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At least 1,531 records · Page 85

Active Damping With Energy Storage to Improve Power System Frequency Stability

As renewable resources displace traditional generation, there may be times when there is relatively less rotational inertia (H, MW-s) to stabilize power system frequency following a power system disturbance. This article outlines a method for the control of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to mitigate power system frequency disturbances. The control scheme discussed in the article leverages latest ‘smart grid’ technologies including PMU’s and advanced grid-supportive inverters. The authors’ screening-level analysis of this novel BESS control concept indicates the potential to increase the speed of recovery of disturbed power systems, i.e. return power system frequency to nominal value (60 Hz in N. America), following a system disturbance. Increasing power system stability by adding inertial-support from appropriately controlled BESS will help power systems accommodate more renewable generation before hitting stability limits.

Energy Storage↗

Anharmonicity and Phase Diagram of Magnesium Oxide in the Megabar Regime

With density functional molecular dynamics simulations, we computed the phase diagram of MgO from 50 to 2000 GPa up to 20000 K. Via thermodynamic integration (TDI), we derive the Gibbs free energies of the B1, B2, and liquid phases and determine their phase boundaries. With TDI and a pseudo-quasi-harmonic approach, we show that anharmonic effects are important and stabilize the B1 phase in particular. As a result, the B1-B2 transition boundary in the pressure-temperature plane exhibits a steep slope. We predict the B1-B2-liquid triple point to occur at approximately T= 10000 K and P = 370 GPa, which is higher in pressure than was inferred with quasi-harmonic methods alone. We predict the principal shock Hugoniot curve to enter the B2 phase stability domain but only over a very small range of parameters. Here, this may render it difficult to observe this phase with shock experiments because of kinetic effects.

3-dimensional systems↗

Small-Signal Stability Support from Dynamically Configurable Grid-Forming/Following Inverters for Distribution Systems

The growth of inverter-based resources (IBRs) in modern power systems can challenge system stability since they do not natively provide inertia, prompting a need to develop new methods to address the potential instabilities. In this paper, a dynamically configurable grid-forming (GFM) and grid-following (GFL) control is proposed, which enables inverters to flexibly transition to support system needs. The operation mode transition between GFM and GFL controls is adopted as an additional degree of control flexibility to adjust the small-signal stability margin. In addition, a holistic and detailed small-signal model for a distribution feeder that captures the dynamics from both synchronous generators (SGs) and IBRs is also derived and used to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed GFM/GFL controls to augment the system small-signal stability margin. Case studies with varying levels of IBRs were implemented in MATLAB/Simulink to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.

grid-following control↗

A consistent orbital stability analysis for the GJ 581 system

We apply a combination of N-body modeling techniques and automated data fitting with Monte Carlo Markov Chain uncertainty analysis of Keplerian orbital models to RV data to determine long-term stability of the planetary system GJ 581. We find that while there are stability concerns with the four-planet model as published by Forveille et al., when uncertainties in the system are accounted for, particularly stellar jitter, the hypothesis that the four-planet model is gravitationally unstable is not statistically significant. Additionally, the system including proposed planet g by Vogt et al. also shows some stability concerns when eccentricities are allowed to float in the orbital fit, yet when uncertainties are included in the analysis, the system including planet g also cannot be proven to be unstable. We present revised reduced χ{sup 2} values for Keplerian astrocentric orbital fits assuming four-planet and five-planet models for GJ 581 under the condition that best fits must be stable, and we find no distinguishable difference by including planet g in the model. Additionally, we present revised orbital element estimates for each, assuming uncertainties due to stellar jitter under the constraint of the system being gravitationally stable.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Single-step gas phase synthesis of stable iron aluminide nanoparticles with soft magnetic properties

