Basic Battery Research Articles

Thermo-economic assessment of a salt hydrate thermochemical energy storage-based Rankine Carnot battery system

Carnot batteries are critical technologies for increasing the penetration of renewable energy sources because they enable suitable energy storage for long-term periods. The achievement of high efficiencies is an important point that determines the sustainability of the Carnot batteries. In this direction, a novel Rankine Carnot battery with heat upgrading capability based on salt hydrate thermochemical energy storage is proposed herein. The steady thermodynamic and economic models for the basic Carnot battery and recuperators introduced Carnot battery, both with a storage capacity of 10 MW/5h, have been established. The thermo-economic performance of the Carnot battery systems and the effects of several key parameters are quantitatively assessed. Results manifest that the Carnot battery with recuperators behaves better in comprehensive performance thanks to the heat recovery by recuperators. The power-to-power efficiency, exergy efficiency, and levelized cost of storage for the basic Carnot battery and recuperators introduced Carnot battery systems are 48.48 %, 38.48 %, 0.2502 $/kWh and 64.1 %, 48.94 %, 0.1922 $/kWh, respectively. The maximum exergy destruction occurs in the heat exchanger for the Carnot battery systems and the throttle's exergy destruction is diminished by 70 % in the recuperators introduced Carnot battery. The compressor and turbine account for the largest cost ratios, i.e., 26.5 % and 24.8 % in the basic Carnot battery and 28.2 % and 27.2 % in the recuperators introduced Carnot battery; while the cost proportion of throttle in both systems is nearly ignorable (0.3 %). Elevating heat source temperature and the reactant's hydration temperature and descending ambient temperature contribute to the improvement of power-to-power efficiency and levelized cost of storage. The isentropic efficiencies of compressor and turbine, especially the latter, have a great impact on the thermo-economic performances. As the daily charging time expands to 7 h, the levelized cost of storage of the recuperators introduced Carnot battery reduces to 0.1434 $/kWh. Replacing the reactive salt of potassium carbonate sesquihydrate (K2CO3·1.5H2O) with magnesium sulfate tetrahydrate (MgSO4·4H2O) brings a lower levelized cost of storage of 0.18 $/kWh. The findings of this study demonstrate great potential for the exploitation of this thermochemical energy storage-based Carnot battery for large-scale electricity storage.

Relevance of neurocognition in chronic pain syndrome: a systematic and methodical approach

ABSTRACT Introduction Subjective and objective deficits in neurocognitive domains are well-documented in patients with chronic pain. However, neurocognitive deficits have not been investigated consistently. The main objective of this study was to conduct a comprehensive assessment of self-rated and objectively assessed cognitive differences between patients with chronic pain (CP) and healthy controls (HC). Method The cognitive functioning of 40 CP and 41 HC was assessed using a standardized computer-based test battery, enabling a comparison of subjective and objective neurocognitive factors. To achieve this, the Vienna Test System (VTS) was utilized, incorporating standardized tests from the Cognitive Basic Assessment Battery (COGBAT) with the advantage of objectivity, reliability, validity, efficiency, utility, and standardization. This approach enables the evaluation of cognitive functioning across all pertinent domains. Results CP reported cognitive deficits in overall performance as well as specific functions, such as attention, memory, and executive functions. Across all neurocognitive domains, CP showed a poorer performance. Affected subdomains of attention were intensity and selectivity of attention. Lower performance was found also in concentration performance, obtaining and overview, visual orientation performance and reactive stress tolerance. Regarding memory, CP performed worse in figural episodic memory and recognition tasks. In addition, CP exhibited poorer performance in mental flexibility, working memory, planning ability, and inhibition as components of executive functioning, when compared to HC. Conclusions CP expressed subjective cognitive deficits and demonstrated impaired neurocognitive performance.

The Green Revolution: Harnessing the Potential of Aluminum-Air Batteries for Clean Energy Storage

This project embarked on a journey to create a basic battery using readily available household items like aluminium foil, charcoal, tissue paper, and table salt (NaCl). While this specific combination didn't yield a functional aluminium air battery, the exploration itself proved to be a valuable learning experience, shedding light on the fascinating science behind batteries. The chosen materials, though not a perfect recipe for an aluminium air battery, offered intriguing possibilities: Aluminium foil: As a readily available source of aluminium, it serves as a prime candidate for the anode (negative electrode) in a future, more refined battery design. Its abundance and conductive properties make it a valuable material to explore. Charcoal: While not optimal for this specific application, charcoal possesses inherent conductivity. This characteristic could be harnessed in alternative battery constructions, potentially acting as a current collector or even a component within a specialized type of battery. Tissue paper: Although not suitable as an electrolyte due to its porous nature, tissue paper serves as a tangible representation of the separator, a crucial component in functional batteries. Its role in physically separating the electrodes emphasizes the importance of proper compartmentalization within a battery. Table salt (NaCl): Though not ideal for aluminium air batteries due to potential reactions with aluminium, NaCl's presence as a common ionic compound highlights the concept of electrolytes. Electrolytes are essential for facilitating the flow of ions within a battery, a key process for electricity generation.

