Article
Energy & Fuels
Caroline M. Hill, Enrique A. Hernaiz, Philipp Furler, Simon Ackermann, Jonathan R. Scheffe
Summary: Zr-doped ceria and Sr-doped lanthanum manganese perovskites were studied as candidate redox materials for chemical-looping reforming of methane to produce syngas. The effect of these compositions on syngas selectivity, partial oxidation of methane rate, and yield in the temperature range of 800-1000 degrees C was explored. The selectivity to syngas during partial oxidation of methane is relatively high for all materials, typically above 85%.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
A. Lidor, T. Fend, M. Roeb, C. Sattler
Summary: This study conducted a numerical analysis of a volumetric solar receiver-reactor for hydrogen production, evaluating performance metrics such as solar to fuel efficiency and hydrogen yield. The research found complex relationships between different performance metrics, leading to different optimal points depending on the metric pursued. The study demonstrated the potential for further increasing efficiency through heat recovery systems, with the highest efficiency reaching 21.16% through a sophisticated method.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zhao Ma, Ming-Jia Li, Ya-Ling He, K. Max Zhang
Summary: The use of encapsulated phase change material (EPCM) in solar thermochemical reactors can improve performance both under steady and unsteady solar radiation conditions. Under steady solar radiation, EPCM in a multi-part filling pattern can maintain high efficiency, reduce catalyst usage, and ensure safe operation. Under unsteady solar radiation, the response time is extended by 63.2% and vibration amplitude is reduced by 48.7% compared to reactors fully packed with catalyst. The comprehensive unsteady performance indicator with optimal cascaded EPCM is 23.2% higher than that with non-cascaded EPCM.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Wei Li, Jiri Jaromir Klemes, Qiuwang Wang, Min Zeng
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive overview of salt hydrate based gas-solid thermochemical energy storage systems, discussing materials properties, reactor types, applications, heat and mass transfer processes, reaction mechanisms, and offering critical comments and outlooks. It evaluates the development of thermochemical materials, the design of reactors and prototypes, theoretical models, and identifies challenges and prospects in the field.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
X. C. Han, H. J. Xu, W. S. Hua
Summary: The potential thermochemical material MgO/Mg(OH)2 was modified with four additives and its decomposition behavior and kinetics were studied. It was found that CaTiO3 had a catalytic effect and increased the energy storage density to 971 J/g. Additionally, adding 6% graphite to the candidate material resulted in spectral absorption of more than 50%. The study provides necessary kinetics reference for numerical calculation of thermochemical heat storage.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhenpan Chen, Qingqing Jiang, Hongyu An, Juan Zhang, Shuoqi Hao, Xinju Li, Lili Cai, Wenguang Yu, Kuiyi You, Xuefeng Zhu, Can Li
Summary: Ceria substituted with zirconium (Ce1-xZrxO2) is a promising material with great oxygen storage capacity and potential fuel production in thermochemical CO2/H2O splitting cycles. However, the fuel release rate of Ce1-xZrxO2 solid solution is relatively slow. In this study, noble metal catalysts (RuOx, PtOx, and IrOx) are used to enhance the CO release rate of Ce-0.85Zr0.15O2-based two-step thermochemical CO2 splitting, resulting in increased solar-to-fuel energy conversion efficiency.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nonchanok Ngoenthong, Vut Tongnan, Thana Sornchamni, Nuchanart Siri-nguan, N. Laosiripojana, Unalome Wetwatana Hartley
Summary: A stainless steel micro-channel reactor was tailor-made for the two-step thermochemical cycles of H2O and CO2 co-splitting reaction, using La0.3Sr0.7Co0.7Fe0.3O3 (LSCF) coating. The LSCF with surface hydroxyl groups showed favorable behavior in H2O splitting, with optimal operating temperature at 700 degrees C. The activation energy for H2O and CO2 splitting was estimated, with H2O splitting having a pre-exponential factor of 595.24 s-1 and CO2 splitting having a pre-exponential factor of 698.79 s-1.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Li Rao, Xiangchuan Meng, Shuqin Xiao, Zhi Xing, Qingxia Fu, Hongyu Wang, Chenxiang Gong, Ting Hu, Xiaotian Hu, Rui Guo, Yiwang Chen
Summary: This study utilized graphite phase-C3N4 as a crystalline template to delay crystallization and passivate defects in tin-based perovskite, resulting in improved performance of flexible solar cells. The optimized lattice matching and passivation led to a stable power conversion efficiency without hysteresis. Additionally, the PSCs demonstrated good stability under N-2 environment.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shun Liu, Yuying Yang, Zhihua Ge, Lijun Yang, Xiaoze Du
Summary: A multi-stage PCM filling reactor was designed to address the issue of solar energy fluctuation, showing that lower phase change temperature and more latent heat PCM can improve chemical performance, while higher phase change temperature PCM is needed for better performance when releasing latent heat. Multi-stage PCMs arrangement outperforms single PCM filling, achieving maximum methanol conversion improvements.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qi Zhang, Shiquan Shan, Jinhong Yu, Zhijun Zhou, Kai H. Luo
