Enhanced Energy Conversion Efficiency Research Articles

Dynamic coupling effects of injection on spray and mixture formation in an asymmetrically vibrating combustion engine

Enhanced methods of energy conversion present a viable solution for addressing energy load challenges. This study introduces a vibrating combustion engine designed to enhance energy conversion efficiency by harnessing flexible dynamics and variable asymmetric motion. However, the consideration of its unique dynamic effects has emerged as a pivotal challenge in fuel-air mixing and combustion research. This study introduces a fuel spray and mixing simulation method that facilitates the reciprocal exchange of coupling parameters between the combustion and dynamics models. It iterates the simulation outcomes of motion and combustion to predict mixture formation. Subsequently, the method is employed to explore the impact of injection position on fuel spray and mixture formation. Results show that there is an optimum injection position for the operation frequency, and retarding or advancing leads to slow compression and weak gas motion for fuel spray and mixing, although retarded injection provides high in-cylinder gas pressure and temperature. The early injection generally causes long penetration, small droplet diameter, slight impingement, and fast evaporation, unless it is too early. The results further indicate that when IAP = 6 mm, a more uniform mixture can be attained at the beginning of combustion, leading to a thermal efficiency of up to 42.9% for the engine.

Patterned Liquid Crystal Polymer Thin Films Improved Energy Conversion Efficiency at High Incident Angles for Photovoltaic Cells.

In this report, micro-patterned silicon semiconductor photovoltaic cells have been proposed to improve the efficiency in various incident sunlight angles, using homeotropic liquid crystal polymers. The anisotropic liquid crystal precursor solution based on a reactive mesogen has good flowing characteristics. It can be evenly coated on the silicon solar cells' surface by a conventional spreading technique, such as spin coating. Once cured, the polymers exhibit asymmetric transmittance properties. The optical retardation characteristics of the coated polymer films can be eventually determined by the applicable coating and curing parameters during the processes. The birefringence of light then influences the optical path and the divergence of any encountered sunlight. This allows more photons to enter the active semiconductor layers for optical absorption, resulting in an increase in the photon-to-electron conversion, and thus improving the photovoltaic cell efficiency. This new design is straightforward and could allow various patterns to be created for scientific development. The experimental results have evidenced that the energy conversion efficiency could be improved by 2-3% for the silicon photovoltaic cells, under direct sunlight or at no inclination, when the liquid crystal polymer precursor solution is prepared at 5%. In addition, the efficiency could be much more significantly improved to 14-16% when the angle is inclined to 45°. The unique patterned liquid crystal polymer thin films provide enhanced energy conversion efficiency for silicon photovoltaic cells. The design could be further evaluated for other solar cell applications.

To Get a Power Generation Using a Waste Heat Recovery from IC Engine

This Research paper aims to develop and design a low-temperature organic Rankine cycle (ORC) system, focusing on enhancing the performance of the expander and selecting optimal refrigerants and heat sources. The study begins with a comprehensive analysis of available expanders and refrigerants suitable for ORC applications. The research then progresses to the development and improvement of an expander utilizing a reverse scroll compressor configuration, a novel approach aimed at enhancing efficiency and performance. Dynamic tests are conducted to assess the performance of the scroll compressor in this new configuration, providing valuable data for further optimization. The same expander is then integrated into an ORC system to evaluate its performance within the overall setup. Various performance parameters of the scroll compressor and the ORC system are meticulously analyzed to gauge efficiency and identify areas for improvement. Furthermore, the research paper includes a detailed process of selecting the most appropriate refrigerant and heat source from the available options. This selection is critical in optimizing the ORC system's effectiveness and sustainability. Overall, this research contributes to advancing low-temperature ORC technology by improving expander design, optimizing component performance, and selecting suitable operating parameters for enhanced energy conversion efficiency.

