Single-step synthesis of MWCNT/ZnO nanocomposite using co-chemical vapor deposition method

Single-step synthesis of MWCNT and ZnO nanocomposite was conducted by co-chemical vapor deposition method. Electron microscopic analysis revealed that the fabricated nanostructures consisted of MWCNTs with a diameter of 60-70 nm which were coated with ZnO nanoparticles with an average size of 20-30 nm. The growth of ZnO nanoparticles took place after the formation of MWCNTs. EDS and XRD analyses could confirm the high crystallinity of ZnO deposited on the MWCNT surface. In comparison with pristine MWCNTs and ZnO nanoparticles, the UV absorption of MWCNT/ZnO nanocomposite was changed through modification with ZnO nanoparticles.     

Development of a swim-type ROV for narrow space inspection

The swim-type remotely operated vehicle (ROV) for inspection of narrow spaces in nuclear power plants has been developed. Many structures are crowded in a confined space at regular intervals in the bottom area of a reactor. So, the thickness of the ROV shape is an important design point to ensure that the ROV can move in the space. The developed ROV has a three-dimensional swimming mechanism using six thrusters, three cameras for observing the position while moving and for making inspections easily, and a localization system. The localization system combines two elements: a gyroscope to detect the progression direction; and a slit laser that detects the progression distance using the optical cutting method. The localization method is called the modified inertial navigation (MIN) method and it was evaluated in a mock-up examination. The ROV was able to move smoothly using the MIN method and its position could be detected without making a mistake in the route followed.     

计及旁路二极管效应的太阳能模组性能评估

为避免功率失配损失,太阳能模组一般都配置旁路二极管,提供一个能量散逸的途径。基于这种配置提出一种新的太阳能模组性能评估算法。依据实际旁路区段配置建立网络方程,通过牛顿–拉夫逊非线性迭代方法实现拓扑求解,继而获得模组的整体性能。在用制造商标准测试数据验证了该评估算法的有效性后,进一步考察各种阴影场景下的模组整体性能,并给出全局最大功率点(maximal power point,MPP)位置随辐射强度变化时的定性结论。理论分析和仿真结果表明,由于多辐射强度导致功率多峰值的存在,常规最大功率点跟踪(maximal power point track,MPPT)算法可能会因为只能检测到MPPT伪极大值点而失效;而且,旁路二极管的合理配置对太阳能模组性能有很大影响。     

Arc weldability of zinc coated steel sheets

Summary

CO₂ arc fillet welding of lap joints in zinc coated steel sheets and Zn-Fe coated steel sheets produced from base metals with a different surface roughness is performed to clarify the relationship between the properties of zinc coating layers and the factors affecting the generation of pits and blowholes during arc fillet welding of lap joints in zinc coated steel sheets. The results show that the generation of pits and blowholes is sharply reduced with a decreasing Fe content in the zinc coating layer and the decreasing surface roughness of the base metal. A reduction in the Fe content of the zinc coating layer decreases the melting point of the zinc coating layer, causing the zinc coating layer to melt faster and enabling the molten zinc to escape faster from the molten pool. A reduction in the surface roughness of the base metal increases the mobility of the molten zinc on its surface near the molten pool. When zinc coated steel sheets with a zinc coating weight of 40 g/m² produced from smooth surface base metal (Ra = 0.1 μm) were welded at a welding speed of 1.0 m/min, the generation of pits and blowholes was strongly suppressed to the same level as found during corresponding welding of cold-rolled steel sheets.     

Development of an active targeting liposome encapsulated with high-density colloidal gold for transmission electron microscopy

Active targeting of the liposome is an attractive strategy for drug delivery and in vivo bio-imaging. We previously reported the specific accumulation of Sialyl Lewis X (SLX) liposome to inflamed tissue in arthritic model mice or tumor-bearing mice. SLX-liposome encapsulation with fluorescent substances allows for the visualization of these liposomes by the time-dependent transvascular accumulation of fluorescent signals in the histological sections. In the present study, we developed a new SLX-liposome encapsulated with colloidal gold for transmission electron microscopic observation. We herein describe the characterization of the colloidal gold-loaded SLX-liposomes and demonstrate its specific targeting to the endothelial cells of tumor blood vessels in tumor-bearing mice.     

