Min Sampling Research Articles

Effects of nano-molybdenum coatings on the hydrogen storage properties of La–Mg–Ni based alloys

A relatively simple, but very effective method via magnetron sputtering process was used in the surface doping of the electrode plates. Molybdenum nano-particles coated electrodes were studied in the paper. The flower-like deposits appeared on the electrode plate surface, and Ni4Mo could be in-situ formed with the coating process. The hydrogen ab/desorption rates were accelerated at the beginning and dropped subsequently. The max discharge capacity and retention rate after twenty cycles of the St 5min sample reached about 370mAh/g and 92%, respectively. Comparing to the typical hydrogen storage alloys, they were much closed to the A2B7-type and have surpassed the most AB3-type Co-containing alloys. The activation energies and enthalpies of the various electrodes during the ab/dehydrogenation process were also discussed in details.

Particle and volatile organic compound emissions from a 3D printer filament extruder

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM®), also known as Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), 3D printers have been shown in numerous studies to emit ultrafine particles and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Filament extruders, designed to create feedstocks for 3D printers, have recently come onto the consumer market for at-home hobbyists as an alternative to buying 3D printer filaments. These instruments allow for the creation of 3D printer filaments from raw plastic pellets. Given the similarity in processes and materials used by 3D printers and filament extruders, we hypothesized that filament extruders may also release ultrafine particle emissions and VOCs. An off-the-shelf filament extruder was operated in a 2 m3 chamber using three separate feedstocks: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) pellets, pulverized poly-lactic acid (PLA), and PLA pellets. Ultrafine particle emissions were measured in real-time using a scanning mobility particle sizer and thermal desorption tubes were used for both non-targeted and targeted analysis of VOCs present in emissions. Ultrafine particle number emission rates were comparable to those found in 3D printer studies with the greatest to least emission rates from ABS pellets, pulverized PLA, and PLA pellets, respectively. In addition, the majority of particles released were found to be ultrafine (1–100 nm), similar to 3D printer studies. A variety of VOCs were identified using the ABS feedstock, including styrene and ethylbenzene, and PLA feedstock. Styrene average mass concentration amounts were found to be near the EPA Integrated Risk Information System Reference Concentration for Inhalation Exposure for 3 min and 5 min samples. Further studies will be needed to determine the impact on emissions of environmental volume, air exchange rate, and extruder settings such as extrusion speed and temperature. The results support the hypothesis that use of a filament extruder may present an additional exposure risk to 3D printer hobbyists.

Synthesis and application of molecularly imprinted polymers using sol–gel matrix imprinting technology for the efficient solid-phase extraction of BPA from water

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic organic compound widely used as a starting material in plastics synthesis. Highly selective BPA imprinted sol–gel silica-based hybrid inorganic-organic polymeric sorbent (sol–gel MIP) was synthesized via matrix imprinting approach for the extraction of BPA in water samples. Two functional sol–gel precursors, phenyl triethoxysilane (PheTES) and 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (3-APTES) were used to enhance functional selectivity. The application of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as the cross-linking reagent ensures an open, sponge-like architecture facilitates the rapid removal of the template molecules and rapid analyte mass transfer during extraction. The inherent cage-like structure of the sol–gel MIP facilitates rapid extraction with relatively high imprinting factor. The extraction protocol was optimized using Central Composite Design (CCD) coupled to Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The optimum conditions require the use of 2 mL acetonitrile (ACN) and 15 min sample holding time. The cross-reactivity tests proved that the sol–gel MIP possesses higher specific retention and enrichment capacity for BPA compared to its non-imprinted analogue. The imprinting factor (IF) was equal to 6.58±0.23 (n=3) and the sol–gel MIP was adequately selective for BPA providing high absorption capacity. The molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction combined with high pressure liquid chromatography photodiode array analysis method (MISPE-HPLC-PDA) was validated and demonstrated excellent linearity (0.995), high recovery (RE: 93.4 with RSD, n = 5), satisfying repeatability and precision over the range 90.7-96.1 ng μL−1 and 85.4-92.3 ng μL−1, respectively as well as adequately low detection and quantification limit for BPA (LOD: 0.015 ng μL−1, LOQ: 0.045 ng μL−1).

Determination of atmospheric sulphur dioxide and sulphuric acid traces by indirect flame atomic absorption method

A new indirect method has been developed for the determination of sulphuric acid and sulphur dioxide by flame atomic absorption spectrometry, thereby extending the range of application of AAS to some non-metallic substances. Under certain atomization conditions in air-acetylene flame, the absorbance signal of some alkali earth metal salts, such as magnesium shows significant dependence from the anions present. For instance, Mg(ClO4)2 produces almost ten times higher absorbance than MgSO4 in the same concentration, and this phenomenon is due to the thermal differences of these alkali earth salts. When sulphuric acid is added to Mg(ClO4)2 solutions, a continuously decreasing FAAS calibration series is obtained. Using this method unknown sulphuric acid concentration can be determined in samples. The presence of other acids - except phosphoric acid - does not interfere, since they are evaporated during the dry aerosol formation in the flame.The limit of detection for sulphuric acid and sulphur dioxide is 22 µg/m3 and 14 µg/m3. The limit of detection for the obtained solution is 0.11 mg/L and 0.07 mg/L for sulphuric acid and sulphur dioxide using 50 min sampling time at 1 L/min air suction rate into 10 ml appropriate liquid, respectively (enrichment factor = 5000 with respect to volume). The linear range is 0.5 – 5.0 mg/L.The recovery of spiked samples are 98%. The SO2 and SO32− salts can be similarly determined by this method based on the quantitative absorption of SO2 in H2O2, which yields sulphuric acid. The sulphate content of the solutions was determined by turbidimetric and ion chromatographic methods and the results were in good agreement with the developed method.

