Harnessing overlapped temperature-salinity gradient in solar-driven interfacial seawater evaporation for efficient steam and electricity generation

Solar-driven interfacial water evaporation(SIWE)offers a superb way to leverage concentrated solar heat to minimize energy dissipation during seawater desalination.It also engenders overlapped temperaturesalinity gradient(TSG)between water-air interface and adjacent seawater,affording opportunities of harnessing electricity.However,the efficiency of conventional SIWE technologies is limited by significant challenges,including salt passivation to hinder evaporation and difficulties in exploiting overlapped TSG simultaneously.Herein,we report self-sustaining hybrid SIWE for not only sustainable seawater desalination but also efficient electricity generation from TSG.It enables spontaneous circulation of salt flux upon seawater evaporation,inducing a self-cleaning evaporative interface without salt passivation for stable steam generation.Meanwhile,this design enables spatial separation and simultaneous utilization of overlapped TSG to enhance electricity generation.These benefits render a remarkable efficiency of90.8%in solar energy utilization,manifesting in co-generation of solar steam at a fast rate of 2.01 kg m^(-2)-h^(-1)and electricity power of 1.91 W m^(-2)with high voltage.Directly interfacing the hybrid SIWE with seawater electrolyzer constructs a system for water-electricity-hydrogen co-generation without external electricity supply.It produces hydrogen at a rapid rate of 1.29 L h^(-1)m^(-2)and freshwater with 22 times lower Na+concentration than the World Health Organization(WHO)threshold.

Feasible design for electricity generation from Chlorella vulgaris using convenient photosynthetic conditions

Many recent studies are concerned with low cost,easy to handle and alternative renewable energy as a feasible solution for the upcoming crisis of energy shortage.Microalgae are unicellular entities the can only depend on CO_(2),water and solar power to cover their nutritional needs.The current study is concerned with using algal cells in a polymeric hydrogel,as a cheap source of energy for electricity generation.Chlorella vulgaris has been proved to be a promising algal species for electricity generation,as compared with Micractinium reisseri.PVA hydrogel has been used for the immobilization of both algal species in order to protect them from the adverse surrounding conditions in addition to its ability to slowly release the required water molecules according to needs.Under these conditions,C.vulgaris showed the ability to generate 60 mV compared with 15 mV generated by M.reisseri.Scanning electron micrographs showed nano-threads that bind the C.vulgaris cells to each other,indicating the ability of algae to create nanowires that facilitate the electron transfer among algal cells and from cells to the nearest electrode.However,we would expect an increase in the produced potential with simultaneous amendment of environmentally polluted water,such as sewage or waste water.Both of FTIR and raman spectroscopy proved the presence of the characteristic groups of PVA hydrogel and proved the proper integration of the algal cells inside the hydrogel cavities.

Electricity generation grew steadily

In the first half of 1996, electricity generation in China had steadily, grown with a total electricity generation accumulated to 508.3 TWh, it was 47.5% of the planned figure in the year, and 8.3% higher than the same period of previous year. Among the generation, hydro-electricity amounted to 78.2 TWh, 5.39% lower than previous year, thermal electricity amounted to 424.55 TWh, 10.87% higher than previous year, nuclear electricity amounted to 5.52 TWh, 47.15% higher than previous year. The steady growth of thermal electricity might attribute to newly installed generating capacity in one hand, and the

Towards an Ethical and Ecological Approach to Electricity Generation: A Comparative Analysis of Coal and Nuclear Power in the USA

According to the US Energy Information Administration, about 4118 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) electricity was generated at large-scale generation facilities in 2019. About 63% of this was from fossil fuels, e.g., coal, natural gas, petroleum, and other gases. Environmental exposure to particulates, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, mercury, arsenic, radioactive fly ash, and other pollutants are extremely detrimental to the human cardiovascular, respiratory, and nervous systems. Such exposure increases the risk of lung cancer, stroke, heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases, respiratory infections, and other illnesses. In light of the challenges associated with renewables providing large quantities of base load power, as well as other factors, the benefits offered by nuclear power should be reexamined by policy makers to move the country towards a more ecological and ethical method of electric power production. This paper offers a concise analysis of many of the salient issues, comparing electricity generation from coal plants and light water nuclear reactors.

