Advanced Power Technologies Research Articles

Direct fusion drive based on centrifugal mirror confinement

A concept for direct fusion drive based on centrifugal mirror (CM) confinement of thermonuclear plasmas (DFD-CM) is described. In centrifugal mirrors, electric and magnetic fields are combined to confine the plasma within a rapidly rotating annulus of burning plasma fixed between two mirror magnets. High energy fusion products leave the reactor core at a rate determined by the velocity of plasma rotation and the strength of the mirrors. Those departing through the jet-side mirror deposit their energy in a “warm” plasma that then expands through a magnetic nozzle to deliver jet power in the 100–1000 kW range. Fusion products departing through the power-side mirror are converted to electricity to power the reactor. Moderate thrusts at attractive specific impulses (10,000+ seconds) are possible. Findings are presented on CM reactor dynamics in propulsion applications, to include new insights into the relationship between mirror and centrifugal components of plasma confinement. Additionally, analysis will be presented on reactor operability limits and characterization of viable configurations based on power density, technology constraints, and the ability to self-power. Ongoing research into the physics of the warm plasma will be discussed, to include description of improved fidelity estimates for fusion energy deposition. Finally, considerations for Alfvén’s frozen-in theorem relative to fusion plasmas and magnetic nozzle performance will be outlined.Viable space commerce and future space exploration will require advanced power and propulsion technologies capable of multi-MW power generation with high specific impulse, moderate thrust levels, and low system specific mass. DFD could make a round trip to Mars in 3 months, and to Saturn, in less than 3 years. A DFD-CM powered mission could deliver an orbiter and 4 atmospheric probes to Neptune in four years. A second-generation Interstellar Probe powered by DFD-CM could reach the edge of the heliosphere (1000 astronomical units) in 25 years.

High-performance omnidirectional-sliding hybrid nanogenerator for self-powered wireless nodes

Energy-autonomous smart electronics have been the focus of the next generation of the Internet of Things. Recently, advanced power technology with sustainable energy supply and pollution-free characteristics has become a research hotspot. Herein, to realize a reliable and unattended power unit, we propose a high-performance omnidirectional-sliding triboelectric-electromagnetic hybrid nanogenerator (OS-TEHNG) to convert the mechanical energy into electricity. The free-standing triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) achieves a charge transfer of 24.4 μC in one cycle and a short-circuit current of 0.36 mA after optimizing the electrode structure. The TENG with 130 kΩ impedance allows efficient charging of energy storage units without complex power management modules (PMMs). The electromagnetic part achieves an open-circuit voltage of 300 V after optimization. OS-TEHNG achieves a peak power density of 1568.4 W/m3 and an average power density of 352.3 W/m3 at 2 Hz. As a result, OS-TEHNG charges a 1 mF capacitor to 46 V within 8 s. The strong power supply capability allows OS-TEHNG to charge smartwatches and phones. Furthermore, a completely self-powered wireless keyboard with a PMM and an energy storage unit based on OS-TEHNG is developed. The wireless self-powered keyboard sends data 213 times after only sliding the OS-TEHNG once. Finally, OS-TEHNG is successfully demonstrated to drive a 40 mW wireless sensor node with a 1.3-inch OLED screen in continuous operation. This work represents a significant advance toward self-powered microsystems and practical power sources.

High-performance hybrid nanogenerator for self-powered wireless multi-sensing microsystems

Wireless sensor network nodes are widely used in wearable devices, consumer electronics, and industrial electronics and are a crucial component of the Internet of Things (IoT). Recently, advanced power technology with sustainable energy supply and pollution-free characteristics has become a popular research focus. Herein, to realize an unattended and reliable power supply unit suitable for distributed IoT systems, we develop a high-performance triboelectric-electromagnetic hybrid nanogenerator (TEHNG) to harvest mechanical energy. The TEHNG achieves a high load power of 21.8 mW by implementing improvements of material optimization, configuration optimization and pyramid microstructure design. To realize a self-powered integrated microsystem, a power management module, energy storage module, sensing signal processing module, and microcontroller unit are integrated into the TEHNG. Furthermore, an all-in-one wireless multisensing microsystem comprising the TEHNG, the abovementioned integrated functional circuit and three sensors (temperature, pressure, and ultraviolet) is built. The milliwatt microsystem operates continuously with the TEHNG as the only power supply, achieving self-powered operations of sensing environmental variables and transmitting wireless data to a terminal in real time. This shows tremendous application potential in the IoT field.

