Increased Energy Output Research Articles

Optimizing the annual energy yield of a residential bifacial photovoltaic system using response surface methodology

This study investigates the impact of ground albedo, module spacing, height, and tilt angle on the annual energy output of a small-scale residential photovoltaic (PV) system. The study used response surface methodology (RSM) integrated with PVsyst simulation tool for the analysis. The results obtained from PVsyst are verified by comparing them with data from existing literature. Two significant contributions were demonstrated in this study: a parametric analysis that evaluates the influence of several parameters on the annual energy output, and a detailed statistical analysis that utilizes RSM with optimization. The central composite design with 30 runs was used for the experimental design. Within the tested ranges, the findings indicate that ground albedo, module spacing, and module tilt angle significantly affect annual energy generation. The RSM generated a statistical model that predicts the system's annual energy generation, with a determination coefficient (R2) of 0.99. Moreover, the RSM can identify the optimal values of the studied controllable parameters, which can lead to improved system performance and increased energy output. The optimization analysis reveals that the system's highest annual energy output is attained when the ground albedo is set at 0.82, the module spacing is 8.95 m, the module height is 1.35 m, and the module tilt angle is 35.7°. These parameters were determined based on the weather conditions in Sharjah, UAE. The findings reveal that the annual energy production of the tilted bifacial PV (T-BiPV's) improves by 12.4 %, when ground albedo is increased from 0.2 to 0.8. Also, the output increases by 69.47 % when spacing is increased from 2 m to 8 m. Additionally, increasing the height of the T-BiPV modules from 0.5 m to 2 m results in an increase in energy output by 5.63 %. This study can serve as a basis for further investigations into optimizing bifacial PV systems using RSM, particularly under restricted module spacing or when taking land cost into account in the optimization.

ENHANCING PHOTOVOLTAIC PANEL EFFICIENCY WITH AN IOT-ENABLED ROBOTIC CLEANING SYSTEM – A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

The maintenance and cleaning of photovoltaic panels is critical to ensure maximum energy output and prolong their lifespan. However, manual cleaning of large-scale solar farms is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and expensive. To address this challenge, this paper proposes an IoT-based robotic cleaner for efficient monitoring and cleaning of photovoltaic panels. The proposed robotic cleaner is equipped with a camera, sensors, and a cleaning mechanism. The camera captures real-time images of the solar panels, which are analyzed by an AI-based algorithm to detect and locate dirt, debris, and other obstructions. The sensors measure environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and light intensity, which are used to optimize the cleaning schedule and ensure the safety of the cleaning operation. The cleaning mechanism of the robotic cleaner is based on a high-pressure water jet that removes dirt and debris without damaging the solar panels. The water is supplied by an onboard tank and can be heated or cooled as required. The cleaning process is automated and can be controlled remotely through a web-based interface. The proposed IoT-based robotic cleaner offers several benefits compared to manual cleaning. It reduces labor costs, minimizes the risk of injury to workers, and improves the efficiency of cleaning operations. Moreover, it ensures consistent and high-quality cleaning, which leads to increased energy output and prolongs the lifespan of the solar panels. Overall, this paper presents a novel approach to automate the cleaning of photovoltaic panels using IoT and robotics technologies. The proposed solution has the potential to revolutionize the maintenance of solar farms and contribute to the development of sustainable and clean energy systems.

Stabilization of AlH3 Crystals by the Coating of Hydrophobic PFPE and Resulted Reactivity with Ammonium Perchlorate.

Aluminum hydride (AlH3) is a promising fuel component of solid propellant, but its stabilization is still challenging. Herein, surface functionalization of hydrophobic perfluoropolyether (PFPE) followed by ammonium perchlorate (AP) coating has been implemented. In particular, AlH3@PFPE@xAP (x = 10, 30, 50, or 64.21%) composites (AHFPs) were prepared by a spray-drying technique. The PFPE-functionalized AlH3 with a hydrophobic surface shows an increased water contact angle (WCA) from 51.87° to 113.54°. Compared with pure AlH3, the initial decomposition temperatures of AHFPs were increased by 17 °C, and the decomposition properties of AP in the AHFPs were also enhanced with significantly decreased peak temperature and fairly increased energy output. Moreover, the decomposition induction time of AHFPs-30% was improved by almost 1.82 times that of raw AlH3, which indicates that the coatings of PFPE and AP could improve the stability of AlH3. The maximum flame radiation intensity of AHFPs-30% was 21.6 × 103, which is almost 7.71 times that of pure AlH3 (2.8 × 103).

