batterydata/paper-abstracts huggingface dataset:
The critical solutions to the future global target of the carbon-neutral society rely on a comprehensive and integrated consideration of both the building and transportation sectors. However, most of the past studies only considered the local interactions between the buildings and the locally-charged electric vehicles (EVs), which significantly limits the utilization of the EV storage capacities. In this study, we have investigated a hybrid photovoltaic and wind turbine supported zero-emission office building (ZEB) which is interacted with a number of electric vehicles. Furthermore, a novel control strategy, called “Boundary Expansion Scenario”, has been proposed, where the boundary of the ZEB-EV interactions can be expanded from the conventional local parking to the remote parking, so that the EV batteries can be fully utilized regardless of the parking location. The impact of the renewable energy system, the Vehicle-to-Building (V2B) interactions and the boundary expansion scenarios on the zero-emission performance of the office building and the EVs have been comprehensively investigated. The research results show that by merely activating the V2B function without the “Boundary Expansion Scenario”, the V2B capability can only lead to less than 5% of the enhancement of the matching capabilities, since 93.4% of the surplus renewable electricity occur mainly during the non-parking hours. However, by further activating the “Boundary Expansion Scenario”, the net zero-emission system can simultaneously enable the features of the significantly enhanced matching capabilities (the OEFe and OEMe both at 62%), the much intensified building-vehicle interactions (the EB2V at 18.73 kWh/m2.a and the EV2B at 14.87 kWh/m2.a), and an almost full renewable coverage of the EV storages (the renewable energy ratio at 96.9%).
Radar equipment based on microwave interferometry has been employed to remotely survey the dynamic behaviour of the celebrated and historical towers of Florence, Italy. The measurement technique demonstrated in this paper results both as sensitive and accurate as the conventional technique, which is based on contact accelerometers, plus allows simple and rapid monitoring of structures even at great distances.
The electrochemical behavior and surface chemistry of LiCoO2 intercalation cathodes as a function of cycling and storage at 25, 45, and 60°C was studied. The standard solutions for this work comprised ethylene carbonate (EC), ethyl-methyl carbonate (EMC), (1:2) and 1 M LiPF6. The effect of two surface film-forming additives, vinylene carbonate (VC) and an organo-borate complex (denoted as Merck's AD25) in solutions was also explored. We analyzed temperature-dependent processes of surface film formation on the cathodes, which increase their impedance upon cycling and storage, thus making their electrochemical kinetics sluggish. We also analyzed cobalt dissolution from the cathodes at 25, 45 and 60°C. The apparent capacity fading of the LiCoO2 electrodes is attributed mostly to changes on their surface, rather than to bulk degradation. There are signs that the presence of HF in solutions may play a major negative role. Hence, as the electrode's surface/solution volume ratio is higher, the capacity fading of the LiCoO2 electrodes should be lower. The main tools for this study were cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry, impedance spectroscopy, electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM), IR-spectroscopy, XRD, XPS, and SEM.
A new type of low cost and high energy asymmetric capacitor based on only activated carbons for both electrodes has been developed in a safe and environment friendly aqueous electrolyte. In such electrolyte, the charges are stored in the electrical double-layer and through fast faradaic charge transfer processes. By taking profit of different redox reactions occurring in the positive and negative ranges of potential, it is possible to optimize the capacitor either by balancing the mass of the electrodes or by using different optimized carbons for the positive and negative electrodes. The best results are obtained in the latter case, by utilizing different pseudo-faradaic properties of carbons in order to increase the capacitance and to shift the potentials of water decomposition and destructive oxidation of activated carbon to more negative and positive values, respectively. After an additional adjustment of potentials by mass-balancing the two electrodes, the electrochemical capacitor can be reversibly charged/discharged at 1.6V in aqueous medium, with energy densities close to the values obtained with electrical double-layer capacitors working in organic electrolytes, while avoiding their disadvantages.
