Enhanced properties of stone coal-based composite phase change materials for thermal energy storage

Phase change materials (PCMs) can be incorporated with low-cost minerals to synthesize composites for thermal energy storage in building applications.Stone coal (SC) after vanadium extraction treatment shows potential for secondary utilization in composite preparation.We prepared SC-based composite PCMs with SC as a matrix,stearic acid (SA) as a PCM,and expanded graphite (EG) as an additive.The combined roasting and acid leaching treatment of raw SC was conducted to understand the effect of vanadium extraction on promoting loading capacity.Results showed that the combined treatment of roasting at 900℃ and leaching increased the SC loading of the composite by 6.2%by improving the specific surface area.The loading capacity and thermal conductivity of the composite obviously increased by 127%and 48.19%,respectively,due to the contribution of 3wt% EG.These data were supported by the high load of 66.69%and thermal conductivity of 0.59 W·m^(-1)·K-1of the designed composite.The obtained composite exhibited a phase change temperature of 52.17℃,melting latent heat of 121.5 J·g^(-1),and good chemical compatibility.The SC-based composite has prospects in building applications exploiting the secondary utilization of minerals.

Reanalysis of energy band structure in the type-II quantum wells

Band structure analysis holds significant importance for understanding the optoelectronic characteristics of semiconductor structures and exploring their potential applications in practice. For quantum well structures, the energy of carriers in the well splits into discrete energy levels due to the confinement of barriers in the growth direction. However, the discrete energy levels obtained at a fixed wave vector cannot accurately reflect the actual energy band structure. In this work, the band structure of the type-II quantum wells is reanalyzed. When the wave vectors of the entire Brillouin region(corresponding to the growth direction) are taken into account, the quantized energy levels of the carriers in the well are replaced by subbands with certain energy distributions. This new understanding of the energy bands of low-dimensional structures not only helps us to have a deeper cognition of the structure, but also may overturn many viewpoints in traditional band theories and serve as supplementary to the band theory of low-dimensional systems.

Collaborative optimization model of renewable energy development considering peak shaving costs of various flexibility resources

China has set carbon emission goals for 2030 and 2060.Renewable energy sources,primarily wind and photovoltaic power,are being considered as the future of power generation.The major limitation to the development of new energies is the limited flexibility of regulations on power system resources,resulting in insufficient consumption capacity.Thus,the flexible resource costs for peak shaving as well as the reasonable coordinated development and operation optimization of regional renewable energy need to be considered.In this study,a renewable energy development layout configuration analysis method was established by considering the composite cost of a power system,comprehensively analyzing the potential of various flexibility regulation resources for the power system and its composite peak shaving cost,and combining renewable energy output characteristics,load forecasting,grid development,and other factors.For the optimization of various flexible resource utilization methods,a peak shaving cost estimation method from the perspective of the entire power system was established by combining the on-grid electricity prices and operating costs of different power sources.A collaborative optimization model of power system operation that aims at the lowest peak shaving cost and satisfies the constraints of operation,safety,and environmental protection was proposed.Finally,a certain area of Gansu Province was used as an example to perform detailed analysis and calculation,which demonstrated that the model has an optimal effect.This model can provide an analysis method for regional renewable energy development layout configurations and system optimization operations.

Modified sepiolite stabilized stearic acid as a form-stable phase change material for thermal energy storage

Sepiolite(ST) was used as a supporting matrix in compiste phase change materials(PCMs) due to its unique microstructure, good thermal stability, and other raw material advantages. In this paper, microwave acid treatment were innovatively used for the modification of sepiolite. The modified sepiolite(ST_(m)) obtained in different hydrochloric acid concentrations(0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 mol·L^(-1)) was added to stearic acid(SA) via vacuum impregnation method. The thermophysical properties of the composites were changed by varying the hydrochloric acid concentration. The SA-ST_(m0.5)obtained by microwave acid treatment at 0.5 mol·L^(-1)hydrochloric acid concentration showed a higher loading capacity(82.63%) than other composites according to the differential scanning calorimeter(DSC) analysis. The melting and freezing enthalpies of SA-ST_(m0.5)were of 152.30 and 148.90 J·g^(-1), respectively. The thermal conductivity of SA-ST_(m0.5)was as high as 1.52 times that of pure SA. In addition, the crystal structure, surface morphology, and microporous structure of ST_(m)were studied, and the mechanism of SAST_(m0.5)performance enhancement was further revealed by Brunauere Emmett Teller(BET) analysis. Leakage experiment showed that SAST_(m0.5)had a good morphological stability. These results demostrate that SA-ST_(m0.5)has a potential application in thermal energy storage.