Optimizing thin-film silicon solar cells with nanostructured TiO2 and a silver back reflector for enhanced energy conversion efficiency

This paper investigates the improvement of energy conversion efficiency in thin-film silicon solar cells by employing periodic nanostructures of TiO2 on the silicon active layer and a back reflector featuring periodic nanostructures of silver. The objective is to increase the optical path length, enhance absorption probability for longer wavelengths, and subsequently improve solar cell performance. Three silicon-based solar cell configurations are proposed and simulated using the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method to assess their performance. Electrical characteristics are obtained through the drift-diffusion method. The resulting short-circuit current density increased from 40.93 to 65.28 to 95.373mA/cm2 for the three cells, leading to significant improvements in conversion efficiency with observed values of 20.39%, 33.26%, and 47.28%, respectively, in the optimized structures. Furthermore, we compare the simulation results of the three structures with those of a reference structure and several structures previously proposed in the literature.

Account of doping photocatalyst for water splitting

In the field of photocatalytic water splitting, the strategy of doping photocatalysts has emerged as a significant and extensively studied approach. Doping can effectively facilitate the modification of both the microstructure and energy band structure of the photocatalyst, addressing key performance limitations such as light absorption, position of the conduction and valence band minima (CBM and VBM), photogenerated carrier separation, and surface chemical reactions. In recent years, we have reported several works about the doping of rare earth elements into bismuth-based composite oxides. These endeavors are aimed at enhancing the conduction band minimum and achieving overall water splitting under visible light. Based on these bismuth-based composite oxides, we studied the effects of doping on the microstructures of photocatalysts, including exposed surfaces, surface properties, and defects. Recently, we introduce an innovative asymmetric doping technique—Selected Local Gradient Doping, intricately placing doped ions within nanocapsules. This approach allows for the gradual, controlled, and localized release of doped ions to the primary photocatalyst. Therefore, this account is to review our related research in the field of doping for photocatalytic water splitting. The primary focus on doping bismuth-based composite oxides and Asymmetry doping would significantly make contribution to the exploration of novel materials for photocatalytic water splitting under visible light and the enhancement of energy conversion efficiency.

Multimode thermoacoustic system for heating and cooling

Thermoacoustic technology emerges as a sustainable and low-carbon method for energy conversion, leveraging environmentally friendly working mediums and independence from electricity. This study presents the development of a multimode heat-driven thermoacoustic system designed to utilize medium/low-grade heat sources for room-temperature cooling and heating. We constructed both a simulation model and an experimental prototype for a single-unit direct-coupled thermoacoustic system, exploring its performance in heating-only, cooling-only, and hybrid heating and cooling modes. Internal characteristic analysis including an examination of internal exergy loss and a distribution analysis of key parameters was first conducted in the hybrid cooling and heating mode. The results indicated a positive-focused traveling-wave-dominant acoustic field within the thermoacoustic core unit, enhancing energy conversion efficiency. The output system performance was subsequently tested under different working conditions in the heating-only and cooling-only modes. A maximum output heating power of 2.3 kW and a maximum COPh of 1.41 were observed in the heating-only mode. Meanwhile, a cooling power of 748 W and a COPc of 0.4 were obtained in the typical cooling condition at 7 °C when operating in cooling-only mode. These findings underscore the promising potential of thermoacoustic systems for efficiently utilizing medium/low-grade heat sources for cooling and/or heating applications in the future.

Computational analysis of ligand design for Ru half-sandwich sensitizers in bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells: Exploring the role of –NO2 group position and π-conjugation in optimizing efficiency

