Showing papers on "Energy source published in 2018"
TL;DR: This study offers novel insights into the formation, localization, and release of biogenic SeNS generated by two different Gram-negative bacterial strains under aerobic and metabolically controlled growth conditions.
Abstract: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia SeITE02 and Ochrobactrum sp. MPV1 were isolated from the rhizosphere soil of the selenium-hyperaccumulator legume Astragalus bisulcatus and waste material from a dumping site for roasted pyrites, respectively. Here, these bacterial strains were studied as cell factories to generate selenium-nanostructures (SeNS) under metabolically controlled growth conditions. Thus, a defined medium (DM) containing either glucose or pyruvate as carbon and energy source along with selenite () was tested to evaluate bacterial growth, oxyanion bioconversion and changes occurring in SeNS features with respect to those generated by these strains grown on rich media. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images show extra- or intra-cellular emergence of SeNS in SeITE02 or MPV1 respectively, revealing the presence of two distinct biological routes of SeNS biogenesis. Indeed, the stress exerted by upon SeITE02 cells triggered the production of membrane vesicles (MVs), which surrounded Se-nanoparticles (SeNPsSeITE02-G_e and SeNPsSeITE02-P_e with average diameter of 179 ± 56 and 208 ± 60 nm, respectively), as highlighted by TEM and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), strongly suggesting that MVs might play a crucial role in the excreting mechanism of the SeNPs in the extracellular environment. On the other hand, MPV1 strain biosynthesized intracellular inclusions likely containing hydrophobic storage compounds and SeNPs (123 ± 32 nm) under pyruvate conditioning, while the growth on glucose as the only source of carbon and energy led to the production of a mixed population of intracellular SeNPs (118 ± 36 nm) and nanorods (SeNRs; average length of 324 ± 89). SEM, fluorescence spectroscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) revealed that the biogenic SeNS were enclosed in an organic material containing proteins and amphiphilic molecules, possibly responsible for the high thermodynamic stability of these nanomaterials. Finally, the biogenic SeNS extracts were photoluminescent upon excitation ranging from 380 to 530 nm, whose degree of fluorescence emission (λem = 416-640 nm) was comparable to that from chemically synthesized SeNPs with L-cysteine (L-cys SeNPs). This study offers novel insights into the formation, localization, and release of biogenic SeNS generated by two different Gram-negative bacterial strains under aerobic and metabolically controlled growth conditions. The work strengthens the possibility of using these bacterial isolates as eco-friendly biocatalysts to produce high quality SeNS targeted to possible biomedical applications and other biotechnological purposes.
955 citations
TL;DR: A critical appraisal of alkaline HER electrocatalysis is presented, with a special emphasis on the connection between fundamental surface electrochemistry on single-crystal models and the derived molecular design principle for real-world electrocatalysts.
Abstract: The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is a fundamental process in electrocatalysis and plays an important role in energy conversion for the development of hydrogen-based energy sources. However, the considerably slow rate of the HER in alkaline conditions has hindered advances in water splitting techniques for high-purity hydrogen production. Differing from well documented acidic HER, the mechanistic aspects of alkaline HER are yet to be settled. A critical appraisal of alkaline HER electrocatalysis is presented, with a special emphasis on the connection between fundamental surface electrochemistry on single-crystal models and the derived molecular design principle for real-world electrocatalysts. By presenting some typical examples across theoretical calculations, surface characterization, and electrochemical experiments, we try to address some key ongoing debates to deliver a better understanding of alkaline HER at the atomic level.
879 citations
TL;DR: This paper identifies and provides a detailed description of various potential emerging technologies for the fifth generation communications with SWIPT/WPT and provides some interesting research challenges and recommendations with the objective of stimulating future research in this emerging domain.
