Showing papers in "Frontiers in energy in 2019"

Latest development of double perovskite electrode materials for solid oxide fuel cells: a review

Abstract: Recently, the development and fabrication of electrode component of the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) have gained a significant importance, especially after the advent of electrode supported SOFCs. The function of the electrode involves the facilitation of fuel gas diffusion, oxidation of the fuel, transport of electrons, and transport of the byproduct of the electrochemical reaction. Impressive progress has been made in the development of alternative electrode materials with mixed conducting properties and a few of the other composite cermets. During the operation of a SOFC, it is necessary to avoid carburization and sulfidation problems. The present review focuses on the various aspects pertaining to a potential electrode material, the double perovskite, as an anode and cathode in the SOFC. More than 150 SOFCs electrode compositions which had been investigated in the literature have been analyzed. An evaluation has been performed in terms of phase, structure, diffraction pattern, electrical conductivity, and power density. Various methods adopted to determine the quality of electrode component have been provided in detail. This review comprises the literature values to suggest possible direction for future research.

Intelligent hybrid power generation system using new hybrid fuzzy-neural for photovoltaic system and RBFNSM for wind turbine in the grid connected mode

Abstract: Photovoltaic (PV) generation is growing increasingly fast as a renewable energy source. Nevertheless, the drawback of the PV system is intermittent because of depending on weather conditions. Therefore, the wind power can be considered to assist for a stable and reliable output from the PV generation system for loads and improve the dynamic performance of the whole generation system in the grid connected mode. In this paper, a novel topology of an intelligent hybrid generation system with PV and wind turbine is presented. In order to capture the maximum power, a hybrid fuzzy-neural maximum power point tracking (MPPT) method is applied in the PV system. The average tracking efficiency of the hybrid fuzzy-neural is incremented by approximately two percentage points in comparison with the conventional methods. The pitch angle of the wind turbine is controlled by radial basis function network-sliding mode (RBFNSM). Different conditions are represented in simulation results that compare the real power values with those of the presented methods. The obtained results verify the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method which has the advantages of robustness, fast response and good performance. Detailed mathematical model and a control approach of a three-phase grid-connected intelligent hybrid system have been proposed using Matlab/Simulink.

Theoretical and technological exploration of deep in situ fluidized coal mining

Abstract: Mining industries worldwide have inevitably resorted to exploiting resources from the deep underground. However, traditional mining methods can cause various problems, e.g., considerable mining difficulty, environmental degradations, and frequent disastrous accidents. To exploit deep resources in the future, the concept of mining must be reconsidered and innovative new theories, methods, and technologies must be applied. To effectively acquire coal resources deeper than 2000 m, new theoretical and technological concepts about deep in situ fluidized mining are required. The limits of mining depth need to be broken to acquire deep-coal resources in an environmentally friendly, safe, and efficient manner. This is characterized by ‘There are no coal on the ground and no men in the coal mine’. First, this paper systematically explains deep in situ fluidized coal mining. Then, it presents a new theoretical concept, including the theories of mining-induced rock mechanics, three-field visualization, multi-physics coupling for in situ transformation, and in situ mining, transformation and transport. It also presents key technological concepts, including those of intelligent, unmanned, and fluidized mining. Finally, this paper presents a strategic roadmap for deep in situ fluidized coal mining. In summary, this paper develops new theoretical and technological systems for accomplishing groundbreaking innovations in mining technologies of coal resources in the deep underground.

A comprehensive review of greenhouse shapes and its applications

Abstract: Greenhouse technology is a practical option for the production and drying of agricultural products in controlled environment. For the successful design of a greenhouse, the selection of a suitable shape and orientation is of great importance. Of various shapes of greenhouses, the even-span roof and the Quonset shape greenhouses are the most commonly used for crop cultivation and drying. The orientation of greenhouses is kept east–west for maximum utilization of solar radiations. Hybrid and modified greenhouse dryers have been proposed for drying of products. The agricultural products dried in greenhouses are found to be better in quality as compared to open sun drying because they are protected from dust, rain, insects, birds and animals. Moreover, various greenhouses shapes along with their applications have been reviewed.