Bulk Heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells offer cost-effective photovoltaic solutions, flexible manufacturing, and improved efficiency with reduced environmental impact. Organometallic half-sandwich complexes, specifically a series of monometallic ruthenium complexes (Ru(1)–Ru(6)), have emerged as promising candidates for BHJ solar cells due to their outstanding charge transport properties. This study utilised Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations with the B3LYP functional and SDD basis set augmented with 6-31 + G(d,p) to assess these Ru complexes with various N,O-chelating ligands, featuring distinct π-conjugated systems and positions of nitro groups, for BHJ solar cell applications. Our investigation focused on elucidating their electronic structures, identifying key electrophilic and nucleophilic sites, and exploring their optical properties. Our findings indicate that these complexes have maximum absorption wavelengths (λmax) ranging from 702 to 1083 nm, highlighting their strong photon absorption capabilities. Specifically, Ru(6), which includes the NO2 group, exhibits the narrowest energy gap but shows relatively lower values for oscillator strengths (f) and light harvesting efficiencies (LHE), indicating efficient light absorption but reduced energy conversion efficiency. In contrast, Ru(3), lacking the NO2 group but featuring enhanced π conjugation through cyclisation, demonstrates the widest energy gap yet boasts the highest values for f and LHE, suggesting superior efficiency in converting absorbed energy into electronic energy. These results emphasise the crucial role of ligand π-conjugation in enhancing energy conversion efficiency, while the strategic positioning of the NO2 group aids effective light absorption. Our study offers valuable insights into the design principles for optimizing organometallic ruthenium complexes in BHJ solar cell applications.

Advances and Practical Prospects for Bias‐Free Photovoltaic‐Driven Electrochemical Water Splitting Systems

AbstractBias‐free solar water‐splitting technology is considered an ideal solution to address the energy crisis, as it can efficiently convert solar to hydrogen energy and has made groundbreaking progress. Particularly, photovoltaic (PV)‐driven electrolysis systems exhibit promising potential for enhanced energy conversion efficiency. Nonetheless, the majority of research on PV‐driven water‐splitting systems remains confined to the laboratory scale, with the industrial‐scale application still in the nascent stages. This review comprehensively explores the pivotal factors required to practically apply the bias‐free PV‐driven electrochemical water splitting in the current research. It delves into the fundamental principles involved in the components, the configuration structure of the varied integration degree systems, the differences in composition level of the photovoltaic devices, system scale, reaction environment of the electrolytic system, and strategy for development and refinement of electrocatalysts. Furthermore, it offers a perspective analysis of future research trajectories for each component. This work aims to shed light on the scientific hurdles and future exploration of potential application prospects faced by the field in the process of becoming practical.

Optimized Maximum Power Point Tracking using Giza Pyramid Construction Algorithm for Photovoltaic Systems

Background: One of the key challenges in maximizing the performance of PV systems is the efficient tracking of the maximum power point (MPP) under varying operational conditions, including changes in solar irradiance and temperature. Accurate MPP tracking is essential for achieving optimal energy conversion efficiency and maximizing the electricity generation potential of the PV array, even during partial shading conditions. Traditional maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms, such as the incremental conductance (INC) method, often struggle to efficiently handle partial shading conditions. As a result, there is a need for more sophisticated and robust optimization techniques that can effectively address this challenge. This study presents a novel and innovative Giza Pyramid Construction (GPC) algorithm to solve the partial shadinginduced MPP tracking problem. Objective: This study aims to apply the Giza Pyramid Construction (GPC) algorithm for optimized maximum power point tracking in photovoltaic systems under partial shading conditions, aiming to enhance energy conversion efficiency and overall system performance. Methods: The methodology involves implementing the Giza Pyramid Construction (GPC) algorithm as the core optimization technique for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) in photovoltaic (PV) systems. The GPC algorithms are utilized to iteratively adjust the duty cycle of the boost converter, enabling efficient power extraction from the PV array under varying shading conditions. The performance of the GPC algorithm is evaluated through simulations in MATLAB/SIMULINK and compared against conventional MPPT methods like INC and DGO techniques. Results: The successful application of the Giza Pyramid Construction (GPC) algorithm for optimized maximum power point tracking in PV systems under partial shading led to significantly reduced optimization time, faster settling times, and minimized output ripples. With the proposed GPC MPPT, optimization time is reduced to 41ms, settling time is reduced to 93ms, and ripples are minimized to 0.092%. Conclusion: the Giza Pyramid Construction (GPC) algorithm demonstrates its effectiveness as a robust and efficient maximum power point tracking method in photovoltaic systems, particularly under partial shading conditions. The improved optimization speed, reduced settling times, and minimized output ripples underscore the GPC algorithm's potential to enhance the overall efficiency and reliability of PV systems, paving the way for its practical implementation in real-world renewable energy applications.

