Energy and our future: a perspective from the Clemson Nanomaterials Center

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Apparao M. Rao

AbstractOur increasing energy demands have spurred a rigorous search for renewable energy sources to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. However, efficient use of renewable energy is possible only with advances in both energy generation and storage. Today’s batteries and capacitors, which are the main energy storage devices, cannot meet the world’s demand for combined power and energy densities. To enhance the viability of such energy storing devices, the Clemson Nanomaterials Center (CNC) has developed a mix of scalable processes for carbon nanotube-based hybrid electrodes that show promise as a cost-effective alternative to standard activated carbon-based electrodes. Working together with industrial partners, CNC has fabricated supercapacitors with energy and power densities in the range of ~11–35 Wh/kg and ~1.2–9 W/kg, respectively. Although this research development is transformative, further studies to optimize the separator and electrolyte technologies are needed to maximize both the energy and power density in a single device.

2013 ◽  
Vol 768 ◽  
pp. 3-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Venmathi ◽  
R. Ramaprabha

This paper presents the comparative dynamic analysis of full bridge and half bridge three port dc-dc converter topology interfacing the renewable energy sources along with the energy storage devices. The three port converter comprises the active bridge circuit and the three winding transformer. It uses single power conversion stage with high frequency link to control power flow between the batteries, load and the renewable energy sources. The power flow between the ports is controlled by phase shifting the square wave outputs of the active bridges in combination with pulse width modulation (PWM) technique. The analysis reveals that the battery discharges when the source is not sufficient to supply the load and it was charged when the source alone is capable of supplying the load. Hence there is a bidirectional power flow in the storage port when there is a transition in the source.


Author(s):  
Mykhailo Syvenko ◽  
Oleksandr Miroshnyk

A detailed substantiation of the use of electric energy storage devices in the presence of generators on renewable energy sources in the power supply system is given. The dependence of the storage parameters on the composition and priority of generation in the system is investigated. The solution of the problem of determining the parameters of electricity storage devices by means of purposeful simulation of generation parameters is considered. The results of the choice of power and capacity of the energy storage using technical and economic indicators are shown. Optimal parameters of electric energy storage devices as one of the most important means of ensuring the activity of isolated power supply systems together with selection of generating devices are determined. The results of calculations of capacity of renewable energy sources in isolated power supply systems in combination with classical energy sources are given. The necessity of using the principle of activity of the distribution electric network and the possibility of its realization is demonstrated. The optimal storage capacity as a function of the share of renewable generation, the non-integrated energy produced by renewable sources and the total storage capacity are plotted for several isolated systems. The main points of the used model of the power supply system of isolated networks are given. In the studied isolated power supply systems, wind power plants and solar power plants, which have significant unpredictability of generation, are used as generation based on renewable energy sources. The problem of undersupply of electricity to the grid by stepwise increase of generation is analysed. The results of the multi-step selection of power and energy consumption of electricity storage are determined by technical criteria.


Author(s):  
Shabir Ahmad Akhoon ◽  
Ashaq Hussain Sofi ◽  
Rayees Ahmad Khan ◽  
Ab. Mateen Tantray ◽  
Seemin Rubab

Renewable energy resources have been investigated as alternatives to fossil fuels. Though the energy density of these renewable sources is not comparable to the fossil fuels, their abundance make them highly interesting. There are three main steps in the renewable energy utilization: harvesting, conversion, and storage. Thus, after harvesting renewable energy, storing this energy is an important aspect for its large-scale end use. Considering the fact that the energy is a basic need for life on earth, there has been a strong scientific temperament towards the renewable energy utilization. The electrical energy storage maintains the key to promote the use of renewable energy. Among the storage devices, the rechargeable lithium ion batteries (LIBs) are the most promising energy storage devices. Among various cathodes proposed for LIBs, the most promising one is the spinel lithium manganese oxide (LiMn2O4). Its non-toxicity, low cost, abundance, and ease of synthesis, besides being environmentally friendly, make it suitable for next generation green LIBs.


