Maximum Output Energy Research Articles

Assessment of merits and demerits of perpendicular and slanted photovoltaic/thermal facades

This study compares the thermal and electrical energy production potential and wind load assessment of perpendicular versus slanted photovoltaic (PV) facades. The goal is to identify the optimal facade orientation for societal adoption based on energy efficiency and wind load considerations. Using Hybrid RANS/LES models, the aerodynamic performance and energy yield of both orientations are analyzed under varying angles and environmental conditions. The findings show that while the slanted façade is better designed to capture solar irradiance, it produces 4 to 8 % less energy than the perpendicular façade and yields approximately 2 % less exergy efficiency due to wind regime. However, the slanted design reduces wind load by 9.8 %, enhancing structural stability. The maximum thermal energy output of 217 kW is recorded from the perpendicular façade at a wind speed of 1 m/s, while the slanted façade generates a peak electrical power of 68 kW at 8 m/s wind speed. Overall, the perpendicular façade underscores more efficient in equal weather conditions, making it a sustainable choice for PV installation. These results provide valuable insights for architects, engineers, and policymakers in optimizing PV facade design for urban environments.

Development, kinetic analysis, and economic feasibility of different Corn Stover-driven biorefineries to produce biohydrogen, bioethanol, and biomethane: A comparative analysis

The purpose of the article is to design, evaluate, and compare four different pathways implemented in the Corn Stover-driven biorefineries. These pathways are based on biohydrogen production via Photo-fermentation (PFBHP) or dark fermentation (DFBHP), biomethane production (BMP), and bioethanol production (BEP). A comprehensive examination and analysis of the mentioned pathways in terms of the kinetic properties, greenhouse gas emissions, and economic feasibility was developed. The research problem addressed is the lack of a comprehensive, comparative analysis of these pathways under consistent conditions, limiting informed decision-making for large-scale biorefinery implementation. The maximum outputs of the PFBHP, DFBHP, BMP, and BEP pathways were around 68.5 mL per gram DM (dry matter) at 25 g DM per Liter, 48.0 mL per gram DM at 25 g DM per Liter, 0.19 L per gram DM at 4 % TS, and 0.05 g per gram DM at 55 g DM per Liter. Additionally, the BMP pathway achieved the maximum energy output, peaking at around 7.02 kJ/g DM under 4 % TS. Further, the PFBHP pathway emerged as high-economic value method, with the peak economic value being 0.20 US$ per kg DM. The PFBHP and DFBHP methods were environmentally favorable, emitting no greenhouse gases.

Green Hydrogen Synthesis from Human Urine as Sustainable Bioenergy Resources

With the earths cry for help as pollution rate increases, researchers are faced with a common task of tackling pollution resulting from dependence on fossil fuel as well as delivering sustainable energy. Renewable energy resources such as solar, wind, hydro to mention a few are currently finding applications within the world energy mix but some limitations which range from meteorology of locations to expected maximum energy output attainable. Hydrogen, the most abundant element in the world stand chance of abating this problem. However conventional method of its producing, poses severe treat to the atmospheric environment with the release of oxides of carbon hence, referred as blue hydrogen. Contrarily, green hydrogen from human urine stands a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy resource. This study was aimed to empirically model the synthesis of green hydrogen from urea in human urine by an electrolytic process. The synthesized hydrogen was characterized on physiochemical properties of conductivity, turbidity, pH, specific gravity and colour, while the precursor urine characterized on gender, exposure duration and storage temperature. The synthesis process was modelled using Microsoft excel solver for the overall cell energy or polarization curve model, the Faraday’s efficiency model and gas purity model at electrolyte concentrations of 25 wt./wt., 30 wt./wt. and 35 wt./wt. of potassium oxide (buffer} to urea over a five-temperature interval range of 45 to 85 oC. Findings revealed that the gas produced was 99.88% hydrogen at the cathode. Also, hydrogen produced increased with increase in electrolyte concentration and moderate temperature with optimal conditions at 35 w/w electrolyte concentration and 65 oC. However, the minimum cell voltage was 2.06 V at 85 oC and 35 w/w electrolyte concentration. With an exception of the Faraday’s efficiency model at 30 wt./wt. electrolyte concentration across the system’s operating temperature range yielding an R2 value of 0.711, all the models yielded coefficient of determination values in the range of 0.96 and 0.99, indicating good fit for the alkaline urine electrolysis for green hydrogen synthesis from human urine.