Summary: This study designed a novel experimental solar radiation gasification thermogravimetric device and developed an energy model for a solar radiation dish thermochemical conversion system. The results showed that direct radiation had higher carbon conversion rate, energy upgrade factor, and energy conversion efficiency compared to indirect radiation. The catalytic effect of K2CO3 was better than that of Na2CO3. The study also analyzed the reaction kinetics of direct radiation-catalyzed gasification and constructed a solar concentrating radiation dish thermochemical conversion system model. The system energy efficiency in the direct radiation form was higher than that in the indirect radiation form, and adding catalyst further increased the energy efficiency. The results guide the chemical process of solar thermal conversion.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Assaad Alsahlani, Nesrin Ozalp, Kelvin Randhir, Michael Hayes, Philipp Schimmels, James Klausner
Summary: This paper presents a low-order heat transfer model for the design of a solar thermochemical energy storage reactor. The model involves indirect heating of gas and solid reactants to convert solar energy into a stable form for long-term storage. Numerical simulations were used to validate the experimental results and could be used for designing a feedback control system for the reactor temperature.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Tianzeng Ma, Mingkai Fu, Jian Cong, Xia Zhang, Qiangqiang Zhang, Jasurjon S. Akhatov, Zheshao Chang, Xin Li
Summary: This article describes the experimental results of a solar thermochemical reactor with gas-gas heat recovery, which improves the energy utilization efficiency. The influence of pressure and reactant concentration on the experimental results is analyzed. The experimental results show that vacuuming condition can further promote the reduction kinetics, and the yield of CO is favored at higher CO2 partial pressure.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lionel Plancher, Alexandre Pierre, Giao T. M. Nguyen, Ronan L. Hebert, Beatrice A. Ledesert, Patrick Di Martino, Yannick Melinge
Summary: Research has shown that the addition of solid-solid phase change materials (s/s PCMs) affects the rheological behavior of construction materials. The s/s PCMs have a significant impact on consistency and yield strength values. By modifying existing viscosity models, the consistency value of suspensions can be predicted, providing a new approach for the use of s/s PCMs in construction materials.
Article
Thermodynamics
Lizhuang Dou, Yidian Zhang, Xiao Li, Mingfei Mu, Bin Ding
Summary: This paper establishes a multi-physics coupling model of a mid-and-low temperature solar absorber/reactor (MLTSAR) and studies its thermochemical performance and influencing factors. The comparative study reveals that the methanol steam reforming (MSR) reaction has a higher methanol conversion rate (MCR) than the methanol decomposition (MD) reaction, but the solar thermochemical efficiency (STE) is lower. By optimizing the MLTSAR structure, the MCR and STE can be improved.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Arun Mathew, Nima Nadim, Tilak T. Chandratilleke, Mark Paskevicius, Terry D. Humphries, Craig E. Buckley
Summary: This study conducted kinetic and parametric analyses of the carbonation reaction of CaCO3 with Al2O3 as well as the performance of a thermochemical reactor. The results revealed the rapid reaction kinetics of the carbonation reaction and provided a suitable model to explain the growth of carbonation. Numerical analysis showed that increasing the thermal conductivity of the reactor bed and reducing the boundary temperature can greatly improve the reactor's performance.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Paula E. Marin, Svetlana Ushak, Alvaro de Gracia, Luisa F. Cabeza
Summary: This study characterized the thermophysical properties of nine organic and inorganic bulk PCMs for potential incorporation into building structures. The results showed that the fusion temperature and density values were consistent with suppliers' data, while viscosity values were higher and enthalpy values were lower than expected. Cycling stability was only consistent for organic samples, suggesting six specific PCMs could be suitable for inclusion in gypsum boards. These findings offer insights for the development of new strategies and materials for heating/cooling applications in buildings.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
J. F. Belmonte, M. Diaz-Heras, J. A. Almendros-Ibanez, Luisa F. F. Cabeza
Summary: This paper reports the simulation results of two different solar-assisted heat pump systems in Madrid and analyzes the impact of integrating short-term storage tanks on system performance. The study finds that conventional thermostatic control strategies may lead to degradation in system performance, and more advanced control strategies are needed to improve system efficiency.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Luisa F. Cabeza, David Verez, Gabriel Zsembinszki, Emiliano Borri, Cristina Prieto
Summary: Thermal energy storage (TES) plays a significant role in addressing the energy supply-demand mismatch, especially when combined with concentrating solar power (CSP) plants to increase the utilization of renewable energy. This paper critically analyzes the current and most promising concrete energy storage technologies, identifies five challenges to be overcome, and proposes a new modular design of concrete-based TES. A preliminary feasibility study of the proposed system using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques shows promising results.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Alicia Crespo, Cesar Fernandez, Alvaro de Gracia, Andrea Frazzica
Summary: This study investigated the technical performance of a solar-driven seasonal sorption storage system under three European climates. The results showed that optimal control can maximize system competitiveness and determine the optimal sorption storage size for each location, avoiding oversizing.
