bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunization with Brugia malayi Hsp70 protects mice against Litomosoides sigmodontis challenge infection
Authors: Hartmann W. , Singh N. , Rathaur S. , Brenz Y. , Liebau E. , Fleischer B. , Breloer M. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryMore than 1·5 billion people are at risk of being infected with filarial nematodes worldwide. Therapy and control of transmission are mainly based on mass drug distribution. As these drugs have to be administered annually or biannually and might be loosing their efficacy, a vaccine against filariae is an alternative approach to chemotherapy. In the current study, we have analysed the potential of Brugia malayi heat shock protein 70 (BmHsp70) as a vaccine candidate in a murine helminth infection. Immunization of BALB/c mice with alum‐precipitated recombinant BmHsp70 conferred partial protection against subsequent challenge infection with the rodent parasite Litomosoides sigmodontis. Immunization resulted in reduced numbers of larvae in the pleural cavity as well as reduced numbers of circulating microfilariae. Reduced parasite burden was associated with high titres of BmHsp70‐specific antibodies and increased production of type I and II cytokines in response to L. sigmodontis antigen and BmHsp70. In summary, the immunization with BmHsp70 induced cellular and humoral immune responses and partially protected against L. sigmodontis in a challenge infection. Therefore, we hypothesize that BmHsp70 might be considered as a potential vaccine candidate for reduction in the incidence of B. malayi infections in future studies.
An Introduction to the Properties of Silica Glass in Ballistic Applications
Authors: Walley S. M. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this review is to introduce the interested reader to the literature on the use of silica glasses in ballistic applications. These applications include optically transparent windows (where their amorphous nature, appropriate band gap, and cheapness make them ideal window materials) as well as layers in opaque armours designed to be resistant to shaped charges. In the latter application, their increase in volume (bulking) on fracture disrupts the shaped charge jet. Other topics covered in this review include low‐velocity damage by windborne debris, liquid and solid impact, dynamic methods of testing (Hopkinson pressure bar, Taylor impact, and plate impact shock loading), and constitutive models. The use of glass as a shaped charge is also discussed.
A Novel Experimental Strategy for the Production of Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures Coupled with a Biomechanical Analysis by using Non‐invasive Optical Methods
Authors: Germaneau A. , Saget M. , D'Houtaud S. , Vandeuvre T. , Doumalin P. , Dupré J.‐C. , Hesser F. , Brémand F. , Maxy P. , Rigoard P. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTThis work presents a novel methodology to generate in vitro burst fracture of spinal segments in conditions closest to trauma. Validation of this new experimental method of burst fracture production is aligned with an original experimental biomechanical analysis method. To pre‐select the vertebral level of the burst fracture generation, a slight vertebral body embrittlement is envisaged.Experimental tests were performed on two groups of ovine spinal segments. An Izod impact machine was used to generate burst fracture. In one group of spinal segments, the central vertebra of each specimen was embrittled by holes of 0.8 mm diameter before impact. Both groups of spinal segments (with embrittlement and without embrittlement) were impacted and fractured. X‐ray tomography was used to confirm burst fracture morphological characterization for both groups. Furthermore, to follow the mechanical response of each group, strain values were determined during impact by using non‐invasive optical methods, and the compression consequences were recorded using a high‐speed digital camera in real time. All fractured specimens were found to have the expected burst fracture configuration. Strain measurements allowed us to study the mechanical behaviour of spinal disks and determine the strain value (at least 5%) required to cause a burst fracture.
Microfluidic Tunable Liquid Prisms for Solar Beam Steering and Concentration
Authors: Park Sung-Yong , Cheng Jiangtao , Chen Chung-Lung (C.-L. ) 
Published: December 2013

Concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) is an alternative solution to reduce the cost of solar PV systems by using less semiconductor materials. One key component in CPV systems is a solar tracker that enables to keep them in an optimal position to maximize solar concentration. However, CPV solar trackers typically are expensive, often unreliable and require lots of power, because they are composed of bulky, complex and heavy mechanical moving parts such as motors and supporting frames. These bulky and heavy tracking components make CPV systems difficult to be installed on building or residential rooftop.
We present a microfluidic tunable liquid prim panel that enables to track the daily and seasonal sun’s motion and concentrate steered sunlight onto a solar cell for solar power generation. The panel consists of arrayed tunable liquid prisms. An apex angle in each prism is tuned by electrowetting, which allows incident light to be adaptively steered and focused onto a solar cell. Our systems consume very little power in the range of ∼mW as well as require no heavy and expensive supporting hardware or moving parts for solar tracking. We discuss concept, design and analytical estimation of the system performances. It is able to steer incoming light beam with incident angle up to α = ± 70°, while only causing additional optical reflection loss about 5 ∼ 10%. We have fabricated the liquid prism with a 1cm × 1cm aperture area and demonstrated apex angle modulation up to φ = ± 30°, and beam steering up to Δα = 14.6°. By eliminating expensive and inefficient motor-driven mechanical solar trackers, our optofluidic solar tracking system can offer a cost-effective CPV system with low power consumption for residential or building rooftop installation.
Corrosion of Austenitic Alloys in Binary 60/40 Nitrate Salt at 600°C
Authors: Kruizenga Alan , Gill David , LaFord Marianne 
Published: December 2013

Industrial power utilities are using molten binary nitrate salt as a heat transfer fluid and thermal storage media for solar energy generation. Currently, the maximum bulk temperature is 565°C, due to concerns of salt degradation and materials compatibility with containment vessels.
To increase overall cycle efficiency, one must increase the upper temperature of the nitrate salt, thereby lowering the levelized cost of electricity (LCoE) through higher power cycle efficiency. The corrosion performance of 316 stainless steel and Inconel 625 is currently characterized at 600°C. However, the 316SS has exhibited stress corrosion cracking (thought due to aqueous flush in Solar Two [1]), and while In625 performs well, its cost is prohibitive. Therefore, current research seeks to evaluate heat-resistant austenitic alloys for use with nitrate salts, ascertaining if they have superior performance characteristics, as well as assessing their mechanisms of corrosion.
Sandia National Laboratory is researching four alloys (S35140, ATI332Mo, RA330, and HA556) for corrosion performance at 600°C for 3000 hours, under a cover gas of air. Air is used to simulate the chemistry conditions expected in a power plant.
This work details the corrosion rate and the oxide structure for each alloy. Research indicates all alloys are very corrosion-resistant, with metal loss rates projected to be less than 21μm/year after 3000 hours. Though all alloys performed well, corrosion rate data for RA330 (Fe-19Cr-35Ni + minor elements) currently appears to exhibit a linear loss mechanism. In conclusion, this paper will explore the differences in oxide formation between these similar alloys.
Enhancement Performance of Rotary Air Preheater for Thermal Power Plants
Authors: Abdulsada Ghanim K. , Alhamdo Mohammed H. 
Published: December 2013

All the previous theoretical models of the dynamic thermal behavior of the periodic–flow Air Pre-Heater (APH) have ignored the effects of the baskets walls. Therefore, the purpose of this work is to develop experimental and a numerical model simulating transient energy transport in a periodic-flow regenerative APH to involve the important thermal effect of the basket walls surrounding the heating element matrices.
Three main different types of matrices that are intended to be used in periodic-flow APH have been investigated and comparison was made between them. These materials are corrugated plates matrices (CPMs), wire mesh matrices (WMMs) and stone media matrices (SMMs). Total of (13) different configurations of matrices have been tested. The investigations covered a range of geometrical parameters of corrugated plate angle, wire diameter of mesh, pitch and screen to screen position and size of stones. The investigation has been carried out for hydraulic – diameter base Reynolds number, Re, in the range of 680<Re < 10100.
The basket wall was determined to have a significant influence on the thermal behavior of the packing matrices especially in the near–wall region, and had been seen to introduce different thermal response for each type of the tested materials.
New (13) correlation equations for the overall J-factor have been developed for each matrix type to provide the best matching between the gathered experimental data with the numerical model.
Analysis of a Latent Heat Storage Device With Radial Fins
Authors: Kozak Y. , Rozenfeld T. , Ziskind G. 
Published: December 2013

