Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xiaoming Liu, Yu Zhao, Weizheng Liu, Daxiong Yan
Summary: This study investigates the effects of SiC-Fe3O4 content and thickness of a microwave enhanced functional layer (MEFL) on microwave heating efficiency (MHE) and ice-thawing time. Results show that higher SiC-Fe3O4 content in the MEFL improves MHE and reduces ice-thawing time. However, thicker MEFL decreases MHE and increases ice-thawing time. The microwave energy utilization efficiency of a 10 mm MEFL reaches 79.21%. Overall, the MEFL significantly improves MHE and deicing efficiency of asphalt concrete.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sheng Zhang, Pawel Oclon, Jiri Jaromir Klemes, Piotr Michorczyk, Kinga Pielichowska, Krzysztof Pielichowski
Summary: This paper introduces the recent developments in Renewable Energy Systems for building heating, cooling and electricity production with thermal energy storage. The buildings contribute about 40% of total energy consumption, with significant potential for primary energy savings. The application of various Renewable Energy based systems is discussed including: the presentation of Hybrid Renewable Energy bases systems, methodology for their design and methods for the optimisation of Buildings RES.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yirui Peng, Jianmin Gao, Yu Zhang, Jin Zhang, Qiaoqun Sun, Qian Du, Zhipei Tang, Tianhang Zhang
Summary: Compressed CO2 energy storage is a reliable solution for physical energy storage. The main challenge is achieving high-density storage of low-pressure CO2. In this study, a new adsorption transcritical compressed CO2 energy storage system was proposed, using adsorbents for low-pressure, high-density storage. The results showed that the storage density of the adsorption gas storage system was 43.46 kg/m3, 24.8 times higher than the density of CO2. Heating the adsorbents to above 160 degrees Celsius can further increase the storage density.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Hao Chen, Yong Qin, Yanpeng Chen, Zhen Dong, Junjie Xue, Shanshan Chen, Mengyuan Zhang, Yufeng Zhao
Summary: This study investigates the effect of oxygen content in oxygen-enriched carbon dioxide gasification agents on gasification experiment results. The results show that as the oxygen content increases, the CO and H-2 in the combustible gas increase gradually, as does the calorific value. Although the product formation rate and gas production per unit mass of coal fluctuate, the coal consumption rate remains relatively stable.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Xu Qiao, Xiangfei Kong, Man Fan
Summary: Researchers are increasingly interested in the potential of solar energy, especially for heating in the building sector. The integration of phase change materials with solar heating systems shows promise, but comprehensive evaluations and applications are still lacking.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Salwa Bouadila, Sara Baddadi, Tauseef-ur Rehman, Rabeb Ayed
Summary: This study explores the improvement of efficiency in evacuated tube solar collectors through the addition of reflectors and thermal storage units. The performance of different designs in various regions of Tunisia is evaluated, and an energy balance model is established. Future research directions are also recommended.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Baowen Lou, Aimin Sha, Diego Maria Barbieri, Zhuangzhuang Liu, Fan Zhang
Summary: Microwave heating technique shows promise in asphalt pavement maintenance with minimal external intervention. Key factors such as frequency and power play crucial roles in achieving optimal heating results, as supported by numerical simulations to understand the heating process and optimize microwave applicators.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Tianrun Yang, Wen Liu, Qie Sun, Weihao Hu, Gert Jan Kramer
Summary: This study proposes an integrated optimization criterion to examine the influence of local context on the optimal configuration planning, techno-economic-environmental performance, and feasibility of STES application. It identifies the position of STES in comparison to other sustainable heating options considering the local context, highlighting the importance of the local context in determining the feasibility of STES in the clean heating transition.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Huacheng Zhu, Weijun Shu, Chong Xu, Yang Yang, Kama Huang, Jinghua Ye
Summary: This paper proposes a novel high-efficiency microwave liquid heating system for dynamic dielectric loads. By using metamaterials to construct an electromagnetic black hole, it can efficiently absorb electromagnetic waves from all directions. Experimental results confirm the high efficiency of the system, making it suitable for various applications.