Development of a supercritical and an ultra-supercritical circulating fluidized bed boiler

Abstract: The supercritical circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler, which combines the advantages of CFB combustion with low cost emission control and supercritical steam cycle with high efficiency of coal energy, is believed to be the future of CFB combustion technology. It is also of greatest importance for low rank coal utilization in China. Different from the supercritical pulverized coal boiler that has been developed more than 50 years, the supercritical CFB boiler is still a new one which requires further investigation.Without any precedentor engineering reference, Chinese researchers have conducted fundamental research, development, design of the supercritical CFB boilers independently. The design theory and key technology for supercritical CFB boiler were proposed. Key components and novel structures were invented. The first 600 MWe supercritical CFB boiler and its auxiliaries were successfully developed and demonstrated in Baima Power Plant, Shenhua Group as well as the simulator, control technology, installation technology, commissioning technology, system integration and operation technology. Compared with the 460 MWe supercritical CFB in Poland, developed in the same period and the only other supercritical one of commercial running in the word beside Baima, the 600 MWe one in Baima has a better performance. Besides, supercritical CFB boilers of 350 MWe have been developed and widely commercialized in China. In this paper, the updated progress of 660 MWe ultra-supercritical CFB boilers under development is introduced.

Planning and analysis of the demonstration project of the MVDC distribution network in Zhuhai

Abstract: The DC distribution system is an important development direction of the distribution system, which can improve the reliability and the quality of the power supply, and support the new energy, the energy storage, the electric vehicles, and the flexible access of AC and DC loads to grid. To realize the demonstration application of the DC distribution technology, China’s first demonstration project of the medium voltage DC distribution network will be built in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province to support the construction of the city energy internet. First, this paper analyzes the demand of the DC distribution network project, and puts forward the construction content and construction target. Then, it designs and analyzes the electrical connection mode, system operation mode, and startup and shutdown mode of the DC distribution network, and proposes the overall project construction plan. Finally, it conducts the specific project design and analysis, which mainly include the selection of equipment such as inverters, DC transformers and DC circuit breakers, the design and analysis of the DC control and protection system, the design and analysis of the over-voltage protection and the configuration scheme of the lightning arrester, and analysis of the system transient characteristics. The design and analysis of the engineering program is a combination of China’s distribution network engineering practice and technical characteristics, which lays a solid foundation for the advancement of the DC power distribution technology in China, and has reference value and demonstration effect for the design and construction of other projects.

Renewable energy resources, policies and gaps in BRICS countries and the global impact

Abstract: This paper presents comparative yet extensive analysis of existing non-conventional renewable resources, energy policies and gaps in BRICS countries. An intelligent transformation to green economy to maintain natural resources is noted. Brazil has stable energy policies and is the leading producer of biofuels following hydropower until 2014 but supported wind and solar power development by tendering specific tariffs for energy generation from solar and wind. Russia needs improvement in its legal and regulatory framework with more incentives in energy policies. China is improving upon wind and hydropower but it needs strong policy measures to put cap on increased CO2 emissions. India needs revision in energy policy and requires extra incentives and consumer specific energy policies for research-infrastructure and energy generation technologies. South Africa requires lessons to increase renewable energy and reduce coal mining. Moreover, BRICS countries need to redefine their energy policies based upon their existing geographical, economical, societal and environmental conditions which will help in shaping global energy policies and more financial stability. This paper recognizes the potential of BRICS to reshape the global system paralleled with minimizing CO2 emissions. The concerted role of BRICS needs to be recognized as the leading contributor of global renewable capacity where the developed world is geared and busy to address the environmental issues.