A two-dimensional transient model with considering vanadium ions crossover and incorporating the impact of electrode compression was presented for a vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB). Emphasis is located on examining the effects of the proposed asymmetric electrode structure designs on capacity degradation, vanadium ions crossover, the charge-discharge voltages and efficiency of the VRFB during long-time cycling. It was indicated that for asymmetric electrode compression with same original thickness, the capacity decay can be effectively alleviated with increasing the positive compression ratio, due to the fact that the electrolyte crossover is balanced by adjusting the convection flux during a charge-discharge cycle. The charge-discharge performance and energy efficiency of the VRFB can also be simultaneously boosted resulting from the reduced contact resistance and increased electrolyte flow velocity in the compressed positive electrode. Also, it was found that with appropriate design of asymmetric original thickness of uncompressed electrode, the capacity decay can be avoided and battery charge-discharge performance can be improved. This study will provide fundamental information for optimizing the asymmetric electrode structures such that the overall battery performance during long-time cycling can be enhanced.
Ni-based layered LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 (NCM) compounds coated with lithium titanium oxide for lithium ion batteries were successfully achieved through a simple solid state synthesis process using TiO2 powder and CH3COOLi. Systematical measurements in structure, morphology and electrochemical properties have been applied. X-ray diffraction patterns showed the existence and conversion of lithium titanium oxide (Li4Ti5O12 and Li7Ti5O12 are labeled as LTO). A coating layer in the form of LTO could be observed and the thickness was approximately 10nm with uniform distribution. Similarly, XPS was performed to confirm the existence of LTO. 1.0 wt.% LTO-coated NCM material exhibited higher capacity retentions of 91.0% than that of the bare one (64.3%) after 100 cycles at cutoff voltages of 4.5V. Meanwhile, the LTO-coated NCM material showed significantly improved thermal stability compared with the pristine sample at an elevated 60°C. In addition, it has proved that it is effective to enhance the electrochemical performances of electrodes by LTO modification.
The School of Language Studies at the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) offers full-time, intensive language training in more than 70 languages to US diplomats and other government employees preparing to serve at US Embassies abroad. Students at FSI, the primary training institution of the US foreign affairs community, have access to a fully independent, school-wide, language-learning counseling program, the Learning Consultation Service (LCS). LCS principles and protocol have remained intact from its inception, but changes in student demographics have demanded new approaches and practices. Specifically, multiple meetings with Learning Counselors and Learning Consultants, coaching, and more student accountability have gained priority. During the 2004/2005 training year, the LCS conducted a Learning Strategies Pilot Project with a limited number of student volunteers; feedback and observations appeared to justify the evolution of LCS protocol and counseling approaches.
Deposition velocities for particulate matter (PM) from road traffic in the Lake Tahoe basin were estimated with a mass-balance model and measurements using four size-specific PM profilers and meteorological instruments located at 15 m upwind and 5, 30 and 100 m downwind of major highway in the Lake Tahoe basin. Coarse PM (2.5–10 μm) concentration decreased exponentially with downwind distance from the highway. With tall aspen trees barrier, at 30 m and 100 m downwind, the PM10 mass concentrations decreased respectively to 51% and 11% from the observed concentrations at 5 m. Particles with diameters between 0.3 and 0.5 μm show almost a homogeneous distribution across the road indicating the smallest particles are unrelated to a road source. Calculated deposition velocities generally increased with particle size and ranged from <0.1 cm s−1 for particles of 1–2.5 μm diameter to 1.6 cm s−1 for particles >15 μm diameter, which is consistent with the Stokes settling velocities, implying the Stokes settling velocities may represent a reliable lower bound on the deposition rate. The wind speed and direction play important roles in determining the deposition velocities of road traffic induced particles. Higher PM concentrations were observed when strong onshore winds dominated during the daytime coupled with high traffic counts. Between late afternoon and early morning, offshore winds blew traffic induced PM towards the Lake, where they could deposit and impact the water clarity.