INNOVATIVE FOOD SCIENCE & EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Article
Physics, Applied
Stephane Faure, Sumeet S. Kale, Nicolas Mille, Simon Cayez, Thibault Ourlin, Katerina Soulantica, Julian Carrey, Bruno Chaudret
Summary: The Sabatier reaction activated by high-frequency magnetic fields shows promise for a cheap and efficient chemical energy storage process. Utilizing a combination of iron microparticles and Ni/CeO2 catalyst, as well as enhancing heating efficiency through eddy currents, can effectively improve catalyst durability and energy efficiency.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Maifan Dong, Lele Feng, Botao Qin
Summary: This study investigates the effect of microwave irradiation time on coal gasification and finds that microwave irradiation can enhance the gasification reaction rate of coal and affect its chemical composition, promoting the gasification reaction. However, when the microwave irradiation time exceeds a certain threshold, the reaction rate starts to decrease.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Amin Shadi, Parham Samea, Mahdi Rabiei, Seyed Ali Ghoreishi-Madiseh
Summary: In this study, the effect of microwave irradiations on the heat absorptions of crushed particles is investigated using a numerical model. The simulations show that larger particles have significantly higher heat absorption compared to smaller particles, and the arrangement of particles does not have a significant effect on overall energy absorption. It is also found that ores with a larger average diameter can yield higher energy efficiencies, and placing the particles at certain distances from the microwave waveguide can maximize absorption.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Junfeng Li, Wei Zhou, Yanlin Su, Yang Zhao, Zhibin Qu, Liang Xie, Naiyuan Xue, Xiaoxiao Meng, Jihui Gao, Fei Sun, Pengxiang Wang, Xinxin Pi, Guangbo Zhao, Yukun Qin
Summary: To mitigate the adverse effects of catalyst volatilization and deactivation on CO2 gasification, a simple and feasible method for enhancing CO2 gasification without adding a catalyst is proposed. The enhanced inter-particle microwave discharge results in increased carbon conversion and comparable reactivity to conventional catalysts. Experimental and simulation results show that the enhanced discharge increases the content of excited CO2 states, particularly high-level states, and reduces the activation barrier for CO2 dissociative adsorption.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Isabel Kalinke, Franziska Pusl, Franziska Haederle, Ulrich Kulozik
Summary: The inhomogeneity of microwave heating can be overcome using innovative solid-state microwave generators with different multifrequency shifting strategies. This study compared different optimization approaches from literature with a newly-developed experimental optimization strategy based on the relationship between resonant frequencies and heating patterns. The results showed that selectively exciting neighbouring frequencies near the resonant frequencies can achieve maximum uniformity and high energy efficiency (95.0%). This study proposes a promising optimization strategy that considers individual sample feedback for frequency selection, allowing for different process and product conditions in future studies.
INNOVATIVE FOOD SCIENCE & EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Arjay A. Arpia, Wei-Hsin Chen, Su Shiung Lam, Patrick Rousset, Mark Daniel G. de Luna
Summary: The study reviews the application of MW-assisted heating for biomass pretreatment, biofuel, and bioenergy production, showing significant potential in increasing product yield and improving product properties.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Athanasios Lampropoulos, Vassilios D. Binas, Leila Zouridi, Costas Athanasiou, Miguel A. Montes-Moran, J. Angel Menendez, Michalis Konsolakis, George E. Marnellos
Summary: The presented work investigates the properties and reactivity of Greek lignite fuel and ex-situ produced chars during CO2 gasification. The study found that thermal treatment leads to chars with higher fixed carbon content and less ordered surface structures. LG800 exhibited superior gasification reactivity due to its higher fixed carbon content and disordered surface structure.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Alejandra Martinez-Lazaro, Luis A. Ramirez-Montoya, Janet Ledesma-Garcia, Miguel A. Montes-Moran, Mayra P. Gurrola, J. Angel Menendez, Ana Arenillas, Luis G. Arriaga
Summary: In this study, unsupported Pd aerogel catalysts were synthesized for the first time using microwaves as a heating source. The catalysts showed superior performance in the formic acid electro-oxidation reaction when compared to conventional heating and even a commercial Pd/C catalyst. This research demonstrates the potential of microwave synthesis for the development of efficient catalysts.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Samantha L. Flores-Lopez, Sara F. Villanueva, Natalia Rey-Raap, Ana Arenillas
Summary: Hybrid xerogels RF/Si with improved insulation performance were synthesized by controlling chemical variables. Analysis of chemical and structural features revealed the contributions to thermal conductivity and suggested that roughness and tortuosity could enhance performance. The use of material design and microwave heating allowed for a simple and cost-effective process.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Angel H. Moreno, Angel Javier Aguirre, Rafael Hernandez Maqueda, Geovanny Jimenez Jimenez, Carlos Torres Mino
Summary: This study investigates the microwave drying of amaranth seeds at different temperatures and evaluates the effects of temperature on drying time, energy consumption, and germination rate. The results show that higher drying temperatures lead to reduced drying time and energy consumption, but also result in a significant decrease in germination rate. Lower drying temperatures between 35 and 40 degrees C are recommended to maintain seed viability.
BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Electrochemistry
Lucia dos Santos-Gomez, Nuria Cuesta, Ignacio Camean, S. Garcia-Granda, Ana B. Garcia, Ana Arenillas
Summary: Silicon-carbon composites with a porous structure were prepared and evaluated for their electrochemical behavior. The composite with 30% silicon content exhibited high discharge capacity and excellent long-term stability.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Athanasios Lampropoulos, Georgios Varvoutis, Miguel A. Montes-Moran, J. Angel Menendez, Michalis Konsolakis, George E. Marnellos
Summary: The dry gasification process of solid fuels is a promising pathway for utilizing captured CO2 emissions. The study conducted comprehensive analysis and modeling for olive kernel and lignite coal chars gasification using pure CO2 as gasifying agent. The reactivity and kinetics of the gasification reactions were examined and correlated with the physicochemical properties of the chars. The activation energy values and gasification mechanism were also determined.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Roberto Garcia, Elena Rodriguez, Maria A. Diez, Ana Arenillas, Sara F. Villanueva, Natalia Rey-Raap, Cristobal Cuesta, Maria A. Lopez-Anton, M. Rosa Martinez-Tarazona
Summary: This study focuses on carbon foams, which have a unique open macroporous cellular network that can be customized through modification of the preparation process. The aim was to obtain macroporous carbonaceous structures that can be activated using a simple thermo-foaming procedure. Carbon foams with different textural properties were synthesized from sucrose using two foaming processes. Iron and silver nitrates were added to sucrose and resulted in materials with iron oxides and elemental silver particles dispersed in the carbon matrix. The findings demonstrate the potential of sucrose thermo-foaming process for producing versatile carbon materials.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Samantha L. Flores-Lopez, Belen Lobato, Natalia Rey-Raap, Ignacio Camean, Ana B. Garcia, Ana Arenillas
Summary: In recent years, the use of silicon-based materials as an anode alternative to graphite has been explored to improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries. This study evaluates carbon-silicon (C-Si) hybrid materials as potential precursors for the synthesis of crystalline silicon (cSi) and silicon carbide (SiC) in a single material. The magnesiothermal reduction process was used, resulting in materials with reduced Si and SiC. The C-Si hybrid gels exhibited improved performance compared to other materials, thanks to their homogeneous distribution and stability of the species developed.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
A. Martinez-Lazaro, M. H. Rodriguez-Barajas, N. Rey-Raap, F. I. Espinosa, L. Alvarez-Contreras, J. Ledesma-Garcia, A. Arenillas, L. G. Arriaga
Summary: In this research, unsupported Pd-TM aerogel catalysts were synthesized using a combination of microwave heating and lyophilization. The aim was to investigate the effect of transition metals on a Pd aerogel matrix to improve its electrocatalytic properties. The physicochemical characterization of Pd-TM aerogels showed a successful combination of high specific surface area, electrochemical surface area, and specific oxidation states. Among all the Pd-TM aerogels, PdNi aerogel exhibited the highest current per unit mass, indicating a significant improvement compared to bare Pd aerogel.
MATERIALS TODAY NANO
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Samantha L. Flores-Lopez, Ana Arenillas, Ivan Miksik, J. Angel Menendez, Miguel A. Montes-Moran
Summary: This study evaluated the potential of novel reduced graphene oxide aerogels (rGO) as extractants of mixtures of three UV-benzotriazoles in water at low concentrations. The rGO aerogels containing 60% rGO performed the best, achieving recoveries of 80-100% when using tetrahydrofuran (THF) as an elution solvent. The method is simple, fast, and achieves a detection limit of 1 ng mL(-1).