Energy supply for water electrolysis systems using wind and solar energy to produce hydrogen: a case study of Iran

Abstract: Due to acute problems caused by fossil fuels that threaten the environment, conducting research on other types of energy carriers that are clean and renewable is of great importance. Since in the past few years hydrogen has been introduced as the future fuel, the aim of this study is to evaluate wind and solar energy potentials in prone areas of Iran by the Weibull distribution function (WDF) and the Angstrom-Prescott (AP) equation for hydrogen production. To this end, the meteorological data of solar radiation and wind speed recorded at 10 m height in the time interval of 3 h in a five-year period have been used. The findings indicate that Manjil and Zahedan with yearly wind and solar energy densities of 6004 (kWh/m2) and 2247 (kWh/m2), respectively, have the greatest amount of energy among the other cities. After examining three different types of commercial wind turbines and photovoltaic (PV) systems, it becomes clear that by utilizing one set of Gamesa G47 turbine, 91 kg/d of hydrogen, which provides energy for 91 car/week, can be produced in Manjil and will save about 1347 L of gasoline in the week. Besides, by installing one thousand sets of X21-345 PV systems in Zahedan, 20 kg/d of hydrogen, enough for 20 cars per week, can be generated and 296 L of gasoline can be saved. Finally, the RETScreen software is used to calculate the annual CO2 emission reduction after replacing gasoline with the produced hydrogen.

Simulation analysis of municipal solid waste pyrolysis and gasification based on Aspen plus

Abstract: To predict and analyze the municipal solid waste (MSW) pyrolysis and gasification process in an updraft fixed bed more veritably and appropriately, numerical modeling based on Gibbs energy minimization was executed using the Aspen plus software. The RYield module was combined with the RGibbs module to describe the pyrolysis section, while the RGibbs module was used for the gasification section individually. The proposed model was used to forecast and analyze the target performance parameters including syngas composition, lower heating value (LHV) and carbon conversion rate under different conditions of the gasification temperatures, and ratios and types of gasifying agents. The results indicate that there is a good agreement between the experimental data and the simulated data obtained using this model. The predicted optimum gasification temperature is approximately 750°C, and the best ratio of water vapor as gasifying agent is around 0.4. The mixture of flue gas and water vapor has an economical and recycled prospect among four commonly used gasifying agents.

Metal-based direct hydrogen generation as unconventional high density energy

Abstract: Metals are unconventional hydrogen production materials which are of high energy densities. This paper comprehensively reviewed and digested the latest researches of the metal-based direct hydrogen generation and the unconventional energy utilization ways thus enabled. According to the metal activities, the reaction conditions of metals were generalized into three categories. The first ones refer to those which would violently react with water at ambient temperature. The second ones start to react with water after certain pretreatments. The third ones can only react with steam under somewhat harsh conditions. To interpret the metal-water reaction mechanisms at the molecular scale, the molecule dynamics simulation and computational quantum chemistry were introduced as representative theoretical analytical tools. Besides, the state-of-the-art of the metal-water reaction was presented with several ordinary metals as illustration examples, including the material treatment technologies and the evaluations of hydrogen evolution performances. Moreover, the energy capacities of various metals were summarized, and the application potentials of the metal-based direct hydrogen production approach were explored. Furthermore, the challenges lying behind this unconventional hydrogen generation method and energy strategy were raised, which outlined promising directions worth of further endeavors. Overall, active metals like Na and K are appropriate for rapid hydrogen production occasions. Of these metals discussed, Al, Mg and their alloys offer the most promising hydrogen generation route for clean and efficient propulsion and real-time power source. In the long run, there exists plenty of space for developing future energy technology along this direction.

Optimal design and development of PV-wind-battery based nano-grid system: A field-on-laboratory demonstration