Optimal integration of solar collectors to Carnot battery system with regenerators

It is very important to improve energy conversion efficiency in energy utilization. In practical application, the power supply and consumption cannot be perfectly matched, some extra power remains in the power grid. In this paper, models of Basic Carnot battery and Carnot battery with regenerators are constructed, which realize the peak load shifting of the power grid, and the utilization of low-temperature heat and solar energy. The thermodynamic and economic performances of the Basic Carnot battery and Carnot battery with regenerators are obtained, and the multi-objective optimization is carried out by TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution). Furthermore, the optimal solutions of the Basic Carnot battery and the Carnot battery with regenerators are compared. The results indicate that there are optimal cold reservoir and hot reservoir temperatures for both the Basic Carnot battery and the Carnot battery with regenerators, which maximize the round-trip efficiency and minimize the levelized cost of storage (LCOS). As the area of the trough solar collector increases, the round-trip efficiency of the system increases gradually. At the lowest LCOS target, the area of the trough solar collector has little effect on the LCOS. When the same working fluid combination is used in considered two systems, the round-trip efficiency of the Carnot battery with regenerators is higher. When the working fluid combination of R245fa-R1234ze is used in the two systems, the LCOS of the Basic Carnot battery is lower than that of the Carnot battery with regenerators. For the other two working fluid combinations, the corresponding LCOS size relationship is the opposite. By comparing six optimal solutions of the Basic Carnot battery and the Carnot battery with regenerators with three working fluid combinations, it’s found that the optimal design is the Carnot battery with regenerators using a working fluid combination of R245fa-R601. The LCOS and the round-trip efficiency of the system under optimal design are 0.168 $/kWh and 454.14%, respectively.

A review on system and materials for aqueous flexible metal–air batteries

AbstractThe exploration of aqueous flexible metal–air batteries with high energy density and durability has attracted many research efforts with the demand for portable and wearable electronic devices. Aqueous flexible metal–air batteries feature Earth‐abundant materials, environmental friendliness, and operational safety. Each part of one metal–air battery can significantly affect the overall performance. This review starts with the fundamental working principles and the basic battery configurations and then highlights on the common issues and the recent advances in designing high‐performance metal electrodes, solid‐state electrolytes, and air electrodes. Bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts with high activity and long‐term stability for constructing efficient air electrodes in flexible metal–air batteries are summarized including metal‐free carbon‐based materials and nonprecious Co/Fe‐based materials (alloys, metal oxides, metal sulfites, metal phosphates, metal nitrates, single‐site metal–nitrogen–carbon materials, and composites). Finally, a perspective is provided on the existing challenges and possible future research directions in optimizing the performance and lifetime of the flexible aqueous solid‐state metal–air batteries.

Lithium Difluorophosphate (LiPO2F2): An Electrolyte Additive to Help Boost Low-Temperature Behaviors for Lithium-Ion Batteries

