Electric Current Generation Research Articles

EduSolar: A Remote-Controlled Photovoltaic/Thermal Educational Lab with Integrated Daylight Simulation

This study presents a compact educational photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) system designed for thorough performance assessment under simulated weather conditions. As an affordable educational tool, the system offers significant pedagogical value. The PV/T system features two photovoltaic modules: a thermally enhanced module and a standard one. The thermally enhanced module uses water as a coolant, which transfers heat from the PV cells to a fan-operated heat exchanger, with the coolant being recirculated to maintain optimal conditions. A halogen lamp, placed between the modules, simulates solar radiation to ensure effective electrical current generation. The system’s remote-control capabilities, managed via the Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) protocol, enable real-time adjustments to the coolant flow rate, heat exchanger efficiency, and lamp brightness, as well as monitoring of electrical parameters. Experimental findings indicate that the PV/T module achieves a 7.71% increase in power output compared to the standard PV module and offers a 17.41% improvement in cooling efficiency over scenarios without cooling. Additionally, the numerical methods used in the study show a maximum deviation of 4.29% from the experimental results, which is considered acceptable. This study showcases a best practice model for solar training, applicable from elementary to university levels, and suggests innovative approaches to enhancing solar energy education.

Effect of Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles (MgO) on Wastewater Treatment and Electric Current Generation Using Microbial Fuel Cell Technology

Effect of Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles (MgO) on Wastewater Treatment and Electric Current Generation Using Microbial Fuel Cell Technology

Rewiring Photosynthesis by Water-Soluble Fullerene Derivatives for Solar-Powered Electricity Generation.

Natural photosynthesis holds great potential to generate clean electricity from solar energy. In order to utilize this process for power generation, it is necessary to rewire photosynthetic electron transport chains (PETCs) of living photosynthetic organisms to redirect more electron flux toward an extracellular electrode. In this study, a semi-artificial rewiring strategy, which use a water-soluble fullerene derivative to capture electrons from PETCs and donate them for electrical current generation, is proposed. A positively charged fullerene derivative, functionalized with N,N-dimethyl pyrrolidinium iodide, is found to be efficiently taken up by the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. The distribution of this fullerene derivative near the thylakoid membrane, as well as site-specific inhibitor assays and transient absorption spectroscopy, suggest that it can directly interact with the redox centers in the PETCs, particularly the acceptor side of photosystem I (PSI). The internalized fullerene derivatives facilitate the extraction of photosynthetic electrons and significantly enhance the photocurrent density of Synechocystis by approximately tenfold. This work opens up new possibility for the application of fullerenes as an excellent 3D electron carrier in living biophotovoltaics.

Surface roughness effect on the triboelectric generation in p-Si with a native oxide layer

Triboelectric generation during the friction of the boron doped diamond probe on the p-doped silicon surface with a native oxide layer was studied. Triboelectric generation was detected at the probe loading force higher than 1 µN leading to the modification of the studied surface. Triboelectric current density reached value of 4·104 A/m2. Removal of the native oxide layer confirmed the tribo-tunneling mechanism of the electric current generation. Increase in the triboelectric current by the high loading force was explained by the increase in the contact area and the generation of the dangling bonds during the friction.

THE NATURE OF ELECTRICITY

Definition: Electricity is one of the seven aggregate states of space, its elementary quanta, which exist in the form of two separate components – electrical and magnetic. In electric current generators, the quanta of space are split into electrical and magnetic parts with energy absorption. In current consumers, quanta of electricity combine with quanta of magnetism into elementary quanta of space with the release of energy.

Adhesive, self-healing polydopamine/reduced graphene oxide composite hydrogel for self-powered application

ABSTRACT Graphene-based hydrogels have a broad application prospect in various fields due to their excellent adsorption, electrical conductivity, water retention, flexibility, etc. In this work, polydopamine/reduced graphene oxide (PDA/rGO) composite hydrogel was prepared using water bath heating. The prepared PDA/rGO hydrogel has high swelling ratio, good adhesiveness, and self-healing ability. Furthermore, the generation of electric current was observed when pressure was applied to the PDA/rGO hydrogel filled with NaCl solution, indicating the self-powered property of the hydrogel. The PDA/rGO hydrogel is self-powered because the negative groups on the hydrogel matrix attract cations from the NaCl solution, leaving mobile negative ions in the solution. The pressure-induced flow of liquid in the hydrogel' s nanochannels drives the migration of mobile ions through the channels, generating a net ionic flow. These properties of PDA/rGO hydrogel suggest that the material would be promising for power sources of wearable devices by harvesting ambient mechanical energy.