Phase-change materials (PCMs) can store large amounts of heat without significant change of their temperature during the phase-change process. This effect may be utilized in thermal energy storage, especially for solar-thermal power plants. In order to enhance the rate of heat transfer into PCMs, one of the most common methods is the use of fins which increase the heat transfer area that is in contact with the PCM.
The present work deals with a latent heat thermal storage device that uses a finned tube with an array of radial fins. A heat transfer fluid (HTF) flows through the tube and heat is conducted from the tube to the radial fins that are in contact with the bulk of the PCM inside a cylindrical shell. The thermal storage charging/discharging process is driven by a hot/cold HTF inside the tube that causes the PCM to melt/solidify.
The main objective of the present work is to demonstrate that close-contact melting (CCM) can affect the storage unit performance. Accordingly, two different types of experiments are conducted: with the shell exposed to ambient air and with the shell submerged into a heated water bath. The latter is done to separate the PCM from the shell by a thin molten layer, thus enabling the solid bulk to sink. The effect of the solid sinking and close-contact melting on the fins is explored. It is found that close-contact melting shortens the melting time drastically.
Accordingly, two types of models are used to predict the melting rate: numerical CFD model and analytical/numerical close-contact melting model. The CFD model takes into account convection in the melt and the PCM property dependence on temperature and phase. The analytical/numerical CCM model is developed under several simplifying assumptions. Good agreement is found between the predictions and corresponding experimental results.
Thermo-Mechanical Storage of Electricity at Power Plant Scale
Authors: Steinmann Wolf-Dieter 
Published: December 2013

The availability of cost effective storage capacity is considered essential for increasing the share of renewables in electricity generation.
With the development of solar thermal power plants large thermal storage systems have become commercial in recent years. Various storage concepts are applied, systems using solid storage media are operated at a maximum temperature of 680 °C, other systems using molten salt as storage medium show thermal capacities in the GWh range. Heating these storage systems directly by surplus electricity and using the heat later during the discharge process to operate turbines is not very attractive, since the process is limited by the Carnot efficiency.
Alternatively, surplus electricity can be used to transform low temperature heat into high temperature heat which is stored in a thermal storage system during the charging process. During discharge, this heat is used to drive a turbine generating electric energy. Theoretically, this concept allows a roundtrip efficiency of 100%.
Various options for the implementation of this storage concept have been suggested, using air or CO2 as working fluids. Recently, DLR has demonstrated the operability of a latent heat storage system connected to a steam circuit at 100 bar. The availability of this latent heat storage technology allows new implementations of the storage concept based on heat transformation. Using a left-running Rankine cycle during the charging process, heat from the environment is used to evaporate steam, which is compressed using the surplus electricity. Superheated steam exiting the compressor flows through the thermal storage system composed of latent heat storage sections and sensible heat storage sections. After throttling, the water enters the evaporator again. During discharging, heat from the storage system is used to evaporate and superheat steam, which drives the turbine. A cascaded implementation of this concept, using ammonia for the low temperature part of the process, while water is used for the high temperature part, reaches a storage efficiency of 70%. The integration of low temperature waste heat sources allows the compensation of losses.
Technical and Economic Feasibility Analysis of Using Concentrated Solar Thermal Technology in the Cement Production Process: Hybrid Approach — A Case Study
Authors: Gonzalez Ricardo S. , Flamant Gilles 
Published: December 2013

Currently, increasing world population demands a higher cement production. Therefore atmospheric emissions and energy consumption become two of the most important environmental and economic issues. Fuel and electricity consumption for the production of cement represent 40% of the total production cost [1]. It is known that cement production is an energy-intensive process which contributes with approximately 5% of the worldwide carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions [2] [3].
By using Concentrated Solar Thermal (CST) at the calcination process in the cement production line, CO2 emissions can be reduced by 40% and savings of up to 60% through fuel substitution can be obtained if all the fuel used at the calcination step is substituted.
The aim of the study is not to propose a detailed design of the solar process but to examine and quantify the various options in order to define the favorable economic conditions and the technical issues to face in a conventional cement plant aiming: substituting energy sources and achieving continuous operation of the cement plant employing a hybrid mode.
Three options related with how to apply the CST technology were evaluated. The best solution is a Central Tower with Solar Reactor at the Top of the Tower since it allows energy substitution with high thermal energy efficiency. This implies, compared with the other options, the minimum changes in the process.
Several energy substitution scenarios are investigated considering different energy losses and amount of energy to be replaced. It was found that the solar energy availability is not a constraint, meaning that from the technical point of view it is possible to replace up to 100% of the energy requirements for the calcination process.
Economic results are promissory since the application of the proposed approach (Go Process) became attractive. The Payback Time (PBT) obtained (from 6 to 10 years) is lower when it is compared with the PBT for applications of CST for electricity production. Besides, the IRR values obtained (from 8% to 11%) are adequate in accordance with the typical values expected by most of the equity investors in renewable energy projects (between 8% and 12%) [4].
It is expected that CST technology will become more attractive and profitable due to economic aspects like increments in fossil fuels and alternative fuels cost and the current deployment of the CST technology to produce electricity. Other aspects such as more strict legislation related with CO2 emissions combined with encouraging legislation to use of renewable energy also play an important role in the economic attractiveness of the proposed application.
Three-Dimensional Fluid Dynamics and Radiative Heat Transfer Modeling of a Small Particle Solar Receiver
Authors: Fernández del Campo Pablo , Miller Fletcher , Crocker Adam 
Published: December 2013