The regulating role of applied voltage on methanogenesis in an up-flow single-chamber microbial electrolysis assisted reactor

Applied voltage was introduced into the anaerobic system for improving the efficiency of sewage treatment and bioenergy production. For better energy efficient applications, it was necessary to have a good understanding of the effect of applied voltage, which is different from the conductive materials. In this study, the effects of applied voltage at different positions were investigated, considering the concentration gradients. Results showed that the maximum COD removal efficiency was 96.7% and the methane production rate was 0.434 ± 0.018 m3 CH4/m3/day in the reactor with two pairs of electrodes. The effect of the applied voltage on the organic matter conversion and methane production were dominant in the lower electrode. The increased energy output could content the required electric energy, and additional energy could be generated by CHP. The contribution of electrochemical direct action was lesser, and the increase of applied voltage led to the enrichment of functional microbes in this system, especially the hydrogenotrophic methanogens dominated by Methanocorpusculum.

Обоснование параметров и создание высокоэкономичных вентиляторных установок аппаратов воздушного охлаждения

Introduction. Sustainable development of regions with high subsoil use demands performance improvement in gas cooling at compressor stations of main gas pipelines and environmental safety. Low energy prices specified the design parameters of gas transmission units throughout the boost of the gas industry. Therefore, the crucial task is to enhance the economic efficiency of main gas pipelines. One of the most energy-intensive units here is the cooling system of transported gas, which enables the reduction in operating costs. Gas air-cooling units used for cooling transported gas flow have spread significantly being notable for their increased energy output. Simulation methods of fan system parameters in gas air cooling units are assuming great importance in a rapidly globalizing world depending on their specific speed. Research objective. This study aims to develop a simulation model and guidelines on the construction of fans with high specific speed comparable cost-effectively to industrial fans. To support business objectives it is essential to specify the principles of cost-efficiency variation from that of specific speed, the influence of geometric and kinematic parameters, to conduct an experimental investigation to verify the results. Materials and methods. The research was based on a hypothesis for the consistency of the ratio between the pressure loss in a fan and the specific energy of transferrable air. Aerodynamic efficiency was accepted as a criterion for a fan local efficiency in order to determine the dependency of fan cost-effectiveness against its specific speed. Basic equations of fluid mechanics and theory of optimization were used as research mathematical tools. Results and discussion. In this study, we have established the influence pattern of the structural elements of a fan air duct and its geometrical parameters on the efficiency over a wide range of alterations of specific speed. We have obtained a mathematical model of correlation between geometrical and kinematic parameters of fans and their cost-effectiveness in a function of specific speed and residual flow swirl. The study has proved that it is essential to improve the aerodynamic quality of impeller airfoils and reduce the aerodynamic drag of air duct elements with the increase in specific speed of fans to extend their cost-effectiveness. Conclusion. The research described in this paper confirms the commercial importance of utilizing fans in air-cooling units according to aerodynamic configurations with a single wheel “K” and high specific speed ny ≥400, as far as they provide the highest possible aerodynamic efficiency at minimum weight dimension characteristics. The paper shows the capability of designing aerodynamic configurations of fan units of high specific speed ny ≥ 400 with the efficiency ≥ 0,85 where ԑy ≤ 0,2 achieves aerodynamic efficiency of impeller sections К ≥ 25. It has been established that the optimal region of theoretical pressure coefficient of fan units with a specific speed 380≤ny≤450 is located in the range 0,02<ΨТ <0,08. We have determined that when the aerodynamic drag coefficient of an air duct of a fan unit is equal to ԑy ≥ 1,2, its efficiency declines by more than 25 percent relative to ԑy ≤ 0,1. The authors have designed an aerodynamic scheme and produced an industrial prototype of a fan unit OGM VU 2.7-1.2 K3 with OV- 121TOH airfoils.

