3D Carbon Frameworks for Ultrafast Charge/Discharge Rate Supercapacitors with High Energy‑Power Density

Carbon-based electric double layer capacitors(EDLCs)hold tremendous potentials due to their high-power performance and excellent cycle stability.However,the practical use of EDLCs is limited by the low energy density in aqueous electrolyte and sluggish diffusion kinetics in organic or/and ionic liquids electrolyte.Herein,3D carbon frameworks(3DCFs)constructed by interconnected nanocages(10-20 nm)with an ultrathin wall of ca.2 nm have been fabricated,which possess high specific surface area,hierarchical porosity and good conductive network.After deoxidization,the deoxidized 3DCF(3DCFDO)exhibits a record low IR drop of 0.064 V at 100 A g^−1 and ultrafast charge/discharge rate up to 10 V s^−1.The related device can be charged up to 77.4%of its maximum capacitance in 0.65 s at 100 A g^−1 in 6 M KOH.It has been found that the 3DCF-DO has a great affinity to EMIMBF4,resulting in a high specific capacitance of 174 F g^−1 at 1 A g^−1,and a high energy density of 34 Wh kg^−1 at an ultrahigh power density of 150 kW kg^−1 at 4 V after a fast charge in 1.11 s.This work provides a facile fabrication of novel 3D carbon frameworks for supercapacitors with ultrafast charge/discharge rate and high energy-power density.

Characteristics of charge and discharge of PMMA samples due to electron irradiation

In this study, using a comprehensive numerical simulation of charge and discharge processes, we investigate the formation and evolution of negative charge and discharge characteristics of a grounded PMMA film irradiated by a non- focused electron beam. Electron scattering and transport processes in the sample are simulated with the Monte Carlo and the finite-different time-domain （FDTD） methods, respectively. The properties of charge and discharge processes are presented by the evolution of internal currents, charge quantity, surface potential, and discharge time. Internal charge accumulation in the sample may reach saturation by primary electron （PE） irradiation providing the charge duration is enough. Internal free electrons will run off to the ground in the form of leakage current due to charge diffusion and drift during the discharge process after irradiation, while trapped electrons remain. The negative surface potential determined by the charging quantity decreases to its saturation in the charge process, and then increases in the discharge process. A larger thickness of the PMMA film will result in greater charge amount and surface potential in charge saturation and in final discharge state, while the electron mobility of the material has little effects on the final discharge state. Moreover, discharge time is less for smaller thickness or larger electron mobility. The presented results can be helpful for estimating and weakening the charging of insulating samples especially under the intermittent electron beam irradiation in related surface analysis or measurement.

A facile preparation of 3D flower-shaped Ni/Al-LDHs covered by β-Ni(OH)2 nanoplates as superior material for high power application

In the present study,we propose a novel electrode material ofβ-nickel hydroxide covering nickel/aluminum layered double hydroxides via a facile complexation–precipitation method.The as-obtained materials with 3-dimensional nanostructures are further utilized as highly capable electrode material in nickel–metal hydride batteries.The electrochemical test results demonstrated theβ-nickel hydroxide covering nickel/aluminum-layered double hydroxides with 28%ofβ-nickel hydroxide provided a superior specific capacity value of 452 m A·h·g-1 in a current density of 5 A·g-1 using 6 M KOH as electrolyte as compared with other materials.In addition,the optimized sample displays an outstanding cyclic stability along with a huge specific capacity value of320 m Ah·g-1,and very small decay rate of 3.3%at 50 A·g-1 after 3000 cycles of charge/discharge test.These indicate that the newly designed material with nanostructures not only provides an efficient contact interface between electrolyte and active species and facilitates the transport of electrons and ions,but also protects the 3-dimensional nickel/aluminum layered double hydroxides,achieving a high specific capacity,fast redox reaction and excellent long-term cyclic stability.Therefore,theβ-nickel hydroxide covering nickel/aluminum layered double hydroxides with superior electrochemical performance is predictable to be a gifted electrode material in nickel–metal hydride batteries.