Evaluating the power generation capability of devices utilizing piezoelectric materials and the resonance problem

This paper presents a sophisticated device leveraging piezoelectric materials to seamlessly convert mechanical energy into electricity. This innovation is especially pertinent in meeting the escalating power requirements of smart devices in the dynamic of Industry 4.0. Piezoelectric materials capitalize on the piezoelectric effect, manifesting electricity generation as an external force that induces polarization within the crystal lattice, leading to the accumulation of oppositely charged elements. These specialized materials are affixed to a cantilever beam, fostering consistent oscillations that facilitate a continuous charge flow and, consequently, the generation of a reliable electric current. The oscillations of the cantilever beam embody a fusion of diverse mode shapes, each characterized by distinctive natural frequencies. The resonance phenomenon comes into play when external forces synchronize with these frequencies, thereby inducing maximum stress on the material block. Simultaneously, the voltage produced in the piezoelectric material aligns proportionally with the internal stress, resulting in an augmented power output as the amplitude of external forces increases. The efficacy of the device in power generation is contingent upon two pivotal factors: the resonance frequency of external forces, determined by resonance conditions, and the maximum amplitude, regulated by durability considerations. Although the electrical output may not be voluminous, the device’s unique advantages arising from the inherent properties of the materials and the piezoelectric effect underscore its substantial potential in addressing the intricacies of practical energy challenges.

Retinal-based anion pump from the cyanobacterium <i>Tolypothrix campylonemoides</i>

In this work, a functional characterization of TcaR rhodopsin from the cyanobacterium Tolypothrix campylonemoides was obtained. Analysis of the amino acid sequence of TcaR revealed that this protein possesses a TSD motif that differs by only one amino acid from the motif of the known halorodopsin chloride pump TSA. The TcaR protein was expressed in E. coli, purified and incorporated into proteoliposomes and nanodiscs. Functional activity was measured by electric current generation through the planar bilayer lipid membranes (BLMs) with proteoliposomes adsorbed on one membrane surface, as well as by fluorescence using voltage-dependent dye oxonol VI. We have shown that TcaR rhodopsin functions as a powerful anion pump. Our results show that the novel microbial anion transporter TcaR deserves deeper study and may be of interest both for fundamental studies of membrane proteins and as a tool for optogenetics.

Perspectives of the generation and measurement of small electric currents

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the historical background, current status, and future prospects related to the generation and measurement of small electric currents. It specifically caters to nonprofessional readers, with the aim of making the information comprehensible. A range of technologies are introduced, applicable in both basic research and industrial context. Quantum-mechanical approaches have been the focus of extensive efforts in this field, encompassing various types of single-electron pumps and combinations of two other quantum standards: the Josephson voltage standard and the quantized Hall resistance standard. These methods offer a reliable and precise means of generating and measuring small electric currents, minimizing uncertainties. However, operating complex cryogenic systems requires specialized expertise. Alternatively, conventional room-temperature systems are comparatively easier to handle. They employ low-noise amplifiers in conjunction with stable high-value resistors or capacitors charged with voltage ramps. This paper not only examines the characteristics of the both quantum and classical approaches from multiple perspectives but also outlines current and future applications for the generation and measurement of small electric currents.

Retinal-Based Anion Pump from the Cyanobacterium Tolypothrix campylonemoides.

In this work, TcaR rhodopsin from the cyanobacterium Tolypothrix campylonemoides was characterized. Analysis of the amino acid sequence of TcaR revealed that this protein possesses a TSD motif that differs by only one amino acid from the TSA motif of the known halorhodopsin chloride pump. The TcaR protein was expressed in E. coli, purified, and incorporated into proteoliposomes and nanodiscs. Functional activity was measured by electric current generation through the planar bilayer lipid membranes (BLMs) with proteoliposomes adsorbed on one side of the membrane surface, as well as by fluorescence using the voltage-dependent dye oxonol VI. We have shown that TcaR rhodopsin functions as a powerful anion pump. Our results show that the novel microbial anion transporter, TcaR, deserves deeper investigation and may be of interest both for fundamental studies of membrane proteins and as a tool for optogenetics.