Fluorinated soft carbon as an ultra-high energy density potassium-ion battery cathode enabled by a ternary phase K_(x)FC

Fluorinated carbons(CFx)have been widely applied as lithium primary batteries due to their ultra-high energy density.It will be a great promise if CFx can be rechargeable.In this study,we rationally tune the C-F bond strength for the alkaline intercalated CFx via importing an electronegative weaker element K instead of Li.It forms a ternary phase K_(x)FC instead of two phases(LiF+C)in lithium-ion batteries.Meanwhile,we choose a large layer distance and more defects CFx,namely fluorinated soft carbon,to accommodate K.Thus,we enable CFx rechargeable as a potassium-ion battery cathode.In detail fluorinated soft carbon CF_(1.01) presents a reversible specific capacity of 339 mA h g^(-1)(797 Wh kg^(-1))in the 2nd cycle and maintains 330 mA h g^(-1)(726 Wh kg^(-1))in the 15th cycle.This study reveals the importance of tuning chemical bond stability using different alkaline ions to endow batteries with rechargeability.This work provides good references for focusing on developing reversible electrode materials from popular primary cell configurations.

Interface and mechanical degradation mechanisms of the silicon anode in sulfide-based solid-state batteries at high temperatures

Silicon(Si)is a competitive anode material owing to its high theoretical capacity and low electrochemical potential.Recently,the prospect of Si anodes in solid-state batteries(SSBs)has been proposed due to less solid electrolyte interphase(SEI)formation and particle pulverization.However,major challenges arise for Si anodes in SSBs at elevated temperatures.In this work,the failure mechanisms of Si-Li_(6)PS_(5)Cl(LPSC)composite anodes above 80℃are thoroughly investigated from the perspectives of interface stability and(electro)chemo-mechanical effect.The chemistry and growth kinetics of Lix Si|LPSC interphase are demonstrated by combining electrochemical,chemical and computational characterizations.Si and/or Si–P compound formed at Lix Si|LPSC interface prove to be detrimental to interface stability at high temperatures.On the other hand,excessive volume expansion and local stress caused by Si lithiation at high temperatures damage the mechanical structure of Si-LPSC composite anodes.This work elucidates the behavior and failure mechanisms of Si-based anodes in SSBs at high temperatures and provides insights into upgrading Si-based anodes for application in SSBs.

Photovoltaic Power Generation Power Prediction under Major Extreme Weather Based on VMD-KELM

The output of photovoltaic power stations is significantly affected by environmental factors,leading to intermittent and fluctuating power generation.With the increasing frequency of extreme weather events due to global warming,photovoltaic power stations may experience drastic reductions in power generation or even complete shutdowns during such conditions.The integration of these stations on a large scale into the power grid could potentially pose challenges to systemstability.To address this issue,in this study,we propose a network architecture based on VMDKELMfor predicting the power output of photovoltaic power plants during severe weather events.Initially,a grey relational analysis is conducted to identify key environmental factors influencing photovoltaic power generation.Subsequently,GMM clustering is utilized to classify meteorological data points based on their probabilities within different Gaussian distributions,enabling comprehensive meteorological clustering and extraction of significant extreme weather data.The data are decomposed using VMD to Fourier transform,followed by smoothing processing and signal reconstruction using KELM to forecast photovoltaic power output under major extreme weather conditions.The proposed prediction scheme is validated by establishing three prediction models,and the predicted photovoltaic output under four major extreme weather conditions is analyzed to assess the impact of severe weather on photovoltaic power station output.The experimental results show that the photovoltaic power output under conditions of dust storms,thunderstorms,solid hail precipitation,and snowstorms is reduced by 68.84%,42.70%,61.86%,and 49.92%,respectively,compared to that under clear day conditions.The photovoltaic power prediction accuracies,in descending order,are dust storms,solid hail precipitation,thunderstorms,and snowstorms.

Electrospinning-hot pressing technique for the fabrication of thermal and electrical storage membranes and its applications

The combination of electrospinning and hot pressing,namely the electrospinning-hot pressing technique(EHPT),is an efficient and convenient method for preparing nanofibrous composite materials with good energy storage performance.The emerging composite membrane prepared by EHPT,which exhibits the advantages of large surface area,controllable morphology,and compact structure,has attracted immense attention.In this paper,the conduction mechanism of composite membranes in thermal and electrical energy storage and the performance enhancement method based on the fabrication process of EHPT are systematically discussed.Moreover,the state-of-the-art applications of composite membranes in these two fields are introduced.In particular,in the field of thermal energy storage,EHPT-prepared membranes have longitudinal and transverse nanofibers,which generate unique thermal conductivity pathways;also,these nanofibers offer enough space for the filling of functional materials.Moreover,EHPT-prepared membranes are beneficial in thermal management systems,building energy conservation,and electrical energy storage,e.g.,improving the electrochemical properties of the separators as well as their mechanical and thermal stability.The application of electrospinning-hot pressing membranes on capacitors,lithium-ion batteries(LIBs),fuel cells,sodium-ion batteries(SIBs),and hydrogen bromine flow batteries(HBFBs)still requires examination.In the future,EHPT is expected to make the field more exciting through its own technological breakthroughs or be combined with other technologies to produce intelligent materials.