Abstract: The present paper has disseminated the design approach, project implementation, and economics of a nano-grid system. The deployment of the system is envisioned to acculturate the renewable technology into Indian society by field-on-laboratory demonstration (FOLD) and “bridge the gaps between research, development, and implementation.” The system consists of a solar photovoltaic (PV) (2.4 kWp), a wind turbine (3.2 kWp), and a battery bank (400 Ah). Initially, a prefeasibility study is conducted using the well-established HOMER (hybrid optimization model for electric renewable) software developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), USA. The feasibility study indicates that the optimal capacity for the nano-grid system consists of a 2.16 kWp solar PV, a 3 kWp wind turbine, a 1.44 kW inverter, and a 24 kWh battery bank. The total net present cost (TNPC) and cost of energy (COE) of the system are US$20789.85 and US$0.673/kWh, respectively. However, the hybrid system consisting of a 2.4 kWp of solar PV, a 3.2 kWp of wind turbine, a 3 kVA of inverter, and a 400 Ah of battery bank has been installed due to unavailability of system components of desired values and to enhance the reliability of the system. The TNPC and COE of the system installed are found to be US$20073.63 and US$0.635/kWh, respectively and both costs are largely influenced by battery cost. Besides, this paper has illustrated the installation details of each component as well as of the system. Moreover, it has discussed the detailed cost breakup of the system. Furthermore, the performance of the system has been investigated and validated with the simulation results. It is observed that the power generated from the PV system is quite significant and is almost uniform over the year. Contrary to this, a trivial wind velocity prevails over the year apart from the month of April, May, and June, so does the power yield. This research demonstration provides a pathway for future planning of scaled-up hybrid energy systems or microgrid in this region of India or regions of similar topography.

An overview of the development history and technical progress of China’s coal-fired power industry

Abstract: As the main power source of China, coal-fired power industry has achieved a great progress in installed capacity, manufacturing technologies, thermal efficiency, as well as pollutant control during the past century. With the fast development of renewable energies, coal-fired power industry is experiencing a strategic transformation. To specify the development of coal-fired power industry, its development history is reviewed and the technical progresses on aspects of thermal efficiency, pollutants control and peaking shaving capacity are discussed. It is concluded that the role of China’s coal-fired power source would be transformed from the dominant position to a base position in power source structure. Considering the sustainable development of coal-fired power industry in energy conservation, emission control, and utilization of renewable energies, it is suggested that the national average thermal efficiency should be improved by continual up-gradation of units by using advanced technologies and eliminating outdated capacity. Moreover, the emission standard of air pollutants should not be stricter any more in coal-fired power industry. Furthermore, the huge amount of combined heat and power (CHP) coal-fired units should be operated in a decoupled way, so as to release more than 350 GW regulation capacity for the grid to accept more renewable energy power.

Flexible liquid metal coil prepared for electromagnetic energy harvesting and wireless charging

Abstract: This paper reported a study on a flexible liquid metal coil (LMC) for electromagnetic collection from the transmission line for self-powered sensor and electromagnetic generation for wireless charging of cellular telephone. The room temperature liquid metal of Galinstan was perfused to elastic silicone tube, which is then terminated with gallium-plated copper wire. The as-prepared liquid metal wire can sustain stretching, twisting, and bending with large deformation, and has a good electrical contact stability with the external circuit. The LMC based magnetic energy harvester was then designed and demonstrated to collect the magnetic field energy induced by a wire carrying alternating current. The power of 260 mW was obtained for the wire carrying current of 10 A. The flexible toroidal inductor was fabricated and tested for magnetic energy harvesting. The flexible spiral-shaped LMC was also designed and demonstrated to power cellular telephone through wireless charging. The present study opens the way for further applications of elastic LMC in electromagnetic energy harvesting and charging.

Photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide by titanium oxide-based semiconductors to produce fuels

Abstract: To tackle the crisis of global warming, it is imperative to control and mitigate the atmospheric carbon dioxide level. Photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide into solar fuels furnishes a gratifying solution to utilize and reduce carbon dioxide emission and simultaneously generate renewable energy to sustain the societies. So far, titanium oxide-based semiconductors have been the most prevalently adopted catalysts in carbon dioxide photoreduction. This mini-review provides a general summary of the recent progresses in titanium oxide-catalyzed photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide. It first illustrates the use of structural engineering as a strategy to adjust and improve the catalytic performances. Then, it describes the introduction of one/two exogenous elements to modify the photocatalytic activity and/or selectivity. Lastly, it discusses multi-component hybrid titanium oxide composites.