Article
Electrochemistry
Maria Canal-Rodriguez, Maria Arnaiz, Natalia Rey-Raap, Ana Arenillas, Jon Ajuria
Summary: Nowadays, carbon materials have gained significant attention in materials science due to their low cost and high availability. Carbon aerogels, with easily tailored porosity, have emerged as promising materials for high-power electrochemical devices. In this study, carbon aerogels were used as positive electrodes, demonstrating the importance of micropores for high capacitances at low current densities and the key role of mesopores for device stability at medium-high current densities.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Judith Gonzalez-Lavin, Ana Arenillas, Natalia Rey-Raap
Summary: Iron aerogels have been successfully synthesized using microwave heating, and the effects of reagent ratio and synthesis time on the properties have been investigated. The results show that the pore structure and nanomorphology of the samples can be controlled by adjusting the reagent ratio, while the synthesis time mainly affects the microporosity. Furthermore, the chemical composition of the iron aerogels can be modulated by changing the reagent ratio, allowing for the obtainment of materials with varying magnetic properties. This control over the properties of iron aerogels opens up new opportunities for their use in various applications.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Raul Llamas-Unzueta, Miguel A. Montes-Moran, Luis A. Ramirez-Montoya, Alejandro Concheso, J. Angel Menendez
Summary: In this study, whey was used as a sustainable binder for the production of extruded activated carbon. The mixture of whey and coconut shell char was extruded, dried, and carbonized or activated. The resulting pellets showed good hardness and densities, comparable to commercial activated carbon extrudates. The use of partially dehydrated liquid whey instead of rehydrated dry whey yielded similar results. The alkalinity of the binder made the resulting activated carbons suitable for H2S removal at room temperature. The economic estimation of the process also positioned whey as a practical option in the binder market.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Manel Zarroug, Souad Najar-Souissi, J. Angel Menendez, Esther G. Calvo, Abdelmottaleb Ouederni
Summary: The study investigated the conversion of pomegranate peels into activated carbon by microwave heating using phosphoric acid activation. The results showed that activated carbon prepared at 450 degrees Celsius and 10 minutes irradiation time exhibited high surface area and pore volume, showing promising adsorption performance for paracetamol.
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Pengcheng Zhao, Jingang Wang, Liming Sun, Yun Li, Haiting Xia, Wei He
Summary: The production of green hydrogen through water electrolysis is crucial for renewable energy utilization and decarbonization. This research explores the optimal electrode configuration and system design of compactly-assembled industrial electrolyzer. The findings provide valuable insights for industrial application of water electrolysis equipment.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
V. Baiju, P. Abhishek, S. Harikrishnan
Summary: Thermally driven adsorption desalination systems (ADS) have gained attention as an eco-friendly solution for water scarcity. However, they face challenges related to low water productivity and scalability. To overcome these challenges, integrating ADS with other desalination technologies can create a small-scale hybrid system. This study proposes integrating ADS with a Thermo Electric Dehumidification (TED) unit to enhance its performance.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
C. X. He, Y. H. Liu, X. Y. Huang, S. B. Wan, Q. Chen, J. Sun, T. S. Zhao
Summary: A decentralized centroid multi-path RC network model is constructed to improve the temperature prediction accuracy compared to traditional RC models. By incorporating multiple heat flow paths and decentralizing thermal capacity, a more accurate prediction is achieved.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Chaoying Li, Meng Wang, Nana Li, Di Gu, Chao Yan, Dandan Yuan, Hong Jiang, Baohui Wang, Xirui Wang
Summary: There is an urgent need to shift away from heavy dependence on fossil fuels and embrace renewable energy sources, particularly in the energy-intensive oil refining process. This study presents an innovative concept called the Solar Oil Refinery, which applies solar energy in oil refining. A solar multi-energies-driven hybrid chemical oil refining system that utilizes solar pyrolysis and electrolysis has been developed, significantly improving solar utilization efficiency, cracking rate, and hydrogen yield.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Chao Ma, Guanghui Wang, Dingbiao Wang, Xu Peng, Yushen Yang, Xinxin Liu, Chongrui Yang, Jiaheng Chen
Summary: This study proposes a bio-inspired fish-tail wind rotor to improve the wind power efficiency of the traditional Savonius rotor. Through transient simulations and orthogonal experiments, the key factors affecting the performance are identified. A response surface model is constructed to optimize the power coefficient, resulting in an improvement of 9.4% and 6.6% compared to the Savonius rotor.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Sina Bahmanziari, Abbas-Ali Zamani