Advancements in Thermoelectric Generator Design: Exploring Heat Exchanger Efficiency and Material Properties

This paper presents a comprehensive study on the application and optimization of automotive thermoelectric generators (ATEGs), focusing on the crucial role of heat exchangers in enhancing energy conversion efficiency. Recognizing the substantial waste of thermal energy in internal combustion engines, our research delves into the potential of TEGs to convert engine waste heat into electrical energy, thereby improving fuel efficiency and reducing environmental impact. We meticulously analyze various heat exchanger designs, assessing their influence on the TEG’s output power under different exhaust gas flow rates and temperatures. Furthermore, we explore the impact of TEG material properties on the overall energy conversion effectiveness. Our findings reveal that specific heat exchanger designs significantly enhance the efficiency of waste gas heat exchange, leading to an improved performance of the TEG system. We also highlight the importance of thermal insulation in maximizing TEG output. This study not only contributes to the ongoing efforts to develop more sustainable and efficient vehicles but also provides valuable insights into the practical application of thermoelectric technology in automotive engineering. Through this research, we aim to pave the way for more environmentally friendly transportation solutions, aligning with global efforts to reduce fossil fuel dependence and mitigate environmental pollution.

Experimental Characterization of an AC–DC Boost for Energy Harvesting Device Based on Magnetostrictive Materials

Magnetostrictive alloys hold great promise for Energy Harvesting applications due to their inherent durability. However, their implementation often results in usable voltage ranges that fall significantly below common electronic standards like 1.6, 3.3, and 5 volts. Consequently, the utilization of electronic circuits becomes essential to amplify the voltage and enhance energy conversion efficiency. Over the past few decades, numerous conversion techniques have been devised for other intelligent materials, such as piezoelectrics, some of which have even made their way into commercial products. Surprisingly, there is a dearth of specialized techniques, if not a complete absence, tailored to magnetostrictive devices. Among potential solutions, a suitable AC–DC Boost converter stands out as a highly promising candidate for addressing this challenge, but this solution has never been fully characterized. Then, this paper presents thorough experimental validations of such a converter, driven by a real-time Arduino board equipped to measure source time periods and operate under various conditions. We present several cases demonstrating the circuit’s substantial potential for enhancing energy harvesting from magnetostrictive materials.

Enhancing Sustainable Energy Conversion Efficiency by Incorporating Photoelectric Responsiveness into Multiporous Ionic Membrane.

The evolution of porous membranes has revitalized their potential application in sustainable osmotic-energy conversion. However, the performance of multiporous membranes deviates significantly from the linear extrapolation of single-pore membranes, primarily due to the occurrence of ion-concentration polarization (ICP). This study proposes a robust strategy to overcome this challenge by incorporating photoelectric responsiveness into permselective membranes. By introducing light-induced electric fields within the membrane, the transport of ions is accelerated, leading to a reduction in the diffusion boundary layer and effectively mitigating the detrimental effects of ICP. The developed photoelectric-responsive covalent-organic-framework membranes exhibit an impressive output power density of 69.6Wm-2 under illumination, surpassing the commercial viability threshold by ≈14-fold. This research uncovers a previously unexplored benefit of integrating optical electric conversion with reverse electrodialysis, thereby enhancing energy conversion efficiency.

Long-term phosphorus fertilization reveals the phosphorus limitation shaping the soil micro-food web stability in the Loess Plateau.