Nitrogen Fertilization and Straw Management Economically Improve Wheat Yield and Energy Use Efficiency, Reduce Carbon Footprint

Fertilization is an effective agronomic management technique for increasing crop production. However, the overuse of chemical fertilizer stimulates energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which are antagonistic to sustainable wheat production. In this study, we estimated the energy and GHG performances of different fertilization regimes based on a 32−year fertilization experiment. In this long−term experiment, there are five treatments: CK (no fertilizer with wheat residue removal), NPK (chemical fertilizer with wheat residue removal), NPKPM (chemical fertilizer and pig manure with wheat residue removal), NPKCM (chemical fertilizer and cattle manure with wheat residue removal), and NPKWS (chemical fertilizer with wheat residue retention). The results indicated that NPKCM and NPKPM consumed higher total energy than NPK and NPKWS, which was attributed to the extra energy usage of farmyard manure. Although NPKCM and NPKPM increased energy output by 4.7 and 2.8%, NPKWS stood out by delivering the highest energy use efficiency (EUE) of 6.66, energy productivity of 0.26 kg MJ−1, energy profitability of 5.66, net return of 1799.82 US$ ha−1 and lower specific energy of 3.84 MJ kg−1. Moreover, the yield scale carbon footprint of NPKWS decreased by 66.7 and 52.3% compared with NPKCM and NPKPM, respectively. This study shows that the application of chemical fertilizer in combination with wheat residue retention is a good strategy to increase EUE and economic benefits while decreasing the carbon footprint of wheat production.

Foam-based floatovoltaics: A potential solution to disappearing terminal natural lakes

Terminal lakes are disappearing worldwide because of direct and indirect human activities. Floating photovoltaics (FPV) are a synergistic system with increased energy output because of water cooling, while the FPV reduces water evaporation. This study explores how low-cost foam-based floatovoltaic systems can mitigate the disappearance of natural lakes. A case study is performed on 10%–50% FPV coverage of terminal and disappearing Walker Lake. Water conservation is investigated with a modified Penman-Monteith evapotranspiration method and energy generation is calculated with an operating temperature model experimentally determined from foam-based FPV. Results show FPV saves 52,000,000 m3/year of water and US$6,000,000 at 50% FPV coverage. The FPV generates 20 TWh/year of renewable energy, which is enough to offset all coal-fired power plants in Nevada thus reducing carbon-emission based climate forcing partially responsible for a greater rate of disappearance of the lake. The results of this study, which is the first of its kind, indicate foam-based FPV has potential to play a crucial role in mitigation efforts to prevent the disappearing of natural lakes worldwide.

Application of an artificial neural network to optimise energy inputs: An energy- and cost-saving strategy for commercial poultry farms

The current study estimates target values of energy inputs along with an assessment of energy- and cost-saving strategies for poultry farms. In 2019, cross-sectional data were collected from 192 farmers at environmentally controlled poultry farms in Pakistan. A well-structured questionnaire was used to conduct face-to-face interviews with respondents. The results reveal that 1 MJ energy input at poultry farms produced 1.9 MJ of energy output. The Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm found the best topology of the ANN model at a hidden layer consisting of 10 neurons, including the lowest mean absolute percentage error (14.42) and the highest R2 (0.83) and model efficiency (0.79). The training model confirmed the inefficient use of energy inputs in the farms and a 3.37% overuse of energy inputs at a given amount of energy output. Particularly, fuel energy was overused by 51.02%. For each flock of chickens (1000 birds), the use of energy inputs at a set target level saved 318.32 MJ of energy input and 5.59 USD in costs. Moreover, at the targeted energy inputs, every year, the cost savings per farm could be 958.84 USD. The parametric analysis reported that the energy inputs of electricity, maize, soybean, and minerals and vitamins significantly increased energy output by 0.80, 0.05, 0.41, and 0.09 units, respectively. Overuse of energy inputs was confirmed because IE and BE showed a decreasing return to scale (RTS< 1). The promising ability of such a training model suggests that using the recommended energy inputs can maximise energy efficiency, and minimise the cost of production on poultry farms.