A practical method of carbon emission reduction ratio evaluation for expressway service area considering future infrastructures

A practical method of the carbon emission reduction ratio evaluation of expressway service areas considering future infrastructures is proposed to quantify the carbon emission reduction benefits of advanced power technologies. Taking an expressway service area in Guangxi as an example, based on its new infrastructure and low-carbon micro energy network construction scheme, the carbon emission reduction ratio of the service area is calculated and analyzed. The results show that the majority of carbon emissions in the expressway service area are contributed to electric carbon emissions, while little non-electric carbon emission exists, and there is little impact on the results if non-electric carbon emissions are neglected, which can also simplify the calculation process. This evaluation method takes into account both new loads brought by the new infrastructure and the improvement of the overall energy efficiency in the region by the advanced energy conservation and carbon reduction technologies. Emission reduction benefits can be quickly, intuitively and quantitatively achieved with advanced energy technologies such as distributed renewable energy, integrated energy system and AC/DC mixed supply. The error caused by simplified calculation is so small that is applicable to the early stage of project construction, predict and evaluate the carbon reduction benefits of advanced energy technologies to assist the orientation of the project.

Process simulation and economic evaluation of a biomass oxygen fuel circulating fluidized bed combustor with an indirect supercritical carbon dioxide cycle

In recent years, the utilization of biomass through advanced power technologies has intensified to achieve carbon neutrality. An oxy-fuel circulating fluidized bed combustor of biomass with higher efficiency supercritical carbon dioxide cycle has been developed with the aim of compensating the penalties for carbon capture and storage. The combustor fuelled with waste paper, waste wood, and cow manure, at an input of 200 ton/day is economically evaluated. Waste paper is on the verge of becoming an economically feasible fuel, more so than the other biomass examined. The use of waste paper led to a positive net present value, an internal rate of return of 3.8%, a benefit-cost ratio of 1.025, and a payback period of 17.7 years. Subsequent sensitivity analyses conducted for the waste paper fuelled power plant indicated that the capital cost is the most influential factor; the boiler, supercritical carbon dioxide cycle, and oxygen fuel combustion system were indicated in descending order of related subdivided sensitiveness. Both renewable energy certificate and carbon credit has contributed to the feasible economic of the system, with former one took precedence over later one. Sensitivity from the technical perspective, improvement in air separation unit is likely to greatly improve the economic feasibility of the proposed system. The power consumption of the air separation unit, as well as that of the carbon dioxide compression and purification unit, were highly sensitive to the implementation cost.

Multivariant Me ions design of Bi(Ni0.5Zr0.5)O3 amorphous thin film with high energy storage capability

The development of advanced pulse power technology proposes higher demand for dielectric energy storage materials. However, simultaneously obtaining high polarization and breakdown strength has become an obstacle to the development of dielectric materials. Herein, through the elaborate design of multivariant ions Me, BiMeO3 system thin film Bi(Ni0.5Zr0.5)O3 integrating high polarization, large breakdown strength and a localized heterostructure, generating an excellent energy storage density of 77.42 J cm−3 and efficiency of 70.29% at 5.60 MV cm−1. The enhancive breakdown strength of Bi(Ni0.5Zr0.5)O3 thin film is mainly attributed to the amorphous phase induced by low preparation temperature and the oxygen vacancy bound by the valence change of Ni2+ ion, which reduces leakage current density. This design approach is expected to be widespread for the development of BiMeO3 system thin film.

Nuclear is carbon-neutral

David Kramer stated in his news item “Hydrogen-powered aircraft may be getting a lift” (Physics Today, December 2020, page 27) that “to be carbon-neutral, the hydrogen must be produced either with renewable energy or with natural gas equipped with carbon capture and storage.” There is one other form of power production that is carbon-neutral and viable for use: nuclear.I am curious whether Kramer omitted nuclear power by accident or by choice. Too often nuclear power is not considered for carbon-neutral power production, even though existing and advanced nuclear power technologies are widely accepted as carbon-neutral. Any serious discussion regarding either carbon-neutral energy production or hydrogen production should include nuclear power. Section:ChooseTop of page <<CITING ARTICLES© 2021 American Institute of Physics.