A promising lithium salt of Li difluorophosphate (LiPO2F2) is introduced and added to the basic electrolyte (1 M LiPF6 + dimethyl carbonate (DMC)/ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC)/propylene carbonate (PC)/fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC)) to enhance the electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries by changing its concentration at low temperatures. Experiments show that LiPO2F2 can obviously improve the electrolyte’s ionic conductivity, especially. Compared with the baseline (6.29, 5.14, 4.62, 3.77, and 3.15 mS cm–1) under the same conditions, the ionic conductivities of the 2 wt % LiPO2F2-containing electrolyte (2 LiPO2F2) are 7.18, 5.32, 5.23, 4.04, and 3.57 mS cm–1. From this, it is clear that the integrated low-temperature electrochemical performances have been significantly improved. The specific discharge capacities of the 2 wt % LiPO2F2-added electrolyte at 0.2C are 161.4, 157.2, 148.9, and 137.5 mAh g–1 in the range from 25 to −40 °C, which are significantly much higher compared with the basic electrolyte (145.3, 149.4, 135.1, and 107.0 mAh g–1, respectively). Additionally, the addition of LiPO2F2 can promote profoundly the composition and morphology characteristics of the cathode–electrolyte interface (CEI) film; namely, it is a uneven lithium alkyl carboxylate before the addition of LiPO2F2; after that, it becomes an even LiF film, and meanwhile, the new film will facilitate Li+ transport in the electrolyte, further boosting the eletrochemical performance of the cells under low temperatures. At −40 °C under the same current density, the specific discharge capacity is 81.97 mAh g–1 after 50 cycles, while at the same temperature, the specific discharge capacity of the basic electrolyte battery is only 33.37 mAh g–1; that is, the discharge capacity has a staggering 145.6% improvement at −40 °C. In conclusion, the lithium-ion batteries containing LiPO2F2 may meet the application requirements of ultra-low-temperature conditions.

Prospective Customer Preference Toward Service Robots: A Discrete Choice Model Approach

Abstract. One major technological development pertains to the service robot industry. In Indonesia, the development of robots is increasing. Telkom will begin to explore new opportunities with companion robots, which can respond to and chat with humans and move around. Therefore, more analysis is needed based on market research and prospective user surveys. The present study aims to obtain information on the features of service robots significantly influencing customers’ desire to purchase them and on the types of service robots they are likely to choose. The discrete choice model method is used to understand and predict a decision from a discrete alternative, based on a set of choices constructed with the help of the Ngene software and the D-efficient design method. We processed questionnaire results using the Python-Biogeme software to look for significant attributes and their elasticity. The significant attributes of companion robots defined by T-test are basic robot look (3.86), battery life (5.45), robot price (9.16), walking-computer look (6.10), and robot weight (8.38). The suggested strategy, among the three types of companion robots, is to focus on the personal assistant robot with the highest T-test score while paying attention to the resources a company already has. Keywords: Service Robot, Discrete Choice Model, Significant Attribute, Elasticity

Investigation of the Interaction between Hearing Function and Comorbidities in Adults Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

Adults living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have a high prevalence of co-existing comorbidities. While research indicates that adults living with HIV are at risk of developing hearing impairment, limited research exists on the interaction between hearing function and comorbidities in this population. The objective of this study was to determine and compare the hearing function of a group of adults living with HIV and comorbidities and those without comorbidities. A sample of 132 adults living with HIV underwent a basic audiological test battery to assess their hearing function. Participants with comorbidities were 1.23 times more likely to develop hearing loss, with crude odds of 1.236 (95%CI 0.5467 to 2.795), while those with three comorbidities were 2.52 times more likely to develop hearing loss. Participants with hypertension were 93% more likely to develop hearing loss when compared to nonhypertensive participants (OR = 1.928; 95%CI: 0.7856 to 4.7345). There was only a marginal association between hypercholesterolemia and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), with no association between other comorbidities and the type of hearing loss. The current findings raise a need for prioritizing patients with comorbidities in audiological assessment and monitoring in resource-constrained contexts, where capacity versus demand challenges might prevent the provision of audiological services to all adults living with HIV. These findings also highlight the importance of preventive care in this population with regard to the burden of the disease, as it may lead to worse ear and hearing outcomes for affected individuals.

The sensitivity and specificity of wideband absorbance measure in identifying pathologic middle ears in adults living with HIV.

BackgroundLimited research exists on the sensitivity and specificity of wideband acoustic immittance (WAI) in adults living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This study forms part of the bigger study titled ‘wideband acoustic immittance in adults living with HIV’.ObjectivesTo determine the sensitivity and specificity of the wideband absorbance measure at tympanic peak pressure (TPP), as a screening tool for detecting middle ear pathologies in adults living with HIV.MethodA prospective nonexperimental study comprising 99 adults living with HIV was performed. All participants underwent a basic audiological test battery which included case history, video otoscopy, tympanometry, wideband absorbance at TPP and pure tone audiometry. Middle ear pathologies were established by two otorhinolaryngologists using asynchronous video otoscopic images analysis. The outcomes of the otorhinolaryngologists served as the gold standard against which the wideband absorbance at TPP and tympanometry were measured. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was calculated.ResultsROC revealed the sensitivity of wideband absorbance at TPP to be higher in low to mid frequencies, but significantly lower in frequencies above 971.53 Hz. The sensitivity of tympanometry was lower. However, there was no difference between the specificity of wideband absorbance at TPP and tympanometry, indicating that when there are no pathologies, tympanometry is equally accurate.ConclusionThe current findings reveal that wideband absorbance at TPP can distinguish middle ear pathologies better than the tympanometry. Incorporating wideband absorbance at TPP in clinical practice may improve early identification and intervention of middle ear pathologies.