Abstract: Initial efforts on wireless power transfer (WPT) have concentrated toward long-distance transmission and high power applications. Nonetheless, the lower achievable transmission efficiency and potential health concerns arising due to high power applications, have caused limitations in their further developments. Due to tremendous energy consumption growth with ever-increasing connected devices, alternative wireless information and power transfer techniques have been important not only for theoretical research but also for the operational costs saving and for the sustainable growth of wireless communications. In this regard, radio frequency energy harvesting (RF-EH) for a wireless communications system presents a new paradigm that allows wireless nodes to recharge their batteries from the RF signals instead of fixed power grids and the traditional energy sources. In this approach, the RF energy is harvested from ambient electromagnetic sources or from the sources that directionally transmit RF energy for EH purposes. Notable research activities and major advances have occurred over the last decade in this direction. Thus, this paper provides a comprehensive survey of the state-of-art techniques, based on advances and open issues presented by simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) and WPT assisted technologies. More specifically, in contrast to the existing works, this paper identifies and provides a detailed description of various potential emerging technologies for the fifth generation communications with SWIPT/WPT. Moreover, we provide some interesting research challenges and recommendations with the objective of stimulating future research in this emerging domain.
621 citations
TL;DR: Clinical studies are utilizing lactate to treat pro-inflammatory conditions and to deliver optimal fuel for working muscles in sports medicine and "Lactate shuttle" concepts describe the roles of lactate in delivery of oxidative and gluconeogenic substrates as well as in cell signaling.
568 citations
TL;DR: This Perspective proposes the federated power plant, a virtual power plant formed through P2P transactions between self-organizing prosumers, which addresses social, institutional and economic issues faced by top-down strategies for coordinating virtual power plants, while unlocking additional value for P1P energy trading.
Abstract: Power networks are undergoing a fundamental transition, with traditionally passive consumers becoming ‘prosumers’ — proactive consumers with distributed energy resources, actively managing their consumption, production and storage of energy. A key question that remains unresolved is: how can we incentivize coordination between vast numbers of distributed energy resources, each with different owners and characteristics? Virtual power plants and peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading offer different sources of value to prosumers and the power network, and have been proposed as different potential structures for future prosumer electricity markets. In this Perspective, we argue they can be combined to capture the benefits of both. We thus propose the concept of the federated power plant, a virtual power plant formed through P2P transactions between self-organizing prosumers. This addresses social, institutional and economic issues faced by top-down strategies for coordinating virtual power plants, while unlocking additional value for P2P energy trading. The rise of prosumers has led to creation of virtual power plants and peer-to-peer trading to help manage a diverse and distributed array of energy sources. This Perspective proposes the federated power plant, which combines these concepts to meet some of their individual challenges and offer new value.
548 citations
TL;DR: 3D structure of a newly discovered enzyme that can digest highly crystalline PET, the primary material used in the manufacture of single-use plastic beverage bottles, in some clothing, and in carpets is characterized and it is shown that PETase degrades another semiaromatic polyester, polyethylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate (PEF), which is an emerging, bioderived PET replacement with improved barrier properties.
Abstract: Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is one of the most abundantly produced synthetic polymers and is accumulating in the environment at a staggering rate as discarded packaging and textiles. The properties that make PET so useful also endow it with an alarming resistance to biodegradation, likely lasting centuries in the environment. Our collective reliance on PET and other plastics means that this buildup will continue unless solutions are found. Recently, a newly discovered bacterium, Ideonella sakaiensis 201-F6, was shown to exhibit the rare ability to grow on PET as a major carbon and energy source. Central to its PET biodegradation capability is a secreted PETase (PET-digesting enzyme). Here, we present a 0.92 A resolution X-ray crystal structure of PETase, which reveals features common to both cutinases and lipases. PETase retains the ancestral α/β-hydrolase fold but exhibits a more open active-site cleft than homologous cutinases. By narrowing the binding cleft via mutation of two active-site residues to conserved amino acids in cutinases, we surprisingly observe improved PET degradation, suggesting that PETase is not fully optimized for crystalline PET degradation, despite presumably evolving in a PET-rich environment. Additionally, we show that PETase degrades another semiaromatic polyester, polyethylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate (PEF), which is an emerging, bioderived PET replacement with improved barrier properties. In contrast, PETase does not degrade aliphatic polyesters, suggesting that it is generally an aromatic polyesterase. These findings suggest that additional protein engineering to increase PETase performance is realistic and highlight the need for further developments of structure/activity relationships for biodegradation of synthetic polyesters.
545 citations
TL;DR: Among the most challenging problems that human beings appear to face are depleting energy sources and increasing environmental pollutions, Heterogeneous photocatalytic processes are the most reward as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Among the most challenging problems that human beings appear to face are depleting energy sources and increasing environmental pollutions. Heterogeneous photocatalytic processes are the most reward...