Article
Thermodynamics
Carolina Cardenas-Ramirez, Maryory A. Gomez, Franklin Jaramillo, Andres F. Cardona, Angel G. Fernandez, Luisa F. Cabeza
Summary: In this study, the thermal performance of three SS-PCM based on eutectic fatty acid mixtures was evaluated, and an SS-PCM-based acrylic plaster was tested as a fiber cement siding finish. The results showed that using phase change materials in powder form significantly increased thermal lag, and the SS-PCM-based acrylic plaster coating effectively reduced indoor temperature.
Article
Thermodynamics
J. Garcia-Plaza, M. Diaz-Heras, R. Mondragon, L. Hernandez, A. Calderon, C. Barreneche, J. Canales-Vazquez, A. Fernandez, J. A. Almendros-Ibanez
Summary: This study experimentally tested the thermal performance of coated sand particles for CSP applications and found that coatings based on graphite and carbon black can enhance the thermal absorptivity of particles, leading to the absorption of more energy. These coatings showed no apparent deterioration of their thermal properties after multiple charging/discharging cycles. Extrapolation of the results indicates that coated particles can effectively increase the energy stored in the bed by 60-80% compared to raw sand.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Cristina Prieto, Javier Ruiz-Cabanas, Virginia Madina, A. Ines Fernandez, Luisa F. Cabeza
Summary: This manuscript discusses the challenge of cost-reduction in thermal energy storage system in concentrating solar power (CSP), and evaluates the performance of tank materials in contact with molten salts in a demo plant. The study reveals the corrosion phenomena in the tank materials caused by the introduction of CO2 in the tanks during the preheating process.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Josep Anton Farre, Carles Mateu, Merce Teixido, Luisa F. Cabeza
Summary: This study evaluates the scientific literature on automated vacuum waste collection systems through a bibliometric analysis. It finds a scarcity of scientific literature but several patents on the topic. The literature mainly focuses on energy use, gas emissions, and cost-benefit analysis. The study also presents the market status and environmental studies summary, identifies active companies, and provides a complete list of automated vacuum waste collection systems. Most of the environmental-related literature uses life cycle assessment methodology to evaluate different case studies.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Mohammad Ahmad, Xavier Pelorson, Oriol Guasch, Ana Ines Fernandez, Annemie Van Hirtum
Summary: This study characterizes the stress-strain behavior of multi-layer silicone composites and shows that cubic polynomial and exponential two-parameter relationships can accurately fit the measured stress-strain data. These parameters can be modeled as a constant or a linear function of the effective low-strain Young's modulus. The accurate stress-strain predictions obtained from this characterization are useful for the design of composites with different composition and stacking.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Omais Abdur Rehman, Valeria Palomba, Andrea Frazzica, Antonios Charalampidis, Sotirios Karellas, Luisa F. Cabeza
Summary: To reduce dependence on fossil fuels in residential areas, low-carbon-footprint technologies like heat pumps should be used. This study utilizes a low-global-warming-potential refrigerant in a reversible heat pump system, which is supported by a thermal storage tank, photovoltaic installation, and battery storage system with a dedicated control strategy. The performance of the reversible heat pump in three European climates is analyzed through simulations, demonstrating its ability to meet summer cooling demand and heating demand with backup sources. Economic analysis shows that the inclusion of a battery storage system increases overall flexibility and self-sufficiency, although it results in longer payback times compared to reference energy systems.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Josep M. Morera, Emiliano Borri, Gabriel Zsembinszki, David Verez, Gemma Gasa, Esther Bartoli, Luisa F. Cabeza
Summary: This study examines the sustainability of a tannery in Catalonia, Spain. Various measures to increase energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption were proposed and analyzed. A cost analysis was conducted, showing that the tannery could achieve significant energy savings with investments ranging from EUR 1 to 2.5 M, with payback periods ranging from 2 to 7 years.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Rabeb Ayed, Salwa Bouadila, Safa Skouri, Laura Boquera, Luisa F. Cabeza, Mariem Lazaar