Better poison is the cure? Critically examining fossil fuel companies, climate change framing, and corporate sustainability reports

The way fossil fuel companies frame climate change in their annual sustainability reports shines light how the fossil fuel industry is addressing pressure from stockholders, investors, and the public to become less environmentally harmful. Through a qualitative frame analysis and critical discourse analysis of fossil fuel company sustainability reports, four major frames emerged: (1) techno-optimism, or, the belief that innovative technologies and fuels, without social change, can help solve the issue of climate change; (2) necessitarianism, or, the notion that the fossil fuel industry provides a necessary service; (3) compliance, or, adherence to established regulations and standards; and (4) countermeasures, or, strategies that indirectly counteract harms done. Two frames central to discourses surrounding fossil fuels and climate change are notably absent: (5) potential environmental and societal risks of fossil fuels (risk minimization) and (6) potential future scenarios that are significantly different from the growing economy powered by increased energy output (possibility blindness). Together, the frames are a subtle form of climate change denialism that acknowledges climate change as a problem without diagnosing the root cause of the problem (ideological denial), conceals environmentally harmful actions with the rhetoric of environmental friendliness (greenwashing), and justifies the status quo as necessary (reification).

Yield, Economic Benefit, Soil Water Balance, and Water Use Efficiency of Intercropped Maize/Potato in Responses to Mulching Practices on the Semiarid Loess Plateau

Increasing agricultural productivity without undermining further the integrity of the Earth’s environmental systems such as soil water balance are important tasks to ensure food security for an increasing global population in rainfed agriculture. The impact of intercropping maize (Zea mays L.) with potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) on yield, land equivalent ratios (LER), water equivalent ratio (WER), water use, energy output, and net economic return were examined under seven planting systems: potato grown solely or intercropped on the flat field without mulching, maize grown solely or intercropped with potato on ridges or flat field with or without plastic film mulched. The three intercropping systems had 3–13% less water use than the monocropping. Among the intercropped systems, flat field caused more depletion of soil water than ridged field for both years. Compared to monocultures, intercropping with plastic film mulching and ridging significantly increased LER and WER. Meanwhile, intercropping with mulching and ridging significantly increased net economic return and energy output by 8% and 24%, respectively, when compared to monocropping. These results suggest that maize under plastic film mulched ridge-furrow plot intercropped with potato under flat plot without mulching increased energy output, net economic return, and water use efficiency without increasing soil water depletion, which could be an optimal intercropping system for the semiarid farmland on the western Loess Plateau.

Future interstellar rockets may use laser-induced annihilation reactions for relativistic drive

Interstellar probes and future interstellar travel will require relativistic rockets. The problem is that such a rocket drive requires that the rocket exhaust velocity from the fuel also is relativistic, since otherwise the rocket thrust is much too small: the total mass of the fuel will be so large that relativistic speeds cannot be reached in a reasonable time and the total mass of the rocket will be extremely large. Until now, no technology was known that would be able to give rocket exhaust at relativistic speed and a high enough momentum for relativistic travel. Here, a useful method for relativistic interstellar propulsion is described for the first time. This method gives exhaust at relativistic speeds and is a factor of at least one hundred better than normal fusion due to its increased energy output from the annihilation-like meson formation processes. It uses ordinary hydrogen as fuel so a return travel is possible after refuelling almost anywhere in space. The central nuclear processes have been studied in around 20 publications, which is considered to be sufficient evidence for the general properties. The nuclear processes give relativistic particles (kaons, pions and muons) by laser-induced annihilation-like processes in ultra-dense hydrogen H(0). The kinetic energy of the mesons is 1300 times larger than the energy of the laser pulse. This method is superior to the laser-sail method by several orders of magnitude and is suitable for large spaceships.