A systematic approach in load disaggregation utilizing a multi-stage classification algorithm for consumer electrical appliances classification

Abstract: The potential to save energy in existing consumer electrical appliances is very high. One of the ways to achieve energy saving and improve energy use awareness is to recognize the energy consumption of individual electrical appliances. To recognize the energy consumption of consumer electrical appliances, the load disaggregation methodology is utilized. Non-intrusive appliance load monitoring (NIALM) is a load disaggregation methodology that disaggregates the sum of power consumption in a single point into the power consumption of individual electrical appliances. In this study, load disaggregation is performed through voltage and current waveform, known as the V-I trajectory. The classification algorithm performs cropping and image pyramid reduction of the V-I trajectory plot template images before utilizing the principal component analysis (PCA) and the k-nearest neighbor (k-NN) algorithm. The novelty of this paper is to establish a systematic approach of load disaggregation through V-I trajectory-based load signature images by utilizing a multi-stage classification algorithm methodology. The contribution of this paper is in utilizing the “k-value,” the number of closest data points to the nearest neighbor, in the k-NN algorithm to be effective in classification of electrical appliances. The results of the multi-stage classification algorithm implementation have been discussed and the idea on future work has also been proposed.

A comprehensive assessment on the durability of gas diffusion electrode materials in PEM fuel cell stack

Abstract: Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell is the most promising among the various types of fuel cells. Though it has found its applications in numerous fields, the cost and durability are key barriers impeding the commercialization of PEM fuel cell stack. The crucial and expensive component involved in it is the gas diffusion electrode (GDE) and its degradation, which limits the performance and life of the fuel cell stack. A critical analysis and comprehensive understanding of the structural and functional properties of various materials involved in the GDE can help us to address the related durability and cost issues. This paper reviews the key GDE components, and in specific, the root causes influencing the durability. It also envisages the role of novel materials and provides a critical recommendation to improve the GDE durability.

Reactive power deployment and cost benefit analysis in DNO operated distribution electricity markets with D-STATCOM

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to analyze unbalanced radial distribution systems (UBRDS) with the distribution static compensator (D-STATCOM). The main objectives of this paper are D-STATCOM allocation in UBRDS with an objective of providing reactive power support to enhance voltage profile and reduce line losses of the distribution network, determination of optimal D-STATCOM rating subjected to minimization of total cost, and impact of D-STATCOM placement on improving power factor and savings in cost of energy loss. The analysis is conducted on a large industrial load model with light, medium and high loading scenarios. Further, the impact of load growth is also considered for better planning of the power distribution system. The results are obtained on standard 25-bus UBRDS to check the feasibility of the proposed methodology.

Smart residential energy management system for demand response in buildings with energy storage devices

Abstract: In the present scenario, the utilities are focusing on smart grid technologies to achieve reliable and profitable grid operation. Demand side management (DSM) is one of such smart grid technologies which motivate end users to actively participate in the electricity market by providing incentives. Consumers are expected to respond (demand response (DR)) in various ways to attain these benefits. Nowadays, residential consumers are interested in energy storage devices such as battery to reduce power consumption from the utility during peak intervals. In this paper, the use of a smart residential energy management system (SREMS) is demonstrated at the consumer premises to reduce the total electricity bill by optimally time scheduling the operation of household appliances. Further, the SREMS effectively utilizes the battery by scheduling the mode of operation of the battery (charging/floating/discharging) and the amount of power exchange from the battery while considering the variations in consumer demand and utility parameters such as electricity price and consumer consumption limit (CCL). The SREMS framework is implemented in Matlab and the case study results show significant yields for the end user.