Solar evaporation for simultaneous oil-water separation and electricity generation with Janus wood-based absorbers

Oily wastewater from ocean oil spills endangers marine ecosystems and human health. Therefore, developing an effective and sustainable solution for separating oil-water mixtures is urgent. Interfacial solar photothermal evaporation is a promising approach for the complete separation of two-phase mixtures using only solar energy. Herein, we report a carbonized wood-based absorber with Janus structure of comprising a hydrophobic top-layer and an oleophobic bottom-layer for simultaneous solar-driven oil-water separation and electricity generation. Under sunlight irradiation, the rapid evaporation of seawater will induce a separation of oil-water mixtures, and cause a high salt concentration region underlying the interface, while the bottom “bulk water” maintains in a low salt concentration, thus forming a salinity gradient. Electricity can be generated by salinity gradient power. Therefore, oil-water separation efficiency of > 99% and derived extra electricity power of ~0.1 W/m2 is achieved under solar radiation, demonstrating the feasibility of oil-water separation and electricity production synchronously directly using solar energy. This work provides a green and cost-effective path for the separation of oil-water mixtures.

Effects of crop residues for animal consumption and soil enhancement on the electricity generation potential of residues:A case study of Sawla-Tuna-Kalba district,Ghana

Many studies have estimated the potential of crop residues for energy generation globally and recognized its great potential,especially in rural areas where on-grid electricity is uneconomical.However,crop residues have other equally important uses as animal feed and as mulch for soil enhancement,especially in rural farming communities.Nevertheless,most of the known studies have neglected the estimation of the quantity of crop residues that will be required for feeding animals and also for the enhancement of soil through mulching in their energy potential estimation from crop residues.Neglecting these two important uses can lead to the over-exploitation of the residues for energy generation at the expense of conservation agriculture practices as well as depriving animals of quality feed which can lead to low crop yield and animal production,with the ability to cause hunger and poverty.This study has assessed the potential of electricity generation from agricultural residues in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba district of Ghana using gasification technology,taking cognizance of the proportion of residues needed for animal consumption and soil enhancement.The results of the study indicate that out of the 207646.22 t of residues that can be generated from maize,yam,cassava,millet,sorghum,and groundnut,26830.36 t(representing 13%)will be required by sheep,goats,and cows for consumption,and 13936.17 t(representing 7%)will be required for mulching soils where the crops are planted.Also,it was found that a total of 592.17 MW∙h of electricity can be generated from crop residues without animal consumption and soil enhancement needs,while 461.89 MW∙h could be generated from the residues,considering animal feed and soil enhancement.This study has indicated that it is not enough to consider soil enhancement and animal feeding in agricultural biomass power generation through recovery factors without the exact quantification of residues required for these purposes since this can lead to a violation of conservation agricultural practice.Hence,it is concluded that the proper estimation of residues required for soil enhancement needs and animal feeding must be considered in the estimation of crop residues available for electricity generation following the method proposed in this study.It is further concluded from this study that,the proper utilization of crop residues serve as an important resource for meeting the electricity demand of the inhabitants in the study location without compromising on the residues that will be required for the consumption of all the animals in the location as well as for enhancement of the soil.

