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At least 1,747 records · Page 97

Varactor with integrated micro-discharge source

An apparatus that includes a varactor element and an integrated micro-discharge source is disclosed herein. In a general embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one np junction and at least one voltage source that is configured to apply voltage across the np junction. The apparatus further includes an aperture that extends through the np junction. When the voltage is applied across the np junction, gas in the aperture is ionized, forming a plasma, in turn causing a micro-discharge (of light, charge particles, and space charge) to occur. The light (charge particles, and space charge) impinges upon the surface of the np junction exposed in the aperture, thereby altering capacitance of the np junction. When used within an oscillator circuit, the effect of the plasma on the np-junction extends the capacitance changes of the np-junction and extends the oscillator frequency range in ways not possible by a conventional voltage controlled oscillator (VCO).

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Nano-micro-structured Graphene Film Electrodes for Enhanced Performance of Supercapacitors

The graphene structures at either nanoscale and microscale are important to the film electrode performance. At nanoscale, a molecular engineering approach (i.e., molecular ligand grafting) was used to control the interspacing between restacked graphene sheets. At microscale, this work applied an external field to align the graphene sheets along the field direction during the film deposition from liquid slurry of molecularly engineered graphene. Five different ligand molecules were effectively grafted on the surfaces of well-dispersed graphene oxides (GOs) in liquid suspension and chemically reduced to GOs (rGOs), which then were modified by grafted molecules to form (m-rGOs). XRD data shows well controlled nanometer sized interlayer spacings between the re-stacked sheets of m-rGOs. Then, we investigated the effects of ligand grafting on the deposit film structure. Their baseline electrochemical cell performance was evaluated by different aqueous electrolytes (e.g., H2SO4 vs. KOH) for the following external field alignment. Initially, the m-rGO film electrodes exhibited higher capacitance performance with H2SO4 electrolyte, compared with KOH. Also, the external field has rendered the graphene sheets oriented velrtically to the film surface, resulting in enhanced capacitance due to enhanced diffusion and accessibility of electrolyte ions into the graphene film structure. Aligning graphene nanosheets in film deposits via external field could be a novel versatile fabrication technique to tailor microscopic architecture of graphene coatings for high performance supercapacitor.

Jang, Gyoung Gug↗

Domestic Dishwasher Simulated Energy Efficiency Evaluation Using Thermoelectric Heat Pump for Water Heating and Dish Drying

A quasi-steady state, heat and mass transfer lumped-capacitance model was developed to predict the energy consumption and drying performance of domestic dishwashers. A numerical finite element solution was applied, assuming that the following components could each be treated as a lumped thermal capacitance: dish load, tub, wash water, and air in tub. The model was used to predict the energy consumption savings of heating water using a thermoelectric heat pump that extracts heat from a thermal storage medium, and the drying performance of circulating tub air through the cold and then hot side of TE modules.

Abuheiba, Ahmad↗

Carbon composition with hierarchical porosity, and methods of preparation

A method for fabricating a porous carbon material possessing a hierarchical porosity, the method comprising subjecting a precursor composition to a curing step followed by a carbonization step, the precursor composition comprising: (i) a templating component comprised of a block copolymer, (ii) a phenolic component, (iii) a dione component in which carbonyl groups are adjacent, and (iv) an acidic component, wherein said carbonization step comprises heating the precursor composition at a carbonizing temperature for sufficient time to convert the precursor composition to a carbon material possessing a hierarchical porosity comprised of mesopores and macropores. Also described are the resulting hierarchical porous carbon material, a capacitive deionization device in which the porous carbon material is incorporated, as well as methods for desalinating water by use of said capacitive deionization device.

Mayes, Richard T.↗

High voltage DC power conversion system and method of operating the same

A fraction rated conversion system for coupling a plurality of high voltage direct current (HVDC) power strings in parallel to an HVDC transmission system includes at least one fraction rated power converter coupled to the plurality of HVDC power strings and at least one capacitive device coupled to the at least one fraction rated power converter. The at least one fraction rated power converter and the at least one capacitive device regulate a differential voltage across each HVDC power string of the plurality of HVDC power strings to be substantially similar to each other.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

High power transfer through load-supporting bearings

A system for power transfer to a movable platform makes use of a capacitive interface in moving elements of load-supporting bearings for power transfer. Tank circuits associated with each bearing increase power transfer by reducing effective impedance of the small bearing capacitances.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Microscale sensors for direct metrology of additively manufactured features