476 citations
TL;DR: Recent evidence demonstrating vicious cycles of pathophysiological mechanisms during the pathological remodeling of the heart that drive mitochondrial contributions from being compensatory to being a suicide mission is summarized.
Abstract: Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in the development of heart failure. Oxidative metabolism in mitochondria is the main energy source of the heart, and the inability to generate and transfer energy has long been considered the primary mechanism linking mitochondrial dysfunction and contractile failure. However, the role of mitochondria in heart failure is now increasingly recognized to be beyond that of a failed power plant. In this Review, we summarize recent evidence demonstrating vicious cycles of pathophysiological mechanisms during the pathological remodeling of the heart that drive mitochondrial contributions from being compensatory to being a suicide mission. These mechanisms include bottlenecks of metabolic flux, redox imbalance, protein modification, ROS-induced ROS generation, impaired mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis, and inflammation. The interpretation of these findings will lead us to novel avenues for disease mechanisms and therapy.
413 citations
TL;DR: SREBP cleavage-activating protein is a key transporter in the trafficking and activation of SREBPs as well as a critical glucose sensor, thus linking glucose metabolism and de novo lipid synthesis and Targeting altered lipid metabolic pathways has become a promising anti-cancer strategy.
Abstract: Reprogramming of lipid metabolism is a newly recognized hallmark of malignancy. Increased lipid uptake, storage and lipogenesis occur in a variety of cancers and contribute to rapid tumor growth. Lipids constitute the basic structure of membranes and also function as signaling molecules and energy sources. Sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs), a family of membrane-bound transcription factors in the endoplasmic reticulum, play a central role in the regulation of lipid metabolism. Recent studies have revealed that SREBPs are highly up-regulated in various cancers and promote tumor growth. SREBP cleavage-activating protein is a key transporter in the trafficking and activation of SREBPs as well as a critical glucose sensor, thus linking glucose metabolism and de novo lipid synthesis. Targeting altered lipid metabolic pathways has become a promising anti-cancer strategy. This review summarizes recent progress in our understanding of lipid metabolism regulation in malignancy, and highlights potential molecular targets and their inhibitors for cancer treatment.
377 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide a review of the emergence of hydrogen within low-carbon pathways from different integrated energy system models, with drivers, marginal abatement costs and timing of hydrogen emergence assessed.
Abstract: This study provides a review of the emergence of hydrogen within low-carbon pathways from different integrated energy system models. The objective is to understand the drivers and policy scenarios that lead to the emergence of hydrogen over other low-carbon technologies. The review is divided into global, multi-regional and national integrated energy system models with drivers, marginal abatement costs and timing of hydrogen emergence assessed. Hydrogen's use in energy systems is complex as a result of its relationship with other energy sources. It was found that bioenergy can act as both a competitor and driver for hydrogen energy, along with increased electrification and high renewable electricity scenarios. However, electric vehicles are a main competitor in the passenger vehicle sector. In reviewed results, hydrogen mainly emerges after 2030; although, some technologies emerge as early as 2020 and as late as 2050. The uncertainty and complexity surrounding hydrogen may be as a result of the difficulty of representing hydrogen technologies and systems in energy system models. This study can allow policy makers to assess the various options to be considered regarding hydrogen and make informed decisions for moving towards a decarbonised energy system.
369 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a hybrid support vector machine (SVM) model was proposed to forecast both solar and wind energy resources for most of the locations in the United States, where the authors highlighted main problems, opportunities and future work in this research area.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors compared the level of CO2 emission caused by the construction activities globally by using the world environmental input-output table 2009 and analyzed CO2 emissions of construction sector in 40 countries, considering 26 kinds of energy use and non-energy use.
