Preface to Special Issue on New Energy Technology

There is an increasing concern about sustainable energy supply and problems relating to environmental issues such as global climate change. The development of new technologies is extremely important for creating energy materials, for improving efficiency of energy-related conversions, for developing novel catalysts and reactors, and so on. The present special issue of the Journal of Energy Chemistry contains 26 peer-reviewed manuscripts, with concerns on the newest progress in new energy technologies, including fuel cells （1）, Li-ion battery （l）, hydrogen production （1）, catalysts for energy applications （5）, CO2 capture （1）, CO2 utilization （3）, biofuels （2） and plasma applications （8）. We have also included four papers on theoretical studies that are playing more and more important roles in the design of materials and in mechanism studies. Especially, we have paid special attentions to novel technologies like supercritical water and plasma conversion. We have selected papers from the ＂2012 International Symposium on Plasmas for Catalysts and Energy Materials＂, held in Tianjin, China, from September 21 to 24, 2012.

Development status and prospect of underground thermal energy storage technology

Underground Thermal Energy Storage(UTES)store unstable and non-continuous energy underground,releasing stable heat energy on demand.This effectively improve energy utilization and optimize energy allocation.As UTES technology advances,accommodating greater depth,higher temperature and multi-energy complementarity,new research challenges emerge.This paper comprehensively provides a systematic summary of the current research status of UTES.It categorized different types of UTES systems,analyzes the applicability of key technologies of UTES,and evaluate their economic and environmental benefits.Moreover,this paper identifies existing issues with UTES,such as injection blockage,wellbore scaling and corrosion,seepage and heat transfer in cracks,etc.It suggests deepening the research on blockage formation mechanism and plugging prevention technology,improving the study of anticorrosive materials and water treatment technology,and enhancing the investigation of reservoir fracture network characterization technology and seepage heat transfer.These recommendations serve as valuable references for promoting the high-quality development of UTES.

Energy beam-based direct and assisted polishing techniques for diamond:A review

Diamond is a highly valuable material with diverse industrial applications,particularly in the fields of semiconductor,optics,and high-power electronics.However,its high hardness and chemical stability make it difficult to realize high-efficiency and ultra-low damage machining of diamond.To address these challenges,several polishing methods have been developed for both single crystal diamond(SCD)and polycrystalline diamond(PCD),including mechanical,chemical,laser,and ion beam processing methods.In this review,the characteristics and application scope of various polishing technologies for SCD and PCD are highlighted.Specifically,various energy beam-based direct and assisted polishing technologies,such as laser polishing,ion beam polishing,plasma-assisted polishing,and laser-assisted polishing,are summarized.The current research progress,material removal mechanism,and infuencing factors of each polishing technology are analyzed.Although some of these methods can achieve high material removal rates or reduce surface roughness,no single method can meet all the requirements.Finally,the future development prospects and application directions of different polishing technologies are presented.

Shaping the Future of Energy:A Path t oward Zero-Emission and Sustainable Solutions

In the age of rapidly growing global population and escalating energy demands,the pursuit of sustainable,zero-emission energy sources has become critical.This article explores the interplay between environmental concerns,such as global warming and the greenhouse effect,and the need for innovative energy solutions.The melting polar ice caps exemplify the urgent need for reducing carbon emissions.ARCs(advanced reactor concepts)in both fission and fusion technologies offer promising paths to zero-emission energy.Advanced fission reactors,including SMRs(small modular reactors)and Generation IV reactors,provide improved safety,efficiency,and waste management.Fusion energy,despite being in the experimental stage,holds potential as a nearly limitless clean energy source.AI(artificial intelligence)significantly enhances these technologies by optimizing design,operations,maintenance,safety,and grid integration.AI-driven innovations are pivotal in accelerating the development and deployment of ARC technologies,ensuring they are safe,reliable,and efficient.The article underscores the vital role of policy support,global cooperation,and strategic investments in shaping a sustainable energy future that can mitigate the effects of climate change,support economic growth,and protect our planet.

Trends and driving forces of low-carbon energy technology innovation in China’s industrial sectors from 1998 to 2017: from a regional perspective

Low-carbon energy technology(LC)innovation contributes to both environmental protection and economic development.Using the panel data of 30 provinces/autonomous regions/municipalities in China from 1998 to 2017,this paper constructs a two-layer logarithmic mean Divisia index(LMDI)model to uncover the factors influencing the variation of the innovation of LC in China’s industrial sectors,including the alternative energy production technology(AEPT)and the energy conversation technology(ECT).The results show that China’s industrial LC patent applications rapidly increased after 2005 and AEPT patent applications outweighed ECT patent applications all the time with a gradually narrowing gap.Low-carbon degree played the dominant role in promoting the increase in China’s industrial LC patent applications,followed by the economic scale,R&D(research and development)efficiency,and R&D share.Economic structure contributed to the increases in LC patent applications in the central and the western regions,while led to the decreases in the eastern region,the north-eastern region,and Chinese mainland.Low-carbon degree and economic scale were two main contributors to the growths of both industrial AEPT patent applications and ECT patent applications in Chinese mainland and the four regions.Several policy recommendations are made to further promote industrial innovation in China.