Summary: This paper proposes a new framework for improving electrical energy harvesting from piezoelectric smart tiles through a combination of magnetic plucking, mechanical impact, and mechanical vibration force mechanisms. Experimental results demonstrate a significant increase in energy yield and average energy harvesting time compared to other mechanisms.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Nanjiang Dong, Tao Zhang, Rui Wang
Summary: This study establishes a multiobjective mixed-variable configuration optimization model for a comprehensive combined cooling, heating, and power energy system, and proposes an efficient generating operator to optimize this model. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm performs better than other state-of-the-art algorithms.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Ahmed E. Mansy, Eman A. El Desouky, Tarek H. Taha, M. A. Abu-Saied, Hamada El-Gendi, Ranya A. Amer, Zhen-Yu Tian
Summary: This study aims to convert office paper waste into bioethanol through a sustainable pathway. The results show that physiochemical and enzymatic hydrolysis of the waste can yield a high glucose concentration. The optimal conditions were determined using the Box-Behnken design, and a blended membrane was used for ethanol purification.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Sven Klute, Marcus Budt, Mathias van Beek, Christian Doetsch
Summary: Heat pumps are crucial for decarbonizing heat supply, and steam generating heat pumps have the potential to decarbonize the industrial sector. This paper presents the current state, technical and economic data, and modeling principles of steam generating heat pumps.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Le Zhang, To-Hung Tsui, Yen Wah Tong, Pruk Aggarangsi, Ronghou Liu
Summary: This study investigates the effectiveness of a current-carrying-coil-based magnetic field in promoting anaerobic digestion of chicken manure. The results show that the applied magnetic field increases methane yield, decreases carbon dioxide production, and reduces the concentration of ammonia nitrogen. Microbial community analysis reveals the enrichment of certain methanogenic genera and enhanced metabolic pathways. Pilot-scale experiments confirm the technical effectiveness of the magnetic field assistance in enhancing anaerobic digestion of chicken manure.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Bo Chen, Ruiqing Ma, Yang Zhou, Rui Ma, Wentao Jiang, Fan Yang
Summary: This paper presents an advanced energy management strategy for fuel cell hybrid electric heavy-duty vehicles, focusing on speed planning and energy allocation. By utilizing predictive co-optimization control, this strategy ensures safe inter-vehicle distance and minimizes energy demand. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in reducing fuel cell degradation cost and overall operation cost.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Fabio Fatigati, Roberto Cipollone
Summary: Organic Rankine Cycle-based microcogeneration systems that use solar sources to generate electricity and hot water can help reduce CO2 emissions in residential energy-intensive sectors. The adoption of a recuperative heat exchanger in these systems improves efficiency, reduces thermal power requirements, and saves on electricity costs.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Lipeng He, Renwen Liu, Xuejin Liu, Xiaotian Zheng, Limin Zhang, Jieqiong Lin
Summary: This research proposes a piezoelectric-electromagnetic hybrid energy harvester (PEHEH) for low-frequency wave motion and self-sensing wave environment monitoring. The PEHEH shows promising power output and the ability to self-power and self-sense the wave environment.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Shangling Chu, Yang Liu, Zipeng Xu, Heng Zhang, Haiping Chen, Dan Gao
Summary: This paper studies a distributed energy system integrated with solar and natural gas, analyzes the impact of different parameters on its energy utilization and emissions reduction, and obtains the optimal solution through an optimization algorithm. The results show that compared to traditional separation production systems, this integrated system achieves higher energy utilization and greater reduction in carbon emissions.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Qingpu Li, Yaqi Ding, Guangming Chen, Yongmei Xuan, Neng Gao, Nian Li, Xinyue Hao
Summary: This paper proposes and studies a piston-type thermally-driven pump with a structure similar to a linear compressor, aiming to eliminate the high-quality energy consumption of existing pumps and replace mechanical pumps. The coupling mechanism of working fluid flow and element dimension is analyzed based on force analysis, and experimental data analysis is used to determine the pump operation stroke. Theoretical simulation is conducted to analyze the correlation mechanism of the piston assembly. The research shows that the thermally-driven pump can greatly reduce power consumption and has potential for industrial applications.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