Flow-rate Characteristics Measurement of Regulators Based on the Pressure Response in an Isothermal Tank

Regulators are important components in pneumatic system, and their flow-rate characteristics are the key parameters for designers. According to the correlatively international standard and national standard of China, which describe the flow-rate characteristics measurement method of pneumatic regulators, the pressure and the flow are measured point by point, and then the flow-rate characteristics curve is plotted point to point. This method has some disadvantages, such as equipment complexity, much air consumption, and low efficiency. To settle the problems presented above, this paper puts forward a new high efficient and energy saving flow-rate characteristics measurement method of regulators, which is based on the pressure response when charging and discharging to an isothermal tank without any flow meters. The measurement principle, the system and the steps are introduced. And the tracking differentiator is used for the data processing of the pressure difference. Two typical kinds of regulators were experimentally investigated, and their flow-rate characteristics curves were obtained with the new and the conventional method, respectively. Comparatively, it＇s proved that this new method is feasible because it is not only able to meet the demand of the measurement precision, but also to save energy and improve efficiency. Compared to the conventional method, the new method takes only about 1/10 amount of time and consumes about only 1/30 amount of air. Hopefully it will be able to serve as an international standard of flow-rate characteristics measurement method of regulators.

Parameters Optimizing of Ammonia-Recovery System in the Modified Equipment of Flax Fiber

A detailed analysis of operational process and principle of ammonia-recovery system in the modified equipment of flax fiber,which will be applied to parameters optimizing of the ammoniarecovery system as a foundational principle,is presented. According to the principle,an ammonia compressor,whose working conditions are based on key operational parameters of the whole ammoniarecovery system, is the mainly energy-consumption part of ammonia-recovery system in the modified equipment of flax fiber. A generally mathematical model based on work efficiency of an ammonia compressor is founded,which is available to rate effective work and energy consumption of the ammonia compressor. The optimum operation-efficiency of the ammonia compressor is chosen as the goal to analyze and calculate the key operational parameters of the ammonia-recovery system. In the above analyzing and calculating,a mathematical model on ammonia flowing from the reactor to the register 1 is developed,in order to provide further understanding of the principle of an ammonia-recovery system. At the meantime,the ammonia flow regime in the pipeline and the process of ammonia inflation and deflation from the reactor to the register 1 are taken separately into account in the model. An iterative method is for obtaining parametric solutions of the mathematical model on ammonia flowing from the reactor to the register 1 and the key operational parameters of the ammoniarecovery system. A parametric analysis is put forward to complete showing the ammonia velocity or the state of the reactor and the register 1. The key optimized parameters will be achieved in term of the minimum efficiency after comparing the work efficiencies of an ammonia compressor at different working conditions.

Effect of different carbon precursors on properties of LiFePO_4/C

The anoxic decomposition and influence of carbon precursors on the properties of LiFePO_4/C prepared by using Fe_2O_3 were investigated.X-ray powder diffractometry,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR),scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and carbon content and charge–discharge tests were applied to the characterization of the as-synthesized cathodes.Partial carbon is lost in the anaerobic decomposition of organic precursors and a high hydrogen content leads to a high residual carbon rate.Pyromellitic anhydride and citric acid participate in reactions before and in ball-milling.All the chosen carbon precursors are capable of producing LiFePO_4 with high degree of crystallinity and purity.The carbon derived from α-D-glucose,pyromellitic anhydride,soluble starch,citric acid and polyacrylamide has a loose and porous texture in LiFePO_4/C which forms conduction on and between LiFePO_4 particles.LiFePO_4/C prepared by using α-D-glucose,pyromellitic anhydride,citric acid and sucrose exhibits appreciable electrochemical performance.Graphite alone is able to enhance the electrochemical performance of LiFePO_4 to a limited extent but incapable of preparing practical cathode.

Analysis of 3.4 Ah lithium-sulfur pouch cells by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

Despite great progress in lithium-sulfur(Li-S) batteries, the electrochemical reactions in the cell are not yet fully understood. Electrode processes, complex interfaces and internal resistance may be characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS). EIS is a non-destructive technique and easy to apply, though there are challenges in ensuring the reproducibility of measurements and the interpretation of impedance data. Here, we present the impedance behavior of a 3.4 Ah Li-S pouch cell characterized by EIS. The impedance changes were analyzed over the entire depth-of-discharge, depth-of-charge,and at various temperatures. Based on the formation of intermediates during(dis)charging, the changes of resistances are observed. Overall, the increase in temperature causes a decrease in electrolyte viscosity,lowering the surface energy which can improve the penetration of the electrolyte into the electrode pores. Moreover, the effect of superimposed AC current during EIS measurement was analyzed, and the results show the dependence of the charge transfer resistance on superimposed AC current which was lower compared to steady-state conditions and consents with theory.