This invention relates to a microelectromechanical device for mechanical characterization of a specimen. In one embodiment the device may incorporate a substrate, at least one first flexure bearing and at least one second flexure bearing, both being supported on the substrate. First and second movable shuttles may be used which are supported above the substrate by the flexure bearings so that each is free to move linearly relative to the substrate. Ends of the movable shuttles are separated by a gap. A thermal actuator may be connected to one end of the first movable shuttle, and operates to cause the first movable shuttle to move in a direction parallel to the surface of the substrate in response to a signal applied to the thermal actuator. A first capacitive sensor may be formed between the first movable shuttle and the substrate, and a second capacitive sensor formed between the second movable shuttle and the substrate.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Carbon composition with hierarchical porosity, and methods of preparation

A method for fabricating a porous carbon material possessing a hierarchical porosity, the method comprising subjecting a precursor composition to a curing step followed by a carbonization step, the precursor composition comprising: (i) a templating component comprised of a block copolymer, (ii) a phenolic component, (iii) a dione component in which carbonyl groups are adjacent, and (iv) an acidic component, wherein said carbonization step comprises heating the precursor composition at a carbonizing temperature for sufficient time to convert the precursor composition to a carbon material possessing a hierarchical porosity comprised of mesopores and macropores. Also described are the resulting hierarchical porous carbon material, a capacitive deionization device in which the porous carbon material is incorporated, as well as methods for desalinating water by use of said capacitive deionization device.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Supply voltage decoupling circuits for voltage droop mitigation

Circuits and methods are provided for utilizing decoupling capacitors to mitigate voltage droop on power supply lines of a power distribution network. A power supply line is capacitively decoupled using a first decoupling capacitor connected to the power supply line and charged to a first voltage level of the power supply line. A second decoupling capacitor is pre-charged to a second voltage level greater than the first voltage level and held in standby. A control circuit determines or predicts an occurrence of a droop event in which the first voltage decreases to a level which is at or below a droop threshold voltage level, and selectively connects the pre-charged second decoupling capacitor to the power supply line to source additional boosting current through discharging of the second decoupling capacitor and thereby capacitively decouple the power supply line using the higher second voltage and additional boosting current.

Zhang, Xin↗

Microfabricated ion trap chip with in situ radio-frequency sensing

A radio-frequency (RF) surface ion trap chip includes an RF electrode and an integrated capacitive voltage divider in which an intermediate voltage node is capacitively connected between the RF electrode and a ground. A sensor output trace is connected to the intermediate voltage node.

Maunz, Peter Lukas Wilhelm↗

Synthesis of Co-containing mesoporous carbon foams using a new cobalt-oxo cluster as a precursor

A novel trinuclear cobalt-oxo cluster 2[Co{sub 3}O(Ac){sub 6}(H{sub 2}O){sub 3}]{center_dot}H{sub 2}O (Co-OXO) has been obtained and characterized by X-ray single-crystal diffraction and elemental analysis. The structure of Co-OXO displays 3D supramolecular networks through hydrogen bonds and generates boron nitride (bnn) topology. Co-OXO was further used as a precursor to synthesize Co-containing mesoporous carbon foams (Co-MCFs), which exhibit highly ordered mesostructure with specific surface area of 614 m{sup 2} g{sup -1} and uniform pore size of 2.7 nm. Charge-discharge tests show that the specific discharge capacitance of Co-MCFs is 7% higher than that of the MCFs at the current density of 100 mA g{sup -1}, and 26% higher than that of MCFs at the current density of 3 A g{sup -1}. The electrochemical behaviors of Co-MCFs are obviously improved due to the improved wettability, increased graphitization degree and the pseudo-capacitance through additional faradic reactions arising from cobalt. - Graphical Abstract: A new trinuclear cobalt-oxo cluster, 2[Co{sub 3}O(Ac){sub 6}(H{sub 2}O){sub 3}]{center_dot}H{sub 2}O (1), was obtained and further used as a precursor to synthesize Co-containing mesoporous carbon foams (Co-MCFs) which exhibit improved electrochemical behaviors. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A new trinuclear cobalt-oxo cluster (1) were obtained. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer 1 is joined by hydrogen bonds to construct a 3D structure showing bnn topology. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer 1 was further used to obtain Co-containing mesoporous carbon foams (Co-MCFs). Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Co-MCFs exhibit highly ordered mesostructure and uniform pore sizes. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Electrochemical behaviors of Co-MCFs are obviously improved compared with pure MCFs.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Position sensing circuit for an electrostatically driven MEMS device

