Abstract

Sodium-ion batteries are becoming prominent among next-generation energy storage technologies due to their abundant raw materials and seamless integration with existing lithium-ion battery manufacturing units.
Sodium-ion batteries are anticipated to be deployed in microgrid applications and low-speed electric vehicles. A techno-economic analysis of these batteries is required to assess their potential from a cost and performance perspective. In this work, the modelling framework is developed to analyse the cost of the sodium-ion pouch and coin cell using the cell-level parameters. The numerical simulation is performed for the coin cell under various operating conditions to validate its performance with the experimental results. The electrode surface area is calculated using the electrochemical model and parameter estimation technique to design the pouch cell. The total cost of the cell is calculated by considering material, process, and overhead costs. The raw material cost for which the market price is unavailable is estimated using the cost estimation model. The study shows that the sodium-ion coin cell costs 209 $/kWh, and the pouch cell costs 240 $/kWh. The cost breakdown of various cell components is analysed. The study is further extended to account for full-fledged bulk production, discounting the process and overhead costs. It can be inferred from the study that the cost of the cathode is comparatively higher among cell materials, underscoring the necessity to develop cost-effective and high-capacity cathode material for sodium-ion batteries.

Abstract

In this paper, the energy management (EM), and optimization of a microgrid including photovoltaic, wind turbine, micro-turbine, fuel cell, and battery energy storage is implemented considering demand response (DR). The optimization of the microgrid is performed with the presentation of a three-dimensional objective function including minimizing the costs of energy loss (ELC), operation (OC), and emission (EC) satisfying the operational and components constraints. In this research, an improved transient search optimizer based on golden sine strategy (MOTSOGS) via fuzzy decision-making is used to optimize the position and size of the microgrid components. The outcomes cleared that the energy resources integrated with the energy storage using the proposed optimizer are capable of supplying the microgrid load in conditions without and with DR. Also, the obtained results demonstrated that considering DR, reduced ELC, OM, and EC by 10.80%, 9.68%, and 8.01%, respectively compared to the case without DR. Moreover, the superiority of the MOTSOGS is confirmed to solve the problem compared with MOPSO.

Abstract

Carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) is an important way to deal with the global climate crisis. In recent years, the geological storage of carbon dioxide has been extensively studied from micro to macro. In order to understand the percolation law of CO₂ geologic storage and EOR from the microscopic point of view, the numerical simulation of two-phase flow in conventional sandstone cores during supercritical CO₂ EOR was carried out. The two-dimensional pore structure of tight sandstone was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and a two-dimensional flow model was constructed by combining Tyson polygon. The Phase field method was used to simulate the oil and gas phase flow in the process of supercritical CO₂ enhanced oil recovery. The distribution of CO₂ under different initial pressure gradients, rock wettability and viscosity ratio and the changes of oil phase saturation were compared, and the mechanism of CO₂ reservoir and percolation under the micro-three-dimensional pore scale was revealed. The results show that : (1) With the increase of the initial pressure gradient of the two phases, the fingering effect is enhanced, the spread range is reduced, the gas invasion possibility is increased, and it is possible to break through the fingering effect and realize multiple dominant channels in parallel; (2)With the increase of rock’s CO₂ wettability, the spread range of CO₂ expands and the storage of CO₂ increase-es;(3)As the viscosity ratio of two phases decreases gradually, the flow resistance between fluids decreases, and the gas phase seepage capacity increases. In summary, the two-phase flow numerical simulation of CO₂ EOR based on a two-dimensional model reveals the seepage mechanism in the process of CO₂ EOR in a higher dimension, providing theoretical guidance and technical support for the study of CO₂ EOR and CO₂ geological reservoir.

Abstract

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced during electrochemical reactions in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), combined with the occurrence of cell reversal events, can lead to the degradation of both the catalytic layer and the proton exchange membrane. These dual challenges, which can happen simultaneously, pose significant risks to the longevity of fuel cells. In this paper, we explore the impact of incorporating CexZr1-xO2 in the cathode and IrRuO2 in the anode on the electrical performance and open-circuit durability of the membrane electrode assembly. Our findings indicate that the modified membrane electrode demonstrates exceptional open-circuit durability and resistance to voltage reversal. During a 500 h open-circuit voltage (OCV) test, nearly all voltage degradation was found to be reversible. Additionally, the hydrogen infiltration current density remained low, measuring only 5-8 mA/cm², and showed minimal variation when the inlet pressures at both the anode and cathode were increased. Moreover, the enhanced membrane electrode exhibited remarkable resistance to reverse current events. The cell reversal survival time reached 742 minutes at a current density of 200 mA/cm², with only a slight reduction in voltage and maximum power density – 24 mV and 23.2 mW/cm² after the first reversal test. These results provide valuable insights for developing highly durable membrane electrodes, paving the way for advancements in fuel cell technology.