Key problems and solutions in supercritical CO 2 fracturing technology

Abstract: Supercritical CO2 fracturing is considered to be a new method for efficient exploitation of unconventional reservoirs, such as shale gas, coal bed methane, and tight sand stone gas. Supercritical CO2 has many special properties including low viscosity, high diffusion coefficient, and lack of surface tension, which brings about great advantages for fracturing. However, these properties also cause several problems, such as difficulty in proppant transportation, high friction loss, and high pump displacement. In this paper, the above problems were analyzed by combining field test with laboratory study and specific solutions to these problems are given. The high frictionloss in the pipeline could be reduced by developing a new drag reducing agent and selecting large-size casing. Besides, for the problem of poor capacity in proppant carrying and sand plug, the methods of adding tackifier into supercritical CO2, increasing pump displacement and selecting ultra-low density proppants are proposed. Moreover, for the problem of fast leak-off and high requirement for pump displacement, the displacement can be increased or the pad fluid can be injected into the reservoir. After solving the above three problems, the field test of supercritical CO2 fracturing can be conducted. The research results can promote the industrialization process of supercritical CO2 fracturing.

Metal-organic frameworks for CO 2 photoreduction

Abstract: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted much attention because of their large surface areas, tunable structures, and potential applications in many areas. In recent years, MOFs have shown much promise in CO2 photoreduction. This review summarized recent research progresses in MOF-based photocatalysts for photocatalytic reduction of CO2. Besides, it discussed strategies in rational design of MOF-based photocatalysts (functionalized pristine MOFs, MOF-photosensitizer, MOF-semiconductor, MOF-metal, and MOF-carbon materials composites) with enhanced performance on CO2 reduction. Moreover, it explored challenges and outlook on using MOF-based photocatalysts for CO2 reduction.

Performance and emission characteristics of a diesel engine operating on different water in diesel emulsion fuels: optimization using response surface methodology (RSM)

Abstract: The nitrogen oxide (NOx) release of diesel engines can be reduced using water in diesel emulsion fuel without any engine modification. In the present paper, different formulations of water in diesel emulsion fuels were prepared by ultrasonic irradiation. The water droplet size in the emulsion, polydisperisty index, and the stability of prepared fuel was examined, experimentally. Afterwards, the performance characteristics and exhaust emission of a single cylinder air-cooled diesel engine were investigated using different water in diesel emulsion fuels. The effect of water content (in the range of 5%–10% by volume), surfactant content (in the range of 0.5%–2% by volume), and hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) (in the range of 5–8) was examined using Box-Behnken design (BBD) as a subset of response surface methodology (RSM). Considering multi-objective optimization, the best formulation for the emulsion fuel was found to be 5% water, 2% surfactant, and HLB of 6.8. A comparison was made between the best emulsion fuel and the neat diesel fuel for engine performance and emission characteristics. A considerable decrease in the nitrogen oxide emission (−18.24%) was observed for the best emulsion fuel compared to neat diesel fuel.

Feasibility of using wind turbines for renewable hydrogen production in Firuzkuh, Iran

Abstract: The present study was conducted with the objective of evaluating several proposed turbines from 25 kW to 1.65 MW in order to select the appropriate turbine for electricity and hydrogen production in Firuzkuh area using the decision making trial and evaluation (DEMATEL) and data envelopment analysis (DEA) methods. Initially, five important factors in selection of the best wind turbine for wind farm construction were determined using the DEMATEL technique. Then, technical-economic feasibility was performed for each of the eight proposed turbines using the HOMER software, and the performance score for each proposed wind turbine was obtained. The results show that the GE 1.5sl model wind turbine is suitable for wind farm construction. The turbine can generate 5515.325 MW of electricity annually, which is equivalent to $ 1103065. The average annual hydrogen production would be 1014 kg for Firuzkuh by using the GE 1.5sl model turbine.

Sensitivity analysis of using diethanolamine instead of methyldiethanolamine solution for GASCO’S Habshan acid gases removal plant

Abstract: Sweeting natural gas processes are mainly focused on removing carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S). The high-energy requirements and operational limitations make amine absorption process sensitive to any change in conditions. This paper presented a steady-state simulation using Hysys to reasonably predict removal amounts of carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide from natural gas with the diethanolamine (DEA) solvent. The product specifications are taken from the real plant (GASCO’S Habshan) which uses the methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) solvent, while this simulation uses DEA under the same operation conditions. First, the simulation validation has been checked with the data of the real plant. The results show accurate prediction for CO2 slippage and accepted agreement for H2S content compared with the data of the plant. A parametric analysis has been performed to test all possible parameters that affect the performance of the acid gases removal plant. The effects of operational parameters are examined in terms of carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide contents in clean gas and reboiler duty.