Abstract: The construction sector delivers the infrastructure and buildings to the society by consumption large amount of unrenewable energy. Consequently, this consumption causes the large emission of CO2. This paper explores and compares the level of CO2 emission caused by the construction activities globally by using the world environmental input-output table 2009. It analyses CO2 emission of construction sector in 40 countries, considering 26 kinds of energy use and non-energy use. Results indicate: 1) the total CO2 emission of the global construction sector was 5.7 billion tons in 2009, contributing 23% of the total CO2 emissions produced by the global economics activities. 94% of the total CO2 from the global construction sector are indirect emission. 2) Gasoline, diesel, other petroleum products and light fuel oil are four main energy sources for direct CO2 emission of global construction sector. The indirect CO2 emission mainly stems from hard coal, nature gas, and non-energy use. 3) The emerging economies cause nearly 60% of the global construction sector total CO2 emission. China is the largest contributor. Moreover, the intensities of construction sector’s direct and indirect CO2 emission in the developing countries are larger than the value in the developed countries. Therefore, promoting the development and use of the low embodied carbon building material and services, the energy efficiency of construction machines, as well as the renewable energy use are identified as three main pivotal opportunities to reduce the carbon emissions of the construction sector.
TL;DR: In this paper, a brief overview of availability of hydrogen, its properties and possible sources and its production methods, and its relationship with renewable energy utilisation, environment and climate is presented.
TL;DR: The latest findings considering the beneficial effects of the promising commensals across all major intestinal phyla are summarized, including the already well-known bifidobacteria, which use extracellular structures or secreted substances to promote intestinal health.
Abstract: The intestinal microbiota, composed of pro- and anti-inflammatory microbes, has an essential role in maintaining gut homeostasis and functionality. An overly hygienic lifestyle, consumption of processed and fiber-poor foods, or antibiotics are major factors modulating the microbiota and possibly leading to longstanding dysbiosis. Dysbiotic microbiota is characterized to have altered composition, reduced diversity and stability, as well as increased levels of lipopolysaccharide-containing, proinflammatory bacteria. Specific commensal species as novel probiotics, so-called next-generation probiotics, could restore the intestinal health by means of attenuating inflammation and strengthening the epithelial barrier. In this review we summarize the latest findings considering the beneficial effects of the promising commensals across all major intestinal phyla. These include the already well-known bifidobacteria, which use extracellular structures or secreted substances to promote intestinal health. Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Roseburia intestinalis, and Eubacterium hallii metabolize dietary fibers as major short-chain fatty acid producers providing energy sources for enterocytes and achieving anti-inflammatory effects in the gut. Akkermansia muciniphila exerts beneficial action in metabolic diseases and fortifies the barrier function. The health-promoting effects of Bacteroides species are relatively recently discovered with the findings of excreted immunomodulatory molecules. These promising, unconventional probiotics could be a part of biotherapeutic strategies in the future.
TL;DR: An introduction and the motivation to the evolution from smart grid to EI are presented and a representative EI architecture is introduced, i.e., the future renewable electric energy delivery and management system.
Abstract: Energy crisis and carbon emission have become two seriously concerned issues universally. As a feasible solution, Energy Internet (EI) has aroused global concern once proposed. EI is a new power generation developing a vision of evolution of smart grids into the Internet. The communication infrastructure is an essential component to the implementation of EI. A scalable and permanent communication infrastructure is crucial in both construction and operation of EI. In this paper, we present an introduction and the motivation to the evolution from smart grid to EI. We also introduce a representative EI architecture, i.e., the future renewable electric energy delivery and management system. Four critical EI features are emphasized. Then, we summarize the essential requirements that EI systems have to meet. With several key supporting technologies, EI shall realize the optimal utilization of highly scalable and distributed green energy resources, so that the situation of severe energy source crisis and carbon emission can be efficiently relieved. Since an EI system might have extensively distributed consumers and devices, the guarantee of its reliability and security is extremely significant. The further specific exploration for challenges, including reliability and security, will be stated in this paper.
TL;DR: In this paper, a quadratic model was proposed to correlate the independent variables for maximum ash reduction at the optimum process condition by using central composite design (CCD) method.
Abstract: Coal is the world’s most abundant energy source because of its abundance and relatively low cost. Due to the scarcity in the supply of high-grade coal, it is necessary to use low-grade coal for fulfilling energy demands of modern civilization. However, due to its high ash and moisture content, low-grade coal exerts the substantial impact on their consumption like pyrolysis, liquefaction, gasification and combustion process. The present research aimed to develop the efficient technique for the production of clean coal by optimizing the operating parameters with the help of response surface methodology. The effect of three independent variables such as hydrofluoric acid (HF) concentration (10–20% by volume), temperature (60–100 °C), and time (90–180 min), for ash reduction from the low-grade coal was investigated. A quadratic model was proposed to correlate the independent variables for maximum ash reduction at the optimum process condition by using central composite design (CCD) method. The study reveals that HF concentration was the most effective parameter for ash reduction in comparison with time and temperature. It may be due to the higher F-statistics value for HF concentration, which effects to large extent of ash reduction. The characterization of coal was evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis and Field-emission scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray (FESEM-EDX) analysis for confirmation of the ash reduction.