Performance analysis on a hybrid compression-assisted sorption thermal battery for seasonal heat storage in severe cold region

Sorption thermal battery has revealed vast potential of heat utilization to address the issue of long-term energy storage. A hybrid compression-assisted sorption thermal battery is presented for solar energy utilization, which aims to solve the mismatch of heat storage and supply in cold region. Thermodynamic performance of the hybrid sorption thermal battery in cold region is analyzed by using MnCl2–SrCl2 and MnCl2–CaCl2 working pairs and then compared with that of basic sorption type with internal heat recovery. It is demonstrated that when ambient temperature in winter ranges from −30 °C to -5 °C, energy and exergy efficiencies of hybrid thermal battery using different working pairs increase from 0.74 to 0.865 and 0.25 to 0.43, respectively. Energy efficiency of hybrid thermal battery is almost twice higher than that of basic type with internal heat recovery. For different operating parameters, mass ratio and global conversion rate have a larger influence on thermal performance than isentropic efficiency of compressor. Although energy storage density per salt of basic sorption thermal battery is a bit higher than that of hybrid type, the density per reactor of hybrid compression-assisted thermal battery could be improved by 50%, which indicates a good system compactness in real application.

WITHDRAWN: Forest protection using wireless sensor network and IoT

Abstract Tragedy organization is the most pertinent application of remote sensor systems. In this the job of sensor arranges normally comprises acquiring a portrayal or a physical wonder spreading in the influenced region. In this paper we center on backwoods firefighting activities, proposing 3 completely appropriated methods for approximating the genuine state of fire. In the least complex methodology, a circular burnt territory is expected around every hub which has identified the fire and association of circles gives the general fire's shape. So this undertaking manages the improvement of a smart constant and programmed early admonition framework for woods fire. It empowers remote checking conditions inside the areas of the wood and makes a ready when a backwoods fire is distinguished by distinctive mail as well as SMS, and from the sensor information is always observed alongside a GPS area for every sensor hub which is associated by Zigbee modules able to do long-range of transmission, basic battery observing framework permits consistent checking of intensity use of the whole arrangement. This methodology utilizes the remote sensor organize assets, the author proposed to consolidate two network conglomeration systems, which don't require thinking about the total arrangement of fire discoveries.

Effects of functional movement skills on parkour speed-run performance

ABSTRACT Parkour speed-runs require performers (known as Traceurs) to negotiate obstacles with divergent properties such as angles, inclinations, sizes, surfaces, and textures in the quickest way possible. The quicker the run, the higher the performer is ranked. Performance in Parkour speed-runs may be regulated through Parkour Traceurs’ functional movement skill capacities given the physical requirements of the event. This study examined what functional movement skills correlate with Parkour speed-run performance. Nineteen male Parkour Traceurs undertook a physical testing battery inclusive of: agility T-test, maximal grip strength test, and maximal vertical and horizontal jumps across several jump modalities. For the speed-run, Parkour Traceurs navigated an indoor Parkour installation. Pearson’s correlation analyses (r) revealed that agility T-test performance showed a significant positive correlation with Parkour speed-run performance, whereas standing long jump and counter movement jump (with and without arm swing) were significantly negatively correlated with Parkour speed-run performance. Concurrent with the intrinsically-linked building blocks in the Athletic Skills Model, the data from the present study suggest that performance in Parkour-speed-runs are underpinned by functional movement skills (jumping, running; arm swinging) and conditions of movement (agility), all of which encapsulate elements of basic motor properties (speed; strength). From a practical perspective, the agility T-test, standing long jump, and counter movement jump with and without arm swing can form a basic battery to evaluate the physical effects of Parkour speed-run interventions on functional movement skills. Highlights As Parkour speed-runs could be implemented to improve functional movement skills in different domains (indoors, outdoors, collectively as members of a team or individually), it was important to explore what composition of a battery of standardised athletic tests for functional movement skills correlated to Parkour speed-run performance (time to completion). In line with the intrinsically-linked building blocks in the Athletic Skills Model, the data from the present study suggest that performance in Parkour-speed-runs are underpinned by functional movement skills (jumping, running; arm swinging) and condition of movement (agility), all of which encapsulate elements of basic motor properties (speed; strength). Testing batteries examining the effects of Parkour speed-run interventions should include the following: agility T-test, CMJ jumps without arm swing using both feet and the dominant and the non-dominant foot, SLJ, and CMJ jumps with an arm swing component using both feet and the dominant and the non-dominant foot.