China-Brazil Forum on Climate Change and Energy Technology Innovation

The China-Brazil Forum on Climate Change and Energy Technology Innovation opened in Tsinghua＇s Main Building on January 14, 2009. Mr. Samuel Pinheiro Guimaraes, Brazilian Vice-Minister for Foreign Issues, Professor Luiz Pinguelli Rosa, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Director of COPPE, and representatives from Brazil＇s Embassy in China attended the Forum.

Institute of Nuclear Energy Technology Tsinghua University

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Implementation of the Concept of Energy and Technological Compliance of Components in the Technology of Fluorocomposites

Structural and technological aspects of obtaining and processing functional composite materials based on PTFE(polytetrafluoroethylene)are considered.It is shown that,due to the features of the molecular structure of the matrix polymer,within the framework of the traditional technological paradigm,prerequisites are created for the implementation of a structural paradox,which manifests itself in a decrease in the parameters of the stress-strain and tribological characteristics of composites with an increase in the degree of filling.Within the framework of the concept of multilevel modification,methodological approaches to the implementation of the energy and technological compliance of components,which reduce the negative impact of the structural paradox,are considered.

Energy and Water Conservation Technology Analysis of Water Supply and Drainage of the Building

At present,China’s social and economic development is faster and faster.At the same time,people pay more and more attention to the construction concept of energy and water conservation.We can see the popularization and development of the concept of energy saving and water saving in every major field of our country,the same is true in the construction field.In order to effectively protect the ecological environment and maximize the use of limited resources,the energysaving and water-saving technology of the building,as well as water supply and drainage technology should be actively used.Based on this,this paper first analyzes the application significance of water supplydrainage and energy-water conservation technology in the construction field,analyzes the current situation of water supply and drainage in China,and proposes the application of water supply-drainage and energy-water conservation technology of the building for reference.

Perspectives of China’s wind energy development

Wind energy is a kind of clean renewable energy, which is also relatively mature in technology, with largescale development conditions and prospect for the commercialization. The development of wind energy is a systematic project, involving policy, law, technology, economy, society, environment, education and other aspects. The relationship among all the aspects should be well treated and coordinated. This paper has discussed the following relationships which should be well coordinated: relationship between wind resources and wind energy development, relationship between the wind turbine generator system and the components, relationship between wind energy technology and wind energy industry, relationship between off-grid wind power and grid-connected wind power, relationship between wind farm and the power grid, relationship between onshore wind power and offshore wind power, relationship between wind energy and other energies, relationship between technology introduction and self-innovation, relationship among foreign-funded, joint ventured and domestic-funded enterprises and relationship between the government guidance and the market regulation, as well as giving out some suggestions.

Graphene oxide-lithium-ion batteries:inauguration of an era in energy storage technology

A significant driving force behind the brisk research on rechargeable batteries,particularly lithium-ion batteries(LiBs)in high-performance applications,is the development of portable devices and electric vehicles.Carbon-based materials,which have finite specific capacity,make up the anodes of LiBs.Many attempts are being made to produce novel nanostructured composite anode materials for LiBs that display cycle stability that is superior to that of graphite using graphene oxide.Therefore,using significant amounts of waste graphene oxide from used LiBs represents a fantastic opportunity to engage in waste management and circular economy.This review outlines recent studies,developments and the current advancement of graphene oxide-based LiBs,including preparation of graphene oxide and utilization in LiBs,particularly from the perspective of energy storage technology,which has drawn more and more attention to creating high-performance electrode systems.

Energy Efficiency Technologies for Hydroelectric Power Plants: A Case Study in Brazil

Hydroelectricity has great importance for the global macroeconomy. In Brazil, hydroelectricity has been highlighted as the main source of generation of the electric system both for its economic competitiveness and for the abundance of this energy resource. Based on a diagnosis methodology, this article presents a case study in a Brazilian hydroelectric plant in order to optimize the use of energy and propose improvements regarding the rationalization of its application. The systems associated with energy generation were evaluated and the results proved to be potentially advantageous with an estimated savings of 2910 MWh/year in the electricity consumption of the installation itself, with better use of the equipment and the possibility of increasing the power generated.