The intricate decomposition pathways within soil micro-food webs are vital for cycling soil organic carbon and nutrients, influencing the quality, productivity, and sustainability of soil systems. However, the impact of diverse phosphorus addition on these organic decomposition pathways still needs to be explored. In an 8-year experiment, phosphorus (P) fertilizer was added at varying levels (0 kg ha-1, CK; 60 kg ha-1, P60; 120 kg ha-1, P120; and 180 kg ha-1, P180), to investigate the response of the soil micro-food web. The results revealed a significant effect of phosphorus addition on soil microorganisms and nematodes, with P60 exerting a greater influence than other treatments. At P60, the Shannon index of nematodes and fungi surpassed other treatments, indicating higher diversity, while the Shannon index of bacteria was lower. The Chao1 index of bacteria and fungi at P60 was higher, contrasting with the lower index for nematodes. Metabolic footprints of bacterivores and omnivores-predators (BFMF and OPMF) were higher at P60, while metabolic footprints of fungivores and plant parasites (FFMF and PPMF) were lower, signifying altered energy flow. Functional metabolic footprints and energy flow analysis unveiled a stable soil micro-food web structure at P60, with enhanced energy conversion efficiency. Network analysis illustrated positive correlations between fungi, fungivorous nematodes (FF), and omnivorous-predatory nematodes (OP) at P60, while P120 and P180 showed positive correlations among bacteria, bacterivorous nematodes (BF), and OP. Path analysis underscored the higher contribution rate of BF-C, FF-C, and OP-C to soil organic carbon at P60 compared with P120 and P180. These findings suggest that nutrient interactions between fungi and nematodes regulate soil micro-food web decomposition under low phosphorus concentrations. In contrast, interactions between bacteria and nematodes dominate at high phosphorus concentrations. The study indicates that adding phosphorus has nuanced bottom-up effects, intricately shaping the structure and activity of the pathways and underscoring the need for a comprehensive understanding of nutrient dynamics in soil ecosystems.

Metal-insulator-semiconductor photoelectrodes for enhanced photoelectrochemical water splitting.

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting provides a scalable and integrated platform to harness renewable solar energy for green hydrogen production. The practical implementation of PEC systems hinges on addressing three critical challenges: enhancing energy conversion efficiency, ensuring long-term stability, and achieving economic viability. Metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) heterojunction photoelectrodes have gained significant attention over the last decade for their ability to efficiently segregate photogenerated carriers and mitigate corrosion-induced semiconductor degradation. This review discusses the structural composition and interfacial intricacies of MIS photoelectrodes tailored for PEC water splitting. The application of MIS heterostructures across various semiconductor light-absorbing layers, including traditional photovoltaic-grade semiconductors, metal oxides, and emerging materials, is presented first. Subsequently, this review elucidates the reaction mechanisms and respective merits of vacuum and non-vacuum deposition techniques in the fabrication of the insulator layers. In the context of the metal layers, this review extends beyond the conventional scope, not only by introducing metal-based cocatalysts, but also by exploring the latest advancements in molecular and single-atom catalysts integrated within MIS photoelectrodes. Furthermore, a systematic summary of carrier transfer mechanisms and interface design principles of MIS photoelectrodes is presented, which are pivotal for optimizing energy band alignment and enhancing solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency within the PEC system. Finally, this review explores innovative derivative configurations of MIS photoelectrodes, including back-illuminated MIS photoelectrodes, inverted MIS photoelectrodes, tandem MIS photoelectrodes, and monolithically integrated wireless MIS photoelectrodes. These novel architectures address the limitations of traditional MIS structures by effectively coupling different functional modules, minimizing optical and ohmic losses, and mitigating recombination losses.

Interfacial Assembly of 2D Graphene-Derived Ion Channels for Water-Based Green Energy Conversion.