Comparison between methods of electric current generation applied to intermediary checking for electrometers calibration

The Intermediary Checking of the calibration the electrometers, to ensure that the calibration factor of a given instrument is valid for a longer time, has been developed at LNMRI-IRD since 2019. It works with three of the methods for generating electric current of small values (pA): capacitance, resistance (Ohm) and ionization current (radiation sources). In this article, we will evaluate the performance of electrometers using the ionization current method and we will make a comparison between the results obtained by this method with the results that uses the Ohm method. From this comparison, we could see that the method using radiation sources had a better performance of the electrometers, however, in terms of cost-benefit, the Ohm method better serves the intermediary checking of the calibration the electrometers.

The Effect of Septage Sludge and Oxidizing Agents in the Microbial Fuel Cells Generating Electricity

Earlier research demonstrated the efficacy of microbial fuel cells in both wastewater treatment and renewable electric current generation. In this process, microbial fuel cells harness the potential of wastewater as a substrate and energy source, enabling microorganisms to generate electric current. Introducing microorganisms sourced from septage sludge acts as a microbial catalyst. Additionally, tofu wastewater is employed as a nutritional resource to support the growth of these microorganisms. A dual-chamber reactor was utilized to carry out this study, featuring an anode and a cathode connected through a salt bridge. Various substrate variations were performed on the anode, specifically with a combination of tofu liquid waste and septage sludge at ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3. Additionally, different electrolyte solutions, such as KMnO4 and K3(Fe(CN)6), were used at the cathode. Using different electrolyte solutions as electron acceptors can enhance the electric current production generated. The study spanned 240 hours of operation, during which electric current, voltage, COD, and BOD measurements were taken at 48-hour intervals. The findings revealed that including septage sludge in a 1:3 ratio yielded the highest current strength compared to other substrate variations, measuring 16.34 mA. When using a 0.25 M KMnO4 as an electrolyte solution, the voltage recorded was 8.78 V. Additionally, the most effective removal of COD and BOD content was achieved with a substrate ratio of 1:3 in the presence of KMnO4, achieving removal rates of 95.12% and 96.45%, respectively. These results indicate that adding septage sludge contributes to increased electricity current production.

Investigation of consolidation mechanisms induced by applied electric/electromagnetic fields during the early stages of spark plasma sintering

This work aims at investigating the role of the electric/electromagnetic fields generated by the pulsed current applied during Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) process on the sintering mechanisms. The selected model material was a metallic granular medium composed of microsized particles of pre-oxidized copper. Its electrical behavior and correlated microstructural modifications were studied in two complementary enclosures. First, a demonstrator equipped with a modulable pulsed electric current generator has allowed analyzing, at low temperature and without mechanical loading, the effects related to the application of an electric wave, by controlling and modulating its characteristics (i.e. shape, frequency, amplitude). An abrupt electrical transition, named “Branly effect” from an insulating to a conductive state, is observed in the granular copper medium. The increase of pulses frequency is shown to strongly reduce the critical time to generate the electrical transition. Moreover, a commercial SPS device, with specific electrical and thermal instrumentation, was implemented by varying applied stress and using conductive and insulating dies. The analysis of the electrical behavior coupled with post-mortem microstructural observations allowed to highlight that the coupling between pulsed current and mechanical stress promotes specific mechanisms in SPS. Under high stress, interparticle contact area increase and the insulating oxide layer is damaged by microcracking. The coupling with the flow of the pulsed current involves local overheating and dielectric breakdown, favoring ignition of Branly effect. Micro-welds are formed between particles, creating privileged paths of the pulsed current and initiating densification at low temperature (250 °C).