We present an investigation of the effects of the solar irradiation and mass flow conditions on the behavior of a Small Particle Solar Receiver employing our new, three-dimensional coupled fluid flow and radiative heat transfer model. This research expands on previous work conducted by our group and utilizes improved software with a set of new features that allows performing more flexible simulations and obtaining more accurate results. For the first time, it is possible not only to accurately predict the overall efficiency and the wall temperature distribution of the solar receiver, but also to determine the effect on the receiver of the window, the outlet tube, real solar irradiation from a heliostat field, non-cylindrical geometries and 3-D effects. This way, a much better understanding of the receiver’s capabilities is obtained. While the previous models were useful to observe simple trends, this new software is flexible and accurate enough to eventually act as a design and optimization tool for the actual receiver.
The solution procedure relies on the coupling of the CFD package ANSYS Fluent to our in-house Monte Carlo Ray Trace (MCRT) software. On the one hand, ANSYS Fluent is utilized as the mass-, momentum- and energy-equation solver and requires the divergence of the radiative heat flux, which constitutes a source term of the energy equation. On the other hand, the MCRT software calculates the radiation heat transfer in the solar receiver and needs the temperature field to do so. By virtue of the coupled nature of the problem, both codes should provide feed-back to each other and iterate until convergence. The coupling between ANSYS Fluent and our in-house MCRT code is done via User-Defined Functions.
After developing the mathematical model, setting up and validating the software, and optimizing the coupled solution procedure, the receiver has been simulated under fifteen different solar irradiation and mass flow rate cross combinations. Among other results, the behavior of the receiver at different times of the day and the optimum mass flow rate as a function of the solar thermal input are presented. On an average day, the thermal efficiency of the receiver is found to be over 89% and the outlet temperature over 1250 K at all times from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM (Albuquerque, NM) by properly adapting the mass flow rate. The origin of the losses and how to improve the efficiency of the Small Particle Solar Receiver are discussed as well.
Optical-Mechanical Analysis of Parabolic Trough Solar Concentrators to Support Commercial Development
Authors: Biggio Kenneth , Backes Rachel , Crawford Jennifer 
Published: December 2013

The thermal performance of parabolic trough concentrating solar collectors depends on both the structural and optical characteristics of the design. In order to reduce the cost of energy, advanced concentrating structures must significantly reduce the cost of collectors while maintaining good optical performance. This paper discusses a Finite Element Ray Tracer (FERT) that has been developed specifically to support the commercial design process. This is achieved by tying the whole of the support structure directly to its optical effects. Consequently, the optical performance metrics go beyond the typical reflector slope error RMS or average intercept factor to present the designer with spatially resolved analysis of localized performance. By incorporating this analytical method into the structural design process, collector cost and performance can be balanced efficiently and rapidly, allowing for an accelerated design period. At times, this insight has driven better, albeit unexpected, design decisions.
The paper presents an overview of the development process that Abengoa R&D uses to take advantage of its analytical optical analysis capability throughout all phases of a project, as well as a review of its implementation. A selection of case studies is also presented to illustrate how FERT enables the designer to identify local areas of concern, diagnose the cause, and quickly develop possible redesign strategies. Finally, the significance of various parameters within the ray tracer are discussed.
Electric Vehicle Improved by Three-Phase Asynchronous Cooled Motor
Authors: Rattighieri Giuseppe , Trancossi Michele , Dorigo Salomon Nicola , Vucinic Dean 
Published: December 2013

This paper presents the EVITA electric car. EVITA is the acronym of Electric Vehicle Improved by Three-phase Asynchronous cooled motor. It is a research project developed jointly by RGEngineering and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. It aims to produce a novel electric power train with the capability of solving three fundamental problems of today commercial electric vehicles:
1. direct torque dependency of the rotation speed, and its reduction at high speed regimes;
2. electric motors performances reduction due to the overheating effects under heavy load conditions;
3. acclimatization of the car cabin interior in winter times.