TL;DR: This work makes a special focus on an overall sustainability analysis, with particular emphasis to the geological characteristics of deposits and water usage in relation to mining processes, for lithium recovery from brines.
27 Jul 2018
TL;DR: In this paper, Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) of IIB-VIA semiconductors appear to be an ideal material from which to construct highly efficient photocatalysts for H2 photogeneration.
Abstract: Sunlight is our most abundant, clean and inexhaustible energy source However, its diffuse and intermittent nature makes it difficult to use directly, suggesting that we should instead store this energy One of the most attractive avenues for this involves using solar energy to split H2O and afford H2 through artificial photosynthesis, the practical realization of which requires low-cost, robust photocatalysts Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) of IIB–VIA semiconductors appear to be an ideal material from which to construct highly efficient photocatalysts for H2 photogeneration In this Review, we highlight recent developments in QD-based artificial photosynthetic systems for H2 evolution using sacrificial reagents These case studies allow us to introduce strategies — including size optimization, structural modification and surface design — to increase the H2 evolution activities of QD-based artificial photosystems Finally, we describe photocatalytic biomass reforming and unassisted photoelectrochemical H2O splitting — two new pathways that could make QD-based solar-to-fuel conversion practically viable and cost-effective in the near future Semiconducting quantum dots (QDs) can serve as light-absorbing components in efficient artificial photosynthetic systems for H2 evolution This Review describes how we can optimize QDs for H2 evolution using sacrificial reductants, before moving on to sustainable strategies for the photolysis of biomass or H2O
TL;DR: This paper presents a review on recent developments of control technologies and power management strategies proposed for AC ship microgrids.
Abstract: At sea, the electrical power system of a ship can be considered as an islanded microgrid. When connected to shore power at berth, the same power system acts as a grid connected microgrid or an extension of the grid. Therefore, ship microgrids show some resemblance to terrestrial microgrids. Nevertheless, due to the presence of large dynamic loads, such as electric propulsion loads, keeping the voltage and frequency within a permissible range and ensuring the continuity of supply are more challenging in ship microgrids. Moreover, with the growing demand for emission reductions and fuel efficiency improvements, alternative energy sources and energy storage technologies are becoming popular in ship microgrids. In this context, the integration of multiple energy sources and storage systems in ship microgrids requires an efficient power management system (PMS). These challenging environments and trends demand advanced control and power management solutions that are customized for ship microgrids. This paper presents a review on recent developments of control technologies and power management strategies proposed for AC ship microgrids.
TL;DR: High-fat, low-carbohydrate diets, known as ketogenic diets, have been used as a non-pharmacological treatment for refractory epilepsy and the mechanisms underlying the ketogenic diet might also have roles in other disorders, such as preventing neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease, the proliferation and spread of cancer, and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes.
Abstract: High-fat, low-carbohydrate diets, known as ketogenic diets, have been used as a non-pharmacological treatment for refractory epilepsy. A key mechanism of this treatment is thought to be the generation of ketones, which provide brain cells (neurons and astrocytes) with an energy source that is more efficient than glucose, resulting in beneficial downstream metabolic changes, such as increasing adenosine levels, which might have effects on seizure control. However, some studies have challenged the central role of ketones because medium-chain fatty acids, which are part of a commonly used variation of the diet (the medium-chain triglyceride ketogenic diet), have been shown to directly inhibit AMPA receptors (glutamate receptors), and to change cell energetics through mitochondrial biogenesis. Through these mechanisms, medium-chain fatty acids rather than ketones are likely to block seizure onset and raise seizure threshold. The mechanisms underlying the ketogenic diet might also have roles in other disorders, such as preventing neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease, the proliferation and spread of cancer, and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes. Analysing medium-chain fatty acids in future ketogenic diet studies will provide further insights into their importance in modified forms of the diet. Moreover, the results of these studies could facilitate the development of new pharmacological and dietary therapies for epilepsy and other disorders.