Enhancement of sensitization and electron transfer by kumkum dye in dye-sensitized solar cell applications

An anatase-based nanostructured TiO2 thin film paint was sprayed on FTO conducting glass to create dye-sensitized solar cells. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and CaCO3 were used as natural sensitizers (DSSCs). FTIR and UV-Vis spectrophotometry was used to analyze the functional groups and optical characteristics of the dyes at absorbing photon energy of the semiconductor thin films, respectively. Both the XRD and UV results show that TiO2 has an anatase phase structure that is consistent with its broadband gap nature. The PL spectra of natural dyes were examined to determine their optical properties and the intensity of PL emission reported a bandgap of 4.72 eV and 4.95 eV respectively. The efficiency of the DSSC using Kumkum dye in ethanol is 0.9%, whereas in DI is 0.2%. Curcumin is a flavonoid polyphenol which is a very effective light-harvesting derivative required for the creation of charge carriers and generation of electric current has been found to be present in turmeric extract and is subjected to the coloring of natural sensitizers which enhance the absorption coefficient. Data Availability StatementThe datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Designing and Reliability Analysis of Radiation Hardened Stacked Gate Junctionless FinFET and CMOS Inverter

Along with radiation sensing, necessity to study and design reliable radiation hardened devices is also increasing now-a-days. These devices are tolerant to high dosage of radiations without causing any physical damage, logic damage or data loss. In the current work, stacked gate Junctionless FinFET (SG JL FinFET) is analyzed as radiation hardened device by studying the impact of radiation of Linear Energy Transfer (LET) values ranging from 2MeV.cm/mg to 10MeV.cm/mg on the device performance. The proposed radiation hardened FinFET is experimentally calibrated with pre and post irradiation data. Single event upset (SEU) study using transient analysis is carried out to study the performance of proposed radiation hardened device at microwave frequency. High-k material-hafnium dioxide is used as gate oxide material to improve radiation hardness of SG JL FinFET. Electrical parameters-drain current, surface potential and SEU generation rate are studied to analyze device characteristics. Optimization of gate oxide, doping concentration, gate metals and temperature is carried out to enhance the reliability of device in terms of radiation hardness. SG JL FinFET is exposed to different types of waves-UV rays, X-ray, and Gamma rays to study the response of device at different frequencies. The comparison of SG JL and SG Inversion Mode (IM) FinFET has been performed. Comparison of SG JL FinFET with previously reported Inverted mode FinFET, L-shaped tunnel FET and Fully Depleted Silicon on Insulator (FD-SOI) MOSFET is carried out to find most suitable device which can provide highest immunity to radiation exposure. Response of JL FinFET based CMOS inverter in presence of radiation is studied and is also compared with other available CMOS inverters.

Saline Sediments as a Suitable Source for Halophilic Inoculums to Degrade Azo Dyes in Synthetic and Real Textile Wastewaters by Microbial Electrochemical Systems

The treatment of textile wastewater (TWW) loaded with recalcitrant azo dyes in bioelectrochemical systems (BES) rather than in physicochemical processes is a low-cost and environmentally friendly process. The main objective of this study is to investigate the potential of different saline sediments collected from extreme Tunisian environments for the formation of bioanodes capable ofsimultaneous azo dyes degradation and electric current generation in synthetic (STWW) and real textile wastewaters (RTWW) characterized by a varied composition of azo dyes and a high salinity. The obtained bioanodes and anolytes were studied comparatively by electrochemical, microscopic, analytical, and molecular tools.Based on the UV–visible spectra analysis, the breakdown of the azo bond was confirmed. With RTWW, the BES achieved a chemical oxygen demand (COD) abatement rate of 85%with a current density of 2.5 A/m2. Microbial community analysis indicated that a diverse community of bacteria was active for effluent treatment coupled with energy production. At the phylum level, the electrodes were primarily colonized by proteobacteria and firmicutes, which are the two phyla most involved in bioremediation. The analysis of the microbial community also showed the abundance of Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus and Marinobacter sp. species characterized by their high metabolic capacity, tolerance to extremophilic conditions, and role in hydrocarbon degradation.

Production potential of cow dung for the generation of electric current using microbial fuel cell

Production potential of cow dung for the generation of electricity was investigated using microbial fuel cell (MFC). Cow dung was collected from FUTA farm and Ilesha Garage farm in Akure. Voltage and current was measured per day for 21 days and the electrode used for the set up are carbon-carbon and carbon-aluminium electrode. Proximate, physico-chemical and mineral composition were determined using standard methods. Isolation and identification of microorganisms present in the cow dung were determined before and after generation of voltage and current using microbiological techniques. The microorganisms isolated were Providencia alcalifaciens, P. rettgeri, P. stuartti, Escherichia coli, E. fergusonii, Morganella morganii, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, S. aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Fusarium solani, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Mucor mucedo. The highest voltage 0.737±0 mV and electric current 1.265±0 mA were generated from FUTA cow dung. The pH ranged between 7.3 to 9.9 and the temperature ranged between 25 ˚C to 33 ˚C during generation of voltage and current. This study has shown that cow dung is a potential substrate for generation of electric current using fabricated double chamber MFC.