Life Cycle Evaluation of Energy Supply Technologies in China by Energy Chain Multi Layered Model

China has a large potential to reduce CO2 emission in the Asian region. In this study, life cycle analyses of energy supply technologies in China were evaluated for enforcing the clean development mechanism （CDM）. Wind power, integrated coal gasification combined cycle （IGCC）, natural gas combined cycle （NGCC）, and ultra super critical power plant （USC） were chosen as new power generation technologies. The system function of the developed model was enhanced to extend coverage to new technologies for power generation systems in China. CO2 intensities, energy profit ratios, and CO2 emission reductions are estimated based on the assumption that these power plants were constructed at Shanxi, Xinjiang, and Shanghai. Wind power showed the best results with regard to CO2 intensity and energy profit ratio. However, it also has some disadvantages with regard to the utilization factor and the lifetime. It is considered that wind power will become an important part of CDM activities as the utilization factor and the lifetime improve. An NGCC using a natural gas pipeline was found to be most advantageous in reducing CO2 emission. IGCC and USC were inferior to NGCC with regard to energy profit ratios and CO2 emission reductions.

The progress of radioisotope technology and application in China

The inception of radioisotope and its application in China are introduced. The research,development, production, application progress and the future development prospect of radioisotope and its products are described.

Grid tie inverter energy stabilizing in smart distribution grid with energy storage

With the growing deployment of smart distribution grid,it has become urgent to investigate the smart distribution grid behavior during transient faults and improve the system stability.The feasibility of segmenting large power grids and multiple smart distribution grids interconnections using energy storage technology for improving the system dynamic stability was studied.The segmentation validity of the large power grids and smart distribution grid inverter output interconnections power system using energy storage technology was proved in terms of theoretical analysis.Then,the influences of the energy storage device location and capacity on the proposed method were discussed in detail.The conclusion is obtained that the ESD optimal locations are allocated at the tie line terminal buses in the interconnected grid,respectively.The effectiveness of the proposed method was verified by simulations in an actual power system.

Call for Papers 2011 IEEE International Conference on Smart Grid and Clean Energy Technologies

2011 IEEE International Conference on Smart Grid and Clean Energy Technologies （IEEE ICSGCE2011） will be held in September 27-30, 2011 in Chengdu, China. IEEE ICSGCE2011 is sponsored by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers （IEEE）, Journal of Electronic Science and Technology （JEST - International）, and University of Electronic Science and Technology of China （UESTC）. The Conference is also supported by University of Wollongong （Australian） and China Energy Association （CEA）.

2011 IEEE International Conference on Smart Grid and Clean Energy Technologies

2011 1EEE International Conference on Smart Grid and Clean Energy Technologies （IEEE ICSGCE2011） will be held in September 27-30, 2011 in Chengdu, China. IEEE ICSGCE2011 is sponsored by International Association of Computer Science and Information Technology （IACSIT）, Journal of Electronic Science and Technology （JEST - International）, the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers （IEEE）, and University of Electronic Science and Technology of China （UESTC）. The Conference is also supported by University of Wollongong （Australian） and China Energy Association （CEA）.

Indicator system of energy efficient technologies evaluation of residential buildings in hot summer and cold winter regions of China

The related existing energy saving index system of buildings is deficient in direction, index coverage, depth, and technological and economic considerations. Aiming at the deficient existing research and with the advancement of energy saving of buildings in China from northern heating regions to southern hot summer and cold winter regions, selecting residential buildings in hot summer and cold winter regions as the research object, and through much evaluation index reference and repeated demonstrations and the borrowing of literature research home and abroad and relevant energy saving standards, filters and eliminates energy efficient technologies evaluation indexes according to the design principle of index system, the factors influencing the energy saving of residential buildings are evaluated, index system weight is established by adopting analytic hierarchy process, and finally the evaluation index system of energy saving technologies of residential buildings in hot summer and cold winter area of China is established. Each target layer includes five standard layer indexes and sixteen index layer indexes. The standard layer of evaluation index, namely primary indexes, includes the technological, energy saving effect, economic, environmental, and social indexes. The secondary indexes are selected based on the principles of concision, comprehensiveness, representativeness and operability.

Legal Conditions for Water Utilities Eco-innovation as Energy Smart Water Utilities

Welfare and green growth rest heavily on an appropriate supply of safe water, the provision of adequate sewerage, and on energy services. These services are interdependent, as water is an integral part of electric-power generation; it is used directly in hydroelectric generation, and it is used extensively for cooling and emissions scrubbing in thermoelectric generation. Energy is also an integrated part of water services, as satisfying water needs for supply, purification, distribution, and treatment of wastewater requires energy sources. Water and energy utilities are however regulated without a specific focus on the interdependency of the two sectors and the possibilities to ensure sustainable use of the resources and reduction of greenhouse gasses by a better coordination. The article explains the possibilities of sustainable consumption and production of energy in the water utilities. It highlights EU legal framework that makes coordination at national level possible, and it gives examples and concludes--on the obstacles for the water utilities＇ future as energy-smart utilities that exist at the national level in Denmark.

Post lithium ion batteries for emerging energy storage technologies

It is obvious that in the next ten years,lithium ion batteries are still the dominating power source for a wide range of products including consumable electronics,vehicles(cars,motorbikes,scooters,buses),drones,and even robots and tanks.However,in the pursuit of cost-effective,safety-reliable,and highly efficient energy storage technologies,researchers are developing