Revisiting the electrode manufacturing: A look into electrode rheology and active material microenvironment

The microstructures on electrode level are crucial for battery performance, but the ambiguous understanding of both electrode microstructures and their structuring process causes critical challenges in controlling and evaluating the electrode quality during fabrication. In this review, analogous to the cell microenvironment well-known in biology, we introduce the concept of ‘‘active material microenvironment”(ME@AM)that is built by the ion/electron transport structures surrounding the AMs, for better understanding the significance of the electrode microstructures. Further, the scientific significance of electrode processing for electrode quality control is highlighted by its strong links to the structuring and quality control of ME@AM. Meanwhile, the roles of electrode rheology in both electrode structuring and structural characterizations involved in the entire electrode manufacturing process(i.e., slurry preparation, coating/printing/extrusion, drying and calendering) are specifically detailed. The advantages of electrode rheology testing on in-situ characterizations of the electrode qualities/structures are emphasized. This review provides a glimpse of the electrode rheology engaged in electrode manufacturing process and new insights into the understanding and effective regulation of electrode microstructures for future high-performance batteries.

TIME AND POLING HISTORY DEPENDENT ENERGY STORAGE AND DISCHARGE BEHAVIORS IN POLY(VINYLIDENE FLUORIDE-CO-HEXAFLUOROPROPYLENE) RANDOM COPOLYMERS

We studied cycle time （0.01-10 s with triangular input waves） and poling history （continuous versus fresh poling） dependent electric energy storage and discharge behaviors in poly（vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene） [P（VDF- HFP）] films using the electric displacement -- the electric field （D-E） hysteresis loop measurements. Since the permanent dipoles in PVDF are orientational in nature, it is generally considered that both charging and discharging processes should be time and poling history dependent. Intriguingly, our experimental results showed that the charging process depended heavily on the cycle time and the prior poling history, and thus the D-E hysteresis loops had different shapes accordingly. However, the discharged energy density did not change no matter how the D-E loop shape varied due to different measurements. This experimental result could be explained in terms of reversible and irreversible polarizations. The reversible polarization could be charged and discharged fairly quickly （〈 5 ms for each process）, while the irreversible polarization depended heavily on the poling time and the prior poling history. This study suggests that it is only meaningful to compare the discharged energy density for PVDF and its copolymer films when different cycle times and poling histories are used.

Solar Controller with Automatic Search Technology for the Maximum Power Point with Autonomy Display

In our work, we have been interested in conducting technological research on the use of photovoltaic energy for lighting. In fact, we have produced a stand-alone photovoltaic system with automatic search for the maximum power point, consisting of a photovoltaic module, a solar regulator, a storage battery and a digital control by microcontroller. The solar field is connected to the input of the regulator and the battery to its output. When the battery voltage is lower than the regulation voltage, the controller operates the photovoltaic generator at maximum power Pmpp and transfers this power to the output. In addition to the protection function, this regulator ensures tracking of the maximum power point (MPPT) and allows the photovoltaic generator to deliver its power whatever the variation of climatic conditions (sunshine and temperature). The main role of the solar regulator is the continuous monitoring of the state of charge of the battery to ensure its protection against overcharging and excessive discharging, the coupling and decoupling of the user as well as its maintenance. The principle of operation is based on controlling a DC-DC converter by a rectangular “PWM” signal generated by a PIC16F874 microcontroller which also controls the entire system. The results of simulation after realization were presented to illustrate the operation of the regulator by curves.

Analytical model for describing ion guiding through capillaries in insulating polymers

An analytical description for guiding of ions through nanocapillaries is given on the basis of previous work. The current entering into the capillary is assumed to be divided into a current fraction transmitted through the capillary, a current fraction flowing away via the capillary conductivity and a current fraction remaining within the capillary, which is responsible for its charge-up. The discharging current is assumed to be governed by the Frenkel–Poole process. At higher conductivities the analytical model shows a blocking of the ion transmission, which is in agreement with recent simulations.Also, it is shown that ion blocking observed in experiments is well reproduced by the analytical formula. Furthermore, the asymptotic fraction of transmitted ions is determined. Apart from the key controlling parameter(charge-to-energy ratio), the ratio of the capillary conductivity to the incident current is included in the model. Differences resulting from the nonlinear and linear limits of the Frenkel–Poole discharge are pointed out.

