mild separation (tip speed ratio λ≥3), single‐wake models can produce acceptable results. However, for lower tip speed ratios (λ < 3), the inaccuracy in the prediction of loads, induction field and vorticity distribution becomes significant because of an inadequate representation of the wake dynamics. These results imply that using lower order models can lead to inaccurate estimations of loads, performance and power control requirements at low tip speed ratios. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Study of flow field,heat transfer,and entropy generation of nanofluid turbulent natural convection in an enclosure utilizing the computational fluid dynamics‐artificial neural network hybrid method

In this study, the turbulent natural convection of Ag‐water nanofluid in a tall, inclined enclosure has been investigated. The main objective of this study is finding the optimized angle of the enclosure with operational boundary condition in cooling from ceiling utilizing the computational fluid dynamics‐artificial neural network (CFD‐ANN) hybrid method, which has not been noticed in previous studies. To achieve this, we proposed two approaches. First, the simulations have been done with a deviation angle of 0 to 90° by using water and Ag‐water nanofluid. And second, a new prediction approach is proposed based on radial basis function artificial neural networks (RBF‐ANN) to predict the mean Nusselt number and entropy generation with the variation of Rayleigh numbers, deviation angles, and volume fractions as inputs. The results from the first approach indicate that the Rayleigh number has a considerable function in the determination of optimized angle. The results from the second approach, which used the first approach simulation results as training data set, could predict the mean Nusselt number and entropy generation with 1.4577e^?022 and 1.552e^?015 mean square error, respectively. Moreover, a new set of data for Rayleigh numbers, deviation angles, and volume fractions were used to test the performance of the prediction model, which shows promising and superior prospects for RBF‐ANN.     

A novel method to tailor the porous structure of KOH-activated biochar and its application in capacitive deionization and energy storage

This study reveals a novel method to tailor the micro- and meso-porous structures of activated biochar by exploiting the interaction between pre-carbonization drying conditions and carbonization temperature in KOH activation. Biochar samples were mixed with concentrated KOH and then dried under air or nitrogen for various periods of time (0–280 h) followed by carbonization at 475, 675 or 875 °C. It is confirmed that by manipulating drying conditions and carbonization temperatures, the KOH activated biochar can have a predominantly microporous, mesoporous or a combined (micro/meso) porous structure. The surface area, micropore and mesopore volumes tailored between: 488–2670 m² g⁻¹, 0.04–0.72 cm³ g⁻¹, and 0.05–1.70 cm³ g⁻¹, respectively. The mechanism of porosity development was investigated by FTIR analysis suggesting conversion of KOH to K₂CO₃ due to different drying conditions as a major role in tailoring the structure. The application of activated biochar with tailored porosity was investigated for Electric Double Layer adsorption of NaCl/NaOH to be employed in water treatment (capacitive deionization) or energy storage (supercapacitor) processes. The majorly microporous activated biochar (N₂-dried activated at 675 °C) showed promising capacitances between 220 and 245 F g⁻¹. Addition of mesoporous structure resulted in capacitances between 182 and 240 F g⁻¹ with significantly reduced electrode resistance and improved capacitive behavior as evidenced by Impedance Spectroscopy and Galvanostatic Charge/Discharge tests.     

Synthesis and electrochemistry of Li3MnO4: Mn in the +5 oxidation state

Computational and experimental work directed at exploring the electrochemical properties of tetrahedrally coordinated Mn in the +5 oxidation state is presented. Specific capacities of nearly 700 mAh g⁻¹ are predicted for the redox processes of Li_xMnO₄ complexes based on two two-phase reactions. One is topotactic extraction of Li from Li₃MnO₄ to form LiMnO₄ and the second is topotactic insertion of Li into Li₃MnO₄ to form Li₅MnO₄. In the experiments, it is found that the redox behavior of Li₃MnO₄ is complicated by disproportionation of Mn⁵⁺ in solution to form Mn⁴⁺ and Mn⁷⁺ and by other irreversible processes; although an initial capacity of about 275 mAh g⁻¹ in lithium cells was achieved. Strategies based on structural considerations to improve the electrochemical properties of MnO₄ⁿ⁻ complexes are given.     

Properties of the lithium and graphite-lithium anodes in N-methyl-N-propylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide

The ternary [Li⁺]_0.09[MePrPyr⁺]_0.41[NTf₂⁻]_0.50 room temperature ionic liquid was obtained by dissolution of solid lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiNTf₂) in liquid N-methyl-N-propylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([MePrPyr⁺][NTf₂⁻]), and studied as an electrolyte for lithium-ion batteries. The graphite-lithium (C₆Li) anode, working together with vinylene carbonate as an additive showed ca. 90% of its initial discharge capacity after 50 cycles. The addition of vinylene carbonate to the neat ionic liquid results in the formation of the protective coating (SEI) on both the lithium and graphite anodes. The SEI formation increases the rate of the charge transfer reaction as well as protects the anode from chemical passivation (corrosion). The graphite-lithium (C₆Li) anode shows good cyclability and Coulombic efficiency in the presence of 10 wt.% of vinylene carbonate as an additive to the ionic liquid.