Soft magnetic alloys at the nanoscale level have long generated a vivid interest as candidate materials for technological and biomedical purposes. Consequently, controlling the structure of bimetallic nanoparticles in order to optimize their magnetic properties, such as high magnetization and low coercivity, can significantly boost their potential for related applications. However, traditional synthesis methods stumble upon the long standing challenge of developing true nanoalloys with effective control over morphology and stability against oxidation. Herein, we report on a single-step approach to the gas phase synthesis of soft magnetic bimetallic iron aluminide nanoparticles, using a versatile co-sputter inert gas condensation technique. This method allowed for precise morphological control of the particles; they consisted of an alloy iron aluminide crystalline core (DO{sub 3} phase) and an alumina shell, which reduced inter-particle interactions and also prevented further oxidation and segregation of the bimetallic core. Remarkably, the as-deposited alloy nanoparticles show interesting soft magnetic properties, in that they combine a high saturation magnetization (170 emu/g) and low coercivity (less than 20 Oe) at room temperature. Additional functionality is tenable by modifying the surface of the particles with a polymer, to ensure their good colloidal dispersion in aqueous environments.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Totally chlorine-free peracetic acid pulping for nanocellulose isolation from hemp and poplar

Nanocellulose is a promising and sustainable feedstock for developing advanced and functional materials. However, the characteristics of nanocellulose, such as crystallinity, surface energy, and aspect ratio, can vary depending on biomass source and pretreatment methods, leading to variable performance of the nanocellu-lose-based materials. In this study, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were isolated from hemp and poplar using totally chlorine free (TCF) peracetic acid and sodium chlorite delignification and bleaching pretreatments to probe the influences of biomass source and treatment methods on the isolation and characteristics of CNCs. Our results showed that hemp and poplar were almost completely delignified by peracetic acid treatment, whereas sodium chlorite treatment left 5%–6% lignin in the pulp. The yields of CNCs from raw hemp and poplar biomass ranged from 9.8% to 21.9% and 10.9% to 28.3%, respectively, depending on the treatment methods. The dimensions of CNCs from TCF-treated biomass generally maintained a larger width and aspect ratio than those from sodium chlorite-treated biomass. The poplar-derived CNCs exhibited slightly higher crystallinity of 53%–58% than hemp-derived CNCs of 49%–54%. The zeta potential of the CNCs, ranging from -20.1 mV to -31.1 mV, ensured a well-dispersed aqueous solution. The surface energy (dispersive energy of 40–80 mJ/m2 and specific energy of 2–10 mJ/m2), water interaction, and thermal stability of the CNCs were comparable, regardless of the biomass source and pretreatment methods. Our finding suggests that the TCF technique with peracetic acid treatment is a promising delignification and bleaching approach to obtain cellulose-rich pulps from herbaceous and hardwood biomass for nanocellulose isolation.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Flash Recycling of Graphite Anodes

The ever-increasing production of commercial lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) will result in a staggering accumulation of waste when they reach their end of life. A closed-loop solution, with effective recycling of spent LIBs, will lessen both the environmental impacts and economic cost of their use. Presently, <5% of spent LIBs are recycled and the regeneration of graphite anodes has, unfortunately, been mostly overlooked despite the considerable cost of battery-grade graphite. Here, in this work, an ultrafast flash recycling method to regenerate the graphite anode is developed and valuable battery metal resources are recovered. Selective Joule heating is applied for only seconds to efficiently decompose the resistive impurities. The generated inorganic salts, including lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese, can be easily recollected from the flashed anode waste using diluted acid, specifically 0.1 M HCl. The flash-recycled anode preserves the graphite structure and is coated with a solid-electrolyte-interphase-derived carbon shell, contributing to high initial specific capacity, superior rate performance, and cycling stability, when compared to anode materials recycled using a high-temperature-calcination method. Life-cycle-analysis relative to current graphite production and recycling methods indicate that flash recycling can significantly reduce the total energy consumption and greenhouse gas emission while turning anode recycling into an economically advantageous process.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Topology-Dependent Polymer Stretching and Scission in Solution at Extreme Shear Rates