The present disclosure relates to a system for detecting movement of a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device. The system uses a drive voltage signal source for generating a low frequency drive voltage signal for driving the MEMS device. An excitation signal source may be used for generating an excitation signal which is also applied to the MEMS device. The excitation signal has a frequency which is above a physical response capability of the MEMS device, such that operation of the MEMS device is not significantly affected by the excitation signal. A sensing impedance is used to help generate a signal which is responsive to the capacitance of the MEMS device. The capacitance of the MEMS device changes in response to movement of the MEMS device. An output subsystem is provided which responds to changes sensed by the sensing impedance, and which produces an output voltage signal. A filter filters the output voltage signal to produce a filtered output voltage signal. The filtered output voltage signal is indicative of a position of the MEMS device.

Panas, Robert Matthew↗

Systems and methods for assessing cable insulation

Methods for assessing cable insulation are provided that can include engaging a first tine gap interdigital capacitor assembly with the exterior of the cable jacket to determine a first capacitance and dissipation factor value of the insulation using the first tine gap interdigital capacitor assembly; engaging a second tine gap interdigital capacitor assembly with the exterior of the cable jacket to determine a second capacitance and dissipation factor value of the insulation using the second tine gap interdigital capacitor assembly.Systems for assessing cable insulation are also provided. The systems can include a cable jacket encompassing cable insulation and conductive material; at least two tine gap interdigital capacitor assemblies engaged with the cable jacket; and processing circuitry operatively engaged with the capacitor assemblies.

Glass, III, Samuel W.↗

Polyphase wireless power transfer systems, coil assemblies and resonant networks

Polyphase wireless power transfer systems are provided. The transfer system may be used for charging hybrid and electric vehicles. The systems are capable of transferring over 50 KW over an air gap of 15 cm. The systems use a rotating magnetic field to transfer power. The system may comprise transmitter coil assembly. The coil assembly may be one or more layers. The system may employ either unipolar or bipolar coils. The transmitter also comprises compensating capacitance connected in series with at least one coil for each phase. A value of the compensating capacitance for each phase is determined such that the transmitter has at least two independently excitable resonant modes at a resonant frequency. The transmitter is compatible with a plurality of different receivers including three-phase, single phase with a circular coil and single phase with DD coils.

Pries, Jason L.↗

Component-Level Inverse Design of Transmon Qubits Using Neural Networks

Designing a superconducting qubit to realize specific Hamiltonian parameters typically requires iterating through a time and compute-intensive forward loop in which the designer chooses a layout geometry, simulates it, extracts circuit parameters such as capacitances, and refines the geometry. We study the inverse version of this task using a neural-network workflow that maps target Hamiltonian parameters directly to component-level layout parameters, which we subsequently demonstrate on a planar transmon layout. During training, we pair the inverse model with a frozen forward surrogate model and evaluate the loss in Hamiltonian space rather than in layout-parameter space. In validation against a conventional EM solver, 97% of generated designs produce usable geometries, and the inverse-plus-surrogate pipeline reaches mean percent errors of 0.73% for qubit frequency and 1.58% for anharmonicity, comparable to or below the fabrication and simulation-to-measurement uncertainty expected for academic-process transmon devices of this type. A single pipeline query takes ~60 ms on CPU, versus ~2 min for a conventional EM capacitance extraction on the same hardware, a speedup of approximately 2,000x. Batching minimizes the AI model inference overhead, reducing the runtime to 3.1 microseconds per sample on CPU and 2.6 microseconds per sample on GPU at a batch size of 2048, resulting in speedups of 3.9 x 10^7 and 4.6 x 10^7, respectively, relative to a single conventional CPU EM extraction. Our results indicate that component-level inverse design usefully extends and complements conventional EM simulation, including for small datasets on the order of 1,000 samples.