Principle and basic characteristics of a hybrid variable‐magnetic‐force motor

Reducing the power consumed by motors is important for energy conservation in the case of electrical appliances and electric vehicles (EVs). The motors used for operating these devices operate at variable speeds. Further, the motors operate with a small load in the stationary mode and a large load in the starting mode. A permanent magnet motor can be operated at rated power with high efficiency. However, the efficiency is low under a small load or at high speeds because the large constant magnetic force results in substantial core loss. Furthermore, the flux‐weakening current that decreases the voltage at high speeds leads to significant copper loss and core loss. Therefore, we have developed a new technique for controlling the magnetic force of a permanent magnet on the basis of the load or speed of the motor. In this paper we propose a novel motor that can vary the magnetic flux of a permanent magnet and clarify the principles and basic characteristics of the motor. The new motor has a permanent magnet that is magnetized by the magnetizing coil of the stator. The results of analysis show that the magnetic flux linkage of the motor can be changed from 37% to 100% and that a high torque can be produced. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 183(2): 47–57, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.22309     

Centrifugal Filter for Aerosol Collection

Air filters collect particles by the mechanical collection mechanisms, namely, inertia, interception, gravitational settling, and Brownian diffusion. There exists the most penetrating particle size (MPPS) in submicron size range for which none of the collection mechanisms work effectively. In this study, we propose a new type of filter named as “centrifugal filter,” which collects aerosol particles by centrifugal force together with the conventional mechanical collection mechanisms. The centrifugal filter proposed in the present work may be rotated by a motor or compressed air. Air passes through the filter in the axial direction of filter rotation. The filter rotates so does the air embedded in the filter, and therefore centrifugal force exerts on particles. In addition to the mechanical collection mechanisms, small migration of particles due to the centrifugal force enhanced the collection efficiency of submicron particles significantly without increasing the pressure drop. The performance tests of centrifugal filter were conducted by changing the fiber diameter, the air flow velocity and the rotation speed. We found that the collection efficiency of filter is enhanced significantly by rotating the filter without increasing the pressure drop and that the filter efficiency is well predicted by the conventional filtration theory accounting for the centrifugal force.

Copyright 2015 American Association for Aerosol Research     

Evaluation of solar energy potential and PV module performance in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia

Here, we present the results of evaluation of solar energy potential and photovoltaic (PV) module performance from actual data measured over a period of more than 2 years in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia. To allow estimation of solar energy potentials and durability of PV systems in the Gobi Desert area, a data acquisition system, including crystalline silicon (c‐Si), polycrystalline silicon (p‐Si) modules, and two sets of precision pyranometers, thermometers, and anemometer, was installed at Sainshand City in October 2002. This system measures 23 parameters, including solar irradiation and meteorological parameters, every 10 min. High output gain was observed due to operation at extremely low ambient temperatures and the module performance ratios (PRs) were high (>1·0) in winter. In summary, the present study showed that a PV module with a high temperature coefficient, such as crystalline silicon, is advantageous for use in the Gobi Desert area. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Gamma-Ray Spectrometer based on a Transition Edge Sensor for Nuclear Materials Analysis

We designed and fabricated a hard X-ray and gamma-ray TES spectrometer for nuclear materials analysis. The superconducting tin absorber is coupled to an Ir/Au TES by using a gold post to improve the thermal contact between the absorber and the TES. The reported energy resolution is 156 eV FWHM at 59.5 keV and 166 eV FWHM at 122 keV gamma-rays. We performed measurement of a Pu sample and clearly separated the \(^{239}\) Pu (56.828 keV) and the \(^{241}\) Am (59.5 keV) peaks by this TES microcalorimeter which cannot be resolved by the HPGe detector.