Modeling and Simulations in Symmetrical Supercapacitors Using Time Domain Mathematical Expressions

This study presents the deduction of time domain mathematical equations to simulate the curve of the charging process of a symmetrical electrochemical supercapacitor with activated carbon electrodes fed by a source of constant electric potential in time ε and the curve of the discharge process through two fixed resistors. The first resistor RCo is a control that aims to prevent sudden variations in the intensity of the electric current i1(t) present at the terminals of the electrochemical supercapacitor at the beginning of the charging process. The second resistor is the internal resistance RA of the ammeter used in the calculation of the intensity of the electric current i1(t) over time in the charging and discharging processes. The mathematical equations generated were based on a 2R(C + kUC(t)) electrical circuit model and allowed to simulate the effects of the potential-dependent capacitance (kUC(t)) on the charge and discharge curves and hence on the calculated values of the fixed capacitance C, the equivalent series resistance (ESR), the equivalent parallel resistance (EPR) and the electrical potential dependent capacitance index k.

Optimal Scheduling of PEV Charging/Discharging in Microgrids with Combined Objectives

While renewable power generation and vehicle electrification are promising solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it faces great challenges to effectively integrate them in a power grid. The weather-dependent power generation of renewable energy sources, such as Photovoltaic (PV) arrays, could introduce significant intermittency to a power grid. Meanwhile, uncontrolled PEV charging may cause load surge in a power grid. This paper studies the optimization of PEV charging/discharging scheduling to reduce customer cost and improve grid performance. Optimization algorithms are developed for three cases: 1) minimize cost, 2) minimize power deviation from a pre-defined power profile, and 3) combine objective functions in 1) and 2). A Microgrid with PV arrays, bi-directional PEV charging stations, and a commercial building is used in this study. The bi-directional power from/to PEVs provides the opportunity of using PEVs to reduce the intermittency of PV power generation and the peak load of the Microgrid. Simulation has been performed for all three cases and the simulation results show that the presented optimization algorithms can meet defined objectives.

Mesoporous molecular sieve confined phase change materials with high absorption,enhanced thermal conductivity,and cooling energy charging/discharging capacity

The biggest challenge for organic phase change materials(PCMs)used in cold energy storage is to maintain high heat storage capacity while reducing the leakage risk of PCMs during the phase transition process.This is crucial for expanding their applications in the more demanding cold storage field.In this study,novel formstable low-temperature composite PCMs are prepared with mesoporous materials,namely SBA-15 and CMK-3(which are prepared using the template method),as supporting matrices and dodecane as the PCM.Owing to the combined effects of capillary forces within mesoporous materials and interactions among dodecane molecules,both dodecane/SBA-15 and dodecane/CMK-3 exhibit outstanding shape stability and thermal cycling stability even after 200 heating/cooling cycles.In comparison to those of dodecane/SBA-15,dodecane/CMK-3 exhibits superior cold storage performance and higher thermal conductivity.Specifically,the phase transition temperature of dodecane/CMK-3 is-8.81℃ with a latent heat of 122.4 J·g^(-1).Additionally,it has a thermal conductivity of 1.21 W·m^(-1)·K^(-1),which is 9.45 times that of dodecane alone.All these highlight its significant potential for applications in the area of cold energy storage.

High energy storage properties in Ca_(0.7)La_(0.2)TiO_(3)-modified NaNbO_(3)-based lead-free antiferroelectric ceramics

In this work,(1−x)(0.92NaNbO_(3)-0.08BaTiO_(3))-xCa_(0.7)La_(0.2)TiO_(3)(NNBT-xCLT)ceramics were successfully designed and pre­pared by the solid-state reaction method.Investigations on the structure,dielectric,and energy storage properties were performed.The NNBT-0.25CLT ceramic with orthorhombic phase at room temperature was found to exhibit extremely small grain size and compacted microstructure.A large Wrec of 3.1 J/cm^(3) and a highηof 91.5%under the electric field of 360 kV/cm were achieved simultaneously in the sample.In addition,the energy storage performance of the sample exhibits thermal stability over the tem­perature range of 25-140°C and the frequency range of 5-500 Hz.The charge and discharge tests reveal that the ceramic shows a large current density CD of 965 A/cm2 and power density PD of 154 MW/cm^(3).This work demonstrates that the NNBT-0.25CLT ceramic is a prospective energy storage material for potential application in the field of pulsed power devices.

