Energy Distribution Research Articles

Ignition of Self-Sustained <i>Е</i>×<i>В</i> Discharge; Ion Contribution to Understanding the Process

We determined critical values for the ignition voltage and magnetic induction for a self-sustained plasma discharge in crossed electric and magnetic fields, both at inert gases and in their mixtures. As parameters that enabled to visualize igniting an E×B discharge, we used the ion current and the induction current derivative, and provided the temporal characteristics for the process. We found a double structure of the ion current (discharge current) during the ignition. The working media initial state for the discharge current first jump is a neutral gas, whereas the working media initial state for the second jump is plasma. A peak of ions originated within the near-cathode area is detected on the energy distributions of the ions obtained during the ignition. Also detected is a wide ion energy spectrum related to the discharge gap. We show a various discharge ignition character for Penning pairs, when the gas changes its role (main or admixture) in the mixture. The character is determined by features of forming the electric potential distribution in the near-cathode layer.

Vertical flow structures on a vegetated immobile bed under wave-current conditions: Laboratory experiments

Natural revegetation alters local hydrodynamic conditions in coastal lagoons. To investigate vertical flow structures in revegetated lagoons, a series of flume experiments are implemented on an immobile bed with Phragmites australis by a certain staggered configuration. Six incident wave heights and five inflow discharges are considered. The experimental results demonstrate that wave dominates turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) distributions under wave-current conditions. Vegetation morphology plays an important role in wave-current-vegetation interactions, which regulates TKE distributions by diminishing wave effects within 70% of water depth especially (0.3 < z/h < 1). The increasing inflow discharge has positive effects on diminishment of wave effects, while the reduction of mean streamwise flow velocity is stable under the present vegetation configuration. Moreover, the practical values of vertical mean flow velocity can be obtained from the empirical equation, which includes wave effects by a quadratic polynomial relationship between the ratio of experimental values to theorical values (U/Up) and the relative wave height H0/h. Furthermore, two relationships are established between the reduction of mean streamwise flow velocity r and z/h, involving a logarithmical relationship in the lower layer (0 < z/h < 0.3), and a cubic polynomial relationship in the upper layer (0.3 < z/h < 0.7).

Sustainable Maintenance of Conductors in Transmission/Distribution Networks Using Complex Magnetic Field Analysis

This study presents issues related to electromagnetic pollution and the level of magnetic field radiation occurring around conductors used for electricity transmission and distribution. The fact that modeling and simulation are the most efficient methods of optimization, considering the cost–benefit ratio, was the premise of this work. This paper proposes the performance of a complex analysis, carried out in a comparative manner, which includes physical tests and simulations in the existing field around transmission and distribution cables used in transformer substations. In the first stage, the level of the magnetic field existing near the conductor carried by an electric current was tested (measured), and a virtual model was then designed to simulate the field in conditions similar to those of the test. The results obtained from the simulation were analyzed in comparison with those obtained by testing. The maximum permissible limits of exposure to an electromagnetic field, which are regulated by Government Decision HG 520/2016 of 20 July 2016 and Directive 2013/35/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013, were used as the reference to formulate conclusions for both situations considered. These comparisons were intended to determine the level of exposure to electromagnetic fields existing in places where electricity transmission/distribution conductors are located. Energy sustainability exists due to the versatile properties of the conductors, with the energy transmission and distribution network being functional regardless of the source of energy production.

Density functional theory and spectroscopic analysis of stigmasterol from Garcinia wightii: Deciphering its inhibitory potential against drug-resistant tuberculosis via insilico molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations

This study investigates the molecular structure and electronic properties of stigmasterol, isolated from Garcinia wightii, using density functional theory (DFT) alongside experimental techniques including FT-IR, FT-Raman, UV–Vis, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Theoretical predictions are compared with experimental results, facilitated by vibrational energy distribution analysis for unambiguous vibrational wavenumber assignments. Natural bond orbitalanalyzes reveal donor-acceptor bond energies and electron densities, while Fukui functions identify reactive sites susceptible to electrophilic and nucleophilic attacks. Electronic properties are further explored through various analyzes, unveiling reactive surface sites. Non-covalent interactions are examined using reduced density gradient analysis. Assessment of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion attributes aids in drug discovery efforts. Molecular docking studies against 20 target proteins for antitubercular screening show a stable glide score of -9.52 kcal/mol for the protein 4FDO (Mycobacterium tuberculosis DprE1 in complex with CT319). Molecular dynamics simulations over 100 ns indicate the stability of the ligand-protein complex, suggesting its potential as an antituberculosis agent. Stigmasterol's structural, vibrational, electronic, and topological properties are thoroughly investigated, revealing its ring skeleton with a flexible isooctyl side chain, adhering to C1 point group symmetry. Steric and stereo electronic interactions play crucial roles in conformation and binding to target proteins. Theoretical and experimental analyzes align, confirming the compound's bioactive properties. This comprehensive investigation underscores stigmasterol's potential as a tuberculosis treatment option, providing valuable insights into its structural characteristics and therapeutic possibilities.

Pharmacophore-Assisted Covalent Docking Identifies a Potential Covalent Inhibitor for Drug-Resistant Genotype 3 Variants of Hepatitis C Viral NS3/4A Serine Protease.

The emergence of drug-resistance-inducing mutations in Hepatitis C virus (HCV) coupled with genotypic heterogeneity has made targeting NS3/4A serine protease difficult. In this work, we investigated the mutagenic variations in the binding pocket of Genotype 3 (G3) HCV NS3/4A and evaluated ligands for efficacious inhibition. We report mutations at 14 positions within the ligand-binding residues of HCV NS3/4A, including H57R and S139P within the catalytic triad. We then modelled each mutational variant for pharmacophore-based virtual screening (PBVS) followed by covalent docking towards identifying a potential covalent inhibitor, i.e., cpd-217. The binding stability of cpd-217 was then supported by molecular dynamic simulation followed by MM/GBSA binding free energy calculation. The free energy decomposition analysis indicated that the resistant mutants alter the HCV NS3/4A-ligand interaction, resulting in unbalanced energy distribution within the binding site, leading to drug resistance. Cpd-217 was identified as interacting with all NS3/4A G3 variants with significant covalent docking scores. In conclusion, cpd-217 emerges as a potential inhibitor of HCV NS3/4A G3 variants that warrants further in vitro and in vivo studies. This study provides a theoretical foundation for drug design and development targeting HCV G3 NS3/4A.

Noncollinear spin texture-driven torque in deterministic spin–orbit torque-induced magnetization switching

To reveal the role of chirality on field-free spin–orbit torque (SOT) induced magnetization switching, we propose an existence of z-torque through the formation of noncollinear spin texture during SOT-induced magnetization switching in a laterally two-level perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) system. For the investigation of torque, we simulate magnetization dynamics in the two-level PMA system with SOT, which generates the noncollinear spin texture. From the spatial distribution of magnetic energy, we reveal the additional z-directional torque contribution in the noncollinear spin texture, which is unexpected in the conventional SOT-induced magnetization switching in collinear spin texture. The z-directional torque originates from the interaction between the chirality of the noncollinear spin texture and the interfacial Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction of the system. Furthermore, the experimental observation of the asymmetric magnetization switching to the direction of the current flow in the two-level PMA system supports our theoretical expectation.

SCG variability and spectral energy distribution during normal breathing and breath hold at different lung volumes and airway pressures