The effects of diabetes mellitus type 1 on children\u2019s audiovestibular system: a randomized case control study

BackgroundChildren with diabetes mellitus type 1 have many deficits, including neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy, all of which compromise their activity and daily functional status. Vestibular dysfunction is another possible complication of diabetes and may increase the risk of falls. Despite diabetes mellitus prevalence, few studies evaluated its effect on hearing, and even fewer examined the effect on the audiovestibular system. A randomized case control pilot study design was implemented to evaluate the effect of type 1 diabetes mellitus on the audiovestibular system of children.ResultsThe study included 50 children divided into 2 groups; the study group included 25 children suffering from type 1 diabetes mellitus, and the control group included 25 patients who were known to be nondiabetics. Both groups underwent basic audiological and vestibular test battery. Only 16% showed different degrees of hearing loss. Regarding vestibular assessment, saccadic eye tracking showed the highest degree of abnormal results within the study group (80%). Correlation between saccade findings among cases and the risk factors of diabetes like duration, glycated hemoglobin level, diabetic ketoacidosis, and hypoglycemic coma attacks indicated statistically significant positive correlation between saccade latency and glycated hemoglobin level.ConclusionThis study proposed that type 1 diabetes mellitus can affect the audiovestibular system of children even in the absence of symptoms. Accordingly, appropriate early rehabilitative management should be planned in an attempt to avoid further complications.

Agriculture Pump based on Smart Energy Harvesting on Solar System

The Solar panel consists of a number of solar cells and those cells transforms solar energy into electrical energy. Higher efficiency of energy depends upon the position of the solar panel with respect to sun. In this project, a solar pump and solar panel Implementation which tracks the Sun’s movement throughout the day is proposed. The inexpensive design of solar panels is focused on the usage of a basic circuit compatible Raspberry pi microcontroller, dc motor, battery, and solar panel. The key goal is to provide energy to farmers according to their needs. Solar energy-based farming encourages farmers to efficiently use solar energy on farm and sell the energy excess. In our project, we are saving solar energy using solar panel and pass to the main storage server and then passing it to other farmers as per their requirement.

Topology analysis of electric vehicles, with a\xa0focus on the traction battery

Over recent years, the number of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has drastically increased due to new European Union (EU) regulations. These regulations force vehicle manufacturers to adjust their product range in order to fulfill the imposed carbon dioxide limits. Such an adjustment enforces the usage of battery electric vehicles. However, research into the optimal BEV architectures and topologies is still in progress. Therefore, the aim of this paper is an analysis of all the current electric vehicle topologies. From this analysis, the authors identify different basic battery shapes. Subsequently, these shapes are used to describe the impact of the battery on the passenger compartment. As an initial result of this analysis, the authors create a new denomination method, via which it is possible to cluster the battery topologies. In a second step, the collected data is clustered using the novel denomination method. Finally, this paper presents the benchmark topologies for the analyzed segments.

Recent Progress on Flexible Zn-Air Batteries

With the rapid development of flexible and wearable electronics, flexible zinc-air battery technology attracts ever-increasing attention and is considered as one of the most promising energy storage systems. However, its practical application is still at the preliminary stage. In this review, the basic battery configurations and design principles are discussed for flexible zinc-air battery, followed by challenges and recent progresses in developing each battery component, in terms of polymer electrolyte, metal anode and air cathode. An overview of flexible zinc-air battery is provided here with the aim to present a clear picture of current research directions.

Next-generation battery research and development: Non-politicized science at the Joint Center for Energy Storage Research

Research on the politicization of science often highlights the role of the media or the effects of the public's prior beliefs. Less prominent are case studies addressing the direct communications from scientists working on a narrowly defined project. This paper introduces for consideration the United States Department of Energy-funded Joint Center for Energy Storage Research (JCESR), which fuses together basic research, battery design, and pathways to market. The central point is to assess whether, given its proximity to the climate change issue, JCESR's research has been politicized. Based on the results from interviews, observations, measures of public interest, and a survey of scientists working at JCESR, it is concluded that JCESR's next-generation battery research has avoided politicization and even thrived. This is attributed in part to bipartisan support among policy makers, the absence of any ideology-based impacts on beliefs about energy storage, and a perception among key actors that next-generation battery technology is not a pressing threat. JCESR also presents a collective ability to protect its scientific credibility while enhancing its political relevance. JCESR's battery storage research and development has been effectively buffered from the volatility of climate change.

