Methods and systems for acoustically-assisted hydroprocessing at low pressure
Hydroprocessing can be performed at low pressure using acoustic energy. For example, hydroprocessing a feedstock having one or more hydrocarbon compounds carried in, or mixed with, a transport gas involves flowing the feedstock through a reaction zone in a reactor that has a bulk pressure less than 68 atm and applying acoustic energy through the reaction zone. The hydrocarbon compounds are chemically reacted with a hydrogen source in the presence of a catalyst, wherein the reacting occurs in the reaction zone.
Grid Regulation Services for Energy Storage Devices Based on Grid Frequency
Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for charging and discharging an energy storage device connected to an electrical power distribution system. In one exemplary embodiment, a controller monitors electrical characteristics of an electrical power distribution system and provides an output to a bi-directional charger causing the charger to charge or discharge an energy storage device (e.g., a battery in a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)). The controller can help stabilize the electrical power distribution system by increasing the charging rate when there is excess power in the electrical power distribution system (e.g., when the frequency of an AC power grid exceeds an average value), or by discharging power from the energy storage device to stabilize the grid when there is a shortage of power in the electrical power distribution system (e.g., when the frequency of an AC power grid is below an average value).
Preventing Conflicts Among Bid Curves Used with Transactive Controllers in A Market-Based Resource Allocation System
This controller is designed to bid in the price and quantity of an HVAC system as a function of the indoor air temperature, and respond to price by adjusting its temperature set point. However, when using the "auto" setting on a thermostat and pre-cooling and pre-heating functions, it is possible for the two set points to overlap, causing a conflict within the thermostat. To resolve this, a "double ramp" mode was developed to determine the dominant mode within the thermostat and resolve the pricing conflict.
Polymer-Sulfur Composite Materials for Electrodes In Li-S Energy Storage Devices
The high capacity Li/S battery with low cost and improved safety is one of the most promising technologies for the next generation of energy storage systems. However, its practical application has been plagued by a poor cycling ability caused by soluble polysulfide intermediates. Herein, a flexible interwoven sulfurized polyaniline (referred as SPANI hereafter) is designed to imbed sulfur in the form of S/SPANI composite. The soluble long chain polysulphides produced during repeated cycling are effectively constrained within the SPANI spatial network through both physical and chemical interactions. Even after 500 cycles a capacity retention rate of 68% is observed in the S/SPANI composite with a reversible capacity of around 600 mAh g-1. Compared with the conventional carbon matrix the framework of the elastic SPANI polymer functions very differently in that the volume of SPANI varies in the same pace as that of S addressing the dislocation issue of sulfur appropriately. The amine groups and/or imine groups decorated on SPANI surface further interacts or attracts the soluble polysulfides anions leading to the superior electrochemical performances. The attractive behavior exhibited by the SPANI/S composite not only underlies a new concept for designing sulfur-based electrode material but can be applied into many other different applications.
Surface Modification to Prevent Oxide Scale Spallation
Applying a shot-peening surface treatment technique of metallic IC used in SOFCs, consists of utilizing shot beads to impact the surface of the metallic IC at some velocity. The shot-peening surface treatment technique changes surface characteristics of metallic ICs to achieve a reliable oxide scale on the metallic ICs. This technique creates a novel mechanism of improvement of the reliability of the metallic ICs for long-term performance at high SOFC operating temperatures. It creates a waving surface of the metallic ICs and prevents/delay the delamination/spallation of the oxide scale.
Using Bi-Directional Communications in a Market-Based Resource Allocation System
A hierarchical system of market-like structures are assembled in which producers and consumers of resources negotiate for delivery and access to these resources at various points in time. The system described here provides a single conceptual framework for assemble a wide-area system for managing the allocation and distribution of multiple resources over time.
Method and System for Managing Power Grid Data
Smart grids promise to improve the efficiency of power grid systems and reduce green house emissions through incorporating power generation from renewable sources and shaping demand to match supply. Power generation from renewable resources such as solar and wind is affected by weather factors that can be highly fluctuating. To ensure these energy sources can be utilized efficiently, smart grid systems must shape demand through incentives to match the supply. As a result, the whole system becomes highly dynamic and requires constant adjustment. How to adjust the system can have a great impact on the efficiency and reliability of power grid systems, which offer many opportunities for innovation. We have designed a scalable data middleware specialized for smart grids.
THIN-SHEET ZEOLITE MEMBRANE AND METHODS FOR MAKING THE SAME
Zeolite membrane sheets for separation of mixtures containing water are provided, as well as methods for making the same. Thin, but robust, zeolite membrane sheets having an inter-grown zeolite crystal film directly on a thin, less than 200 micron thick, porous support sheet free of any surface pores with a size above 10 microns. The zeolite membrane film thickness is less than about 10 microns above the support surface and less than about 5 microns below the support surface. Methods of preparing the membrane are disclosed which include coating of the support sheet surface with a seed coating solution containing the parent zeolite crystals with mean particle sizes from about 0.5 to 2.0 microns at loading of 0.05-0.5 mg/cm2 and subsequent growth of the seeded sheet in a growth reactor loaded with a growth solution over a temperature range of about 45° C. to about 120° C.
REDOX FLOW BATTERIES BASED ON SUPPORTING SOLUTIONS CONTAINING CHLORIDE
Redox flow battery systems having a supporting solution that contains Cl− ions can exhibit improved performance and characteristics. Furthermore, a supporting solution having mixed SO42− and Cl− ions can provide increased energy density and improved stability and solubility of one or more of the ionic species in the catholyte and/or anolyte. According to one example, a vanadium-based redox flow battery system is characterized by an anolyte having V2+ and V3+ in a supporting solution and a catholyte having V4+ and V5+ in a supporting solution. The supporting solution can contain Cl− ions or a mixture of SO42− and Cl− ions.