Seismocardiographic (SCG) signals are chest wall vibrations induced by cardiac activity and are potentially useful for cardiac monitoring and diagnosis. SCG waveform is observed to vary with respiration, but the mechanism of these changes is poorly understood as alterations in autonomic tone, lung volume, heart location and intrathoracic pressure are all varying during the respiratory cycle. Understanding SCG variability and its sources may help reduce variability and increase SCG clinical utility. This study investigated SCG variability during breath holding (BH) at two different lung volumes (i.e., end inspiration and end expiration) and five airway pressures (i.e., 0, ± 2–4, and ± 15–20 cm H2O). Variability during normal breathing was also studied with and without grouping SCG beats into two clusters of similar waveform morphologies (performed using the K-medoid algorithm in an unsupervised machine learning fashion). The study included 15 healthy subjects (11 Females and 4 males, Age: 21 ± 2 y) where SCG, ECG, and spirometry were simultaneously acquired. SCG waveform variability was calculated at each experimental state (i.e., lung volume and airway pressure). Results showed that breath holding was more effective in reducing the intra-state variability of SCG than clustering normal breathing data. For the BH states, the intra-state variability increased as the airway pressure deviated from zero. The subaudible-to-audible energy ratio of the BH states increased as the airway pressure decreased below zero which may be related to the effect of the intrathoracic pressure on cardiac afterload and blood ejection. When combining the BH waveforms at end inspiration and end expiration states (at the same airway pressures) into one group, the intra-state variability increased, which suggests that the lung volume and associated change in heart location were a significant source of variability. The linear trend between airway pressure and waveform changes was found to be statistically significant for BH at end expiration. To confirm these findings, more studies are needed with a larger number of airway pressure levels and larger number of subjects.

Advanced control and energy management algorithm for a multi-source microgrid incorporating renewable energy and electric vehicle integration

This paper presents a comprehensive study on advanced control and energy management in a multi-source/multi-load microgrid. The microgrid integrates solar panels, a wind turbine system, a Li-ion battery-based storage system, an electric vehicle (EV), and a DC load, all inter-connected through power electronic converters to a DC bus and linked to the AC grid via a DC/AC inverter. The study outlines the primary control objectives: DC bus voltage regulation, optimization of photovoltaic and wind energy conversion, and maintaining high-quality energy injection into the grid. Given the intermittent nature of solar and wind energy and the varying energy demands that affect battery life and performance, a novel energy management algorithm is introduced. This algorithm addresses different operating modes, such as Constant Current (CC) and Constant Voltage (CV), to enhance network stability, energy quality, and optimize energy distribution between the various sources and the EV. The proposed fuzzy logic controllers, known for their robustness to uncertainties, flexibility, and ease of implementation, are employed to achieve these objectives. The Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is used to fine-tune the fuzzy logic control parameters, ensuring optimal performance. This optimization process included minimizing Integral Absolute Error (IAE), Integral Square Error (ISE), and Integral Time-weighted Square Error (ITSE) as objective functions. Extensive simulations under various operating scenarios demonstrated significant improvements in control accuracy, stability, and system performance.

GPCR Signaling: A Study of the Interplay Between Structure, Energy, and Function.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) exemplify sophisticated allosteric communication, transducing extracellular signals through ligand-induced structural rearrangements that resonate through the molecular scaffold. Despite extensive study, the biophysical underpinnings of how conformational changes spread remain unclear. This work employs a novel physics-based framework to characterize the role of energy dissipation in directing intramolecular signaling pathways. By modeling each residue as a network of coupled oscillators, we generate a localization landscape depicting the vibrational energy distribution throughout the protein scaffold. Quantifying directional energy flux between residues reveals distinct pathways for energy and information transfer, illuminating sequences of allosteric communication. Our analysis of CB1 and CCR5 crystal structures unveils an anisotropic pattern of energy dissipation aligning with key functional dynamics, such as activation-related conformational changes. These anisotropic patterns of vibrational energy flow constitute pre-configured channels for allosteric signaling. Elucidating the relationship between structural topology and energy dissipation patterns provides key insights into the thermodynamic drivers of conformational signaling. This methodology significantly advances our mechanistic understanding of allostery in GPCRs and presents a broadly applicable approach for rationally dissecting allosteric communication pathways, with potential implications for structure-based drug design targeting these critical receptors.