There has been significant interest in the engineering of polymer topology to control rheology and mechanical stability in dilute solutions for applications involving extreme shear rate flows. However, methods to experimentally probe properties at relevant shear rates (≈ 10 4 –10 6 s –1 ) have remained ex situ, obscuring access to measures of polymer deformation and rheology that would otherwise provide mechanistic insight into the topology-dependent properties that control their behavior in extreme shear flows. In this study, we used novel in situ small angle neutron scattering measurements in a capillary rheometer (capillary rheo-SANS) to simultaneously measure solution viscosities and polymer deformations in high shear on a series of chemically homologous topology-defined polymers including linear, randomly branched, and star-shaped molecules. We demonstrate that differences in the onset of chain stretching and shear thinning of these polymers in dilute solution are controlled primarily by differences in their molecular relaxation time. These differences correlate with differences in chain scission inferred from ex situ measurements at more extreme shear rates. Together, the results demonstrate a direct coupling between chain deformation and scission, and suggest that the dominant effect of branching as a means to impart resilience against mechanical degradation is through differences in relaxation dynamics due to branching. We anticipate that these results will provide key insights to engineer topology-controlled polymers for rheological modification, mechanical stability, and controlled mechano-chemistry.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

A tutorial review of machine learning-based model predictive control methods

Abstract This tutorial review provides a comprehensive overview of machine learning (ML)-based model predictive control (MPC) methods, covering both theoretical and practical aspects. It provides a theoretical analysis of closed-loop stability based on the generalization error of ML models and addresses practical challenges such as data scarcity, data quality, the curse of dimensionality, model uncertainty, computational efficiency, and safety from both modeling and control perspectives. The application of these methods is demonstrated using a nonlinear chemical process example, with open-source code available on GitHub. The paper concludes with a discussion on future research directions in ML-based MPC.

Wu, Zhe [Department of Chemical and Biomolecular E↗

Surface stability and H adsorption and diffusion near surfaces of W borides: a first-principles study

Abstract Understanding the behavior of tungsten boride (W x B y ) surfaces in a fusion reactor environment is an important topic since boronization is a common wall conditioning method used in fusion Tokamaks. We report the results of density functional theory calculations that investigate the surface stability of W x B y (tetragonal I4 1 /amd -WB, hexagonal P 6 3 / mmc -WB 2 and tetragonal I4/m- W 2 B) with low-index orientations, as well as hydrogen (H) energetics near W x B y surfaces. For single element terminated W x B y surfaces, B terminated surfaces are more energetically stable than W terminated as a result of significant reconstruction of B. The H surface adsorption energy and activation energy of H diffusion penetration below W x B y surfaces are mainly related to the outer termination. Specifically, the WB(001) surface terminated with two B layers, referred to as WB(001)-T BB , has higher H adsorption affinity and lower H diffusivity on this surface than other terminations, which is controlled by the significant charge transfer from B to H. However, B atoms on the WB 2 (0001)-T BB surface decrease both H adsorption and diffusivity on the surface, but enhance H diffusion below the surface in comparison to W terminated WB 2 (0001) surface. H would be trapped and diffuse within atomic surface gaps on the WB 2 ( 2 1 ˉ 1 ˉ 0 ) surface, while H below the surface layer would jump along the [0001] direction rather than diffuse into bulk. The surface diffusion activation energy of H on the W 2 B(001) surface slightly varies with terminations. Once H crosses the surface layer of W 2 B(001) with either termination, it prefers to diffuse into the bulk, or back towards the surface, rather than move parallel to the surface. Interestingly, WB 2 (0001) and WB 2 ( 2 1 ˉ 1 ˉ 0 ) surfaces will have relatively higher H retention than the other W x B y surfaces evaluated in this work.

Yang, L. (ORCID:0000000322166071)↗

Predicting the stability of atom-like and molecule-like unit-charge Coulomb three-particle systems

Non-relativistic quantum chemical calculations of the particle mass, m{sub 2}{sup ±}, corresponding to the dissociation threshold in a range of Coulomb three-particle systems of the form (m{sub 1}{sup ±}m{sub 2}{sup ±}m{sub 3}{sup ∓}), are performed variationally using a series solution method with a Laguerre-based wavefunction. These masses are used to calculate an accurate stability boundary, i.e., the line that separates the stability domain from the instability domains, in a reciprocal mass fraction ternary diagram. This result is compared to a lower bound to the stability domain derived from symmetric systems and reveals the importance of the asymmetric (mass-symmetry breaking) terms in the Hamiltonian at dissociation. A functional fit to the stability boundary data provides a simple analytical expression for calculating the minimum mass of a third particle required for stable binding to a two-particle system, i.e., for predicting the bound state stability of any unit-charge three-particle system.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Electronic, elastic and dynamic properties of the filled tetrahedral semiconductor LiMgN under pressures