Zeolitic imidazolate framework-cellulose nanofiber hybrid membrane as Li-Ion battery separator: Basic membrane property and battery performance

Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF8) concept was introduced in the fabrication of li-ion battery (LIB) separator for the first time. The ZIF8 crystals were synthesized on the surface of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) by mixing 2-methylimidazole (Hmim) with zinc nitrate hexahydrate (Zn) in methanol. ZIF8- or Zn (mim)2-CNF composite membrane was fabricated and the effect of ZIF8 on the pore structure of CNF network was investigated. The pores of the ZIF8-CNF membrane distributed more homogeneously than that of the pure CNF membrane. The porosity increased from 42% (pure CNF membrane) to 55% (composite membrane). The successful synthesis of ZIF8 crystals on CNF surface was confirmed through elemental composition and crystalline structure analysis of the composite. Compared with polymer based separator, the ZIF8-2-CNF membrane exhibited better thermal stability, mechanical property (isotropic vs. anisotropic), thermal expansion behavior (15.53 vs. 178.90 ppm/k), and surface wettability (13.31° vs. 96.18°). The LIB fabricated with ZIF8-CNF membrane had a comparable cycling stability and a better discharge retention stability (88.3% vs 80.2%) in comparison with these of a tri-layer commercial polymer membrane. The environmentally friendly ZIF8-CNF nanocomposite membrane can be considered as a good alternative for manufacturing LIBs.

Battling to Become English-Literate in Semi-Pastoral Society of Eastern Ethiopia

This study explored the condition of being a child and a primary school student in Semi-Pastoral Society of Eastern Ethiopia. The study was instigated by the widespread complaints in the aftermath of Millennium Development Goal two (MDG2) that in eastern Ethiopia of (semi-) pastoralist community, children are left far behind with not only the opportunity to literacy. The aim of this study was to assess the existing EFL primary school literacy achievements, success and challenges in the Dire Dawa Town suburbs of Oromo and Somali semi-pastoralist communities. Adopting an ethnographic participant observation approach, five primary schools were selected based on convenience or accessibility. Totally, twenty-five active primary schools Grade 4 children and 14 dropouts were sampled based on availability sampling technique from the five schools. A Basic Vocabulary Assessment Battery (BVAB) was designed as a primary data collection tool. Besides, School Observation and Focus Group Discussions (FGD) were employed. The BVAB results of those actively schooling indicate, in contrast to our original hypothesis, fair level of English literacy. However, the FDG data obtained from the dropouts confirmed our hypothesis that abject poverty and the fragility of implementing the policy of children’s rights to education in their mother tongues are stumbling blocks to literacy as well as opportunity to schooling. Important policy implications are offered.

Battery lifetime enhancement via smart hybrid energy storage plug-in module in standalone photovoltaic power system

Abstract Standalone photovoltaic power system is one of the feasible solutions in rural electrification. However, due to the intermittent nature of solar energy and significant demand variations due to small load size, energy storage devices are needed to ensure power quality and reliability. Lead-acid battery bank has been widely used in such systems to act as the intermediate buffer to compensate the power mismatch between generation and demand, despite the poor lifetime characteristics and relatively short service life compared to other energy storage devices. Most charge controllers only provide basic battery charging functionality and prevent the battery bank from overcharging and deep-discharging. While other notable aging factors such as frequent charge-discharge transition, high C-rate and surge power are often neglected. This paper presents a smart hybrid energy storage plug-in module that aims to enhance the service life of Lead-acid battery in standalone photovoltaic-battery power systems by mitigating life-limiting factors such as current fluctuations and surge current. This module is designed as a plug-in module that can be adopted directly in existing infrastructure in installed standalone PV-battery power system. The effectiveness of the proposed plug-in module in mitigating battery stresses is simulated in Matlab Simulink with actual solar irradiance data and estimated load profile for a rural community in Sarawak Malaysia. The simulation results are validated experimentally with the scaled-down photovoltaic-battery power system. The effectiveness in mitigating battery stress is quantitatively evaluated with battery health cost function, while the reduction in overall battery cost is analyzed and discussed.