Pre-chamber turbulent jet ignition of methane/air mixtures with multiple orifices in a large bore constant volume chamber: effect of air-fuel equivalence ratio and pre-mixed pressure

Abstract: Liquefied natural gas (LNG), mainly composed of methane, is in progress to substitute diesel fuel in heavy-duty marine engine for practical, economic, and environmental considerations. However, natural gas is relatively difficult to be ignited in a large bore combustion chamber. A combustion enhancement technique called pre-chamber turbulent jet ignition (TJI) can permit combustion and flame propagation in a large-bore volume. To investigate the effect of air-fuel equivalence ratio and pre-mixed pressure on pre-chamber TJI of methane/air mixtures with multiple orifices in a large bore volume, experimental tests and computational simulations were implemented to study the discharge of hot turbulent jets from six orifices of the pre-chamber. Different initial pressures and air-fuel equivalence ratios were considered to analyze the characteristics of TJI. The asymmetry of the turbulent jet actuated from six different orifices were found due to the asymmetric orientation of the spark plug, resulting in the inhomogeneous distribution of combustion in the constant volume chamber, which should be considered seriously in the marine engine design. Besides, as the premixed pressure increases, it has more effect on the flame propagation and plays a more important role, as it further increases.

Effect of 2,5-dimethylfuran addition on ignition delay times of n-heptane at high temperatures

Abstract: The shock tube autoignition of 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF)/n-heptane blends (DMF0-100%, by mole fraction) with equivalence ratios of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 over the temperature range of 1200–1800 K and pressures of 2.0 atm and 10.0 atm were investigated. A detailed blend chemical kinetic model resulting from the merging of validated kinetic models for the components of the fuel blends was developed. The experimental observations indicate that the ignition delay times nonlinearly increase with an increase in the DMF addition level. Chemical kinetic analysis including radical pool analysis and flux analysis were conducted to explain the DMF addition effects. The kinetic analysis shows that at lower DMF blending levels, the two fuels have negligible impacts on the consumption pathways of each other. As the DMF addition increases to relatively higher levels, the consumption path of n-heptane is significantly changed due to the competition of small radicals, which primarily leads to the nonlinear increase in the ignition delay times of DMF/nheptane blends.

Effect of harmonic distortion on electric energy meters of different metrological principles

Abstract: This paper deals with the errors of electric energy metering devices as a result of distortions in the shape of the curves of voltage and current load It is shown and proved that the errors in energy measurements depend on the design and the algorithms used in electricity meters There are three main types of metering devises having different principles: inductive (electro-mechanical), electronic static, and digital electronic (microprocessor) Each of these types has its measuring features Some devices take into account all the harmonic distortions and the constant component which occur in the network while others measure the power and energy values of the fundamental harmonic only Such traits lead to the discrepancies in the readings of commercial electric energy meters of different types Hence, the violations in the measurement system unity occur, and a significant error can be observed in the balance of transmitted/consumed electric energy

Exergetic sustainability evaluation and optimization of an irreversible Brayton cycle performance