Combining biological denitrification and electricity generation in methane-powered microbial fuel cells

Methane has been demonstrated to be a feasible substrate for electricity generation in microbial fuel cells(MFCs)and denitrifying anaerobic methane oxidation(DAMO).However,these two processes were evaluated separately in previous studies and it has remained unknown whether methane is able to simultaneously drive these processes.Here we investigated the co-occurrence and performance of these two processes in the anodic chamber of MFCs.The results showed that methane successfully fueled both electrogenesis and denitrification.Importantly,the maximum nitrate removal rate was significantly enhanced from(1.4±0.8)to(18.4±1.2)mg N/(L·day)by an electrogenic process.In the presence of DAMO,the MFCs achieved a maximum voltage of 610 mV and a maximum power density of 143±12 mW/m^(2).Electrochemical analyses demonstrated that some redox substances(e.g.riboflavin)were likely involved in electrogenesis and also in the denitrification process.High-throughput sequencing indicated that the methanogen Methanobacterium,a close relative of Methanobacterium espanolae,catalyzed methane oxidation and cooperated with both exoelectrogens and denitrifiers(e.g.,Azoarcus).This work provides an effective strategy for improving DAMO in methane-powered MFCs,and suggests that methanogens and denitrifiers may jointly be able to provide an alternative to archaeal DAMO for methane-dependent denitrification.

A hybrid fuel cell for water purification and simultaneously electricity generation

The development of highly efficient energy conversion technologies to extract energy from wastewater is urgently needed,especially in facing of increasing energy and environment burdens.Here,we successfully fabricated a novel hybrid fuel cell with BiOCl-NH_(4)PTA as photocatalyst.The polyoxometalate(NH_(4)PTA)act as the acceptor of photoelectrons and could retard the recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes,which lead to superior photocatalytic degradation.By utilizing BiOCl-NH_(4)PTA as photocatalysts and Pt/C air-cathode,we successfully constructed an electron and mass transfer enhanced photocatalytic hybrid fuel cell with flow-through field(F-HFC).In this novel fuel cell,dyes and biomass could be directly degraded and stable power output could be obtained.About 87%of dyes could be degraded in 30 min irradiation and nearly 100%removed within 90 min.The current density could reach up to~267.1μA/cm^(2);with maximum power density(Pmax)of~16.2μW/cm^(2) with Rhodamine B as organic pollutant in F-HFC.The power densities were 9.0μW/cm^(2),12.2μW/cm^(2),and 13.9μW/cm^(2) when using methyl orange(MO),glucose and starch as substrates,respectively.This hybrid fuel cell with BiOCl-NH_(4)PTA composite fulfills the purpose of decontamination of aqueous organic pollutants and synchronous electricity generation.Moreover,the novel design cell with separated photodegradation unit and the electricity generation unit could bring potential practical application in water purification and energy recovery from wastewater.

Intelligent windows for electricity generation: A technologies review

Buildings are responsible for over 40% of total primary energy consumption in the US and EU and therefore improving building energy efficiency has significant potential for obtaining net-zero energy buildings reducing energy consumption. The concurrent demands of environmental comfort and the need to improve energy efficiency for both new and existing buildings have motivated research into finding solutions for the regulation of incoming solar radiation, as well as ensuring occupant thermal and visual comfort whilst generating energy onsite. Windows as building components offer the opportunity of addressing these issues in buildings. Building integration of photovoltaics permits building components such as semi-transparent façade, skylights and shading devices to be replaced with PV. Much progress has been made in photovoltaic material science, where smart window development has evolved in areas such as semi-transparent PV, electrochromic and thermochromic materials, luminescent solar concentrator and the integration of each of the latter technologies to buildings, specifically windows. This paper presents a review on intelligent window technologies that integrate renewable energy technologies with energy-saving strategies contributing potential solutions towards sustainable zero-energy buildings. This review is a comprehensive evaluation of intelligent windows focusing on state-of-the-art development in windows that can generate electricity and their electrical, thermal and optical characteristics. This review provides a summary of current work in intelligent window design for energy generation and gives recommendations for further research opportunities.

