Correction to:Assembly-level analysis on temperature coefficient of reactivity in a graphite-moderated fuel salt reactor fueled with low-enriched uranium

Following publication of the original article,the authors observed that both Fig.5 and Fig.4 depict the same image.Figure 5 was inaccurately referenced and displayed.The correct Fig.5 is copied below:The original article has been updated.

Development of multi-group Monte-Carlo transport and depletion coupling calculation method and verification with metal-fueled fast reactor

The accurate modeling of depletion,intricately tied to the solution of the neutron transport equation,is crucial for the design,analysis,and licensing of nuclear reactors and their fuel cycles.This paper introduces a novel multi-group Monte-Carlo depletion calculation approach.Multi-group cross-sections(MGXS)are derived from both 3D whole-core model and 2D fuel subassembly model using the continuous-energy Monte-Carlo method.Core calculations employ the multi-group Monte-Carlo method,accommodating both homogeneous and specific local heterogeneous geometries.The proposed method has been validated against the MET-1000 metal-fueled fast reactors,using both the OECD/NEA benchmark and a new refueling benchmark introduced in this paper.Our findings suggest that microscopic MGXS,produced via the Monte-Carlo method,are viable for fast reactor depletion analyses.Furthermore,the locally heterogeneous model with angular-dependent MGXS offers robust predictions for core reactivity,control rod value,sodium void value,Doppler constants,power distribution,and concentration levels.

Temperature Gradient Analyses of a Tubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Fueled by Methanol

Thermal management in solid oxide fuel cells(SOFC)is a critical issue due to non-uniform electrochemical reactions and convective fl ows within the cells.Therefore,a 2D mathematical model is established herein to investigate the thermal responses of a tubular methanol-fueled SOFC.Results show that unlike the low-temperature condition of 873 K,where the peak temperature gradient occurs at the cell center,it appears near the fuel inlet at 1073 K because of the rapid temperature rise induced by the elevated current density.Despite the large heat convection capacity,excessive air could not eff ectively eliminate the harmful temperature gradient caused by the large current density.Thus,optimal control of the current density by properly selecting the operating potential could generate a local thermal neutral state.Interestingly,the maximum axial temperature gradient could be reduced by about 18%at 973 K and 20%at 1073 K when the air with a 5 K higher temperature is supplied.Additionally,despite the higher electrochemical performance observed,the cell with a counter-fl ow arrange-ment featured by a larger hot area and higher maximum temperature gradients is not preferable for a ceramic SOFC system considering thermal durability.Overall,this study could provide insightful thermal information for the operating condition selection,structure design,and stability assessment of realistic SOFCs combined with their internal reforming process.

Radiation dose distribution of liquid fueled thorium molten salt reactor

A liquid fueled thorium molten salt reactor(TMSR-LF),one of the Generation IV reactors,was designed by the Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics,Chinese Academy of Sciences.This study uses the‘rt code to calculate the neutron and gamma dose rate distributions around the reactor.Multiple types of tallies and variance reduction techniques were employed to reduce calculation time and obtain convergent calculation results.Based on the calculation and analysis results,the TMSR-LF1 radiation shield with a 60-cm serpentine concrete layer and a 120-cm ordinary concrete layer is able to meet radiation requirements.The gamma dose rate outside the reactor biological shield was 16.1 mSv h-1;this is higher than the neutron dose rate of 3.71×10^(–2)mSv h^(-1).The maximum thermal neutron flux density outside the reactor biological shield was 1.899103 cm^(-2)s^(-1),which was below the 19105 cm^(-2)s^(-1)limit.

Fueled With Enthusiasm: Running for the Future

On November 2,2017,during the Mercedes-Benz Interna-tional Fashion Week in China,the finals for"Qiaodan Cup—12th China Sportswear Design Contest"was held in the first workshop of 751 D PARK in Beijing.Themed"Running for the Future",the contest focused on sportswear for running,in the hope of developing a future with practical and innovative sportswear by stimulating original ideas and designs.Passion shows the future of

Progress and challenges of carbon-fueled solid oxide fuel cells anode

Carbon-fueled solid oxide fuel cells(CF-SOFCs)can electrochemically convert the chemical energy in carbon into electricity,which demonstrate both superior electrical efficiency and fuel utilisation compared to all other types of fuel cells.However,using solid carbon as the fuel of SOFCs also faces some challenges,the fluid mobility and reactive activity of carbon-based fuels are much lower than those of gaseous fuels.Therefore,the anode reaction kinetics plays a crucial role in determining the electrochemical performance of CF-SOFCs.Herein,the progress of various anodes in CF-SOFCs is reviewed from the perspective of material compositions,electrochemical performance and microstructures.Challenges faced in developing high performance anodes for CF-SOFCs are also discussed.