The utilization of sustained and green energy is believed to alleviate increasing menace of global environmental concerns and energy dilemma. Interfacial assembly of 2D graphene-derived ion channels (2D-GDICs) with tunable ion/fluid transport behavior enables efficient harvesting of renewable green energy from ubiquitous water, especially for osmotic energy harvesting. In this review, various interfacial assembly strategies for fabricating diverse 2D-GDICs are summarized and their ion transport properties are discussed. This review analyzes how particular structure and charge density/distribution of 2D-GDIC can be modulated to minimize internal resistance of ion/fluid transport and enhance energy conversion efficiency, and highlights stimuli-responsive functions and stability of 2D-GDIC and further examines the possibility of integrating 2D-GDIC with other energy conversion systems. Notably, the presented preparation and applications of 2D-GDIC also inspire and guide other 2D materials to fabricate sophisticated ion channels for targeted applications. Finally, potential challenges in this field is analyzed and a prospect to future developments toward high-performance or large-scale real-word applications is offered.

Finite Control Set Model Predictive Control (FCS-MPC) for Enhancing the Performance of a Single-Phase Inverter in a Renewable Energy System (RES)

A single-phase five-level T-type topology has been investigated in this article. This topology has emerged as a viable option for renewable energy systems (RES) due to its inherent benefits. The finite control set model predictive control (FCS-MPC) strategy has been implemented to this topology in order to improve the performance and overall reliability of the system. This control strategy empowers the inverter to predict future behavior based on a discrete set of control signals, enabling precise modulation and high-speed response to system dynamics. In the realm of RES, integration of FCS-MPC with multilevel inverters (MLIs) holds great potential to enhance energy conversion efficiency, grid integration, and overall system reliability. The article is structured to present an overview of the evolving landscape of power electronic systems, and the advantages of FCS-MPC. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the FCS-MPC control strategy applied to the single-phase five-level T-type topology. The study covers various aspects including the theoretical framework, hardware development, and experimental evaluation. It is obvious from the analysis that this inverter topology is reliable. Several redundant states make it fault-tolerant which helps in maintaining the output voltage at the same level even in the fault conditions. Additionally, the results show that the output load voltage is maintained at the same level irrespective of load change. Also, output load voltage has maintained the high-quality sinusoidal characteristics as the total harmonic distortion (THD) is very low. With all these features, this system is suitable within the framework of RES.

Eco-Friendly Cerium-Cobalt Counter-Doped Bi2Se3 Nanoparticulate Semiconductor: Synergistic Doping Effect for Enhanced Thermoelectric Generation.

Metal chalcogenides are primarily used for thermoelectric applications due to their enormous potential to convert waste heat into valuable energy. Several studies focused on single or dual aliovalent doping techniques to enhance thermoelectric properties in semiconductor materials; however, these dopants enhance one property while deteriorating others due to the interdependency of these properties or may render the host material toxic. Therefore, a strategic doping approach is vital to harness the full potential of doping to improve the efficiency of thermoelectric generation while restoring the base material eco-friendly. Here, we report a well-designed counter-doped eco-friendly nanomaterial system (~70 nm) using both isovalent (cerium) and aliovalent (cobalt) in a Bi2Se3 system for enhancing energy conversion efficiency. Substituting cerium for bismuth simultaneously enhances the Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity via ionized impurity minimization. The boost in the average electronegativity offered by the self-doped transitional metal cobalt leads to an improvement in the degree of delocalization of the valence electrons. Hence, the new energy state around the Fermi energy serving as electron feed to the conduction band coherently improves the density of the state of conducting electrons. The resulting high power factor and low thermal conductivity contributed to the remarkable improvement in the figure of merit (zT = 0.55) at 473 K for an optimized doping concentration of 0.01 at. %. sample, and a significant nanoparticle size reduction from 400 nm to ~70 nm, making the highly performing materials in this study (Bi2-xCexCo2x3Se3) an excellent thermoelectric generator. The results presented here are higher than several Bi2Se3-based materials already reported.