Analysis of the Influence of Variation in Medical Waste Heating Value on the Electrical Energy Output of Generator in Medical Waste Cogeneration Incinerator System using Gatecycle Solver

Abstract Medical waste incinerator is a technology capable of processing and exterminating hazardous medical waste through combustion at temperatures exceeding 800°C. Medical waste exhibits a range of heating values depending on its material composition. The heating value represents the potential heat energy released when a substance undergoes complete combustion. A cogeneration incinerator is designed to treat medical waste while also harnessing the heat of the flue gas that emanates from the combustion process. The flue gas acts as a hot fluid that transfers its heat, causing the water temperature inside the boiler to increase and transform into high-temperature steam. This steam drives a steam turbine connected to a generator to generate electrical energy. The amount of electrical energy generated is influenced by the steam quality produced through the boiler’s water-heating process. This study aims to investigate the influence of variation in the heating value in medical waste on the electrical energy output of the generator in a medical waste cogeneration incinerator system. The range of heating value variations used in the testing varies from 25 MJ/kg to 35 MJ/kg. The variation is tested through thorough simulations using GateCycle software to obtain data on the electrical energy generated. To achieve a maximum electrical energy output of 200 kW, fuel with a total heating value of 32.25 MJ/kg is required. This study is beneficial to be implemented as renewable energy sources based on biomass powerplant systems.

Techno-economic design and placement tool for energy recovering pressure regulating turbines in water distribution systems

Water distribution systems present poor energy efficiency due to the significant amount of energy that dissipates in the form of excess water pressure. Besides energy losses, excess pressure increases water losses due to leakages and may result in pipeline damage. The employment of micro-turbines that concurrently harness excess energy and achieve pressure management is proposed by many researchers as potential replacements to the currently used pressure reduction valves. This work relies on previous work that determines the optimal design and operating point of such turbines integrated in the power distribution system, in order to develop an algorithm that considers the economic viability of such projects. The suggested algorithm has been applied to a simulated large-scale WDS in Kentucky that contains several locations where pressure regulation is currently performed or planned due to immense local pressure. Involving the economic viability of pressure regulating turbines within the design optimization process improves pay-back period and levelized cost of energy by more than 10 % and 20 %, respectively, compared to when their design is optimized solely for pressure regulation and maximum energy yield. The application of this approach to a typical WDS allowed more than 161 MWh/year of clean energy to be produced.

Feasibility of realizing photothermal, photovoltaic, and radiative cooling with a flexible structure

The escalating energy demands and the imperative of environmental conservation necessitate advanced sustainable energy solutions. This study introduces a novel nanofluid spectrum-splitting photovoltaic/thermal system integrated with radiative cooling (RC) technology, termed NSS-RC-PV/T. This system optimizes solar spectrum utilization, enhances thermal management, and significantly improves the efficiency and flexibility of heat, electricity, and cooling outputs. Employing a reversible PV-Ag panel, the system adapts between PV/T and RC modes based on energy demands. A comprehensive mathematical model is established to evaluate its performance under realistic environmental conditions across China. Results indicate the maximum energy output of the system is 6438 MJ/m2, which is a 33.4% increase in annual energy output compared to the conventional PV/T system. The dynamic power response model also shows an increase of 5.8% (266 MJ/m2) compared to the daylight response model. This research underscores the potential of NSS-RC-PV/T systems in advancing renewable energy technologies and meeting modern energy needs.

Comparative analysis of half-cell and full-cell PV commercial modules for sustainable mobility applications: Outdoor performance evaluation under partial shading conditions

This study compares half-cell and full-cell photovoltaic (PV) modules under partial shading conditions relevant to sustainable electric vehicle charging stations. Market-available PV modules are evaluated outdoors at SolarTechLAB in Milan, Italy, with specific consideration given to partial shading caused by a chimney. Two shading scenarios were implemented: one affecting only the upper half of the PV modules and another affecting both halves. This paper comprehensively analyzes and compares the power-voltage curve, global maximum power point, shading losses, and energy yield. The results show that PV modules with Half-Cell technology perform better in partial shading conditions, with an increased energy yield ranging from 11.3% to 20.7%. This significant improvement highlights the potential of Half-Cell technology in optimizing energy production in environments prone to shading, such as electric vehicle charging stations.