Key CO_(2)capture technology of pure oxygen exhaust gas combustion for syngas-fueled high-temperature fuel cells

Integrated gasification fuel cells(IGFCs)integrating high-temperature solid oxide fuel cell technology with CO_(2)capture processes represents highly-efficient power systems with negligible CO_(2)emissions.Flame burning with pure oxygen is an ideal method for fuel cell exhaust gas treatment,and this report describes experimental and numerical studies regarding an oxy-combustor for treating the exhaust gas of a 10 kW IGFC system anode.The applied simulation method was verified based on experiments,and the key performance indices of the combustor were studied under various conditions.It was determined that 315 K was the ideal condensation temperature to obtain flame stability.Under these pure oxygen flame burning conditions,CO was almost completely converted,and the dry mole fraction of CO_(2)after burning was C 0.958 when there was up to 5%excess O_(2).Overall,5%excess O_(2)was recommended to maximize CO_(2)capture and promote other environmental considerations.Additionally,the optimal tangential fuel jet angle to control the liner temperature was approximately 25°.The total fuel utilization had to be high enough to maintain the oxygen flame temperature of the anode exhaust gas below 1800 K to ensure that the system was environmentally friendly.The results presented herein have great value for designing IGFCs coupled with CO_(2)capture systems.

Engine performance and combustion characteristics of a direct injection compression ignition engine fueled waste cooking oil synthetic diesel

Biodiesels produced from various feedstocks have been considered as alternative fuels used in internal combustion engines without major modifications.This research focuses on producing biodiesel from waste cooking oil(WCOSD)by the catalytic cracking method using MgO as the catalyst and comparing the engine operating characteristics of the test engine when using WCOSD and traditional diesel(CD)as test fuels.As a result,the brake power of the test engine fueled WCOSD,and traditional diesel is similar.However,the engine fuel consumption in the case of using WCOSD is slight increases in some operating conditions.Also,the nitrogen oxides emissions of the test engine fueled WCOSD are higher than those of CD at all tested conditions.The trend is opposite for hydrocarbon emission as the HC emission of the engine fueled by WCOSD reduces 26.3%on average.The smoke emission of the test engine in case of using WCOSD is lower 17%on average than that of CD.However,the carbon monoxide emissions are lower at the low and medium loads and higher at the full loads.These results show that the new biodiesel has the same characteristics as those of commercial biodiesel and can be used as fuel for diesel engines.

Numerical Study on the Hydrogen Fueled SI Engine Combustion Optimization through a Combined Operation of DI and PFI Strategies

As the practicability of a hydrogen-fueled economy emerges, intermediate technologies would be necessary for the transition between hydrocarbon fueled internal combustion engines and hydrogen powered fuel cells. In the present study, the hydrogen engine efficiency and the load control are the two main parameters that will be improved by using the combined operation of in-cylinder direct fuel injection (DI) and port fuel injection (PFI) strategies to obtain maximum engine power outputs with acceptable efficiency equivalent to gasoline engines. Wide open throttle (WOT) operation has been used to take advantage of the associated increase in engine efficiency, in which the loads have been regulated with mixture richness (qualitative control) instead of volumetric efficiency (quantitative control). The capabilities of a 3D-CFD code have been developed and employed to simulate the whole engine physicochemical process which includes the hydrogen injection through the intake manifold (PFI) and/or the hydrogen DI in the engine compression stroke. Conditions with simulated PFI, PFI + DI and DI have been analyzed to study the effects of mixture preparation behaviors on the hydrogen ignition and its flame propagation inside the engine combustion chamber. Numerically, the CFD code has been intensively validated against experimental engine data which provided remarkable agreement in terms of in-cylinder pressure history evaluation.