Abstract

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is anticipated to be a new mode of transportation, with battery-powered systems frequently being considered due to their simple architecture, ease of maintenance, and zero in-flight emissions. However, technical limitations of batteries impose constraints on mission profiles, making the selection of the most suitable power source crucial for each application. This study focuses on passenger transport use cases for AAM and proposes an approach to identify the optimal power source between two candidates: Battery-powered and Series-hybrid system. The analysis considers various scenarios involving different annual number of passengers, flight distances, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) mixing ratios. Our findings suggest that without the use of SAF, the Battery-powered system covered 28% of all scenarios for flight distances exceeding 150 km and an annual passenger count between 10,000 to 25,000. Meanwhile, when the SAF mixing ratio reached 50%, the Series-hybrid system was identified as the optimal and more versatile power source in over 60% of all scenarios.

Abstract

India’s power sector is undergoing a rapid transformation towards integrating renewable energy sources to sustainably meet growing electricity demand. To support this transition and achieve India’s ambitious renewable energy targets, robust modelling frameworks are essential for guiding the development of a sustainable power system. This study presents a mixed-integer linear programming model assessing optimal capacity expansion and dispatch strategies in Western India for 2030. The model evaluates the feasibility of achieving Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs) under different scenarios, considering individual state and combined regional dispatch, with varying constraints on new hydro and coal capacity additions. The analysis is conducted at a 15-minute resolution and includes unit-wise disaggregation for coal and gas sources. Results highlight the comparatively better performance of regional dispatch in integrating renewable energy and reducing investment costs. However, trade-offs between coal and battery storage emerge at higher shares of Renewable energy (RE). The study concludes that regional dispatch, strategic capacity planning, and judicious use of energy storage are crucial for achieving a cost-effective and sustainable energy transition in India. It provides valuable insights for strategic policy decisions and demonstrates a framework adaptable to other regions to optimize renewable energy integration and dispatch strategies.

Abstract

Accurate modeling of end-users’ decision-making behavior is crucial for validating demand response (DR) policies. However, existing models usually represent the decision-making behavior as an optimization problem, neglecting the impact of human psychology on decisions. In this paper, we propose a Belief-Desire-Intention (BDI) agent model to model end-users‘ decision-making under DR. This model has the ability to perceive environmental information, generate different power scheduling plans, and make decisions that align with its own interests. The key modeling capabilities of the proposed model have been validated in a household end-user with flexible loads.

Abstract

Graphical methods are among the techniques for quantitatively describing energy conversion processes, which also serve as an important technical pathway to improve energy conversion efficiency. For a thermodynamic system with dynamic boundary conditions, it is challenging to comprehensively describe the energy conversion process using existing graphical methods. To fill this gap, this study proposes a new graphical method called an Energy-Energy (E-E) diagram, which employs different energy forms (thermodynamic process parameters) as the axes and is capable of representing dynamic performance variations through the geometric parameters. The applicability of the E-E diagram is demonstrated through a case study of an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) system under finite heat capacity boundary conditions. The results show that the E-E diagram can not only present the system performance parameters related to both the 1st and 2nd Laws of Thermodynamics but also illustrate the global and local performance of energy conversion process. A significant advantage in describing system thermal performance variation and irreversible losses distribution can be obtained when combined both E-E diagram and T-s diagram. Moreover, the performance differences between two systems with different boundary conditions can be revealed intuitively through the E-E diagram. The E-E diagram proposed in this study pioneers the application of process quantities as thermodynamic coordinates, providing a novel graphical method for characterizing the performance of dynamic systems.

Abstract

An advanced composite substrate for the thermoelectric generator is prepared to enhance optical-thermal performance. The process includes precise blending of polydimethylsiloxane, graphene, curing agent, and ethyl acetate. Experimental validation and simulation-based studies through COMSOL Multiphysics software version 5.6 are conducted to ensure precise designs, yielding top-notch substrates for efficient thermoelectric generator applications. The numerical simulations highlight the significance of heteromorphic electrode configurations, with the triangular structure exhibiting a higher power density of 195.168 μW/cm².
This research scrutinizes the scientific basis for adopting this composite substrate through experimental tests. The surface morphology is thoroughly analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, while Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy is utilized to evaluate the composite substrate’s sunlight absorbance for energy harvesting purposes. Additionally, hot wire techniques are employed to precisely quantify thermal conductivity, thus confirming the substrate’s effectiveness in enhancing thermoelectric efficiency.

Abstract

This study investigates a novel net-zero polygeneration system for the production of power, hydrogen, and ammonia. The integration of oxy-combustion, an alkaline electrolyzer, and ammonia synthesis via the Haber-Bosch process significantly enhances the efficiency of individual components and the overall system showcasing its potential for developing more sustainable and efficient energy solutions.