Enhancing energy yield and reducing environmental impact through co-hydrothermal carbonization of undehydrated sewage sludge and fungus bran

This study presents a sustainable waste management method through co-hydrothermal carbonization (Co-HTC) of undehydrated sewage sludge (SS) and fungus bran (FB), effectively eliminating the need for additional water. The effects of the reaction severity factor (SF: 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3), the FB mixed ratio (FBMR: 0 %, 10 %, and 20 %), and the proportion of citric acid promoting agent (CAPA: 0 %, 10 %, and 20 %) on HTC performance were systematically investigated. The process was optimized for maximum energy yield (EY) using response surface methodology (RSM). The properties of the produced hydrochar, along with its EY and environmental impact, were thoroughly assessed. Results demonstrated that under optimal conditions (SF: 0.1, FBMR: 20 %, and CAPA: 20 %), EY increased by 45.84 % compared to hydrochar derived from dried SS. The dehydration and decarboxylation processes led to lower H/C and O/C ratios, producing hydrochar with reduced sulfur and nitrogen content, while the contents of alkali and alkaline earth metals, particularly calcium, increased. Furthermore, the optimized Co-HTC process had minimal environmental impact. In contrast to traditional HTC, which requires significant freshwater and involves high costs for SS drying, our innovative approach using undehydrated SS offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution, paving the way for industrial-scale Co-HTC and sustainable waste valorization.

Growth and optical properties of high-concentration Ho3+ ion-doped Ba(Y1−xLux)2F8 crystal for mid-infrared laser application

30mol% Ho:BaY2F8 (Ho:BYF) and 30mol% Ho, 20mol% Lu:BaY2F8 (Ho:BYLF) crystals with monoclinic phase were prepared by the Bridgman technique. After introducing Lu3+ ions, the thermal property of Ho:BYLF crystal was improved without significantly shortening the 5I5 level lifetime of Ho3+ ion compared with Ho:BYF crystal. Under laser diode pumping at 889 nm, the emission peaks of both Ho:BYF and Ho:BYLF crystals in the range of 3–5 μm could be detected. The spectral parameters of the crystal are calculated in detail, and the cross sections of absorption, emission and gain are given. During laser pumping, the two crystals showed low pumping threshold, and Ho:BYF crystal obtained a maximum energy output of 5.22 mJ, while Ho:BYLF crystal tended to be saturated at 1 mJ due to the high concentration of Lu3+ ion. These two crystals show great application potential for laser operating in the mid-infrared range.

Design and modeling of PV-integrated Double Skin Facades and application to retrofit buildings

Double Skin Façade (DSF) system comprises two glazing layers with a ventilated cavity. Integrating photovoltaic (PV) modules within the outer layer of DSFs offers an efficient method for electricity generation. Current tools for modeling and analyzing DSF systems are complex and resource-intensive, lacking the capability to evaluate the performance of innovative PV-DSF systems during the early design stage. This study develops a mathematical model to evaluate the electrical and thermal performance of PV-DSF systems, considering architectural design elements such as PV color and relative orientation. Based on an energy balance approach, the model is particularly suited for designing PV-DSF systems in heritage buildings, which often have color and relative orientation constraints. The model is applied to assess the performance of PV-DSF systems with conventional clear glass PV and colored front glass PV modules under the climatic conditions of Montreal, Canada. Results indicated that conventional clear glass PV module exhibit higher PV cell temperature than colored PV modules due to greater transmissivity, with peak temperature differences at noon of 5.5 °C, 6.2 °C, and 6.5 °C for orange, blue, and gray PV modules, respectively. On the contrary, the influence of PV's color front glass on room air temperature is non-significant. Furthermore, the optimal orientation for maximum energy yield is not always south-facing; it depends on the hourly distribution of the beam, diffuse solar irradiation, and ambient air temperature. For Montreal, west-facing DSFs produce more electrical and thermal energy on a summer design day because the hourly distribution of beam radiation is skewed towards afternoon hours.

Temperature dependence of Fe:ZnSe mid-infrared spectral and laser output properties under ∼4 µm radiation excitation

This paper presents the temperature dependence of the spectroscopic and laser properties of the Fe2+:ZnSe single crystal under excitation by radiation at a wavelength of ∼4.04µm. Excitation was supported by the Er:YAG laser (∼2.94µm) operated in the Q-switched or free-running (FR) mode that pumped the Fe:ZnSe laser cooled by liquid nitrogen to 78 K. This system generated radiation at the wavelength of ∼4.04µm. Temperature dependence of absorption, fluorescence spectra, and fluorescence decay time of Fe2+ ions was measured. The optimal temperature that allows efficient Fe:ZnSe laser system operation with maximum laser output energy was sought in both regimes. It was characterized at a repetition rate of 1 Hz with pulse durations of ∼175ns and ∼155µs in both modes, respectively. The highest laser output energies obtained with the crystal placed in the cryostat in gain-switched (GS) and FR modes were ∼385µJ at 260 K and ∼374µJ at 190 K, respectively. Maximum optical-to-optical efficiencies in the same modes were ∼13% at 260 K and ∼32% at 170 K, respectively. Wide laser radiation oscillation spectra depending on the temperature ranging from ∼4.3µm at 140 K to ∼4.9µm at 340 K obtained with a Gaussian-like beam spatial profile were demonstrated. Under atmospheric conditions at RT, this laser system reached a pulse energy of over 0.5 mJ at ∼4.78µm in ∼135ns pulses, which corresponds to a peak power of ∼3.9kW.