TL;DR: The empirical results confirm the existence of the environmental Kuznets curve for CO2 emissions in China, and the beneficial effects of natural gas and renewables on CO2 emission reduction are observable and the mitigation effect of naturalGas on CO 2 emissions will be weakened over time, while renewables will become progressively more important.
TL;DR: Fuel economy enhancement, vehicle performance improvement, battery charge-sustaining capability, and optimal energy distribution are some of the significant outcomes achieved by the optimized FLC-based EMS.
TL;DR: In this article, a comprehensive summary and discussion of the uses of HRE in terms of space heating, cooling, hot water usage, power generation, hydrogen production, drying and multi-generation are conducted.
Abstract: The utilization of renewable energy is significantly important for the world because global energy consumption is increasing, while conventional energy sources are no longer sufficient to meet the energy demand, triggering energy crises. However, variation in solar radiation and wind speed caused by climate and weather conditions restricts the stable operation of renewable energy systems, therefore, causing the output to fluctuate. A hybrid renewable energy (HRE) system can be highly efficient by combining multiple renewable energy sources and is regarded as a promising solution to the above issue. In this review, a comprehensive summary and discussion of the uses of HRE in terms of space heating, cooling, hot water usage, power generation, hydrogen production, drying and multi-generation are conducted. Hybrid system configurations, specific devices, application procedures, and performance are reviewed. Moreover, the challenges and outlook for HRE utilization are discussed, including the following points: proper use of the local sources in view of disperse and regional distribution of renewable energy; development of hybrid storage subsystems for HRE to improve the stability of the energy supply; further optimization of the operation strategy and system size to minimize the cost in order to promote the application; and, clear identification of the supporting local policies of renewable energy, especially considering HRE. Furthermore, the research potential is described for HRE utilization integrating direct CO2 reduction.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the components, preparation, functions and performance of the electrodes used in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) and provide comprehensive information regarding PEMFC electrodes.
Abstract: The electrode is the key component of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The electrochemical reaction of hydrogen (fuel) and oxygen that transform into water and electrical energy occurs at the catalyst site. Attempts to improve the performance and durability of electrodes have sought to overcome the challenges arising from utilizing PEMFCs as an efficient and competitive energy source. To accomplish this goal and to solve the problems related to using PEMFC electrodes, the structure and function of each component and the manufacturing method must be comprehensively understood, and the electrode performance and durability of the cell must be characterized. Therefore, in this paper, we discuss the components, preparation, functions and performance of the electrodes used in PEMFCs. This review aims to provide comprehensive information regarding PEMFC electrodes.
TL;DR: In this Review, the recent development of nanocomposite materials applied in sodium-ion batteries is summarized, and the existing challenges and the potential solutions are presented.
Abstract: Clean energy has become an important topic in recent decades because of the serious global issues related to the development of energy, such as environmental contamination, and the intermittence of the traditional energy sources. Creating new battery-related energy storage facilities is an urgent subject for human beings to address and for solutions for the future. Compared with lithium-based batteries, sodium-ion batteries have become the new focal point in the competition for clean energy solutions and have more potential for commercialization due to the huge natural abundance of sodium. Nevertheless, sodium-ion batteries still exhibit some challenges, like inferior electrochemical performance caused by the bigger ionic size of Na+ ions, the detrimental volume expansion, and the low conductivity of the active materials. To solve these issues, nanocomposites have recently been applied as a new class of electrodes to enhance the electrochemical performance in sodium batteries based on advantages that include the size effect, high stability, and excellent conductivity. In this Review, the recent development of nanocomposite materials applied in sodium-ion batteries is summarized, and the existing challenges and the potential solutions are presented.
TL;DR: Mechanistic studies are presented, with emphasis on the use of operando methods, of selected examples of conversion-type materials as both potentially high-energy-density anodes and cathodes in EES applications of transition metal oxides and sulfides, which have shown excellent electrochemical properties as high-capacity anode materials.