Seidel, Olivia [Fermilab; Texas U., Arlington]↗

Electrochemical Investigations of Magnetic Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} Nanoparticles as an Active Electrode for Supercapacitor Applications

This attempt reports on cobalt oxide (Co{sub 3}O{sub 4}) nanoparticles (NPs) prepared through the traditional chemical reflux method to examine the behavior of supercapacitor performance. The synthesized NPs were characterized using several analytical tools such as ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Moreover, the electrochemical performance was analyzed using galvanostatic charge and discharge studies (GCD), cyclic voltammetry (CV) studies as well as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The cubical phase of Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} was identified from the XRD pattern and also the average crystalline size was measured by Scherrer’s equation. FTIR confirmed the functional group of Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} NPs. SEM images revealed the hexagonal-shaped nanoflakes-like morphology of the sample. From the elemental analysis, the formation of pure Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} NPs by means of high purity and composition ratio of cobalt with oxygen was found. Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) plot scrutinized the magnetic performance of Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} NPs{sub .} The Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} NPs modified electrode has delivered maximum specific capacitance as 1413 Fg{sup −1} at a current density of 1 Ag{sup −1} which maintains tremendous cycling stability within the retention ratio of 98.4% after 1000 cycles. .

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Synthesis of Self-Assembled rGO-Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} Nanoparticles in Nanorods Structure for Supercapacitor Application

A simple hydrothermal process was used to design self-assembled Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles in nanorod structure in the presence of graphene oxide as a template. The as-prepared Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} sample in a loose powder form was calcined at 450 °C to get the well-crystalline phase of the same compound. The obtained Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} powder sample was characterized by using the powder XRD and SEM. The XRD pattern shows totally nine distinct reflection peaks of (111), (220), (311), (222), (400), (422), (511), (440), and (533) planes. The most intense peaks were chosen to evaluate the structural parameters. The lattice parameters (a), volume (V), and density (ρ) of the samples are 8.09 Å, 529.47 Å{sup 3}, 6.06 g/cc, which are comparable to the value of lattice parameter (a = 8.056 Å), volume (V = 528.30 Å{sup 3}), and density (ρ = 6.055 gm/cc) for bulk Co{sub 3}O{sub 4}. The average size of the Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles is 14 nm which is smaller than the SEM size of 50 nm corresponding to the agglomeration of tiny particles. Further, the formation of Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles were also confirmed by obtaining the band at 569, 1334,1337, 1566, and 3397 cm{sup −1} in FTIR spectrum. Totally five characteristics peaks from Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} at 182.57, 456.49, 505.84, 605.80, and 618.02 cm{sup −1} and peaks from GO-Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} at 182.57, 483.44, 505.84, 605.80, and 618.02 cm{sup −1} corresponding to F{sub 2g}, E{sub g}, F{sub 2g}, F{sub 2g,} and A{sub g} modes of the crystalline Co{sub 3}O{sub 4}, respectively, in the Raman spectra. In the case of GO-Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} composite, low-intensity peaks of D and G bands are observed. The specific capacitance in rGO-Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanocomposite is about 65.15 Fg{sup −1}.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

An overview—Functional nanomaterials for lithium rechargeable batteries, supercapacitors, hydrogen storage, and fuel cells

Graphical abstract: Nanomaterials play important role in lithium ion batteries, supercapacitors, hydrogen storage and fuel cells. - Highlights: • Nanomaterials play important role for lithium rechargeable batteries. • Nanostructured materials increase the capacitance of supercapacitors. • Nanostructure improves the hydrogenation/dehydrogenation of hydrogen storage materials. • Nanomaterials enhance the electrocatalytic activity of the catalysts in fuel cells. - Abstract: There is tremendous worldwide interest in functional nanostructured materials, which are the advanced nanotechnology materials with internal or external dimensions on the order of nanometers. Their extremely small dimensions make these materials unique and promising for clean energy applications such as lithium ion batteries, supercapacitors, hydrogen storage, fuel cells, and other applications. This paper will highlight the development of new approaches to study the relationships between the structure and the physical, chemical, and electrochemical properties of functional nanostructured materials. The Energy Materials Research Programme at the Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Materials, the University of Wollongong, has been focused on the synthesis, characterization, and applications of functional nanomaterials, including nanoparticles, nanotubes, nanowires, nanoporous materials, and nanocomposites. The emphases are placed on advanced nanotechnology, design, and control of the composition, morphology, nanostructure, and functionality of the nanomaterials, and on the subsequent applications of these materials to areas including lithium ion batteries, supercapacitors, hydrogen storage, and fuel cells.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