Comparing different segments in shut-in pressure signals: new insights into frequency range and energy distribution

Water hammer diagnostics is an important fracturing diagnosis technique to evaluate fracture locations and other downhole events in fracturing. The evaluation results are obtained by analyzing shut-in water hammer pressure signal. The field-sampled water hammer signal is often disturbed by noise interference. Noise interference exists in various pumping stages during water hammer diagnostics, with significantly different frequency range and energy distribution. Clarifying the differences in frequency range and energy distribution between effective water hammer signals and noise is the basis of setting specific filtering parameters, including filtering frequency range and energy thresholds. Filtering specifically could separate the effective signal and noise, which is the key to ensuring the accuracy of water hammer diagnosis. As an emerging technique, there is a lack of research on the frequency range and energy distribution of effective signals in water hammer diagnostics. In this paper, the frequency range and energy distribution characteristics of field-sampled water hammer signals were clarified quantitatively and qualitatively for the first time by a newly proposed comprehensive water hammer segmentation-energy analysis method. The water hammer signals were preprocessed and divided into three segments, including pre-shut-in, water hammer oscillation, and leak-off segment. Then, the three segments were analyzed by energy analysis and correlation analysis. The results indicated that, one aspect, the frequency range of water hammer oscillation spans from 0 to 0.65 Hz, considered as effective water hammer signal. The pre-shut-in and leak-off segment ranges from 0 to 0.35 Hz and 0 to 0.2 Hz respectively. Meanwhile, odd harmonics were manifested in water hammer oscillation segment, with the harmonic frequencies ranging approximately from 0.07 to 0.75 Hz. Whereas integer harmonics were observed in pre-shut-in segment, ranging from 6 to 40 Hz. The other aspect, the energy distribution of water hammer signals was analyzed in different frequency ranges. In 0 − 1 Hz, an exponential decay was observed in all three segments. In 1 − 100 Hz, a periodical energy distribution was observed in pre-shut-in segment, an exponential decay was observed in water hammer oscillation, and an even energy distribution was observed in leak-off segment. In 100 − 500 Hz, an even energy distribution was observed in those three segments, yet the highest magnitude was noted in leak-off segment. In this study, the effective frequency range and energy distribution characteristics of the field-sampled water hammer signals in different segments were sufficiently elucidated quantitatively and qualitatively for the first time, laying the groundwork for optimizing the filtering parameters of the field filtering models and advancing the accuracy of identifying downhole event locations.

Ray tracing heat source model for polymer powder bed fusion considering laser energy absorption and multiple reflection

Powder bed fusion is considered one of the most promising additive manufacturing technologies, but the generation and evolution of volumetric heat source involved in the powder bed fusion process remain unclear as laser-powder bed interactions has not been fully developed. In this work, a ray tracing model is established to simulate the laser-powder bed interaction during the powder bed fusion process. Five types of powder beds with homogeneous and non-homogeneous particle radius distributions are generated using the discrete element method, and then the energy distributions in the ray tracing heat source are explored by considering laser energy absorption and multiple reflection. The results indicate that the energy distribution in the ray tracing heat source basically exhibits a Gaussian-like trend in the horizontal plane and an exponential decay in the vertical direction. The fitting coefficients Z0 (related to laser power) and η2 (related to laser radius) of the ray tracing heat source for different powder beds show maximum differences of 21.87 % and 72.22 %, respectively, compared to conventional Gaussian volumetric heat sources. The deviation between the fitting coefficient η3 (related to laser energy attenuation) and the corresponding fitted attenuation coefficient of the powder bed is related to the overall uniformity of the powder bed. Due to multiple reflections of the laser within the powder bed, the ray tracing heat source has larger width and depth as compared to Gaussian volumetric heat source. This study is significant because it provides a more accurate heat source model for the reliable prediction and safe operation of powder bed fusion process.

Numerical simulation of pressure loss and flow characteristics in combined elbow pipes for solid-liquid two-phase flow.

The transport of solid-liquid two-phase flow is widely used in water conservancy, environmental protection, and municipal engineering. Accurate pressure loss calculation is crucial for hydraulic transport pipelines, particularly in the case of bends, valves, and other deformation parts. These factors directly impact the energy consumption and the investment of the system. This paper employed the Euler-Euler multiphase flow model to investigate the characteristics of solid-liquid two-phase flow in vertically positioned combined elbows. The model was initially validated using data from the literature. Subsequently, based on the validated model, an investigation was conducted to determine the relationship between pressure loss and various factors, including flow velocity, combined angle, particle concentration, and particle size. Finally, the changes in velocity distribution, particle concentration, and turbulent kinetic energy were analyzed. The results indicate that the pressure loss increases with the flow velocity, tends to decrease with the combined angle, and increases with the particle concentration. The relationship between pressure loss and particle size is more complex. The velocity distribution, particle concentration, and turbulent kinetic energy exhibit the variations caused by different factors.