Microgrid economic operation considering plug-in hybrid electric vehicles integration

In this paper,the microgrid economic scheduling mathematical model considering the integration of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles(PHEVs)is presented and the influence of different charging and discharging modes on microgrid economic operation is analyzed.The generic algorithm is used to find an economically optimal solution for the microgrid and PHEV owners.The scheduling of PHEVs and the microgrid are optimized to reduce daily electricity cost and the potential benefits of controlled charging/discharging are explored systematically.Constraints caused by vehicle utilization as well as technical limitations of distributed generation and energy storage system are taken into account.The proposed economic scheduling is evaluated through a simulation by using a typical grid-connected microgrid model.

A Fuzzy Hierarchical Strategy for Improving Frequency Regulation of Battery Energy Storage System

Battery energy storage systems(BESSs)can provide instantaneous support for frequency regulation(FR)because of their fast response characteristics.However,purely pursuing a better FR effect calls for continually rapid cycles of BESSs,which shortens their lifetime and deteriorates the operational economy.To coordinate the lifespan savings and the FR effect,this paper presents a control strategy for the FR of BESSs based on fuzzy logic and hierarchical controllers.The fuzzy logic controller improves the effect of FR by adjusting the charging/discharging power of the BESS with a higher response speed and precision based on the area control error(ACE)signal and the change rate of ACE in a non-linear way.Hierarchical controllers effectively reduce the life loss by optimizing the depth of discharge,which ensures that the state of charge(SOC)of BESS is always in the optimal operating range,and the total FR cost is the lowest at this time.The proposed method can achieve the optimal balance between ACE reduction and operational economy of BESS.The effectiveness of the proposed strategy is verified in a two-area power system.

Day-ahead optimal charging/discharging scheduling for electric vehicles in microgrids

Microgrid as an important part of smart grid comprises distributed generators(DGs),adjustable loads,energy storage systems(ESSs)and control units.It can be operated either connected with the external system or islanded with the support of ESSs.While the daily output of DGs strongly depends on the temporal distribution of natural resources such as wind and solar,unregulated electric vehicle(EV)charging demand will deteriorate the unbalance between the daily load curve and generation curve.In this paper,a statistic model is presented to describe daily EV charging/discharging behaviors considering the randomness of the initial state of charge(SOC)of EV batteries.The optimization problem is proposed to obtain the economic operation for the microgrid based on this model.In dayahead scheduling,with the estimated power generation and load demand,the optimal charging/discharging scheduling of EVs during 24 h is achieved by serial quadratic programming.With the optimal charging/discharging scheduling of EVs,the daily load curve can better track the generation curve.The network loss in grid-connected operation mode and required ESS capacity in islanded operation mode are both decreased.

A transient-enhanced NMOS low dropout voltage regulator with parallel feedback compensation

This paper presents a transient-enhanced NMOS low-dropout regulator （LDO） for portable applications with parallel feedback compensation. The parallel feedback structure adds a dynamic zero to get an adequate phase margin with a load current variation from 0 to 1 A. A class-AB error amplifier and a fast charging/discharging unit are adopted to enhance the transient performance. The proposed LDO has been implemented in a 0.35 μm BCD process. From experimental results, the regulator can operate with a minimum dropout voltage of 150 mV at a maximum 1 A load and IQ of 165 μA. Under the full range load current step, the voltage undershoot and overshoot of the proposed LDO are reduced to 38 mV and 27 mV respectively.

An Optimal Charging/Discharging Strategy for Smart Electrical Car Parks

This paper presents a smart electrical car park model where the power flows among electrical vehicles(EVs)as well as between EVs and the main grid.Based on this model,an optimal charging/discharging scheme is proposed.The fluctuation of hourly electricity rates is considered in this strategy to select a proper charging/discharging rate for each EV with less expenditure during each charging period.The proposed smart electrical car park is able to buy or sell electricity in the form of active and/or reactive power,i.e.kWh and/or kVARh,from or to the main grid to improve the power quality.According to the current state of charge of the EV’s battery bank,customers and the grid demands,a control center makes the decisions and sends the instructions of specific charging/discharging mode to each charging station.The performance of the proposed charging/discharging algorithm is simulated in Matlab.A comparison between the proposed and the unregulated charging/discharging strategies has been implemented.The results demonstrate that the proposed scheme can achieve better economic profits for EV customers and increase the commercial benefits for the car park owner.