Measurement of Emissions from a Passenger Truck Fueled with Biodiesel from Different Feedstocks

Biodiesel has generated increased interest recently as an alternative to petroleum-derived diesel. Due to its high oxygen content, biodiesel typically burns more completely than petroleum diesel, and thus has lower emissions of hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM). However, biodiesel may increase or decrease nitrogen oxide (NOx) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, depending on biodiesel feedstock, engine type, and test cycle. The purpose of this study was to compare emissions from 20% blends of biodiesel made from 4 feedstocks (soybean oil, canola oil, waste cooking oil, and animal fat) with emissions from ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD). Emissions of NOx and CO2 were made under real-world driving conditions using a Horiba On-Board Measurement System OBS-1300 on a highway route and arterial route;emissions of NOx, CO2, HC, CO, and PM were measured in a controlled setting using a chassis dynamometer with Urban Dynamometer Drive Schedule. Dynamometer test results showed statistically significant lower emissions of HC, CO, and PM from all B20 blends compared to ULSD. For CO2, both on-road testing (arterial, highway, and idling) and dynamometer testing showed no statistically significant difference in emissions among the B20 blends and ULSD. For NOx, dynamometer testing showed only B20 from soybean oil to have statistically significant higher emissions. This is generally consistent with the on-road testing, which showed no statistically significant difference in NOx emissions between ULSD and the B20 blends.

Nutrition impacts of non-solid cooking fuel adoption on under-five children in developing countries

This paper examines the nutrition impacts of using non-solid cooking fuel on under-five children in developing countries.We draw on data from more than 1.12 million children in 62 developing countries from the Demographic and Health Surveys(DHS).Results from both fixed effects(FE)and instrumental variable(IV)estimates show that using non-solid cooking fuel significantly improves the nutrition outcomes of under-five children.Compared with their peers from households mainly using solid fuel,children from households mainly using non-solid fuel exhibit a lower probability of experiencing stunting(by 5.9 percentage points)and being underweight(by 1.2 percentage points).Our further investigation provides evidence for several underlying mechanisms,such as improved indoor air quality,induced reduction in children’s respiratory symptoms,benefits on maternal health,and reduction in maternal time spent on fuel collection or cooking.Heterogenous analyses suggest that the nutrition benefits of using non-solid cooking fuel are more prominent among boys,children above three years old,and those from households of lower socioeconomic status,rural areas,and Southeast Asia.

Model reduction of fractional impedance spectra for time–frequency analysis of batteries, fuel cells, and supercapacitors

Joint time–frequency analysis is an emerging method for interpreting the underlying physics in fuel cells,batteries,and supercapacitors.To increase the reliability of time–frequency analysis,a theoretical correlation between frequency-domain stationary analysis and time-domain transient analysis is urgently required.The present work formularizes a thorough model reduction of fractional impedance spectra for electrochemical energy devices involving not only the model reduction from fractional-order models to integer-order models and from high-to low-order RC circuits but also insight into the evolution of the characteristic time constants during the whole reduction process.The following work has been carried out:(i)the model-reduction theory is addressed for typical Warburg elements and RC circuits based on the continued fraction expansion theory and the response error minimization technique,respectively;(ii)the order effect on the model reduction of typical Warburg elements is quantitatively evaluated by time–frequency analysis;(iii)the results of time–frequency analysis are confirmed to be useful to determine the reduction order in terms of the kinetic information needed to be captured;and(iv)the results of time–frequency analysis are validated for the model reduction of fractional impedance spectra for lithium-ion batteries,supercapacitors,and solid oxide fuel cells.In turn,the numerical validation has demonstrated the powerful function of the joint time–frequency analysis.The thorough model reduction of fractional impedance spectra addressed in the present work not only clarifies the relationship between time-domain transient analysis and frequency-domain stationary analysis but also enhances the reliability of the joint time–frequency analysis for electrochemical energy devices.

Surface-modified Ag@Ru-P25 for photocatalytic CO_(2) conversion with high selectivity over CH_(4) formation at the solid–gas interface

Systematic optimization of the photocatalyst and investigation of the role of each component is important to maximizing catalytic activity and comprehending the photocatalytic conversion of CO_(2) reduction to solar fuels.A surface-modified Ag@Ru-P25 photocatalyst with H_(2)O_(2) treatment was designed in this study to convert CO_(2) and H_(2)O vapor into highly selective CH4.Ru doping followed by Ag nanoparticles(NPs)cocatalyst deposition on P25(TiO_(2))enhances visible light absorption and charge separation,whereas H_(2)O_(2) treatment modifies the surface of the photocatalyst with hydroxyl(–OH)groups and promotes CO_(2) adsorption.High-resonance transmission electron microscopy,X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,X-ray absorption near-edge structure,and extended X-ray absorption fine structure techniques were used to analyze the surface and chemical composition of the photocatalyst,while thermogravimetric analysis,CO_(2) adsorption isotherm,and temperature programmed desorption study were performed to examine the significance of H_(2)O_(2) treatment in increasing CO_(2) reduction activity.The optimized Ag1.0@Ru1.0-P25 photocatalyst performed excellent CO_(2) reduction activity into CO,CH4,and C2H6 with a~95%selectivity of CH4,where the activity was~135 times higher than that of pristine TiO_(2)(P25).For the first time,this work explored the effect of H_(2)O_(2) treatment on the photocatalyst that dramatically increases CO_(2) reduction activity.