Thermal criticality and two-step diffusion-reaction of electromagnetic Casson-Williamson fluid flow along a vertical channel with convective cooling under bimolecular kinetic

The need to examine diverse conditions involving industrial working fluids and improving thermal transfer efficiency cannot be overstated. Every thermal system must monitor and control excessive heat production and propagation to avert disruptions in various engineering processes. Therefore, the study investigated the theoretical significance of thermal criticality and a two-step exothermic reaction on Casson-Williamson fluid dynamics behaviour through a fixed vertical channel driven by an electromagnetic field, axial pressure gradient, and heat buoyancy force under a generalized bimolecular chemical kinetic. The heat exchange at the convective wall surface is adhered to Newton’s law of cooling. The Galerkin weighted residual method (GWRM) was utilized to solve the dimensionless nonlinear equations governing the flow within the boundary layer, yielding graphical representations of momentum and energy distributions. The results show that higher values of the activation energy, Frank-Kamenetskii parameter, electric field loading, activation ratio term, Weissenberg number, and second step term led to better heat dispersion and, eventually, complete combustion of hydrocarbons in the Casson-Williamson fluid. To avoid system disruptions, the study underscores the crucial need for continuous monitoring of all factors that stimulate internal heat generation to prevent system failures, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in the field of thermal systems.

A new data-driven distributed power grid load storage resource-wide area voltage self-optimization control method for distribution system

Abstract Different from the conventional energy distribution network, which solely relies on energy distribution, the novel distribution system gradually exhibits a complex and interconnected form of various resources, such as source network load storage. These resources possess characteristics of “multi-point, wide area, and small amount” distribution. Investigating the potential for wide-area voltage regulation by using distributed resources like renewable energy power generation, distributed energy storage, and flexible loads is crucial for constructing a highly integrated source network load storage in the new type of distribution system. This paper proposes a novel data-driven method for optimizing control of wide-area voltage through distributed power network load storage resources. By comprehensively and cooperatively controlling renewable energy power generation, energy storage systems, and flexible loads, this approach enhances the quality of wide-area voltage in the distribution network while ensuring optimal utilization of energy storage capacity and minimizing network losses. The effectiveness and advanced nature of this method are demonstrated by applying it to an urban distribution network example. Compared to traditional voltage regulation methods, this approach aligns better with the requirements for voltage regulation in the new type of distribution network.

Spatial and temporal thermal management of a spintronic terahertz emitter

This work presents methods for addressing undesirable thermal effects induced by the pump beam of an oscillator laser to improve the efficiency of a terahertz (THz) spintronic emitter. We explore two approaches: spatial distribution of pump energy using a 2D lens array and temporal modulation of the pump duty cycle. Optimizing the spatial distribution approximately doubles the THz signal by increasing local heat dissipation, delaying the saturation limit. Similarly, temporal spreading of pump pulses by adjusting the duty cycle allows greater thermal relaxation within the heterostructure, enhancing the overall efficiency of THz wave generation.

Blockchain-Enhanced Hydrogen Fuel Production and Distribution for Sustainable Energy Management

Renewable energy projects, particularly wind and solar farms, have garnered significant attention as a potential solution to global energy challenges. Despite the energy production obstacles, the steady availability of fossil fuels continues to compete due to established distribution systems, as societies increasingly rely on electricity. Hydrogen fuel emerges as a promising avenue for energy production, storage, and distribution, involving converting surplus renewable electricity into hydrogen through electrolysis, storing it, and distributing it. Our novel approach leverages blockchain technology to enhance the efficiency and traceability of hydrogen fuel production, offering a unique synergy of transparency, security, and decentralized governance. We showcase its viability and effectiveness using the ERC-1155 token standard to tokenize renewable resources and convert them into hydrogen fuel. Within our tokenized fuel blockchain architecture, we simulate the forecasted growth in hydrogen production and vehicle demand, highlighting our approach's efficiency, traceability, and transparency. This integration showcases the potential for a sustainable hydrogen fuel ecosystem. The gas consumption data analysis indicates that the daily gas consumption remains below 194 million Gas for refilling 3245 vehicles (including the cost of one-time contract deployment), demonstrating the feasibility and efficiency of our approach.