Technical Analysis: Generation of Electricity by Pyrolysis of Plastics in a Canadian Environment

The study takes motivation from provincial and national issues regarding waste management and electricity production in Canada.Most sources include previous research relating pyrolysis’applications in different parts of the world.The research included 2-3 weeks of extensive reading of previous research and understanding the theory relating polymers.Research has been conducted to understand why polymers have the properties that they do.Thorough analysis about the chemical reactions relating polymers on a small and large scale is conducted.More research was conducted relating to socio-economic conditions of Canada and Singapore for application purposes.Findings of the research point to an addition the Canadian government can uphold i.e.,build more plastic pyrolysis plants in different regions for waste management.Our findings also suggest that the short term spending on such projects can yield long term benefits.This research is important because it will solve Canada’s non-recyclable waste problems,it will help bring in a new source of electricity and it will help increase the budget of municipalities in the long run.This paper is not just informative on polymers,but also will help readers understand issues regarding Canadian waste management and propose possible solutions.

Promoting and controlling electron transfer of furfural oxidation efficiently harvest electricity,furoic acid,hydrogen gas and hydrogen peroxide

Conventional chemical oxidation of aldehydes such as furfural to corresponding acids by molecular oxygen usually needs high pressure to increase the solubility of oxygen in aqueous phase,while electrochemical oxidation needs input of external electric energy.Herein,we developed a liquid flow fuel cell(LFFC)system to achieve oxidation of furfural in anode for furoic acid production with co-production of hydrogen gas.By controlling the electron transfer in cathode for reduction of oxygen,efficient generation of electricity or production of H_(2)O_(2)were achieved.Metal oxides especially Ag_(2)O have been screened as the efficient catalyst to promote the oxidation of aldehydes,while liquid redox couples were used for promoting the kinetics of oxygen reduction.A novel alkaline-acidic asymmetric design was also used for anolyte and catholyte,respectively,to promote the efficiency of electron transfer.Such an LFFC system achieves efficient conversion of chemical energy of aldehyde oxidation to electric energy and makes full use the transferred electrons for high-value added products without input of external energy.With(VO_(2))_(2)SO_(4)as the electron carrier in catholyte for four-electron reduction of oxygen,the peak output power density(Pmax)at room temperature reached 261 mW/cm^(2)with furoic acid and H_(2)yields of 90%and 0.10 mol/mol furfural,respectively.With anthraquinone-2-sulfonate(AQS)as the cathodic electron carrier,Pmaxof 60 mW/cm^(2)and furoic acid,H_(2)and H_(2)O_(2)yields of 0.88,0.15 and 0.41 mol/mol furfural were achieved,respectively.A new reaction mechanism on furfural oxidation on Ag_(2)O anode was proposed,referring to one-electron and two-electron reaction pathways depending on the fate of adsorbed hydrogen atom transferred from furfural aldehyde group.

Wind Turbine Noise Reduction through Blade Retrofitting

This paper outlines a plan for the effective reduction of the audible sound level produced by aerodynamic noise from the power-generating turbine blades. The contribution of aerodynamic noise can be divided into two categories: inflow turbulence and airfoil self-noise. The base model and retrofit blade designs were modeled in SolidWorks. Subsequently, noise prediction simulations were conducted and compared to the base blade model to determine which modification provided the greatest benefit using SolidWorks Flow Simulation. The result of this project is a series of blade retrofit recommendations that produce a more acoustically efficient design and reduce noise complaints while enabling turbines to be placed in locations that require quieter operations.

Insights into the role of oxygen-containing functional groups on carbon surface in water–electricity generation

A deep understanding of the electricity generation mechanism from the interaction between water molecules and carbon material surfaces is attractive for next-generation water-based energy conversion and storage systems.Herein,an asymmetric generator was assembled based on functionalized carbon nanotubes films to investigate the relative contribution from various oxygen functional groups on carbon surface to the water-electrical performance.Experiments and calculations demonstrate that the electricity mainly originates from the water molecule adsorption by carboxyl groups and dissociation of functional groups on carbon surface,which leads to the formation of electrical double layers at interfaces.This device allows the electricity generation with a variety of water sources,such as deionized water,tap water,as well as seawater.In particular,the generator based on carboxyl carbon nanotubes can induce a voltage of over 200 mV spontaneously in natural seawater with the power density of about 0.11 mW·g^(−1).High voltages can be achieved easily through the series-connection strategy to power electronic products such as a liquid crystal display.This work reveals the dominant role of carboxyl groups in carbon-based water–electricity conversion and is expected to offer inspiration for the preparation of carbon materials with high electrical performance.

