Preparation of Pt/Ce–Zr–Y mixed oxide/anodized aluminium oxide catalysts for hydrogen passive autocatalytic recombination

The use of a Pt-based catalyst was evaluated for autocatalytic hydrogen recombination. The Pt was supported on a mixture of Ce-, Zr- and Y-oxides (CZY) to yield nanosized Pt particles. The Pt/CZY/AAO catalyst was then prepared by the spray-deposition of the Pt/CZY intermediate onto an anodized aluminium oxide (AAO) layer on a metallic aluminum core. The Pt/CZY/AAO catalyst (3 × 1 cm) was evaluated for hydrogen combustion (1–8 vol% hydrogen in the air) in a recombiner section testing station. The thermal distribution throughout the catalyst surface was investigated using an infrared camera. The maximum temperature gradient (ΔT) for the examined hydrogen concentrations did not exceed 36 °C. The Pt/CZY/AAO catalyst was also evaluated for prolonged hydrogen combustion duration to assess its durability. An average combustion temperature of 239.0 ± 10.0 °C was maintained for 53 days of catalytic hydrogen combustion, suggesting that there was limited, or no, catalyst deactivation. Finally, a Pt/CZY/AAO catalytic plate (14.0 × 4.5 cm) was prepared to investigate the thermal distribution. An average surface temperature of 212.5 °C and a maximum ΔT of 5.4 °C was obtained throughout the catalyst surface at a 3 vol% hydrogen concentration.     

炼油废白土在水泥厂燃煤自备电厂中再利用的实践

本项目主要研究和实现了工业废白土在BAYAH燃煤自备电厂中的再利用,实现变废为宝,减少了环境污染,同时为企业创造了一定的经济效益。针对废白土的特性,对燃料输送系统给煤机、皮带机、煤仓、下料溜子和排渣系统进行了改造。通过修改操作规程消除废白土对锅炉运行的影响。     

Energy storage performance of 0.55Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-0.45SrTiO3 ceramics doped with lanthanide elements (Ln = La,Nd, Dy,Sm) using a viscous polymer processing route

Lead-free bismuth sodium titanate-strontium titanate (NBT-ST) dielectric ceramic materials have been extensively investigated energy storage materials because of their relaxor characteristics. In this study, four different lanthanide elements were introduced into the ferroelectric NBT-ST ceramic to improve their relaxor properties. The introduction of the lanthanide resulted in an increase in disorder at location A within the perovskite lattice and improved relaxor characteristics, leading to a stored energy density of more than 3.5 J/cm³. In particular, an ultrahigh recoverable stored energy density of 4.94 J/cm³ and efficiency of 88.45% were achieved at 440 kV/cm when the NBT-ST ceramic was modified with neodymium. The modified ceramic also exhibited good thermal stability in the range of 30–120 °C, as well as a fast discharge time of ～153 ns, indicating that Nd-incorporated NBT-ST is a promising candidate for electrical energy storage ceramic.     

Electrocatalytic activity of LaSr3Fe3O10 and LaSr3Fe3O10-GO towards oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline medium

Oxygen reduction reaction(ORR) plays a critical role in many energy conversion and storage processes.Therein, a comparative study of the electrocatalytic activity for ORR in 0.1 mol/L KOH solution was conducted using layered perovskite-like LaSr_3 Fe_3 O_(10) and LaSr3 Fe_3 O_(10)-graphene oxide(GO) composite as electrodes. Linear sweep voltammetry(LSV) results show that the LaSr3 Fe_3 O_(10)-GO hybrid exhibits higher current density, a more positive onset potential(-0.15 V vs. Hg/HgO) in comparison with LaSr_3 Fe_3 O_(10).The value of the overall transferred electrons for both catalysts implies a dominant two electron process for ORR. Both catalysts under alkalic conditions exhibit a two-step Tafel slope, suggesting a change in the reaction mechanism for ORR. The composite electrode exhibits a higher ORR current density, but inferior durability performances in relative to the LaSr_3 Fe_3 O_(10) electrode.     

Protection of power transformer using multi criteria decision-making

Power transformers are protected by different relays that operate independently. Malfunction of each relay has a major role in reducing the reliability of the protection system. In order to mitigate the main drawbacks of the power transformer relays, an overall protection scheme is presented in this paper. This scheme proposes a novel multi criterion algorithm using decision-making based on fuzzy logic. In this paper the outputs of restricted earth fault relay and a directional check unit, are combined with the output of the differential protection relay. Therefore, problems that are pertaining to independent operation of each relay have been mitigated and the relays cover protection blind spots of each other. The improved power transformer protection (IPTP) scheme enhances the sensitivity and reliability of the power transformer protection. Extensive simulations are used to measure the effectiveness and merit of the proposed IPTP relay. The above efforts result in a multi criteria approach for protection of power transformers.     

Calorimetric study of ytterbium orthovanadate YbVO4 polycrystalline ceramics

The heat capacity of ytterbium orthovanadate was first measured by adiabatic calorimetry in the temperature range T?=?12.28–344.06?K. No obvious anomalies were observed on the curve obtained. The values of standard thermodynamic functions in the temperature range T?=?0–400 K were calculated. Based on low-temperature calorimetry data obtained, previously published data on the high-temperature heat capacity of ytterbium orthovanadate were corrected. The anomalous contribution to heat capacity for YbVO₄ was compared with the data known for YbPO₄.     

Enhancement of thermal,mechanical, ignition and damping response of magnesium using nano-ceria particles

Magnesium (Mg)-based nanocomposites owing to their low density and biocompatibility are being targeted for transportation and biomedical sectors. In order to support a sustainable environment, the prime aim of this study was to develop non-toxic magnesium-based nanocomposites for a wide spectrum of applications. To support this objective, cerium oxide nanoparticles (0.5?vol%, 1?vol%, and 1.5?vol%) reinforced Mg composites are developed in this study using blend-press-sinter powder metallurgy technique. The microstructural studies exhibited limited amounts of porosity in Mg and Mg-CeO₂ samples (< 1%). Increasing presence of CeO₂ nanoparticles (up to 1.5?vol%) led to a progressive increase in microhardness, dimensional stability, damping capacity and ignition resistance of magnesium. The compressive strengths increased with the increasing addition of the nanoparticles with a significant enhancement in the fracture strain (up to ~48%). Superior energy absorption was observed for all the composite samples prior to compressive fracture. Further, enhancement in thermal, mechanical and damping characteristics of pure Mg is correlated with microstructural changes due to the presence of the CeO₂ nanoparticles.     

Heavy rare earths,permanent magnets,and renewable energies: An imminent crisis

This article sounds the alarm that a significant build-out of efficient lighting and renewable energy technologies may be endangered by shortages of rare earths and rare earth permanent magnets. At the moment, China is the predominant supplier of both and its recent rare earth industrial policies combined with its own growing demand for rare earths have caused widespread concern. To diversify supplies, new mining—outside of China—is needed. But what many observers of the “rare earth problem” overlook is that China also dominates in (1) the processing of rare earths, particularly the less abundant heavy rare earths, and (2) the supply chains for permanent magnets. Heavy rare earths and permanent magnets are critical for many renewable energy technologies, and it will require decades to develop new non-Chinese deposits, processing capacity, and supply chains. This article clarifies several misconceptions, evaluates frequently proposed solutions, and urges policy makers outside of China to undertake measures to avert a crisis, such as greater support for research and development and for the cultivation of intellectual capital.