Structural evolution of zirconium diboride under gamma irradiation and thermal annealing

Understanding the thermal properties and enhancing the performance of zirconium diboride (ZrB2) under extreme conditions is crucial, especially given its role as a burnable absorber in nuclear fuel pellets and its potential applications in accident-tolerant fuels. This study explores the structural alterations of ZrB2 crystals induced by gamma irradiation and subsequent thermal annealing. ZrB2 crystals were exposed to absorption doses of 300 kGy, 1000 kGy, 1500 kGy, and 3000 kGy using a 60Co gamma source, followed by thermal treatment at 1173K under vacuum conditions. Also, Monte Carlo simulations simulations were utilized to analyze the energy deposition and distribution of gamma quanta within the material during irradiation, highlighting Compton effects up to 0.23MeV. X-ray diffraction analysis elucidated the impact of gamma radiation on ZrB2 crystal lattice parameters, space group, and volume expansion coefficient. Post-irradiation analysis revealed a maximum degree of amorphization and investigated mechanisms governing lattice parameter expansion. Thermal annealing at 1173K significantly enhanced crystallinity, reducing amorphization to 0.2% at an absorption dose of 3000 kGy and facilitating the restoration of the crystal's columnar structure. This comprehensive investigation provides insights into the intricate interplay between gamma irradiation, thermal processing, and resulting structural changes in ZrB2 nanocrystals, essential for applications in radiation-exposed environments.

Blast resistance of 3D-printed Bouligand concrete panels reinforced with steel fibers: Numerical investigations

3D-printed concrete structures inspired by Bouligand architecture with helically twisted sequences exhibit excellent mechanical performance owing to its aligned fiber orientation. In this study, 3D-printed concrete panels with different numbers of layers (five, ten, and 15 layers) and spiral angles (0°, 15°, 30°, and 45°) are designed for numerical investigations of their blast-resistant capacity. A multi-scale model is developed to capture the isotropic and anisotropic properties of the fiber-concrete composite. The adequacy and accuracy of the model are evaluated and validated by experimental data in the literature. Blast resistance of different types of panels in terms of time histories of central-point deflection, contact explosion-induced plastic dissipation energy, stress propagation, and principal stress distribution is examined. It is found that extrusion-based concrete panels with aligned fiber orientation substantially enhance the blast resistance compared to traditional cast concrete panels with random fiber orientation. Furthermore, more layers of printed concrete panels prove to be more efficient in filtering blast waves. In particular, shifting a pitch angle of 30° after printing each layer plays an important role in reducing the maximum deflection. Meanwhile, 3D-printed concrete panels with a pitch angle of 0° can better mitigate blast-induced damage. Through parametric studies, the intrinsic mechanism of steel fibers aligned in 3D-printed panels is numerically analyzed to support the conclusions.

The Energy and Angular Distributions of Neutrons from (γ, N)-Reactions on γ-Beams Produced by Backward Compton Scattering at Eγ ≲ 40 MeV

The Energy and Angular Distributions of Neutrons from (γ, N)-Reactions on γ-Beams Produced by Backward Compton Scattering at Eγ ≲ 40 MeV

Multi-timescale coupling optimization model and economic analysis for joint transmission of large-scale new energy power generation bases

Abstract Although the northwest of China is full of sand and desert, it is rich in wind, solar, and coal resources. It is an important way to solve the contradiction between new energy and load distribution by bundling “wind-solar-thermal-storage” power through ultra-high voltage channels. In this paper, the optimization model of large-scale new energy bases coupled with multiple time scales is constructed to determine the optimal output of thermal power units in the process of transmission. Then, the economy of thermal power in large new energy bases is analyzed. The results show that the bundling of “wind-solar-thermal-storage” reduces the rate of wind and solar abandonment of new energy and increases the environmental benefits of new energy transmission.