Abstract: Owing to the energy demands and global warming issue, employing more effective power cycles has become a responsibility. This paper presents a thermodynamical study of an irreversible Brayton cycle with the aim of optimizing the performance of the Brayton cycle. Moreover, four different schemes in the process of multi-objective optimization were suggested, and the outcomes of each scheme are assessed separately. The power output, the concepts of entropy generation, the energy, the exergy output, and the exergy efficiencies for the irreversible Brayton cycle are considered in the analysis. In the first scheme, in order to maximize the exergy output, the ecological function and the ecological coefficient of performance, a multi-objective optimization algorithm (MOEA) is used. In the second scheme, three objective functions including the exergetic performance criteria, the ecological coefficient of performance, and the ecological function are maximized at the same time by employing MOEA. In the third scenario, in order to maximize the exergy output, the exergetic performance criteria and the ecological coefficient of performance, a MOEA is performed. In the last scheme, three objective functions containing the exergetic performance criteria, the ecological coefficient of performance, and the exergy-based ecological function are maximized at the same time by employing multi-objective optimization algorithms. All the strategies are implemented via multi-objective evolutionary algorithms based on the NSGAII method. Finally, to govern the final outcome in each scheme, three well-known decision makers were employed.

Novel power capture optimization based sensorless maximum power point tracking strategy and internal model controller for wind turbines systems driven SCIG

Abstract: Under the trends to using renewable energy sources as alternatives to the traditional ones, it is important to contribute to the fast growing development of these sources by using powerful soft computing methods. In this context, this paper introduces a novel structure to optimize and control the energy produced from a variable speed wind turbine which is based on a squirrel cage induction generator (SCIG) and connected to the grid. The optimization strategy of the harvested power from the wind is realized by a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm based on fuzzy logic, and the control strategy of the generator is implemented by means of an internal model (IM) controller. Three IM controllers are incorporated in the vector control technique, as an alternative to the proportional integral (PI) controller, to implement the proposed optimization strategy. The MPPT in conjunction with the IM controller is proposed as an alternative to the traditional tip speed ratio (TSR) technique, to avoid any disturbance such as wind speed measurement and wind turbine (WT) characteristic uncertainties. Based on the simulation results of a six KW-WECS model in Matlab/Simulink, the presented control system topology is reliable and keeps the system operation around the desired response.

China’s pre-2020 CO2 emission reduction potential and its influence

Abstract: China achieved the reduction of CO2 intensity of GDP by 45% compared with 2005 at the end of 2017, realizing the commitment at 2009 Copenhagen Conference on emissions reduction 3 years ahead of time. In future implementation of the “13th Five-Year Plan (FYP),” with the decline of economic growth rate, decrease of energy consumption elasticity and optimization of energy structure, the CO2 intensity of GDP will still have the potential for decreasing before 2020. By applying KAYA Formula decomposition, this paper makes the historical statistics of the GDP energy intensity decrease and CO2 intensity of energy consumption since 2005, and simulates the decrease of CO2 intensity of GDP in 2020 and its influences on achieving National Determined Contribution (NDC) target in 2030 with scenario analysis. The results show that China’s CO2 intensity of GDP in 2020 is expected to fall by 52.9%–54.4% than the 2005 level, and will be 22.9%–25.4% lower than 2015. Therefore, it is likely to overfulfill the decrease of CO2 intensity of GDP by 18% proposed in the 13th FYP period. Furthermore, the emission reduction potentiality before 2020 will be conducive to the earlier realization of NDC objectives in 2030. China’s CO2 intensity of GDP in 2030 will fall by over 70% than that in 2005, and CO2 emissions peak will appear before 2030 as early as possible. To accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy, China needs to make better use of the carbon market, and guide the whole society with carbon price to reduce emissions effectively. At the same time, China should also study the synergy of policy package so as to achieve the target of emission reduction.

Application of AI techniques in monitoring and operation of power systems

Abstract: In recent years, the artificial intelligence (AI) technology is becoming more and more popular in many areas due to its amazing performance. However, the application of AI techniques in power systems is still in its infancy. Therefore, in this paper, the application potentials of AI technologies in power systems will be discussed by mainly focusing on the power system operation and monitoring. For the power system operation, the problems, the demands, and the possible applications of AI techniques in control, optimization, and decision making problems are discussed. Subsequently, the fault detection and stability analysis problems in power system monitoring are studied. At the end of the paper, a case study to use the neural network (NN) for power flow analysis is provided as a simple example to demonstrate the viability of AI techniques in solving power system problems.