The electronic, elastic and dynamic properties of LiMgN under pressures have been studied using the plane wave pseudopotential method based on density functional theory within the local density approximation (LDA). The calculated lattice constants, bulk modulus and band gap values of the α phase LiMgN at normal conditions are in good agreement with the available experimental and theoretical results. Our GW corrected band gap values 3.190 eV (Γ–Γ) and 3.033 eV (Γ–X) are closer to the experimental data 3.20 eV. The variations of the band gap values, elastic constants, bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, elastic anisotropy, microhardness, Debye temperature and melting temperature with pressure for the α phase LiMgN are presented. The calculated phonon dispersion curves and the thermal properties entropy S and heat capacity C{sub V} have also been obtained. - Graphical abstract: The band gaps under pressures using LDA and GW method. - Highlights: • GW corrected band gap values at normal and high pressures are presented. • Mechanical stability, elastic anisotropy of LiMgN under pressures is analyzed. • Microhardness and melting temperatures of LiMgN under pressures is obtained. • Debye temperatures and dynamical stability under pressures are investigated. • Phonon dispersion curve, thermodynamic property under pressures is demonstrated.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Nucleation and stabilization of carbon-rich structures in interstellar media

We study the conditions under which carbon clusters of different sizes form and stabilize. We describe the approach to equilibrium by simulating tenuous carbon gas dynamics to long times. First, we use reactive molecular dynamics simulations to describe the nucleation of long chains, large clusters, and complex cage structures in carbon- and hydrogen-rich interstellar gas phases. We study how temperature, particle density, the presence of hydrogen, and carbon inflow affect the nucleation of molecular moieties with different characteristics, in accordance with astrophysical conditions. We extend the simulations to densities that are orders of magnitude lower than current laboratory densities, to temperatures that are relevant to circumstellar environments of planetary nebulae, and microsecond formation times. We correlate cluster size distributions from the simulations with thermodynamic equilibrium at low temperatures and gas densities, where entropy plays a significant role.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Catalytic properties of mesoporous Al–La–Mn oxides prepared via spray pyrolysis

Highlights: • Al–La–Mn oxides were prepared using spray pyrolysis. • Al–La–Mn oxides exhibit large and uniform pore sizes. • Mesoporous Al–La–Mn oxides were compared with those prepared by conventional precipitation. • Mesoporous Al–La–Mn oxides show superior activity in decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. - Abstract: Mesoporous Al–La–Mn oxides are prepared via spray pyrolysis and are applied to the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. The characteristics of the mesoporous Al–La–Mn oxides are examined using N{sub 2} adsorption, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray fluorescence measurements. The surface area and pore size of the Al–La–Mn oxides prepared via spray pyrolysis are larger than those of the Al–La–Mn oxides prepared using a precipitation method. The catalytic performance of the materials during the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide is examined in a pulse-injection reactor. It is confirmed that the mesoporous Al–La–Mn oxides prepared via spray pyrolysis exhibit higher catalytic activity and stability in the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide than Al–La–Mn oxides prepared using a conventional precipitation method.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Experimentally demonstrating the current shifting between fast and slow correctors in NSLS-II SR when the FOFB is on

In the following, we describe a method of shifting strengths of fast correctors to slow correctors, while the fast orbit feedback (FOFB) is turned on. This method has been developed to prevent saturation of the fast correctors, which results in degradation of the FOFB performance. At NSLS-II, we experimentally demonstrated a successful fast-to-slow corrector strength transfer. The maximal fast corrector current has been reduced from greater than 0.45 A to less than 0.04 A. At the same time, the beam orbit was stabilized within ±1 μm level, which is acceptable by the operational standard. Now, the method is ready for release to the routine operations.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Hydrothermal stability of SAPO-34 for refrigeration and air conditioning applications

