Future Energy

Experimental investigation of cycling characteristics of anatase TiO2 nanotubes as negative electrode of lithium-ion batteries

2024-11-15T05:27:42+00:00

Anatase TiO₂ Nanotubes (NT-TiO₂) is synthesized via electrochemical anodization of 99.9% pure titanium foils in a fluorine containing Ethylene Glycol (EG) electrolyte and used as the anode of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In the first cycle, the charge-discharge capacities are 550 mAhg^-1 and 400 mAhg^-1, respectively, with columbic efficiency of 75.75%. At 40^th cycle, charge-discharge capacities are found to be 375 mAhg^-1 and 325 mAhg^-1, respectively, with improved columbic efficiency of 86%. The superior electrochemical performances of this type of battery originated from its high specific surface area and highly nanotubes structure. These advanced features of the nanotubes provide higher contact between electrodes and electrolytes, shorten the diffusion pathways for conductive ions.

Evaluating zero-energy strategies in mixed-use buildings: a case study

2024-11-26T11:21:44+00:00

The building sector is responsible for over 40% of global energy consumption, necessitating innovative strategies to minimize energy usage in both commercial and residential buildings, ultimately striving for zero-energy status. This study addresses the relatively overlooked area of zero-energy buildings within the context of a combined commercial-residential structure, utilizing Carrier (HAP) software for precise thermal and cooling load calculations. The research introduces a multifaceted approach, examining various scenarios that influence energy demand reduction, including wall color modifications, the application of noble gases for window insulation, shading effects, and technical innovations in window dimensions. Notably, this study emphasizes insulation as a cost-effective strategy for achieving zero-energy objectives, revealing that the optimal scenario incorporating krypton insulation, color adjustments, and effective shading achieves a significant 21.36% reduction in energy consumption. This research not only contributes novel insights into mixed-use building design but also provides a practical framework for future energy-efficient building projects.

How electricity utility practitioners in the United States approach power system resilience

2025-01-21T17:15:45+00:00

This study explores the understanding and practice of resilience among electrical utilities in the United States, focusing on how practitioners in the utility sector conceptualize and apply resilience in their work. As electricity becomes increasingly central to modern life, powering critical infrastructure and essential services, the resilience of power systems has gained prominence in energy policy and planning. However, there is a lack of standardized definitions and approaches to resilience in both academia and practice, particularly from an energy service perspective. The research employs a qualitative approach, utilizing semi-structured interviews with experts (practitioners) from transmission and distribution utilities in the United States to examine their definitions, understanding, and applications of resilience. By adopting a grounded approach, the study aims to identify key themes and concepts that practitioners associate with power system resilience. The findings outline that there is no clear definition of resilience amongst utility practitioners, and resilience and reliability are often used interchangeably/synonymously as there are no fixed indicators for resilience amongst practitioners. At present, unlike reliability, utilities are not including resilience as a term in their long-term resource planning, and neither are reporting resilience-based indicators to any of the government agencies. The findings contribute to the ongoing dialogue on energy resilience and offer a foundation for developing more comprehensive and context-specific approaches to building resilient energy systems that prioritize critical services and vulnerable populations.

Performance, economics and sustainability of small wind energy conversion systems: an analysis using standard exergy and extended exergy accounting methods

2025-02-03T18:41:04+00:00

This study presents the performance, economics and sustainability indicators of wind energy conversion systems (WECS) using standard exergy and extended exergy accounting (EEA) methods. The objective was to generate operational, sustainability and economic data for various wind locations in Nigeria for different small WECS configurations. The data generated will inform investment and policy development as Nigeria transitions to cleaner energy sources. Results indicate that exergy destruction (ExD), physical exergy (ExPH) and exergy efficiency vary significantly across locations and WECS specifications. The lowest ExD values, observed with the Bergey XL.1 WECS, ranged from 1.351×10⁶ to 5.67×10⁶ MJ. Standard exergy efficiency fluctuated between 2.88 % and 5.97 %, with sustainability indicators reflecting moderate values. From the EEA breakdown, the maximum variation in physical exergy reached 4.97×10⁷ MJ. In contrast, maximum efficiency was 2.99%, demonstrating an efficiency gap between locations and WECS between 0.45% and 29.3%. The low values based on EAA are attributed to excluding externalities in conventional methods. Cost per kW also varied across locations, with payback periods ranging from 3 to 5.7 years. The EEA method effectively provided realistic data to guide investment and policy decisions.

Advanced thermal management strategies for electric vehicles: enhancing efficiency, reliability, and performance

2025-02-10T22:32:31+00:00

Thermal management plays a crucial role in enhancing electric vehicles' performance, reliability, and lifespan (EVs) by effectively dissipating heat from key components, including electric traction motors, power electronic components (PECs), and batteries. This paper explores various thermal management strategies tailored for these systems, highlighting their advantages, limitations, and technological advancements. In electric traction motors, heat dissipation is primarily addressed through active and passive cooling techniques such as forced convection, heat pipes, and phase change materials (PCMs), with recent advancements like direct slot cooling (DSC) improving efficiency. Similarly, PECs and electronic chips face thermal challenges due to electrical resistance, requiring innovative solid-state, air, liquid, and two-phase cooling methods to prevent performance degradation and component failure. Battery thermal management systems (BTMS) are equally critical, as temperature variations directly impact efficiency, safety, and cycle life. Active, passive, and hybrid BTMS technologies—including liquid cooling, thermoelectric systems, PCMs, and heat pipes—are evaluated based on their effectiveness in maintaining optimal operating temperatures. This paper comprehensively analyzes emerging cooling solutions, addressing key trade-offs between efficiency, cost, and design complexity. By integrating advanced thermal management techniques, the EV industry can achieve improved energy efficiency, enhanced safety, and prolonged component durability, paving the way for more reliable and sustainable electric mobility.