Tortuosity regulation of two-dimensional nanofluidic films for water evaporation-induced electricity generation

Water evaporation-induced electricity generation is a promising technology for renewable energy harvesting.However,the output power of some reported two-dimensional(2D)nanofluidic films is still restricted by the relatively weak water–solid interactions within the tortuous nanochannels.To further enhance the comprehension and utilization of water–solid interactions,it is of utmost importance to conduct an in-depth investigation and propose a regulatory concept encompassing ion transport.Herein,we propose tortuosity regulation of 2D nanofluidic titanium oxide(Ti_(0.87)O_(2))films to optimize the ion transport within the interlayer nanochannel for enhanced efficiency in water evaporation-induced electricity generation for the first time.The significance of tortuosity in ion transport is elucidated by designing three 2D nanofluidic films with different tortuosity.Tortuosity analysis and in situ Raman measurement demonstrate that low tortuosity can facilitate the formation of efficient pathways for hydrated proton transport and promote water–solid interactions.Consequently,devices fabricated with the optimized 2D nanofluidic films exhibited a significantly enhanced output power density of approximately 204.01μW·cm^(−2),far exceeding those prepared by the high-tortuosity 2D nanofluidic films.This work highlights the significance of the construction of low tortuosity channels for 2D nanofluidic films with excellent performance.

Coupling biomass pretreatment for enzymatic hydrolysis and direct biomass-to-electricity conversion with molybdovanadophosphoric heteropolyacids as anode electron transfer carriers

Owing to their acidity,oxidizing ability and redox reversibility,molybdovanadophosphoric heteropolyacids(H_(n+3)PMo_(12-n)VnO40,abbreviated as PMo_(12-n)Vn) were employed as electron transfer carriers for coupling biomass pretreatment for enzymatic hydrolysis and direct biomass-to-electricity conversion.In this novel coupled process,PMo_(12-n)Vn pretreatment that causes deconstruction of cell wall structure with PMo_(12-n)Vn being simultaneously reduced can be considered as the "charging" process.The reduced PMo_(12-n)Vn are further re-oxidized with release of electrons in a liquid flow fuel cell(LFFC) to generate electricity is the "discharging" process.Several Keggin-type PMo_(12-n)Vn with different degree of vanadium substitution(DSV, namely n) were prepared.Compared to Keggin-type phosphomolybdic acid(PMo_(12)),PMo_(12-n)Vn(n=1-6) showed higher oxidizing ability but poorer redox reversibility.The cellulose enzymatic digestibility of PMo_(12-n)Vn pretreated wheat straw generally decreased with increase in DSV, but xylan enzymatic digestibility generally increased with DSV.PMo_(12) pretreatment of wheat straw at 120℃ obtained the highest enzymatic glucan conversion(EGC) reaching 95%,followed by PMo11V1 pretreatment(85%).Discharging of the reduced heteropolyacids in LFFC showed that vanadium substitution could improve the maximum output power density(Pmax).The highest Pmax was obtained by PMo9 V3(44.7 mW/cm^(2)) when FeCl_(3) was used as a cathode electron carrier,while PMo_(12) achieved the lowest Pmax(27.4 mW/cm^(2)).All the heteropolyacids showed good electrode Faraday efficiency(>95%) and cell discharging efficiency(>93%).The energy efficiency of the coupled process based on the heat values of the products and generated electric energy was in the range of 18%-25% depending on DSV.PMo_(12) and PMo11V1 seem to be the most suitable heteropolyacids to mediate the coupled process.