Applications for Low Frequency Impedance Analysis Systems

We present methodology and instrumentation used to carry out and log automated multiple electrical impedance measurements using multiplexed control. We also address the issue of measurement error introduced by the instrumentation, and demonstrate how we reduce these effects in our experiments. Finally, we present two potential applications for our automated electrical impedance analysis systems: tissue scanning and mapping via impedance measurements between arrays of electrodes, and materials testing of novel conductive polymer materials.     

Hf-O-N and HfO2 barrier layers for Hf-Ti-O gate dielectric thin films

Hf-O-N and HfO₂ thin films were evaluated as barrier layers for Hf-Ti-O metal oxide semiconductor capacitor structures. The films were processed by sequential pulsed laser deposition at 300 °C and ultra-violet ozone oxidation process at 500 °C. The as-deposited Hf-Ti-O films were polycrystalline in nature after oxidation at 500 °C and a fully crystallized (o)-HfTiO₄ phase was formed upon high temperature annealing at 900 °C. The Hf-Ti-O films deposited on Hf-O-N barrier layer exhibited a higher dielectric constant than the films deposited on the HfO₂ barrier layer. Leakage current densities lower than 5 × 10 A/cm² were achieved with both barrier layers at a sub 20 Å equivalent oxide thickness.     

Influence of strain on the thermal behaviour of poly(chlorotrifluoroethylene)

The effects of uniaxial drawing on the free volume of poly(chlorotrifluoroethylene) have been investigated using the positron annihilation lifetime technique. Annealing measurements were made both in unstrained and maximum strained conditions of the polymer to understand the influence of residual stress on the thermal behaviour. The results indicate uncoiling of the molecular chains upon stretching accompanied by orientation of the polymeric chains. The results further indicate an increase of the glass transition temperature of the drawn film and a negative thermal expansion beyond the glass transition temperature, supported by an increase in activation energy for the strained polymer. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry     

A novel sensorless current shaping control approach for SVPWM inverter with voltage disturbance rejection in a dc grid–based wind power generation system

A novel sensorless current shaping (CS) control strategy is proposed to avail better power quality (PQ) of a dc grid–based wind power generation system (WPGS) used on a poultry farm by generating an appropriate reference current for space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) inverter. The proposed CS strategy also offers adequate control for parallel operation of multiple generators and inverter applications, without requiring voltage and frequency synchronization. Further, to control the poultry farm–based WPGS, a two‐stage control loop is implemented such as energy flow control loop (EFCL) and harmonic control loop (HCL). The first loop is used to regulate the power flow, and the second loop is used to compensate harmonics. A mathematical current decomposition technique is suggested for an appropriate resistance emulation to realize a better power flow, higher harmonic rejection, and better inverter operation. In this planned approach for attaining constant wind speed, an electric ventilation fan in the poultry farm is used. A combined hybrid dc and ac grid approaches are suggested for facilitating variable load integration in a poultry farm–based microgrid system. Moreover, for achieving better power management during the islanded mode of operation, the battery energy storage (BES) device is integrated with the dc grid through a bidirectional converter. The proposed WPGS design and control approach has been simulated through MATLAB/Simulink software under various test conditions, to demonstrate the operational capability, to achieve better PQ, and to increase the flexibility and reliability in the microgrid operation.     

Free‐volume microprobe study of iodine diffusion in polymers

The effect of iodine sorption on the free‐volume of three polymers, namely, acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene, poly(ethylene terephthalate) and polycarbonate have been investigated by the positron annihilation lifetime technique. Diffusion coefficients have been evaluated from the sorption curves using Crank's solution for Fick's second law of diffusion. The positron results are explained in terms of iodine filling the free‐volume holes, swelling and conformational changes. It has also been found that the diffusion process in acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene and poly(ethylene terephthalate) deviates from Fick's law of diffusion whereas in polycarbonate, the diffusion process obeys Fick's law. Further, for polymers in which diffusion deviates from Fick's law, the sorption process has been separated into diffusion‐controlled (Fickian) and relaxation‐controlled (non‐Fickian) parts using the dual‐mode sorption model. Interestingly, the present results show that the polymers which deviate from Fickian diffusion also deviate from Fujita's free‐volume theory of diffusion and vice versa. The positron results also indicate that sorbed iodine in the polymer acts as an inhibitor of ortho‐positronium. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

Experimental Investigation of Overall Heat Transfer Coefficient of Al2O3/Water–Mono Ethylene Glycol Nanofluids in an Automotive Radiator

In this research, the overall heat transfer coefficient of Al₂O₃/water–mono ethylene glycol (MEG) nanofluids is investigated experimentally in a car radiator under laminar flow conditions. The experimental rig developed is similar to the automotive cooling system. The stable nanofluid used is prepared by a two‐step method. Ultrasonication is done for proper dispersion of 20 nm Al₂O₃ nanoparticle in carrier fluid water and MEG mixture with 50:50 proportions by volume. The experimental study showed that use of a nanofluid enhances the overall heat transfer coefficient as compared to the base fluid. In this study as the nanoparticle volume fraction increases from 0% to 0.8%, the overall heat transfer coefficient also increases. It was observed that as the nanofluid inlet temperature increased from 65 °C to 85 °C, the overall heat transfer coefficient decreased. It was found that using a 0.2% volume fraction Al₂O₃/water–MEG nanofluid can enable a 36.69 % reduction in surface area of the radiator.     

Bipolar polymer electrolyte interfaces for hydrogen–oxygen and direct borohydride fuel cells

Direct borohydride fuel cells (DBFCs) using liquid hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant are safe and attractive low temperature power sources for unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) as they have excellent energy and power density and do not feature compressed gases or a flammable fuel stream. One challenge to this system is the disparate pH environment between the anolyte fuel and catholyte oxidant streams. Herein, a bipolar interface membrane electrode assembly (BIMEA) is demonstrated for maintaining pH control of the anolyte and catholyte compartments of the fuel cell. The prepared DBFC with the BIMEA yielded a promising peak power density of 110 mW cm⁻². This study also investigated the same BIMEA for a hydrogen–oxygen fuel cell (H₂–O₂ FC). The type of gas diffusion layer used and the gas feed relative humidity were found to impact fuel cell performance. Finally, a BIMEA featuring a silver electrocatalyst at the cathode in a H₂–O₂ FC was successfully demonstrated.     

Evaluation of diesel engine performance using diesel–cashew nut shell oil blends

The performance, emission and combustion characteristics of a single-cylinder, direct injection diesel engine was studied at various loads at a constant speed of 1500?rpm with neat diesel and cashew nut shell oil (CNSO) blends. Among all the blends, 20% CNSO blend, showed better performance compared to all the other blends. Also, it has been found that CNSO blends can be used in the available diesel engine without making any modification.     

Preoxidation and hydrogen reduction of ilmenite in a fiuidized bed reactor

Studies on preoxidation and hydrogen reduction of Quilon-grade ilmenite have been carried out in a fluidized bed reactor. During preoxidation, the effect of various parameters such as temperature, gas flow rate, and period of reaction has been studied. Hydrogen reduction studies have been carried out both for raw and preoxidized ilmenite. Results obtained on the conversion rate of iron oxide to metallic iron for the preoxidation as well as the reduction period showed three distinct stages: (1) initial slow induction stage; (2) intermediate acceleratory stage; and (3) final slowing down process. Kinetic data plot on -In (1 -x) vs time for metallization of iron oxide showed a linear trend for preoxidation and hydrogen reduction.