Improvement in the performance of luminescent solar concentrator using array of cylindrical optical fibers

Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) harvest solar radiation over large areas and concentrate this light onto edge-mounted solar cells. Here, we demonstrate that the addition of cylindrical optical fibers, along with a white scattering layer on the bottom side of the LSC, has a significant positive impact on the energy output of the LSC system. We show that the increased energy output is due to the additional light trapping modes provided by the array of cylindrical optical fibers. Moreover, we experimentally determine that the use of cylindrical optical fibers is more effective in the case of large size LSC. In addition, the photovoltaic response of our prepared devices is obtained, and the results reveal that the power conversion efficiency of the LSC containing cylindrical optical fibers along with a white scattering layer is ∼65% more than that of the LSC with a black absorbing layer, and ∼3.3% more than that of the LSC with only a white scattering layer.

Fisheye lens design for sun tracking cameras and photovoltaic energy systems

Solar panels are gaining global popularity for electrical energy generation. However, efficiency of static solar panels can vary during the day. Solar panels can have increased energy output if they are actively oriented to capture the most amount of sunlight as the sun moves in the sky. In order to achieve this active orientation, sun’s angular position needs to be estimated. Sun’s position in the sky and zenith angle can be determined by automatic analysis of images captured by a whole sky camera. As the purpose of a whole sky, sun tracking camera is to accurately identify solar zenith angle, a special camera integrated with a fisheye lens with equidistant (f-theta) mapping can be designed. Due to the angular linearity of equidistant fisheye lenses, solar zenith angle can be directly calculated after the position of the sun in a whole sky image is detected with digital image processing algorithms. This paper presents the optical design of a compact, high-resolution equidistant fisheye lens with low deviation from the f-theta distortion profile. The lens can be integrated with a commercial image sensor array to form a low-cost whole sky camera for accurate sun tracking in solar energy generation systems.

The antidepressant fluoxetine acts on energy balance and leptin sensitivity via BDNF

Leptin and Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) pathways are critical players in body weight homeostasis. Noninvasive treatments like environmental stimulation are able to increase response to leptin and induce BDNF expression in the brain. Emerging evidences point to the antidepressant selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor Fluoxetine (FLX) as a drug with effects similar to environmental stimulation. FLX is known to impact on body weight, with mechanisms yet to be elucidated. We herein asked whether FLX affects energy balance, the leptin system and BDNF function. Adult lean male mice chronically treated with FLX showed reduced weight gain, higher energy expenditure, increased sensitivity to acute leptin, increased hypothalamic BDNF expression, associated to changes in white adipose tissue expression typical of “brownization”. In the Ntrk2tm1Ddg/J model, carrying a mutation in the BDNF receptor Tyrosine kinase B (TrkB), these effects are partially or totally reversed. Wild type obese mice treated with FLX showed reduced weight gain, increased energy output, and differently from untreated obese mice, a preserved acute response to leptin in terms of activation of the intracellular leptin transducer STAT3. In conclusion, FLX impacts on energy balance and induces leptin sensitivity and an intact TrkB function is required for these effects to take place.

Design of a compressed air energy storage system for hydrostatic wind turbines

Integration of Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) system with a wind turbine is critical in optimally harvesting wind energy given the fluctuating nature of power demands. Here we consider the design of a CAES for a wind turbine with hydrostatic powertrain. The design parameters of the CAES are determined based on simulation of the integrated system model for a combination of these parameter values, namely the compression ratios of the air compressors and the expanders and the air tank size. The results of the simulations were used to choose the best design parameters, which would produce the best stable performance through increased energy output of the integrated CAES and wind turbine based on the intermittent wind profile. Simulation results for a 600 kW rated power wind turbine with integrated CAES indicate that increasing the tank size and compression ratio will improve the overall power quality through increased energy output up to a limit beyond which the power quality exhibits only marginal improvement.