Non-aqueous redox flow batteries (NAqRFBs) employing redox-active organic molecules show promise to meet requirements for grid energy storage. Here, we combine the rational design of organic molecules with flow cell engineering to boost NAqRFB performance. We synthesize two highly soluble phenothiazine derivatives, N-(2-methoxyethyl)phenothiazine (MEPT) and N-[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl]phenothiazine (MEEPT), via a one-step synthesis from inexpensive precursors. Synthesis and isolation of the radical-cation salts permit UV-vis decay studies that illustrate the high stability of these open-shell species. Cyclic voltammetry and bulk electrolysis experiments reveal the promising electrochemical properties of MEPT and MEEPT under dilute conditions. A high performance non-aqueous flow cell, employing interdigitated flow fields and carbon paper electrodes, is engineered and demonstrated; polarization and impedance studies quantify the cell's low area-specific resistance (3.2–3.3 Ω cm2). We combine the most soluble derivative, MEEPT, and its tetrafluoroborate radical-cation salt in the flow cell for symmetric cycling, evincing a current density of 100 mA cm−2 with undetectable capacity fade over 100 cycles. This coincident high current density and capacity retention is unprecedented in NAqRFB literature.
Effect of La/Mg ratio on the structure and electrochemical properties of La x Mg3−x Ni9 (x=1.6–2.2) ternary alloys was investigated. All alloys are consisted of a main phase with hexagonal PuNi3-type structure and a few impurity phases (mainly LaNi5 and MgNi2). The increase of La/Mg ratio in the alloys leads to an increase in both the cell volume and the hydride stability. The discharge capacity of the alloys at 100mA/g increases with the increase of La/Mg ratio and passes though a maximum of 397.5mAh/g at x=2.0. As the La/Mg ratio increases, the high-rate dischargeability of the alloy electrodes at 1200mA/g HRD1200 decreases from 66.7% (x=1.6) to 26.5% (x=2.2). The slower decrease of HRD1200 (from 66.7 to 52.7%) of the alloys with x=1.6–2.0 is mainly attributed to the decrease of electrocatalytic activity of the alloys for charge-transfer reaction, the more rapid decrease of HRD1200 of the alloys with x>2.0 is mainly attributed to the lowering of the hydrogen diffusion rate in the bulk of alloy. The cycling capacity degradation of the alloys is rather fast for practical application due to the corrosion of La and Mg and the large V H in the hydride phase.
Nano-scale LiFePO4/graphene oxide (GO) as cathode materials for lithium ion batteries has been successfully synthesized via a one-step carbon gel assisted liquid-phase approach at a low-temperature (108 °C) and normal pressure. C-LiFePO4/graphene layers (G) composites, composed of LiFePO4, amorphous carbon and graphene layers, are then produced after rapid high temperature carbon treatment. Interface tunnel effect, produced by the intimate contact of LiFePO4 particles with amorphous carbon and graphene layers, greatly improves the properties of the composites. Electrochemical tests indicate that the optimal amount of GO addition is 1 wt.% in terms of achieving a high electrochemical performance of the C-LiFePO4/G composites. Discharge capacity of the C-LiFePO4/G composites is 160.0 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C. When the current rate is further increased to 60 C, the discharge capacity of C-LiFePO4/G can reach 68 mAh g−1. At a high current rate of 20 C, the capacity attenuation rate of the C-LiFePO4/G electrode is only 9.6% after 200 cycles, showing excellent high-rate discharge capability and cycle performance. This is achieved under a facile synthesis condition of a simple procedure, low temperature, and normal pressure.
Transportation costs of energy resources are important when determining the overall economics of future energy infrastructure. The majority of long distance energy transmission occurs via merchant ships and pipelines carrying oil or natural gas. In contrast, future energy scenarios often envision vastly altered energy transportation scenarios including very high degrees of grid electrification and widespread installation of hydrogen pipelines. The unit cost of energy transportation varies by over two orders of magnitude. In particular, the costs of electricity and hydrogen transmission are substantially higher than the cost of oil and natural gas transportation. If carbon pricing is to be used to incentivize alternative energy systems, these differences in costs will need to be reduced and used when making meaningful technology comparisons.
