A highly efficient novel azimuthal heliotrope

A new type of a single-axis azimuthal tracker is presented. The novel feature of this tracker is the ability to move the collector’s plane in two directions through a special support structure. This structure consists of a sliding mechanism on the central axis and a curved window on the cylindrical surface coaxial to the central axis. Consequently, the proposed novel heliotrope behaves similarly to a two-axis tracker. Two different windows designed on the cylindrical surface may be used to provide very high efficiencies throughout a year. Several performance measurements have been conducted on this novel tracker, a polar tracker and the reference two-axis tracker. Pyranometers, appropriately calibrated, were installed on all three systems to record the global incoming irradiance on the collector’s plane. It is shown that the new tracker system can be very efficient since its plane intercepts, at least, 98% of the insolation with respect to a two-axis tracker. The proposed system can be utilized in solar-related applications (photovoltaic or thermal).     

Nanocrystalline TiO2 photosensitized with natural polymers with enhanced efficiency from 400 to 600 nm

TiO₂ sensitization for solar applications requires not only efficient but also stable and inexpensive sensitizers. Different condensed tannins extracted from bark wastes of tropical wood trees were studied as possible sensitizers of TiO₂. These natural polymers adhere strongly to the TiO₂ even from aqueous solutions. Absorption spectra are presented for 1 mM aqueous sensitizing solutions prepared with lyophilized condensed tannins which absorb light in the visible range. Spectral photocurrent measurements and I–V characterization show that no bias is required for electron injection to the TiO₂ from all studied condensed tannins. Incident photon to current efficiency (IPCE) analysis indicates that surface complexation originates absorption bands with different electron injection efficiencies. These play a dominant role in determining IPCE spectral shape. We propose that surface modification by the sensitizer changes the surface trap density, thereby decreasing recombination losses.     

The effect of nitrogen oxides in air on the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cell

The effects of NO_x on the performance of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell were investigated through the introduction of a mixture containing NO and NO₂, in a ratio of 9:1, into the cathode stream of a single PEM fuel cell. The NO_x concentrations used in the experiments were 1480 ppm, 140 ppm and 10 ppm, which cover a range of three orders. The experimental results obtained from the tests of durability, polarization, reversibility and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) showed a detrimental effect of NO_x on the cell performance. The electrochemical measurements results suggested that the impacts of NO_x are mainly resulted from the superposition of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), NO and HNO₂ oxidation reactions, and the increased cathodic impedance. Complete recovery of the cell performance was reached after operating the cell with clean air and then purging with N₂ for hours.     

镍氢电池负极用低成本储氢合金的研究

研究了ABS型储氢合金在低Co含量条件下，随B组元替代元素Co，Al，Si等含量的变化对合金电化学性能的影响规律，同时研究了A组元中不同La／Ce比对合金电化学性能的影响情况。结果表明，随合金中Co含量的降低，合金的活化性能和放电容量得以改善，但合金的循环寿命下降也比较明显；在试验范围内，随Al元素的加入，合金的循环寿命得以改善，但材料的放电容量和活化性能均有所下降；随合金La／Ce比的降低，合金的放电容量略有下降，但其循环寿命和放电电压平台有较大提高。     

偏高岭土的研究现状及展望

简要介绍了偏高岭土的反应机理和在国内外的研究现状。同时对偏高岭土的研究进行了展望 ,提出因麦特林水泥原料丰富 ,污染小 ,加工简单 ,性能优越 ,其应用前景广阔 ,应对其加强研究。     

Local Strain Measurement within Tendon

Abstract:  Tendon is a dense connective tissue, responsible for transmitting the forces generated by muscles to the skeleton. It is composed of a hierarchical arrangement of crimped collagen fibres, interspersed with proteoglycan matrix and cells, known as tenocytes. During physiological loading, tendons are subjected to strains in the region of 5–6%, which result in the straightening and realignment of the collagen fibres, generating variable local strain fields within the tendon. This study demonstrates a technique for analysing local strains within viable tendon explants, during both loading and unloading of the tissue. Samples were strained in a custom-designed rig, allowing real-time visualisation of cell nuclei, used as local discrete markers, on a confocal microscope. Results indicated that local strains within the fascicle are smaller than the applied strains, never exceeding 1.2%, even at 8% gross applied strain. By contrast, the sliding of adjacent collagen units was recorded at each strain increment in this study, reaching a mean maximum of 3.9% of the applied displacement. Loading–unloading studies indicated that sliding behaviour is reversible up to strains of 5%, and provides the major extension mechanism within the rat-tail tendon. This technique can be extended to further analyse shearing behaviour within the matrix.     

Manufacturing method for monolithic dye-sensitised solar cells permitting long-term stable low-power modules

A manufacturing technique for monolithic dye-sensitised solar cells is presented. Encapsulated modules designed for indoor low-power applications have been prepared using industrial methods and equipment. Under certain conditions (light intensity <5000 lx, temperature between –10°C and 50°C, and relative humidity of appr. 50%), the modules have performed well and shown excellent long-term stability. Moreover, modules withstand illumination in combination with storage at 100% relative humidity. However, a certain degradation of the module performance takes place at illuminations exceeding 5000 lx and temperatures exceeding 50°C.     

Evaluating dynamic performance: The influence of salient Gestalt characteristics on performance ratings.

It is well recognized that performance changes over time. However, the effect of these changes on overall assessments of performance is largely unknown. In a laboratory experiment, we examined the influence of salient Gestalt characteristics of a dynamic performance profile on supervisory ratings. We manipulated performance trend (flat, linear-improving, linear-deteriorating, U-shaped, and ∩-shaped), performance variation (small, large), and performance mean (negative, zero, positive) within subjects and display format (graphic, tabular) between subjects. Participants received and evaluated information about the weekly performance of different employees over a simulated 26-week period. Results showed strong main effects on performance ratings of both performance mean and performance trend, as well as interactions with display format. Theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Performance of unitary heat pumps: review of ASHRAE Symposium session

1. 1. System design optimization and validation for single-speed heat pump by S.K. Fischer and C.K. Rice, Oak Ridge National Laboratories.

2. 2. Analysis of on/off cycling for an air-to-air heat pump operating in the heating mode by W.A. Miller, Oak Ridge National Laboratories.

3. 3. Field measured cycling, frosting and defrosting losses for a high efficiency air source heat pump by V.D. Baxter and J.C. Moyers, Oak Ridge National Laboratories.

4. 4. Design and available energy analysis of a heating-only residential heat pump for the Western Pacific Northwest by D.E. Elger, C.M. Reistad and S. Lang, Oregon State University.

5. 5. A study of heat pump service life by Nance C. Lovvorn, Alabama Power Company and Carl C. Hiller, Electric Power Research.