Rare earths (Ce, Y, Pr) modified Pd/La2O3-ZrO2-Al2O3 catalysts usedin lean-burn natural gas fueled vehicles

14%REO-2.5%LaO-33.5%ZrO-50%AlO(RE = Ce, Y, Pr) composites were prepared by a coprecipitation method. The Pd catalysts were obtained by an aqueous solution of Pd(NO)loaded on the rare earths modified composites with an initial wet impregnated method. The experiment results show that catalytic activity of the rare earths modified Pd/LaO-ZrO-AlOcatalysts is better than bare sample for methane oxidation. The structural characterization results reveal that the rare earths modified Pd catalysts increase amounts of surface active oxygen species by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS) analysis and improve the dispersion of active component from H2-temperature programmed reduction(H2-TPR) measurement compared with bare sample. Especially,Pd/14%YO-2.5%LaO-33.5%ZrO-50%AlOsample exhibits highly active stability, it is related to the Pd particles highly dispersion,which was observed by transmission electron microscope(TEM) images.

Study on concentration distribution and detonation characteristics for non-axisymmetric fuel dispersal

The study of non-axisymmetric fuel dispersal and detonation can provide reference for the prevention of industrial cloud explosion accidents and the design of fuel air explosive(FAE).The concentration and detonation fields of 85 kg cylindrical and fan-shaped fuel are investigated by experiments and numerical simulations.A dynamic model of the whole process for fuel dispersal and detonation is built.The concentration distribution of fuel is used as the initial condition to calculate the detonation stage,thus solving the initial value problem of detonation field.The phase and component changes of fuel cloud at different locations are compared.The fuel cloud is divided into directions of 0°,90°,135°and 180°.The results show that the maximum cloud radius is 20.94 m in 135°and the minimum is 12.04 m in 0°.The diameter of the detonation fireball is 53.6 m,and the peak temperature is 3455 K.The highest peak overpressure is 3.44 MPa in 0°and the lowest is 2.97 MPa in 135°.The proportion of liquid phase in 0°is22.90%,and the fuel loss is 11.8% and 9% higher than that in 135°and cylindrical charge,respectively.The stable propagation distance of blast wave in 135°is 42.50% longer than 0°and 28.37% longer than cylindrical charge.

A thermodynamic perspective on electrode poisoning in solid oxide fuel cells

A critical challenge to the commercialization of clean and high-efficiency solid oxide fuel cell(SOFC)technology is the insuf-ficient stack lifespan caused by a variety of degradation mechanisms,which are associated with cell components and chemical feedstocks.Cell components related degradation refers to thermal/chemical/electrochemical deterioration of cell materials under operating conditions,whereas the latter regards impurities in feedstocks of oxidant(air)and reductant(fuel).This article provides a thermodynamic perspective on the understanding of the impurities-induced degradation mechanisms in SOFCs.The discussion focuses on using thermodynamic ana-lysis to elucidate poisoning mechanisms in cathodes by impurity species such as Cr,CO_(2),H_(2)O,and SO_(2) and in the anode by species such as S(or H_(2)S),SiO_(2),and P_(2)(or PH_(3)).The author hopes the presented fundamental insights can provide a theoretical foundation for search-ing for better technical solutions to address the critical degradation challenges.

Tandem hydroalkylation and deoxygenation of lignin-derived phenolics to synthesize high-density fuels

Lignin is the most abundant naturally phenolic biomass,and the synthesis of high-performance renewable fuel from lignin has attracted significant attention.We propose the efficient synthesis of high-density fuels using simulated lignin cracked oil in tandem with hydroalkylation and deoxygenation reactions.First,we investigated the reaction pathway for the hydroalkylation of phenol,which competes with the hydrodeoxygenation form cyclohexane.And then,we investigated the effects of metal catalyst types,the loading amount of metallic,acid dosage,and reactant ratio on the reaction results.The phenol hydroalkylation and hydrodeoxygenation were balanced when 180℃ and 5 MPa H_(2)with the alkanes yield of 95%.By extending the substrate to other lignin-derived phenolics and simulated lignin cracked oil,we obtained the polycyclic alkane fuel with high density of 0.918 g·ml^(-1)and calorific value of41.2 MJ·L^(-1).Besides,the fuel has good low-temperature properties(viscosity of 9.3 mm^(2)·s^(-1)at 20℃ and freezing point below-55℃),which is expected to be used as jet fuel.This work provides a promising way for the easy and green production of high-density fuel directly from real lignin oil.