Optimization of the Weir as a Micro Hydro Power Plant in Bayang Nyalo Padang, West Sumatra

The objective of this research is to guarantee that the building of PLTMH Bayang Nyalo achieves maximum energy output and utilizes possible renewable energy sources in a sustainable and efficient manner. This research is a study that aims to describe and analyze data using a quantitative technique. The quantitative research technique is used when study data is in numerical form. Quantitative descriptive research is a method used to examine obtained data by providing a detailed and accurate description of the data. This study aims to determine the optimal value for designing small-scale hydropower plants (PLTMH). In order to do research for this thesis, the author investigates the number of studies performed in the Bead Dam Nyalo Kec. Nagari Bayang North, South Coast Regency West Sumatra. The PLTMH project aims to harness the water flow from the subterranean river, which has a discharge rate of 14.67 liters per second. The power plant is designed to have a power capacity of 623.32 kW, using a high discharge waterfall with an effective height of 5 m. Based on the examination of technological elements, we have reached conclusions: The civil component of this PLTMH includes a gravity concrete dam that is prepared for operation, while the electrical components consist of a Cross flow Turbine. The development of mechanical transmission is ongoing.

A Q-switched Ho:YAG spatial ring cavity laser with three corner cube prisms pumped by a 1908 nm fiber laser

We demonstrate a tri-corner cube Q-switched Ho:YAG spatial ring cavity laser, which was resonantly pumped by a 1908 nm fiber laser. The polarization state of the intracavity oscillating laser was adjusted by a half-wave plate, and a continuous s-polarized laser of 2.57 W at 2090.9 nm was obtained at a pump power of 18.5 W, corresponding to an optical-to-optical conversion efficiency of 13.9 % and a slope efficiency of 33.3 %. When the corner cube prism, which has the weakest anti-misalignment capability, was tilted vertically by 1° or horizontally by 0.92°, the laser could still output the laser. For Q-switched operation, the tri-corner cube Ho:YAG laser has a pulse energy of 9.86mJ and a pulse width of 178.8 ns at a repetition rate of 100 Hz. At the maximum output energy, the beam quality was Mx2 = 1.3, My2 = 1.2.

Generation of a red-green-blue laser by stimulated Raman scattering of ethanol

In this paper, we report an efficient red-green-blue (RGB) laser based on the stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) of ethanol. The wavelengths of the three-color laser are 631, 532, and 447 nm, respectively, and the gamut space that can cover is 116% of the Rec. 2020 standard gamut in the CIE1976 color space. The maximum output energy of the RGB laser was 595.9 µJ under the total pump energy of 1.56 mJ, which corresponds to an optical conversion efficiency of 38.2%. By adjusting the energy ratio of different wavelengths, a white laser output with a maximum output energy of 544.8 µJ is achieved, corresponding to a conversion efficiency of 34.9%. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that an RGB laser has been realized based on liquid SRS. It provides a simple, practical route for efficiently obtaining RGB and white lasers, which may find important applications in many fields like laser display, atmospheric monitoring, and medical beauty.

Electrical power output potential of different solar photovoltaic systems in Tanzania