Quantum confinement of carriers in the type-I quantum wells structure

Quantum confinement is recognized to be an inherent property in low-dimensional structures.Traditionally,it is believed that the carriers trapped within the well cannot escape due to the discrete energy levels.However,our previous research has revealed efficient carrier escape in low-dimensional structures,contradicting this conventional understanding.In this study,we review the energy band structure of quantum wells along the growth direction considering it as a superposition of the bulk material dispersion and quantization energy dispersion resulting from the quantum confinement across the whole Brillouin zone.By accounting for all wave vectors,we obtain a certain distribution of carrier energy at each quantized energy level,giving rise to the energy subbands.These results enable carriers to escape from the well under the influence of an electric field.Additionally,we have compiled a comprehensive summary of various energy band scenarios in quantum well structures relevant to carrier transport.Such a new interpretation holds significant value in deepening our comprehension of low-dimensional energy bands,discovering new physical phenomena,and designing novel devices with superior performance.

Relation of V/III ratio of AlN interlayer with the polarity of nitride

N-polar GaN film was obtained by using a high-temperature AlN buffer layer.It was found that the polarity could be inverted by a thin low-temperature AlN interlayer with the same V/III ratio as that of the high-temperature AlN layer.Continuing to increase the V/III ratio of the low-temperature AlN interlayer,the Ga-polarity of GaN film was inverted to N-polarity again but the crystal quality and surface roughness of GaN film greatly deteriorated.Finally,we analyzed the chemical environment of the AlN layer by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS),which provides a new direction for the control of GaN polarity.

Surface encapsulation of layered oxide cathode material with NiTiO_(3) for enhanced cycling stability of Na-ion batteries

In Na-ion batteries,O3-type layered oxide cathode materials encounter challenges such as particle cracking,oxygen loss,electrolyte side reactions,and multi-phase transitions during the charge/discharge process.This study focuses on surface coating with NiTiO_(3) achieved via secondary heat treatment using a coating precursor and the surface material.Through in-situ x-ray diffraction(XRD)and differential electrochemical mass spectrometry(DEMS),along with crystal structure characterizations of post-cycling materials,it was determined that the NiTiO_(3) coating layer facilitates the formation of a stable lattice structure,effectively inhibiting lattice oxygen loss and reducing side reaction with the electrolyte.This enhancement in cycling stability was evidenced by a capacity retention of approximately 74%over 300 cycles at 1 C,marking a significant 30%improvement over the initial sample.Furthermore,notable advancements in rate performance were observed.Experimental results indicate that a stable and robust surface structure substantially enhances the overall stability of the bulk phase,presenting a novel approach for designing layered oxide cathodes with higher energy density.

Research on Energy Conversion System of Floating Wave Energy Converter

A wave power device includes an energy harvesting system and a power take-off system. The power take-off system of a floating wave energy device is the key that converts wave energy into other forms. A set of hydraulic power take-off system, which suits for the floating wave energy devices, includes hydraulic system and power generation system. The hydraulic control system uses a special“self-hydraulic control system”to control hydraulic system to release or save energy under the maximum and the minimum pressures. The maximum pressure is enhanced to 23 MPa, the minimum to 9 MPa. Quite a few experiments show that the recent hydraulic system is evidently improved in efficiency and reliability than our previous one, that is expected to be great significant in the research and development of our prototype about wave energy conversion.

Experimental Study on Conversion Efficiency of A Floating OWC Pentagonal Backward Bent Duct Buoy Wave Energy Converter

Wave tank tests were carried out to evaluate the total efficiency of a floating OWC Pentagonal Backward Bent Duct Buoy (PBBDB). Two kinds of turbine generators were used in tests. The incident wave power, pneumatic power and electricity were measured. The test results show that the primary efficiency can reach up to 185.98% in regular waves and 85.86% in irregular waves. The total efficiency from wave to wire with Wells turbine-generator set is 33.43% in regular waves and 15.82% in irregular waves. The peak total efficiency of the PBBDB with check valves equipped with the impulse turbine-generator set is 41.68% in regular waves and 27.10% in irregular waves. The efficiency of the turbine-generator set is about 30% in the tests. Obviously, the total efficiency can be further improved with the increasing of turbine efficiency.