Abstract: ConspectusThe need/desire to lower the consumption of fossil fuels and its environmental consequences has reached unprecedented levels in recent years. A global effort has been undertaken to develop advanced renewable energy generation and especially energy storage technologies, as they would enable a dramatic increase in the effective and efficient use of renewable (and often intermittent) energy sources. The development of electrical energy storage (EES) technologies with high energy and power densities, long life, low cost, and safe use represents a challenge from both the fundamental science and technological application points of view. While the advent and broad deployment of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has dramatically changed the EES landscape, their performance metrics need to be greatly enhanced to keep pace with the ever-increasing demands imposed by modern consumer electronics and especially the emerging automotive markets.Current battery technologies are mostly based on the use of a transitio...
TL;DR: A compressive overview on current developments of wind energy, potentials, contributions of wind manufacturers and developers, wind energy curtailments, mismatching between the generating power and installed capacities, investments, policies and its impacts as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Wind energy is the most prominent energy source among all the renewables. However, this technology was not covered in the worldwide before the last three decades. Currently, this energy has been most popularized in the worldwide and some of the countries are started their projections on this sector. The countries like China, USA, Germany, India and Spain have leaded by the installation capacities of wind energy in the global markets. During the last decade, China shared the highest wind energy capacities in the world. Chinese government has been providing the attractive policies for the local wind energy manufacturing companies with the developers. Also, from the last 2–3 years’ scenario, it has been observed that the Chinese government has also emphasised the policies especially for the outside wind energy manufacturing companies. This paper presents a compressive overview on current developments of wind energy, potentials, contributions of wind manufacturers and developers, wind energy curtailments, mismatching between the generating power and installed capacities, investments, policies and its impacts and future prospectus of wind energy developments in China.
01 Dec 2018
TL;DR: In this article, the authors presented a completely passive, multi-stage and low-cost solar distiller using layers of membranes to achieve a distillate flow rate of almost 3 l 2 m−2 l−1 from seawater at less than one sun.
Abstract: Although seawater is abundant, desalination is energy intensive and expensive. Using the Sun as an energy source is attractive for desalinating seawater. Although interesting, current passive devices with no moving parts have unsatisfactory performance when operated with an energy flux lower than 1 kW m−2 (one sun). We present a passive multi-stage and low-cost solar distiller, where efficient energy management leads to significant enhancement in freshwater yield. Each unit stage for complete distillation is made of two hydrophilic layers separated by a hydrophobic microporous membrane, with no other mechanical ancillaries. Under realistic conditions, we demonstrate a distillate flow rate of almost 3 l m−2 h−1 from seawater at less than one sun—twice the yield of recent passive complete distillation systems. Theoretical models also suggest that the concept has the potential to further double the observed distillate rate. In perspective, this system may help satisfy the freshwater needs in isolated and impoverished communities in a sustainable way. Solar desalination is an attractive alternative to energy-intensive conventional seawater desalination. In this study, the authors present a completely passive, multi-stage and low-cost distiller using layers of membranes to achieve a distillate flow rate of almost 3 l m–2 h–1.
TL;DR: In this article, the mesoporous structure of activated biomass carbons (ABCs) was optimized to achieve high specific surface areas and mesopore structures, and the specific surface area, total pore volume, and average pore size of the activated biomass carbon were controlled by adjusting the activation temperature from 700 to 1000°C.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a case study of remote area Barwani, India and results are compared using Homer and PSO as compared to HOMER, and the resulting analysis reveals that configurations of hybrid system are the most techno-economical feasible solution concerning COE, renewable fraction, maximum renewable penetration, levelized cost, operating cost, mean electrical efficiency, and emission amongst various hybrid system configurations.
Abstract: PV and wind hybrid are found to be the most lucrative solution for the diminishing traditional energy sources. Whereas these alternatives sources of the energy have many remarkable rewards like cost of energy and feasibility etc. The attributes of these sources of being cost effective and stable are possible due to their complementary nature as compared to independent energy systems. Therefore, these systems have admirable capability to meet energy crisis up to some extent. The proposed work gives the idea about various configuration, control strategy, techno-economic analysis and social effect. The findings of comprehensive review will help for further improvements in hybrid system design and control with respect to practical system implementation. This paper also presents a case study of remote area Barwani, India and results are compared using Homer and PSO. The resulting analysis reveals that configurations of hybrid system are the most techno-economical feasible solution concerning COE, renewable fraction, maximum renewable penetration, levelized cost, operating cost, mean electrical efficiency, and emission amongst various hybrid system configurations using PSO as compared to HOMER.