This study examines the photovoltaic (PV) energy output and levelized cost of energy (LCOE) in seven regions of Tanzania across five different tilt adjustments of 1 MW PV systems. The one-diode model equations and the PVsyst 7.2 software were used in the simulation. The results reveal variations in energy output and LCOE among the regions and tilt adjustments indicating a strong correlation between PV energy output and solar irradiance incident on the PV panel. For horizontal mounting, the annual energy output ranges from 1229 MWh/year in Kilimanjaro to 1977 MWh/year in Iringa. Among the three optimal tilt adjustments, annually, monthly and seasonal, the last two are predicted to yield larger energy outputs, whereas the two axis tracking configuration consistently provides the maximal energy output in all regions, ranging from 1533 MWh/year in Kilimanjaro to 2762 MWh/year in Iringa. The LCOE analysis demonstrates the cost-effectiveness of solar PV systems compared to grid-connected and isolated mini-grid tariffs. The LCOE values across the regions and tilt adjustments range from $0.07/kWh to $0.16/kWh. In comparison, the tariff for grid-connected solar PV is $0.165/kWh, while for isolated mini-grids; it is $0.181/kWh. The monthly optimal tilt configuration proves to be the most cost-effective option for energy generation in multiple regions, as it consistently exhibits the lowest energy cost compared to the other four configurations. The results provide valuable insights into the performance and economic feasibility of various system setups. Through meticulous simulation and data analysis, we have gained a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing energy generation and costs in the context of solar photovoltaic systems.

Enhancing photovoltaic panel efficiency with innovative cooling Technologies: An experimental approach

The increase in photovoltaic panel temperature brought on by solar radiation absorption lowers performance, power output, energy efficiency, and panel longevity (a rise in temperature of just one degree causes power drop of 0.41 %). In an effort to alleviate this problem, this thorough study multiple novel cooling strategies to enhance solar system efficiency, especially photovoltaic panels in Egyptian climates remote areas. The three main routines for photovoltaic panel cooling are contingent on the following techniques: (1) evaporative cooling using marble, (2) evaporative cooling using palm fibers with fan-assisted airflow, and (3) thermoelectric cooler modules. These materials that used in the studied system as coolants are characterized by, abundant local availability in nature and low cost, especially in Egypt. Every method has been designed with a control system. According to the study, starting the cooling process at the greatest temperature that is permitted—45 °C—produces the maximum energy output from photovoltaic panels while balancing the need for cooling and energy production. Using these cooling methods causes the average temperature to be lowered by 16, 11.62, and 9.8 degrees Celsius for thermoelectric, marble, and palm fiber cooling respectively while the voltage output is enhanced by 2.58, 0.94, and 0.7 V. The recorded values indicate 4.59 %, 3.95 %, 2.15 % increase in photovoltaic panel exit power and 25.29 %, 15.79 %, and 15.1 % increase in photovoltaic panel energy conversion efficiency when thermoelectric, marble, and palm fibers cooler modules are used, respectively. This study is a priceless resource for scholars looking to improve photovoltaic panel performance by executing efficient cooling strategies with annual costs 0.017, 0.02, 0.026, and 0.024 $/kWh and payback periods 1.69, 2.07, 2.71, and 2.48 years for reference panel, marble cooling panel, palm fiber cooling pane, and thermoelectric cooling panel respectively.

A piezoelectric and electromagnetic hybrid energy harvester based on two-stage magnetic coupling

Traditional piezoelectric energy harvesters cannot adapt to environmental energy with low frequency, wideband, and randomness because of the narrow working bandwidth. The introduction of magnetic coupling can improve the narrow-band characteristics of piezoelectric energy harvesting structures. To explore more efficient broadband methods, this paper designs a piezoelectric and electromagnetic hybrid energy harvester (PEEH) based on two-stage magnetic coupling to realize the expansion of piezoelectric energy harvesting bandwidth. In this paper, the magnetic pole alternating frequency is changed and the output of the structure is tested, and the operating frequency bands under different alternating frequencies are compared according to the test results. It can be seen from the experimental results that the output performance of the structure is obviously improved by increasing the AC frequency of the magnetic pole while reducing the optimal frequency point of the structure. When the number of magnets in the rotor magnet array is 6, increasing the pole alternating frequency can effectively improve the output performance of the electromagnetic unit when the rotor speed is low, and can also increase the maximum output voltage and energy harvest bandwidth of the piezoelectric unit by 189% and 150%, respectively. Therefore, by increasing the alternating frequency of magnetic poles, the output voltage of the structure can be improved, and the bandwidth of the structure can be broadened.