The ‘conceit of controllability’: nuclear diplomacy, Japan’s plutonium reprocessing ambitions and US proliferation fears, 1974-1978

ABSTRACT US-Japanese nuclear diplomacy on plutonium reprocessing was a means by which both attempted to assert control. For Japan, this meant control over its energy supplies and the status associated with advanced nuclear power technology. Japan had emerged as an economic giant but had accepted a diminution in status by adhering to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and was determined not to have its access to cutting edge nuclear power technology curtailed. The US sought to control the spread of a technology which would produce plutonium and consequently, it was feared, increase the chances of weapons proliferation. Washington’s diplomatic gambit, the International Nuclear Fuel Cycle Evaluation, attempted to use ‘neutral’ science for political ends. However, Tokyo was able to ally with partners to frustrate Washington’s ambitions. In the long-term Japan did not score a victory since the hopes of reprocessing were not realized. Ultimately, neither was able to assert control.

A research on the relationship between the structure of nuclear energy and string theory, energy, wormhole

In the 1870s, Europe entered the era of electric revolution. Not only large enterprises, but also small enterprises have adopted new power - electric energy. At first, an engine equipment only supplies lighting power for a house or a street. People call this kind of power station a “household type” power station, which produces very little power.The power plant was originally direct current. Edison, a famous American inventor, started to build the central power plant in 1881. In 1882, two power plants with initial scale were put into operation. In January 1882, the Edison Company of Holland bridge in London began to generate electricity to supply the city cathedral and bridgehead hotel in the west of the post office bridge of the San Marco factory. Later, a water power station appeared on the fintan River in Petersburg, Russia. The power station was built on a barge to provide power for the lighting of Nevsky street. In the early stage of power production and transmission, there was a long and fierce debate about whether it was DC or AC. Edison advocated the use of DC, and people have thought about various ways to expand the scope of DC power supply, so that the power supply situation in small and medium-sized cities has been significantly improved. The use of nuclear energy to produce power plants, also known as nuclear power plants (NPPs). There is a strong binding force between the nuclei (neutrons and protons). When heavy nucleus splits and light nucleus polymerizes, it will release huge energy, which is called nuclear energy.The technology has been relatively mature, forming a scale of operation, but the nuclear power plant that produces electric energy from the nuclear energy released by heavy nuclear fission is analyzed from the point of view of energy conversion, which is a conversion process from heavy nuclear fission nuclear energy to heat energy to mechanical energy to electric energy. Now that we have more advanced nuclear power technology, this paper introduces a new power plant concept and its relationship with microphysics.

Review of Voltage and Reactive Power Control Algorithms in Electrical Distribution Networks

The traditional unidirectional, passive distribution power grids are rapidly developing into bidirectional, interactive, multi-coordinated smart grids that cover distributed power generation along with advanced information communications and electronic power technologies. To better integrate the use of renewable energy resources into the grid, to improve the voltage stability of distribution grids, to improve the grid protection and to reduce harmonics, one needs to select and control devices with adjustable reactive power (capacitor batteries, transformers, and reactors) and provide certain solutions so that the photovoltaic (PV) converters maintain due to voltage. Conventional compensation methods are no longer appropriate, thus developing measures are necessary that would ensure local reactive and harmonic compensation in case an energy quality problem happens in the low voltage distribution grid. Compared to the centralized methods, artificial intelligence (heuristic) methods are able to distribute computing and communication tasks among control devices.