Graphical abstract: The SAPO-34 was synthesized by a hydrothermal method using diethylamine as a template. Water adsorption strength on SAPO-34 is between that on 13X and A type silica gel. During 100–400 Pa, the water uptake on SAPO-34 increases sensitively to pressure, and equilibrium water uptake reaches 0.35 kg/kg, 25% higher than 13X. SAPO-34 shows no significant reduced cyclic water uptake over 60 cycles. Most of the initial SAPO-34 phase is restored, while the regular cubic-like morphology is well maintained, and the specific surface area only decreases by 8.6%. - Highlights: • Water adsorption strength on SAPO-34 is between that on 13X and A type silica gel. During 100–400 Pa, the water uptake on SAPO-34 increases sensitively to pressure, and equilibrium water uptake reaches 0.35 kg/kg, 25% higher than 13X. • SAPO-34 with diethylamine as the template shows no significant reduced cyclic water uptake over 60 cycles, and most of the initial SAPO-34 phase is well maintained. • SAPO-34 has an excellent adsorption performance and a good hydrothermal stability, thus is promising for application in adsorption refrigeration. - Abstract: Hydrothermal stability is one of the crucial factors in applying SAPO-34 molecular sieve to adsorption refrigration. The SAPO-34 was synthesized by a hydrothermal method using diethylamine as a template. Both a vacuum gravimetric method and an intelligent gravimetric analyzer were applied to analyze the water adsorption performance of SAPO-34. Cyclic hydrothermal performance was determined on the modified simulation adsorption refrigeration test rig. Crystal phase, morphology, and porosity of SAPO-34 were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and N{sub 2} sorption, respectively. The results show that, water adsorption strength on SAPO-34 is between that on 13X and A type silica gel. During 100–400 Pa, the water uptake on SAPO-34 increases sensitively to pressure, and equilibrium water uptake reaches 0.35 kg/kg, 25% higher than 13X. SAPO-34 shows no significant reduced cyclic water uptake over 60 cycles. Most of the initial SAPO-34 phase is restored, while the regular cubic-like morphology is well maintained, and the specific surface area only decreases by 8.6%.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Tuning the morphology, stability and photocatalytic activity of TiO{sub 2} nanocrystal colloids by tungsten doping

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • W{sup 6+}-doped TiO{sub 2} nanocrystal colloids were prepared by hydrothermal methods. • The properties of TiO{sub 2} nanocrystal colloids can be tuned by tungsten doping. • W{sup 6+}-doped TiO{sub 2} nanocrystal colloids show higher stability and dispersity. • W{sup 6+}-doped TiO{sub 2} nanocrystal colloids show higher photocatalytic activity. - Abstract: The effects of tungsten doping on the morphology, stability and photocatalytic activity of TiO{sub 2} nanocrystal colloids were investigated. The nanostructure, chemical state of Ti, W, O, and the properties of tungsten doped TiO{sub 2} samples were investigated carefully by TEM, XRD, XPS, UV–vis, PL and photocatalytic degradation experiments. And the structure–activity relationship was discussed according to the analysis and measurement results. The analysis results reveal that the morphology, zeta potential and photocatalytic activity of TiO{sub 2} nanocrystals can be easily tuned by changing the tungsten doping concentration. The tungsten doped TiO{sub 2} colloid combines the characters of high dispersity and high photocatalytic activity.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Flame aerosol synthesis of hollow alumina nanoshells for application in thermal insulation

Commercial implementation of hollow nanoshell materials is often limited by difficult scale-up and high cost. Here we present a scalable, continuous, and potentially low-cost route to hollow nanostructured materials using a High Temperature Reducing Jet flame aerosol reactor. The key advantage of this process over traditional flame aerosol synthesis methods is separation of flame chemistry and particle formation, which allows production of hollow nanoshells from an aqueous salt solution without any template or surfactant. We produced amorphous hollow alumina with an average diameter of 181 nm and shell thickness below 10 nm, and demonstrated the generality of the method by also producing hollow SiO 2 , ZrO 2 , Ga 2 O 3 , and Co 2 O 3 . We characterized the morphology, phase transition, thermal stability, and thermal conductivity of the flame-made hollow alumina by electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and thermal analysis methods. As a prototypical application, we incorporated hollow alumina into thermal insulation, combining it with common fiberglass insulation to reduce the thermal conductivity by 30% relative to pure fiberglass, to 0.028 W m -1 K -1 while maintaining robust fire-resistance and elasticity.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