Study of Hydrodynamic Characteristics of A Sharp Eagle Wave Energy Converter

According to Newton＇s Second Law and the microwave theory, mechanical analysis of multiple buoys which form Sharp Eagle wave energy converter （WEC） is carried out. The movements of every buoy in three modes couple each other when they are affected with incident waves. Based on the above, mechanical models of the WEC are established, which are concerned with fluid forces, damping forces, hinge forces, and so on. Hydrodynamic parameters of one buoy are obtained by taking the other moving buoy as boundary conditions. Then, by taking those hydrodynamic parameters into the mechanical models, the optimum external damping and optimal capture width ratio are calculated out. Under the condition of the optimum external damping, a plenty of data are obtained, such as the displacements amplitude of each buoy in three modes （sway, heave, pitch）, damping forces, hinge forces, and speed of the hydraulic cylinder. Research results provide theoretical references and basis for Sharp Eagle WECs in the design and manufacture.

Analysis of Energy Characteristics in the Process of Freak Wave Generation

The energy characteristics in the evolution of the wave train are investigated to understand the inherent cause of the freak wave generation. The Morlet wavelet spectrum method is employed to analyze the numerical, laboratory and field evolution data of this generation process. Their energy distributions and variations are discussed with consideration of corresponding surface elevations. Through comparing the energy characteristics of three cases, it is shown that the freak wave generation depends not only on the continuous transfer of wave train energy to a certain region where finally the maximum energy occurs, but also on the distinct shift of the converged energy to high-frequency components in a very short time. And the typical energy characteristics of freak waves are also given.

Analytical method of radiation by a wave energy device with dual rectangular floating bodies

The system with one floating rectangular body on the free surface and one submerged rectangular body has been applied to a wave energy conversion device in water of finite depth. The radiation problem by this device on a plane incident wave is solved by the use of an eigenfunction expansion method, and a new analytical expression for the radiation velocity potential is obtained. The wave excitation force is calculated via the known incident wave potential and the radiation potential with a theorem of Haskind employed. To verify the correctness of this method, an example is computed respectively through the bound element method and analytical method. Results show that two numerical methods. are in good agreement, which shows that the present method is applicable. In addition, the trends of hydrodynamic coefficients and wave force are analyzed under different conditions by use of the present analytical method.

Architectural Technology Strategies of Zero Energy Solar House

Taking I-Magic Cube - the entry of Shandong Jianzhu University for Solar Decathlon 2013 - for example, the paper analyzes the conceptual, technological, functional and aesthetic solutions of zero energy solar house coping with ecological, economic, social and cultural challenges. Passive strategies, the solar thermal and PV system, and the building integrated solar system tactics are elaborated. Finally, industrialization and marketing viability of the solar house prototypes are discussed.

Study on Drying Edible Soya-bean Oil Using Solar Energy

Soya-bean oil （bean dregs） was dried in a solar energy drying system. Characteristics of the process were measured and the corresponding curves were done. The practicability of this process has been discussed. The results showed that the solar drying system could completely meet technological requirements of drying soy-bean oil, and it was feasible in technology to use the solar drying system to dry the vegetable oil.

Research of Power Take-off System for “Sharp Eagle Ⅱ” Wave Energy Converter

The " Sharp Eagle” device is a wave energy converter of a hinged double floating body. The wave-absorbing floating body hinges on the semi-submerged floating body structure. Under the action of wave, the wave-absorbing floating body rotates around the hinge point, and the wave energy can be converted into kinetic energy. In this paper, the power take-off system of " Sharp Eagle Ⅱ” wave energy converter (the second generation of " Sharp Eagle”) was studied, which adopts the hydraulic type power take-off system. The 0-1 power generation mode was applied in this system to make the " Sharp Eagle Ⅱ” operate under various wave conditions. The principle of power generation was introduced in detail, and the power take-off system was simulated. Three groups of different movement period inputs were used to simulate three kinds of wave conditions, and the simulation results were obtained under three different working conditions. In addition, the prototype of " Sharp Eagle Ⅱ” wave energy converter was tested on land and in real sea conditions. The experimental data have been collected, and the experimental data and simulation results were compared and validated. This work has laid a foundation for the design and application of the following " Sharp Eagle” series of devices.

Biphenyl-lithium-TEGDME solution as anolyte for high energy density non-aqueous redox flow lithium battery

Non-aqueous redox flow batteries, because of larger operating voltage, have attracted considerable at- tention for high-density energy storage applications. However, the study of the anolyte is rather limited compared with the catholyte due to the labile properties of redox mediators at low potentials. Here, we report a new strategy that exploits high concentration organic lithium metal solution as a robust and energetic anolyte. The solution formed by dissolving metallic lithium with biphenyl （BP） in tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether （TEGDME） presents a redox potential of 0.39V versus Li/Li＋, and a concentration up to 2 M. When coupled with a redox-targeted LiFePO4 catholyte system, the constructed redox flow lithium battery full cell delivers a ceil voltage of 3.0V and presents reasonably good cycling performance.