The Strategy to Support HTGR fuels for The 10 MW Indonesia's Experimental Power Reactor (RDE)

The Indonesia’s 10 MW experimental power reactor (RDE) is developed based on high temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) and the program of the RDE was firstly introduced to the Agency for National Development Planning (BAPPENAS) at the beginning of 2014. The RDE program is expected to have positive impacts on community prosperity, self-reliance and sovereignty of Indonesia. The availability of RDE will be able to accelerate advanced nuclear power technology development and hence elevate Indonesia to be the nuclear champion in the ASEAN region. The RDE is expected to be operable in 2022/2023. In terms of fuel supply for the reactor, the first batch of RDE fuel will be inclusive in the RDE engineering, procurement and construction (RDE-EPC) contract for the assurance of the RDE reactor operation from 2023 to 2027. Consideration of RDE fuel plant construction is important as RDE can be the basis for the development of reactors of similar type with small-medium power (25 MWe–200/300 MWe), which are preferable for eastern part of Indonesia. To study the feasibility of the construction of RDE fuel plant, current state of the art of the R&amp;D on HTGR fuel in some advanced countries such as European countries, the United States, South Africa and Japan will be discussed and overviewed to draw a conclusion about the prospective countries for supporting the fuel for long-term RDE operation. The strategy and roadmap for the preparation of the RDE fuel plant construction with the involvement of national stakeholders have been developed. The best possible vendor country to support HTGR fuel for long-term operation is finally accomplished. In the end, this paper can be assigned as a reference for the planning and construction of HTGR RDE fuel fabrication plant in Indonesia.Keywords: RDE, Indonesia, HTGR, fuel, strategy.

Co-simulation design and experimental study on the hydraulic–pneumatic-powered driving system of main steam and feed water isolation valves for CAP1400

CAP1400 is an advanced large passive nuclear power technology under research and development, and related electromechanical equipment should be improved to guarantee the safety. The driving systems...

Global Nuclear Power Development Trend in 2016

This paper mainly describes the situation of global nuclear power units both operational and under construction, summarizes the development progress of key construction nuclear power projects, and the characteristics of the global nuclear power development, including policy and planning, deployment of advanced nuclear power technology and small modular reactors technologies, global nuclear power market competition and cooperation, as well as active development of China’s nuclear power “Go global” strategy, it briefly analyzes the development trend and prospects of nuclear power.

USE OF MODERN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR SIMULATION OF ADVANCED POWER TECHOLOGIES

A server of the Moscow Power Engineering Institute is presented which gives an opportunity to conduct “cloud” simulation of advanced power technologies. Several examples of using such approach are introduced.

Accurate Temperature Measurements of DMOS Power Transistors up to Thermal Runaway by Small Embedded Sensors

Intrinsic device temperature is one of the most important limits of the safe operating area and of the reliability of power double-diffused metal-oxide-semiconductor (DMOS) transistors. Therefore, precise knowledge of the temperatures throughout the device, up to the onset of thermal runaway is required. However, standard methods that measure the surface temperature, such as infrared thermography, usually cannot be applied to most advanced power technologies. Therefore, we propose to embed very small temperature sensors within the active DMOS cell array itself. These sensors are located very close to the heat-generating regions, having a tight thermal coupling, thus giving an accurate measurement of the intrinsic device temperature. Moreover, due to their small size, many sensors can be integrated into a power DMOS for a good spatial resolution. The sensors have been implemented in a smart power production technology. Calibration and verification up to 600 <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">°</sup> C, as well as further validation up to 400 <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">°</sup> C, by comparison to transient interferometric mapping measurements are discussed. The usefulness of the sensors is demonstrated by characterization of the thermal runaway, by measurements with a high spatial resolution achieved by 60 sensors in conjunction with an on-chip multiplexer, and by an assessment of the peak temperature reduction that can be obtained by using thick power metal layers for increased heat capacitance.

Managing smart grid information in the cloud: opportunities, model, and applications

Smart grid (SG), regarded as the next-generation electric grid, will use advanced power, communication, and information technologies to create an automated, intelligent, and widely distributed energy delivery network. In this article, we explore how cloud computing (CC), a next-generation computing paradigm, can be used for information management of the SG and present a novel SG information management paradigm, called Cloud Service-Based SG Information Management (CSSGIM). We analyze the benefits and opportunities from the perspectives of both the SG and CC domains. We further propose a model for CSSGIM and present four motivating applications.