Bifunctional polymer binders featured with both strong binding and superior polysulfide trapping properties are highly desired for the fabrication of sulfur cathodes with suppressed polysulfide shuttling in Li–S batteries. In this paper, we have explored the potential of a quaternary ammonium cationic polymer, polydiallyldimethylammonium (PDADMA-X; X = T, B, P, and Cl) with different counter anions (TFSI–, BF4 −, PF6 −, and Cl−, respectively) as the bifunctional binder. We have also revealed the dramatic effects of the counter anion on the performance of the cationic polymer binder. PDADMA-X's containing the former three weakly associating anions have been demonstrated to show polysulfide adsorption capability. In particular, PDADMA-T having the largest, least interacting TFSI– anion shows the optimum performance, with strong binding strength and the best polysulfide adsorption capability. Relative to commercial PVDF and PDADMA-X's of other counter anions, it offers sulfur cathodes with lowered polarization, higher discharge capacity, significantly better capacity retention, and improved cycling stability. With its convenient synthesis from commercially available PDADMA-Cl, cationic PDADMA-T having the TFSI– anion is a promising bifunctioal binder for sulfur cathodes in practical Li-sulfur batteries.
Neuromotor Task Training (NTT) and Nintendo Wii Fit Training (Wii training) are both task-based interventions used to improve performance in children with motor coordination problems. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of these two interventions on the motor performance, isometric strength and cardiorespiratory fitness (aerobic and anaerobic capacity) of children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) attending mainstream schools in a low-income setting. A pragmatic, quasi-experimental study design was utilized. Children between the ages of 6–10 years, who scored at or below the 16th percentile on the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2) and whose teacher reported a functional motor problem, were allocated to either NTT (n =37) or Wii training (n =19) groups depending on school of attendance. The MABC-2, a hand-held dynamometer, the Functional Strength Measure, the Muscle Power Sprint Test and the 20m Shuttle Run Test were used to assess performance at baseline and after the intervention. The main findings show that the mean motor performance scores of both groups improved over the study period. However, significant differences in improvement were detected between groups, with the NTT group showing greater improvement in motor performance, functional strength and cardiorespiratory fitness. No improvements in isometric strength were seen in either group. The Wii training group showed significant improvement in anaerobic performance. This study provides evidence to support the use of both the Wii Training and NTT for children with DCD. However, in comparison to Wii training, the NTT approach yields superior results across measures of motor proficiency, cardiorespiratory fitness and functional strength. The decision to use either approach may be influenced by resources and time constraints.
Callable bonds offer higher yields compared to non-callable bonds. In this paper, we examine the call spread in a global framework, while controlling for firm-level, bond-level, and country-level variables. Using an international sample of 13,936 bonds issued between 1991 and 2007, we find that callable bonds have a positive call spread, which is statistically and economically significant. Our empirical results hold after a battery of robustness checks. We also find that junk callable bonds have a higher call spread than investment-grade callable bonds, which is consistent with the signaling theory. The empirical results also show that highly leveraged firms have a higher call spread than firms with low leverage, a finding that is consistent with the risk-shifting arguments.
Formulants used in Plant Protection Products (PPPs) to promote their efficiency are normally undisclosed in the PPP documentation, unless they bear a human health or environmental hazardous potential per se. PPP regulation also demands the assessment of putative interactions among formulants within each product recipe and consequent effects, but these results are often unavailable. Such a case is that of the herbicide Winner Top (Selectis®, Portugal), which we selected as a model commercial formulation in the present study specifically aiming at (i) characterising its aquatic toxicity towards sensitive eco-receptors (Raphidocelis subcapitata, Chlorella vulgaris, Lemna minor and Lemna gibba), as well as that of its active substances (a.s.) nicosulfuron and terbuthylazine; (ii) comparing the ecotoxicity among the commercial formulation, the corresponding mixture of its a.s. and this a.s.’s mixture increasingly enriched with the formulants. Single chemical testing revealed that terbuthylazine was the strongest microalgae growth inhibitor and nicosulfuron was the strongest macrophyte growth inhibitor. On the other hand, the commercial formulation was consistently less toxic than the corresponding mixture of the a.s., suggesting that Winner Top formulants (72.9% of the commercial formulation) interact with the a.s., promoting less than additive effects in the selected non-target species. Importantly, this environmentally protective effect of the formulation can be apparent. Because macrophytes share most physiological features with the weeds targeted by the studied herbicide, it is likely that increased application doses are required to reach desired efficacy levels with the consequent detrimental increase of PPP residues load in edge-of-field freshwater ecosystems.
Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) of poly(ethyleneoxide) and magnesium triflate, which are plasticized with propylene carbonate (PC), ethylene carbonate (EC) and a mixture of PC and EC, are studied for their conductivity, ac impedance of the Mg∣SPE interface, cyclic voltammetry, infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. In the presence of plasticizers, the ionic conductivity (σ) increases from a value of 1×10−8 S cm−1 to about 1×10−5 S cm−1 at ambient temperature. The σ is found to follow a VTF relationship with temperature. The values of the activation energy, pre-exponential factor and equilibrium glass transition temperature are shown to depend on the concentration of plasticizer. Ac impedance studies indicate lower interfacial impedance of Mg/plasticized SPE than stainless steel/plasticized SPE. The impedance spectra are analyzed using a non-linear least square curve fitting technique and the interfacial resistance of Mg/plasticized SPE is evaluated. The cyclic voltammetric results suggest a quasireversible type of Mg/Mg2+ couple in plasticized SPE.
This paper presents several heuristics for a variation of the vehicle routing problem in which the transportation fleet is composed of electric vehicles with limited autonomy in need for recharge during their duties. In addition to the routing plan, the amount of energy recharged and the technology used must also be determined. Constructive and local search heuristics are proposed, which are exploited within a non deterministic Simulated Annealing framework. Extensive computational results on varying instances are reported, evaluating the performance of the proposed algorithms and analyzing the distinctive elements of the problem (size, geographical configuration, recharge stations, autonomy, technologies, etc.).
Production of transportable and environmentally friendly synthetic chemical fuels using hydrogen produced by water splitting, using renewable energy will facilitate energy storage and incorporation of renewable energy into the grid. Both carbon and nitrogen can serve as hydrogen carriers leading to carbon- or nitrogen-based fuels carriers. Although the carbon route is vastly reported, the nitrogen-based analog is only scarcely described in the literature, and its economic potential is completely overlooked. Using levelized cost of storage analysis, this work evaluates for the first time the economic feasibility of a nitrogen economy, where liquid nitrogen-based fuels serve as alternative hydrogen carriers. The results indicate that an aqueous solution of ammonium hydroxide and urea is competitive with other future large-scale energy storage solutions such as methanol and batteries. At a hydrogen price below 2.5$/kg, this fuel can be competitive with currently-used mature technologies.
Silicon monoxide (SiO), similar to its more common counterpart silicon (Si), is considered as an attracting anode material for advanced Li-ion batteries (LiBs) due to its high theoretical capacity. However, many electrochemical properties of SiO have not been explored as much as those of Si. In this study, we report fundamental properties of SiO as an anode material, which offer promising LiB performances superior to pure Si anodes. The Li-ion diffusion in SiO was found to be consistently faster than that in Si, as evidenced by galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). As a result, SiO anodes can deliver much improved fast charging/discharging capability compared with pure Si anodes, which indicates that SiO is a better candidate for high-power cell applications. The volume expansion rate of SiO particles was determined to be ∼118% by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-based particle size distribution (PSD) analysis, which is less than half of that of Si particles (c.a. 280%). Meanwhile, the open circuit potential (OCP) of SiO was found to be very close to Si, except near the end of delithiation state. These results provide fundamental information on SiO for its future applications as the next generation LiB anodes.