Effect of Crop Establishment Methods and Weed Management Practices on Productivity and Bioenergetics of Rice

Background: SRI and aerobic rice are one of the techniques of growing rice under water scarcity areas where meeting water requirement is becoming a global threat. Weeds are another threat to yield of rice irrespective of different establishment methods. Until checked, it can decline rice yield and quality up to more than 70%. SRI and aerobic rice have different densities of weeds and integrated weed management can be applied to suppress the weeds. Considering the current scenario, research was conducted to investigate growth, yield and bioenergetics of rice under different establishment methods and weed management. Methods: The experiment entitled “Effect of crop establishment methods and weed management practices on productivity and bioenergetics of rice” was carried out in split plot design with main plots, viz., M1- aerobic rice (AR) and M2- system of rice intensification (SRI) and five subplots W1- pre-emergence (pendimethalin @1 kg a.i ha-1) fb post-emergence (bispyribac-sodium @20g a.i ha-1) (PE+POE), W2- pre-emergence (pendimethalin @1 kg a.i ha-1) fb cono weeding at 15, 30, and 45 DAT/ DAS (PE+CW), W3- weed free (WF), W4- weedy check (WC), W5- stale seedbed followed by post-emergence herbicide (bispyribac-sodium 10% SC 20 g a.i ha-1) (SSB+POE) in split plot design with three replications taking the variety ‘Pusa Basmati-1121’ as a test crop. Result: Among the establishment methods, SRI recorded significantly higher growth attributes like plant height and dry matter production and yield attributes like number of panicles per hill, panicle length, number of grains per panicle, test weight, grain yield, straw yield, biological yield, and harvest index. Among the weed management treatments, WF recorded significantly higher growth attributes like plant height, number of tillers per hill, dry matter production and yield attributes like number of panicles per hill, panicle length, number of grains per panicle, test weight, grain yield, straw yield, biological yield, and harvest index that was followed by treatment PE+CW. Maximum net return and B:C ratio was observed in the treatment combinations M2W2- SRI + (PE+CW). The maximum total energy input was found in the treatment combination M1W1- AR+ (PE+POE) and the maximum total energy output was found in the treatment combination M2W3- SRI + WF. The energy intensiveness was observed to be maximum in the treatment combination M1W4- AR + WC and the maximum energy efficiency index was observed in the treatment combination M2W3- SRI+WF.

Compressive properties and energy absorption of selective laser melting formed Ti-6Al-4V porous radial gradient scaffold

Uniform porous structures are widely considered as the biological implant materials, but they are difficult to meet the needs of complex bone transplantation. The radial gradient porous structure can match the mechanical properties of different levels of natural femur by adjusting the internal and external porosity. Based on Gyroid unit cells, a parameterized model was employed to create a biomimetic bone structure. Uniform porous structure with an average porosity of 50% and radial gradient porous structure were prepared by selective laser melting (SLM).The mechanical properties, deformation behavior and energy absorption properties of uniform and radially graded porous structures were studied by compression test and finite element method (FE).The results show that the compression test curves of all porous structure exhibit elastic stage, platform stage and densification stage. In the platform stage, uniform porous structures are prone to early shear failure and poor energy absorption performance, whereas radially gradient porous structures exhibit higher elastic modulus and yield strength. When the strain is 0.3, uniform porous structures and porous structures with an inner porosity of 80% mainly exhibit 45° flexural-shear failures, while radially gradient porous structures with inner porosity of 62.5% and 70% experience V-shaped shear failures. Porous structures with an inner porosity of 70% have good energy absorption (107.99 MJ/m3), maximum energy absorption efficiency (46.94%), elastic modulus (5.2 GPa), and yield strength (296.02 MPa), matching the demands of cortical bone.

Machine learning-driven optimization of plasma-catalytic dry reforming of methane

This study investigates the dry reformation of methane (DRM) over Ni/Al2O3 catalysts in a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) non-thermal plasma reactor. A novel hybrid machine learning (ML) model is developed to optimize the plasma-catalytic DRM reaction with limited experimental data. To address the non-linear and complex nature of the plasma-catalytic DRM process, the hybrid ML model integrates three well-established algorithms: regression trees, support vector regression, and artificial neural networks. A genetic algorithm (GA) is then used to optimize the hyperparameters of each algorithm within the hybrid ML model. The ML model achieved excellent agreement with the experimental data, demonstrating its efficacy in accurately predicting and optimizing the DRM process. The model was subsequently used to investigate the impact of various operating parameters on the plasma-catalytic DRM performance. We found that the optimal discharge power (20 W), CO2/CH4 molar ratio (1.5), and Ni loading (7.8 wt%) resulted in the maximum energy yield at a total flow rate of ∼51 mL/min. Furthermore, we investigated the relative significance of each operating parameter on the performance of the plasma-catalytic DRM process. The results show that the total flow rate had the greatest influence on the conversion, with a significance exceeding 35% for each output, while the Ni loading had the least impact on the overall reaction performance. This hybrid model demonstrates a remarkable ability to extract valuable insights from limited datasets, enabling the development and optimization of more efficient and selective plasma-catalytic chemical processes.