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Xinhai Xu

Bio: Xinhai Xu is an academic researcher from Harbin Institute of Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Steam reforming & Methane reformer. The author has an hindex of 21, co-authored 57 publications receiving 2081 citations. Previous affiliations of Xinhai Xu include University of Arizona & Arizona State University.


Papers
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focus on the application of various phase change materials based on their thermophysical properties, in particular, the melting point, thermal energy storage density and thermal conductivity of the organic, inorganic and eutectic phases.

813 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the current status of heat transfer fluid, which is one of the critical components for storing and transferring thermal energy in concentrating solar power systems, is reviewed in detail, particularly regarding the melting temperature, thermal stability limit and corrosion issues.

626 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a bibliometric analysis of the publications on various types of Na+ ion conducting electrolytes since 1990 shows a total of 200 + publications and reveals an exponential growth in the last few years, due to reasons that the sodium ion systems promise great potential as the future large scale power sources for variety of applications.

175 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a review of the benefits and challenges of concentrated solar power plants (CSPs) in the desert regions is presented and suggested solutions are made to address the challenges.
Abstract: Concentrated solar power plants (CSPs) are gaining momentum due to their potential of power generation throughout the day for base load applications in the desert regions with extremely high direct normal irradiance (DNI). Among various types of the CSPs, solar tower power technologies are becoming the front runners especially in the United States and around the world with the possibility to compete with traditional power generation technologies in terms of efficiency and levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). A bibliometric analysis of the publications on the CSP systems and components since 1990 shows a total of 6400+ publications and reveals an exponential growth due to reasons that CSP systems promises a lot of potential as the future large scale power source for varied applications. This review consolidates the benefits and challenges of the CSP technologies particularly in the desert regions. Thorough literature analysis as well as the meteorological data projects the trend that the CSP systems would become a reality in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Australia, Southwestern region of the United States, Southwestern part of China and China/Mongolia border with high direct normal irradiance. However, enormous amount of support and capital investments are needed for making these CSP systems realistic as there is not much power grid network in existence. It is evident that there are multiple challenges specifically in water consumption, materials design and development for the optimum heat transfer fluid, thermal energy storage and receiver subsystems in addition to commercial viability and environmental impacts. Each of the challenges is discussed in detail and suggestions are made to address the challenges.

158 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors reviewed the technological features and challenges of autothermal reforming (ATR) of heavy hydrocarbon fuels for producing hydrogen and syngas onboard to supply fuels to fuel cells for auxiliary power units.

120 citations


Cited by
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Current research on materials is summarized and discussed and future directions for SIBs are proposed to provide important insights into scientific and practical issues in the development of S IBs.
Abstract: Energy production and storage technologies have attracted a great deal of attention for day-to-day applications. In recent decades, advances in lithium-ion battery (LIB) technology have improved living conditions around the globe. LIBs are used in most mobile electronic devices as well as in zero-emission electronic vehicles. However, there are increasing concerns regarding load leveling of renewable energy sources and the smart grid as well as the sustainability of lithium sources due to their limited availability and consequent expected price increase. Therefore, whether LIBs alone can satisfy the rising demand for small- and/or mid-to-large-format energy storage applications remains unclear. To mitigate these issues, recent research has focused on alternative energy storage systems. Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are considered as the best candidate power sources because sodium is widely available and exhibits similar chemistry to that of LIBs; therefore, SIBs are promising next-generation alternatives. Recently, sodiated layer transition metal oxides, phosphates and organic compounds have been introduced as cathode materials for SIBs. Simultaneously, recent developments have been facilitated by the use of select carbonaceous materials, transition metal oxides (or sulfides), and intermetallic and organic compounds as anodes for SIBs. Apart from electrode materials, suitable electrolytes, additives, and binders are equally important for the development of practical SIBs. Despite developments in electrode materials and other components, there remain several challenges, including cell design and electrode balancing, in the application of sodium ion cells. In this article, we summarize and discuss current research on materials and propose future directions for SIBs. This will provide important insights into scientific and practical issues in the development of SIBs.

3,009 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
10 Mar 2017-Science
TL;DR: A metamaterial composed of a polymer layer embedded with microspheres, backed with a thin layer of silver, which shows a noontime radiative cooling power of 93 watts per square meter under direct sunshine is constructed.
Abstract: Passive radiative cooling draws heat from surfaces and radiates it into space as infrared radiation to which the atmosphere is transparent. However, the energy density mismatch between solar irradiance and the low infrared radiation flux from a near-ambient-temperature surface requires materials that strongly emit thermal energy and barely absorb sunlight. We embedded resonant polar dielectric microspheres randomly in a polymeric matrix, resulting in a metamaterial that is fully transparent to the solar spectrum while having an infrared emissivity greater than 0.93 across the atmospheric window. When backed with a silver coating, the metamaterial shows a noontime radiative cooling power of 93 watts per square meter under direct sunshine. More critically, we demonstrated high-throughput, economical roll-to-roll manufacturing of the metamaterial, which is vital for promoting radiative cooling as a viable energy technology.

1,278 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focus on the application of various phase change materials based on their thermophysical properties, in particular, the melting point, thermal energy storage density and thermal conductivity of the organic, inorganic and eutectic phases.

813 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a review of energy storage technologies, including storage types, categorizations and comparisons, is presented, including new energy storage types as well as important advances and developments in energy storage.
Abstract: Energy storage technologies, including storage types, categorizations and comparisons, are critically reviewed. Most energy storage technologies are considered, including electrochemical and battery energy storage, thermal energy storage, thermochemical energy storage, flywheel energy storage, compressed air energy storage, pumped energy storage, magnetic energy storage, chemical and hydrogen energy storage. Recent research on new energy storage types as well as important advances and developments in energy storage, are also included throughout.

806 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide a comprehensive summary of concentrating solar power (CSP) plants both in operation and under construction, covering the available technologies for the receiver, thermal storage, power block and heat transfer fluid.
Abstract: A concentrating solar power (CSP) system converts sunlight into a heat source which can be used to drive a conventional power plant. Thermal energy storage (TES) improves the dispatchability of a CSP plant. Heat can be stored in either sensible, latent or thermochemical storage. Commercial deployment of CSP systems have been achieved in recent years with the two-tank sensible storage system using molten salt as the storage medium. Considerable research effort has been conducted to improve the efficiency of the CSP system and make the cost of electricity comparable to that of the conventional fossil-fuel power plant. This paper provides a comprehensive summary of CSP plants both in operation and under construction. It covers the available technologies for the receiver, thermal storage, power block and heat transfer fluid. This paper also reviews developments in high temperature TES over the past decade with a focus on sensible and latent heat storage. High temperature corrosion and economic aspects of these systems are also discussed.

672 citations