Summary: By enhancing the thermal properties of cement-based building materials with textile fibers, energy consumption and CO2 emissions related to space conditioning in buildings can be reduced. This study produced lightweight coating mortars by partially replacing sand with textile waste and characterized the mechanical and thermal properties of the reinforced cementitious composites. The results showed that the thermal conductivity decreased with increasing proportion of reinforcing material. The application of these thermally improved mortars as coating mortars appears to be a relevant solution to enhance the thermal performance of buildings.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Cristina Prieto, Anton Lopez-Roman, Guillermo Garcia-Rivero, Esther Bartoli, Luisa F. Cabeza
Summary: Solar concentration technology is dispatchable with the use of thermal energy storage systems, such as the indirect storage systems based on molten salts used in commercial parabolic trough power plants. This study examines the compatibility between thermal oil and salts, considering cross-contamination in the equipment. The results show that while the thermal oil undergoes complete thermal-oxidative degradation, it does not significantly affect the composition of the salts.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ricard Garrido, Luisa F. Cabeza, Victor Falguera
Summary: Due to environmental and political concerns, the industrial focus has shifted towards renewable raw materials. This study assessed the economic feasibility of producing lactic acid from cow manure. The results showed that the manufacturing of lactic acid from lignocellulosic biomass is economically viable. The sensitivity analysis revealed that yield has the greatest impact on net present value.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Josep M. Morera, Esther Bartoli, Rafael Fernandez, Luisa F. Cabeza
Summary: This study explores the use of wheat bran for the preservation of hides and skins, with both dry and aqueous solution application methods. These methods reduce the use of salt and do not compromise the quality of the final leather. They contribute to the overall sustainability of the tanning process.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN LEATHER CHEMISTS ASSOCIATION
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Siddharth Sradhasagar, Omkar Subhasish Khuntia, Srikanta Biswal, Sougat Purohit, Amritendu Roy
Summary: In this study, machine learning models were developed to predict the bandgap and its character of double perovskite materials, with LGBMRegressor and XGBClassifier models identified as the best predictors. These models were further employed to predict the bandgap of novel bismuth-based transition metal oxide double perovskites, showing high accuracy, especially in the range of 1.2-1.8 eV.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Wei Shuai, Haoran Xu, Baoyang Luo, Yihui Huang, Dong Chen, Peiwang Zhu, Gang Xiao
Summary: In this study, a hybrid model based on numerical simulation and deep learning is proposed for the optimization and operation of solar receivers. By applying the model to different application scenarios and considering multiple performance objectives, small errors are achieved and optimal structure parameters and heliostat scales are identified. This approach is not only applicable to gas turbines but also heating systems.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mubashar Ali, Zunaira Bibi, M. W. Younis, Muhammad Mubashir, Muqaddas Iqbal, Muhammad Usman Ali, Muhammad Asif Iqbal
Summary: This study investigates the structural, mechanical, and optoelectronic properties of the BaCuF3 fluoroperovskite using the first-principles modelling approach. The stability and characteristics of different cubic structures of BaCuF3 are evaluated, and the alpha-BaCuF3 and beta-BaCuF3 compounds are found to be mechanically stable with favorable optical properties for solar cells and high-frequency UV applications.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Dong Le Khac, Shahariar Chowdhury, Asmaa Soheil Najm, Montri Luengchavanon, Araa mebdir Holi, Mohammad Shah Jamal, Chin Hua Chia, Kuaanan Techato, Vidhya Selvanathan
Summary: A novel recycling system is proposed in this study to decompose and reclaim the constituent materials of organic-inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs). By utilizing a one-step solution process extraction approach, the chemical composition of each layer is successfully preserved, enabling their potential reuse. The proposed recycling technique helps mitigate pollution risks, minimize waste generation, and reduce recycling costs.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Peijie Lin, Feng Guo, Xiaoyang Lu, Qianying Zheng, Shuying Cheng, Yaohai Lin, Zhicong Chen, Lijun Wu, Zhuang Qian
Summary: This paper proposes an open-set fault diagnosis model for PV arrays based on 1D VoVNet-SVDD. The model accurately diagnoses various types of faults and is capable of identifying unknown fault types.