Efficiency Enhancement of GaAs Photovoltaics Employing Antireflective Indium Tin Oxide Nanocolumns

Global-warming issues coupled with high oil prices have become a major driving force for the use of advanced solar power technology, where a key component lies in the development of high-efficiency and low-cost photovoltaic cells. Next generation photovoltaics, hence, demand an efficiency-boosting mechanism in order to render solar energy cost competitive with conventional sources of electricity. Fundamentally, the conversion efficiency of a solar cell depends on the photon absorption, carrier separation, and carrier collection. Therefore, an effective antireflection (AR) coating, minimized recombination loss, and good Ohmic contacts are particularly important. Metal grids that inevitably block the transmission of solar energy also require optimization in order to reduce the series resistance. The trade-off between the electrode and the AR coating areas is one of the efficiency-limiting factors in a conventional solar cell. The conventional AR coating is usually composed of a quarter wavelength stack of dielectrics with different refractive indices. Broad angular and spectral AR is achievable at the price of multiple layers. Over the past few years, versatile subwavelength structures (SWS) have emerged as promising candidates for AR coatings, due to the characteristics of zero-order gratings, or the so-called moth-eye effects. However, the fabrication costs, which involve either electron-beam (e-beam) lithography or various etching processes, can be significant. In addition, the resulting surface-recombination loss due to dry or wet etching could further hinder the applications of SWS in commercial solar cells. Recently, multiple studies have been carried out on indium tin oxide (ITO), titanium dioxide (TiO2), and silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanostructures employing oblique-angle deposition methods, where the refractive indices of the nanoporous materials can be engineered by adjusting the air volume ratio. Still, thematerials requiremultiple layers to effectively suppress the Fresnel reflection.

Technical, environmental, and economic assessment of deploying advanced coal power technologies in the Chinese context

The goal of this study is to evaluate the technical, environmental, and economic dimensions of deploying advanced coal-fired power technologies in China. In particular, we estimate the differences in capital cost and overall cost of electricity (COE) for a variety of advanced coal-power technologies based on the technological and economic levels in 2006 in China. This paper explores the economic gaps between Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) and other advanced coal power technologies, and compares 12 different power plant configurations using advanced coal power technologies. Super critical (SC) and ultra super critical (USC) pulverized coal (PC) power generation technologies coupled with pollution control technologies can meet the emission requirements. These technologies are highly efficient, technically mature, and cost-effective. From the point of view of efficiency, SC and USC units are good choices for power industry. The net plant efficiency for IGCC has reached 45%, and it has the best environmental performance overall. The cost of IGCC is much higher, however, than that of other power generation technologies, so the development of IGCC is slow throughout the world. Incentive policies are needed if IGCC is to be deployed in China.

Compact direct methanol fuel cells for portable application

Consumers’ demand for portable audio/video/ICT products has driven the development of advanced power technologies in recent years. Fuel cells are a clean technology with low emissions levels, suitable for operation with renewable fuels and capable, in a next future, of replacing conventional power systems meeting the targets of the Kyoto Protocol for a society based on sustainable energy systems. Within such a perspective, the objective of the European project MOREPOWER (compact direct methanol fuel cells for portable applications) is the development of a low-cost, low temperature, portable direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC; nominal power 250 W) with compact construction and modular design for the potential market area of weather stations, medical devices, signal units, gas sensors and security cameras. This investigation is focused on a conceptual study of the DMFC system carried out in the Matlab/Simulink ® platform: the proposed scheme arrangements lead to a simple equipment architecture and a efficient process.

Zap [extreme voltage for fighting diseases

Bioelectrics is an emerging field of research that combines the disciplines of high voltage engineering and cell biology to gain a better understanding of the effects of powerful, ultrashort voltage pulses on living tissue. Bioelectrics depends on advanced pulsed power technology, which is the ability to switch on and off thousands of amperes of current and just as many volts in mere nanoseconds. The most promising and practical result so far has been the recent discovery that certain pulsed electric fields can wipe out skin tumors in mice. Although many years will pass before it will even be worth testing on humans, bioelectrics offers a totally new therapeutic avenue - one that could lead to a therapy free of the debilitating side effects of chemotherapy drugs and tissue damage of radiation