Preparation and properties of high-energy-density aluminum/boroncontaining gelled fuels

Energetic nanofluid fuel has caught the attention of the field of aerospace liquid propellant for its high energy density(HED), but it suffers from the inevitable solid-liquid phase separation problem. To resolve this problem, herein we synthesized the high-Al-/B-containing(up to 30%(mass)) HED gelled fuels, with low-molecular-mass organic gellant Z, which show high net heat of combustion(NHOC), density, storage stability, and thixotropic properties. The characterizations indicate that the application of energetic particles to the gelled fuels obviously destroys their fibrous network structures but can provide the new particle-gellant gelation microstructures, resulting in the comparable stability between 1.0%(mass) Z/JP-10 + 30%(mass) Al or B and pure JP-10 gelled fuel. Moreover, the gelled fuels with high-content Al or B exhibit high shear-thinning property, recovery capability, and mechanical strength, which are favorable for their storage and utilization. Importantly, the prepared 1.0%(mass) Z/JP-10 + 30%(mass) B(or 1.0%(mass) Z/JP-10 + 30%(mass) Al) shows the density and NHOC 1.27 times(1.30) and 1.43 times(1.21)higher than pure JP-10, respectively. This work provides a facile and valid approach to the manufacturing of HED gelled fuels with high content of energetic particles for gel propellants.

Deep eutectic solvents:Green multi-task agents for sustainable super green hydrogen technologies

While reliance on renewable energy resources has become a reality, there is still a need to deploy greener and more sustainable methods in order to achieve sustainable development goals. Indeed, green hydrogen is currently believed to be a reliable solution for global warming and the pollution challenges arising from fossil fuels, making it the resilient fuel of the future. However, the sustainability of green hydrogen technologies is yet to be achieved. In this context, generation of green hydrogen with the aid of deep eutectic solvents(DESs) as green mixtures has been demonstrated as a promising research area. This systematic review article covers green hydrogen generation through water splitting and biomass fermentation when DESs are utilized within the generation process. It also discusses the incorporation of DESs in fuel cell technologies. DESs can play a variety of roles such as solvent, electrolyte, or precursor;colloidal suspension and reaction medium;galvanic replacement, shape-controlling, decoration, or extractive agent;finally oxidant. These roles are relevant to several methods of green hydrogen generation, including electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, and fermentation. As such, it is of utmost importance to screen potential DES formulations and determine how they can function in and contribute throughout the green hydrogen mobility stages. The realization of super green hydrogen generation stands out as a pivotal milestone in our journey towards achieving a more sustainable form of development;DESs have great potential in making this milestone achievable. Overall, incorporating DESs in hydrogen generation constitutes a promising research area and offers potential scalability for green hydrogen production, storage,transport, and utilization.

A review of understanding electrocatalytic reactions in energy conversion and energy storage systems via scanning electrochemical microscopy

To address climate change and promote environmental sustainability,electrochemical energy conversion and storage systems emerge as promising alternative to fossil fuels,catering to the escalating demand for energy.Achieving optimal energy efficiency and cost competitiveness in these systems requires the strategic design of electrocatalysts,coupled with a thorough comprehension of the underlying mechanisms and degradation behavior occurring during the electrocatalysis processes.Scanning electrochemical microscopy(SECM),an analytical technique for studying surface electrochemically,stands out as a powerful tool offering electrochemical insights.It possesses remarkable spatiotemporal resolution,enabling the visualization of the localized electrochemical activity and surface topography.This review compiles crucial research findings and recent breakthroughs in electrocatalytic processes utilizing the SECM methodology,specifically focusing on applications in electrolysis,fuel cells,and metal–oxygen batteries within the realm of energy conversion and storage systems.Commencing with an overview of each energy system,the review introduces the fundamental principles of SECM,and aiming to provide new perspectives and broadening the scope of applied research by describing the major research categories within SECM.