Growth and characterization of Bi2Te2.70Se0.30 nanostructured materials by using a cost-effective chemical solution route

A chemical solution route was employed to successfully synthesize single-phase Bi2Te2.70Se0.30 nanostructured powders at room temperature, ensuring minimal contamination. The synthesized powders underwent a comprehensive analysis using a range of characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive analysis of X-ray (EDAX), ultraviolet-visible (UV) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, atomic-force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The temperature-dependent behaviors of electrical conductivity and the Seebeck coefficient were also explored. The findings revealed that the synthesized powders displayed consistent spherical morphology, with an average diameter of 68.42 nm. Additionally, they exhibited a band gap energy of 0.615 eV. This research highlights the significant improvement achieved by incorporating selenium into the Bi2Te2.70Se0.30 materials through this synthesis process. The EDAX analysis confirmed the stoichiometric atomic ratio of bismuth (Bi), tellurium (Te), and selenium (Se) elements. Furthermore, the TEM images revealed the presence of agglomeration within the powders, demonstrating a primary crystalline size characterized by relatively small dimensions. The emergence of a pronounced exothermic peak at around 650 K signaled the commencement of oxidation for the Bi2Te2.70Se0.30 material. In electrical measurement, a synergy was achieved between heightened electrical conductivity and a well-matched Seebeck coefficient, with the goal of enhancing energy conversion efficiency in TE applications. These findings demonstrate the potential of the synthesized powders for producing nanostructured thermoelectric (TE) materials with controlled grain sizes, which are essential for the fabrication of high-performance thermoelectric generators (TEGs).

Overall evaluation of a multi-stage reverse electrodialysis reactor series system for organic wastewater treatment and power generation

A multi-stage reverse electrodialysis reactor (REDR) series system for organic wastewater treatment and power generation is proposed in this paper. An energy evaluation method is developed for the first time by analyzing the electrical energy and oxidative degradation energy conversion efficiencies of the system. The influences of the current and feed solution velocity on the overall performances of the system are investigated by experiments. Results demonstrate that a high current can enhance the gross output power but reduce the net output power and total energy conversion efficiency. A peak value of the total COD removal can be obtained at an appropriate current. A low feed solution velocity can improve the performance of the system except for the lower net output power. Although the electrical energy conversion efficiency reduces as the serial number of REDR increases, the oxidative degradation energy conversion efficiency increases significantly, which results in the total energy conversion efficiency enhancement. Under the given experimental conditions, the maximal values of the net output power, total COD removal and total energy conversion efficiency are 1.05 W, 450.98 mg·L−1, and 11.41%, respectively.

Design and analytical evaluation of an impact-based four-point bending configuration for piezoelectric energy harvesting

Aiming toward improved energy conversion in piezoelectric energy harvesters, this study investigates four-point bending (FPB) energy harvesters (FPB-EH) to explore their prominent features and characteristics. The FPB configuration innovatively extends energy harvesting capabilities relative to conventional cantilever beams. The FPB-EH comprises a composite piezoelectric beam that rests on two supports of a fixed clamp, excited by contact force applied at two contact lines on a moving clamp. A comprehensive analytical electromechanical model for the vibrating energy harvester is presented with unique modeling features, including multi-beam sections and multi-mode-shape functions. Solutions of the analytical model are presented for a wide range of contact force types, including steady-state solutions for harmonic forces, impact forces, periodic and non-periodic arbitrary forces. This comprehensive model progresses the state-of-the-art piezoelectric modeling knowledge and is readily applicable to various energy harvesting configurations. The model is validated against experimental results and finite element analysis. Next, a parametric study was performed to evaluate the effects of various FPB characteristics, including the fixed and moving clamp spans, the waveform, and the period-time of contact force. The results indicate that the FPB configuration can enhance energy conversion efficiency and normalized output energy by factors of over 3 and 6, respectively. Finally, guidance is given for selecting between cantilever and four-point bending configurations.