Comparison of the meteorology and surface energy fluxes of debris-free and debris-covered glaciers in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau

ABSTRACTKnowledge of debris-free and debris-covered glaciers is important for understanding the varying response of glaciers to climate change. Measurements at the debris-free Parlung No. 4 Glacier and the debris-covered 24 K Glacier in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau were carried out to compare the meteorology and surface energy fluxes and to understand the factors controlling the melting process. The meteorological comparisons displayed temporally synchronous fluctuations in air temperature, relative humidity and incoming longwave radiation (Lin), but notable differences in precipitation, incoming shortwave radiation (Sin) and wind speed. Under the prevailing regional precipitation and debris conditions, more Lin (42 W m−2) was supplied from warmer and more humid air and more Sin (58 W m−2) was absorbed at the 24 K Glacier. The relatively high energy supply led mainly to an increased energy output via turbulent heat fluxes and outgoing longwave radiation, rather than glacier melting beneath the thick debris. The sensitivity experiment showed that melt rates were sensitive to energy supply at debris thicknesses &lt;~10 cm. In contrast, energy supply to the Parlung No. 4 Glacier mainly resulted in snow/ice melting, the magnitude of which was significantly influenced by energy supplied by Sin and the sensible heat flux.

Altering the ratio of dietary palmitic, stearic, and oleic acids in diets with or without whole cottonseed affects nutrient digestibility, energy partitioning, and production responses of dairy cows

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of varying the ratio of dietary palmitic (C16:0), stearic (C18:0), and oleic (cis-9 C18:1) acids in basal diets containing soyhulls or whole cottonseed on nutrient digestibility, energy partitioning, and production response of lactating dairy cows. Twenty-four mid-lactation multiparous Holstein cows were used in a split-plot Latin square design. Cows were allocated to a main plot receiving either a basal diet with soyhulls (SH, n = 12) or a basal diet with whole cottonseed (CS, n = 12) that was fed throughout the experiment. Within each plot a 4 × 4 Latin square arrangement of treatments was used in 4 consecutive 21-d periods. Treatments were (1) control (CON; no supplemental fat), (2) high C16:0 supplement [PA; fatty acid (FA) supplement blend provided ∼80% C16:0], (3) C16:0 and C18:0 supplement (PA+SA; FA supplement blend provided ∼40% C16:0 + ∼40% C18:0), and (4) C16:0 and cis-9 C18:1 supplement (PA+OA; FA supplement blend provided ∼45% C16:0 + ∼35% cis-9 C18:1). Interactions between basal diets and FA treatments were observed for dry matter intake (DMI) and milk yield. Among the SH diets, PA and PA+SA increased DMI compared with CON and PA+OA treatments, whereas in the CS diets PA+OA decreased DMI compared with CON. The PA, PA+SA, and PA+OA treatments increased milk yield compared with CON in the SH diets. The CS diets increased milk fat yield compared with the SH diets due to the greater yield of de novo and preformed milk FA. The PA treatment increased milk fat yield compared with CON, PA+SA, and PA+OA due to the greater yield of mixed-source (16-carbon) milk FA. The PA treatment increased 3.5% fat-corrected milk compared with CON and tended to increase it compared with PA+SA and PA+OA. The CS diets increased body weight (BW) change compared with the SH diets. Additionally, PA+OA tended to increase BW change compared with CON and PA and increased it in comparison with PA+SA. The PA and PA+OA treatments increased dry matter and neutral detergent fiber digestibility compared with PA+SA and tended to increase them compared with CON. The PA+SA treatment reduced 16-carbon, 18-carbon, and total FA digestibility compared with the other treatments. The CS diets increased energy partitioning toward body reserves compared with the SH diets. The PA treatment increased energy partitioning toward milk compared with CON and PA+OA and tended to increase it compared with PA+SA. In contrast, PA+OA increased energy partitioned to body reserves compared with PA and PA+SA and tended to increase it compared with CON. In conclusion, milk yield responses to different combinations of FA were affected by the addition of whole cottonseed in the diet. Among the combinations of C16:0, C18:0, and cis-9 C18:1 evaluated, fat supplements with more C16:0 increased energy output in milk, whereas fat supplements with more cis-9 C18:1 increased energy storage in BW. The combination of C16:0 and C18:0 reduced nutrient digestibility, which most likely explains the lower performance observed compared with other treatments.