2011 ◽  
Vol 59 (4) ◽  
pp. 475-483 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Tomaszuk ◽  
A. Krupa

High efficiency high step-up DC/DC converters - a reviewThe renewable energy sources such as PV modules, fuel cells or energy storage devices such as super capacitors or batteries deliver output voltage at the range of around 12 to 70 VDC. In order to connect them to the grid the voltage level should be adjusted according to the electrical network standards in the countries. First of all the voltage should be stepped up to sufficient level at which the DC/AC conversion can be performed to AC mains voltage requirements. Overall performance of the renewable energy system is then affected by the efficiency of step-up DC/DC converters, which are the key parts in the system power chain. This review is focused on high efficiency step-up DC/DC converters with high voltage gain. The differentiation is based on the presence or lack of galvanic isolation. A comparison and discussion of different DC/DC step-up topologies will be performed across number of parameters and presented in this paper.


TecnoLógicas ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (42) ◽  
pp. 9-11
Author(s):  
Carlos A. Ramos-Paja ◽  
Daniel González-Montoya ◽  
Adriana Trejos-Grisales ◽  
Sergio I. Serna-Garcés

Processing electrical energy is one of the most important research fields in our society. So far, tremendous efforts have been made to improve the efficiency of each step in electrical systems: generation systems have been enhanced by introducing renewable energy sources and new control systems for conventional generators, losses have been reduced, the power quality of distribution and transmission systems has been increased, the life-time and state-of-health of energy storage devices have been extended, and sections of the power grid have been isolated for intelligent energy management.


Author(s):  
Zaineb Nisar Jan

Abstract: In the present world where environmental issues are posing a great threat to the survival of mankind a better yet effective way of reducing carbon emissions and improving the environment by less usage of fossil fuels was suggested. This approach was called microgrid (MG). Renewable energy resources could be used effectively to produce electricity and can be easily integrated with the conventional grid. This paper elaborates on the basic concept of microgrid, and then describes the challenges and future prospects of the microgrid. Distribution generators along with energy storage devices and proper interfacing power electronic devices are used. Working on the basis of the type of microgrid is also discussed in this paper. Keywords: Renewable energy resources, distributed energy, AC microgrid, DC microgrid, energy management.


Author(s):  
Fahad Iqbal ◽  
Ankur Singh Rana ◽  
Shufali Ashraf Wani

The foremost issues of the twenty-first century are the ever-increasing challenging demand of electrical energy and controlling the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG). Along with these issues and with limited energy resources, it is imperative to look for non-conventional methods of power generation like from renewable energy resources. Microgrid has emerged as a new field that can meet the energy demand with a special emphasis on good power quality, reliability, and security. A major concern with the use of renewable energy resources is their intermittent nature which makes their integration and operation a challengeable task. Energy storage devices like batteries can be used to overcome the problem of intermittent nature of renewable energy resources. This chapter focusses on different aspects of renewable energy resources in detail. It analyzes the effectiveness of the proposed topology of the microgrid for health clinic load profile with the help of PVSYST software.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 67-71
Author(s):  
Vidya Jose

The huge global energy consumption has raised concerns over the depletion in readily available conventional energy resources. Besides, there are harmful atmospheric effects of fossil fuels and the qualms of future energy resources. The world hence is in dire need of new renewable energy sources that are cheap, non-polluting, environmentally friendly, and clean. This is the only way we can stop using fossil. Hydrogen is considered as an ideal fuel for the future because of its high energy content and its clean combustion to water. However, extensive technologies are required to introduce hydrogen as an alternative clean and cost-effective future fuel, which brings about the relevance of the exploitation of the microorganisms for large-scale renewable energy production. Reports of photobiological hydrogen production by oxygenic photosynthetic microbes, such as green algae and cyanobacteria and by anaerobic photosynthesis, are summarized in this paper, with a focus on the major obstacles that must be overcome by scientific and technical breakthroughs to make way for commercially feasible energy. The principle, progress, and prognosis of photobiological hydrogen as a renewable energy source are reviewed.


Author(s):  
Fahad Iqbal ◽  
Ankur Singh Rana ◽  
Shufali Ashraf Wani

The foremost issues of the twenty-first century are the ever-increasing challenging demand of electrical energy and controlling the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG). Along with these issues and with limited energy resources, it is imperative to look for non-conventional methods of power generation like from renewable energy resources. Microgrid has emerged as a new field that can meet the energy demand with a special emphasis on good power quality, reliability, and security. A major concern with the use of renewable energy resources is their intermittent nature which makes their integration and operation a challengeable task. Energy storage devices like batteries can be used to overcome the problem of intermittent nature of renewable energy resources. This chapter focusses on different aspects of renewable energy resources in detail. It analyzes the effectiveness of the proposed topology of the microgrid for health clinic load profile with the help of PVSYST software.


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