Unique biogeochemical characteristics in coastal ghost forests – The transition from freshwater forested wetland to salt marsh under the influences of sea level rise

Seawater intrusion by rising sea levels has created large areas of ghost forests along low-lying coastal wetlands in the southeastern USA, but more information is needed to better understand its soil biogeochemistry. Here, we characterized several soil and environmental parameters, including tree litterfall, surface and soil porewater quality, emissions of greenhouse gases, and microbial communities along a forest-to-marsh transect, including a freshwater forested wetland, a salt-impacted degraded ghost forest, and a salt marsh in Winyah Bay, SC, USA. General water quality parameters such as electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, temperature and aboveground productivity showed distinct trends along the freshwater forested wetland → degraded ghost forest → salt marsh transect, whereas there were no obvious trends in soil biogeochemical parameters. Concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the degraded ghost forest were generally similar to the freshwater forested wetland, but on average were higher than those in the salt marsh. More labile molecular features observed through Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry indicated an increase in the DOC biodegradability along the forest-to-marsh transect. Greater DOC biodegradability in the degraded ghost forest was observed and confirmed through its generation of the highest average electrical currents from sediment microbial fuel cells. The lowest CH4 and CO2 fluxes, but the highest degradable DOC, were observed in the degraded ghost forest, suggesting that lateral C export is important in this wetland. Moreover, the degraded ghost forest was dominated by a unique microbial community, including high abundance of Woesearchaeia, which enables carbon metabolism via symbiotic and/or fermentation-based lifestyles. Our study illustrates a ghost forest with very different characteristics compared to its parental freshwater forested wetland and its transitioned salt marsh. Data obtained from the two endmember ecosystems along the salinity gradient transect were not useful in predicting the unique biogeochemical processes in the degraded ghost forest.

Wolffia globosa as a biocatalyst in plant-based biofuel cells

The rootless duckweed Wolffia globosa, not explored toward electrogenicity till now, is investigated as a putative biocatalyst in Plant-based Biofuel Cells (P-BFC) for the electrical current generation and its basic metabolic changes during the polarization are depicted. After a short adaptation period, the open-circuit voltage of P-BFC, utilizing W. globosa as an anodic biocatalyst, reaches values of 630 mV. At a connected external resistor of 1 kΩ in the electric circuit, stable current densities of 170±10 mA m-2 are achieved. The electrical outputs depend on the anodic potential, reaching negative values of ca. -200 mV (vs. SHE). W. globosa produces an electrochemically active compound, acting as an electron shuttle. The polarization intensifies the W. globosa metabolism, expressed in a double increased glucose and starch content along with 1.82 times higher specific amylase activity of 70.0±2.8 U g-1 wet biomass in the organelle-enriched fractions of the explored as biocatalysts plants compared to the control. The results reveal that Wolffia globosa can be utilized as a biocatalyst in P-BFC for simultaneous electricity generation and increased carbohydrate and protein content.

Year-round thermal stabilization of permafrost soils during road construction in the northern climatic zone of Russia

The device for year-round cooling of permafrost soils is designed to ensure the construction and operation of roads and railroads in the tundra zone. It includes pipes buried in the ground near the roadbed, a wind turbine powering an electric current generator, an absorption-type cooling unit, and an exhaust fan ensuring the flow of atmospheric air through the pipes. During the long and cold winter, the pipes laid in the ground provide deep freezing of the ground beneath a thick layer of snow. In spring and autumn, at temperatures close to 0°C, the air in the pipes is forcibly cooled by the cooling unit. In summer, at air temperatures exceeding 10°С, air movement through the pipes is blocked. In conditions of short summer, low levels of the sun above the horizon, the high albedo of snow and ice, and their low thermal conductivity, snow deposits remain on the ground throughout the summer period, and in the subsequent winters, accompanied by snowfalls, they intensify. Around a roadway built on permafrost, a protective snow layer is formed, preventing the flow of heat from the atmosphere and solar radiation into the ground. The protective layer can exist for decades, even if the Earth’s climate changes globally. The article presents hydraulic and thermal calculations, explaining the operation of the device in question.