Mechanical pretreatment at harvesting increases the bioenergy output from marginal land grasses

Meadow grass has recently gained increased attention as a substrate for full-scale biogas reactors. However, to increase its biodegradability, pretreatment is needed. In the present work, different harvesting machines were compared in order to assess their effect on biogas production. Specifically, a Disc-mower, an Excoriator and a Chopper were used to define the most appropriate machinery in order to improve the energy output per hectare for full-scale biogas plants. Among the harvesters, Excoriator, a novel simultaneous harvest and mechanical treatment, was found to significantly increase the methane yield of meadow grass by 20% compared to a classical Disc-mower. The positive effect was also validated by three kinetic model equations. The modified Gompertz model was the most capable of determining the kinetics of anaerobic digestion process, pointing out also the superiority of Excoriator. The usage of the novel harvester was associated with increased energy output, either for electrical/thermal energy generation or for transport fuel production, compared to the alternative machineries. Moreover, it was shown that the co-digestion of harvested biomass with different types of manure can enhance the bioenergy output of a full-scale biogas plant in a range of 12%–23%.

Creation of energetic biothermite inks using ferritin liquid protein

Energetic liquids function mainly as fuels due to low energy densities and slow combustion kinetics. Consequently, these properties can be significantly increased through the addition of metal nanomaterials such as aluminium. Unfortunately, nanoparticle additives are restricted to low mass fractions in liquids because of increased viscosities and severe particle agglomeration. Nanoscale protein ionic liquids represent multifunctional solvent systems that are well suited to overcoming low mass fractions of nanoparticles, producing stable nanoparticle dispersions and simultaneously offering a source of oxidizing agents for combustion of reactive nanomaterials. Here, we use iron oxide-loaded ferritin proteins to create a stable and highly energetic liquid composed of aluminium nanoparticles and ferritin proteins for printing and forming 3D shapes and structures. In total, this bioenergetic liquid exhibits increased energy output and performance, enhanced dispersion and oxidation stability, lower activation temperatures, and greater processability and functionality.

Analysis and Characterization of Multi-modified Anodes via Nitric Acid and PPy/AQDS in Microbial Fuel Cells

The properties of anode material are crucial for high performances in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Hereby, a biocompatible, conductive, and high electron transfer ability anode was fabricated by electrodepositing polypyrrole/anthraquinone-2, 6-disulphonic disodium salt (PPy/AQDS) onto nitric acid-soaked carbon felt. The results showed that the multi-modified anode outperformed the pristine one in biomass, electrical conductivity, and exchange current density with between 2.4 and 3.3 times better performance. The multi-modified anode (applied with 0.12 C·cm-2 total charge density) showed the highest peak current density (2.86 mA), the largest amount of biomass loading (0.44 mg·cm-2), the most favoured electrical conductivity (0.33 S·cm-1), and exchange current density (3.65×10-3 A·m-2), as a result, the maximum power density of the MFC equipped with the anode delivered a 2.2-fold increase over that of the control (1060.7 mW·m-2vs. 477.6 mW·m-2), and thus has great potential to be used as an anode for high-power MFCs. Further investigation revealed that the increased energy output might be attributed to the bridging of the carbon fibers by electrically conductive PPy/AQDS composite films, which provided a uniform connection throughout the nitric treated carbon felt as well as the synergetic effects between the newly formed functional groups like pyrrolic N and PPy/AQDS. It was proposed that integrating biocompatibility (BCB) with electrical conductivity (EC) and electron transfer efficiency (ETE) through multi-modification could form high-performance anode. Future efforts to be made for realizing more extraordinary high-performance MFCs anodes were also outlined. This work may also provide a novel universal approach for the development of other types of anode for high-performance MFCs through integrating the BCB with EC and ETE simultaneously.