Simultaneous detection of ozone and nitrogen dioxide by oxygen anion chemical ionization mass spectrometry: a fast-time-response sensor suitable for eddy covariance measurements

Abstract. We report on the development, characterization, and field deployment of a fast-time-response sensor for measuring ozone (O3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations utilizing chemical ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (CI-ToFMS) with oxygen anion (O2-) reagent ion chemistry. We demonstrate that the oxygen anion chemical ionization mass spectrometer (Ox-CIMS) is highly sensitive to both O3 (180 counts s−1 pptv−1) and NO2 (97 counts s−1 pptv−1), corresponding to detection limits (3σ, 1 s averages) of 13 and 9.9 pptv, respectively. In both cases, the detection threshold is limited by the magnitude and variability in the background determination. The short-term precision (1 s averages) is better than 0.3 % at 10 ppbv O3 and 4 % at 10 pptv NO2. We demonstrate that the sensitivity of the O3 measurement to fluctuations in ambient water vapor and carbon dioxide is negligible for typical conditions encountered in the troposphere. The application of the Ox-CIMS to the measurement of O3 vertical fluxes over the coastal ocean, via eddy covariance (EC), was tested during the summer of 2018 at Scripps Pier, La Jolla, CA. The observed mean ozone deposition velocity (vd(O3)) was 0.013 cm s−1 with a campaign ensemble limit of detection (LOD) of 0.0027 cm s−1 at the 95 % confidence level, from each 27 min sampling period LOD. The campaign mean and 1 standard deviation range of O3 mixing ratios was 41.2±10.1 ppbv. Several fast ozone titration events from local NO emissions were sampled where unit conversion of O3 to NO2 was observed, highlighting instrument utility as a total odd-oxygen (Ox=O3+NO2) sensor. The demonstrated precision, sensitivity, and time resolution of this instrument highlight its potential for direct measurements of O3 ocean–atmosphere and biosphere–atmosphere exchange from both stationary and mobile sampling platforms.

Exploiting the versatility of vacuum-assisted headspace solid-phase microextraction in combination with the selectivity of ionic liquid-based GC stationary phases to discriminate Boswellia spp. resins through their volatile and semivolatile fractions.

The frankincense resins, secreted from Boswellia species, are an uncommon example of a natural raw material where every class of terpenoids is present in similar proportions. Diterpenoids (serratol, incensole, and incensole acetate) are used to discriminate samples from different species and origins. Headspace solid-phase microextraction has been used for frankincense analysis, although it requires long sampling time for medium- to low-volatility markers; headspace solid-phase microextraction under vacuum can overcome this limit. Gas chromatography is used for analysis but the separation of incensole and serratol needs polar stationary phases. In this study, we develop a method to discriminate frankincenses based on vacuum-assisted headspace solid-phase microextraction combined with fast gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with ionic liquid-based stationary phases. The optimized conditions for solid samples were: air evacuation below 0°C, 15min of incubation time, and 15min of extraction time. Losses of volatiles due to vial air-evacuation in the presence of the sample were minimized by sample amount above 100mg and low sample temperature. Fast gas chromatography provides the baseline separation of all markers in 20min. By applying vacuum sampling and fast gas chromatography, the total analysis was reduced to 50min compared to 120min (60min sampling plus 60min analysis) as previously reported. The method was successfully applied to commercial frankincense samples.

Measurement of Heat Transfer from Anodic Oxide Film on Aluminum in High Knudsen Number Flows.

The heat transfer in vacuum depends on the gas–surface interaction. In this study, the heat flux from anodic oxide films on aluminum with different anodizing times through a gas confined between two surfaces with different temperatures was studied. We prepared a non-treated surface, a surface with a normal anodizing time of 30 min, and a surface with 90 min, where the formed film would partially dissolve by long time exposure to the solution. The formation of the films was checked by electrical resistance. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images were obtained for the three sample surfaces. Even though it was difficult to observe the hexagonal cylindrical cell structures on anodic oxide films, the 30 min sample surface was shown to be rough, and it was relatively smooth and powdery for the 90 min sample surface. The heat fluxes from three sample surfaces were measured from the free-molecular to near free-molecular flow regimes, and analyzed to obtain the energy accommodation coefficients. The heat fluxes were well fitted by the fitting curves. The energy accommodation coefficients for both helium and argon increased by anodizing an aluminum sample surface, while they decreased with increasing the anodizing time up to 90 min indicating the dissolution of the film.

Release of Cholecystokinin from Rat Intestinal Mucosal Cells and the Enteroendocrine Cell Line STC-1 in Response to Maleic and Succinic Acid, Fermentation Products of Alcoholic Beverages.

Alcoholic beverages stimulate pancreatic enzyme secretions by inducing cholecystokinin (CCK) release. CCK is the major stimulatory hormone of pancreatic exocrine secretions, secreted from enteroendocrine I-cells of the intestine. Fermentation products of alcoholic beverages, such as maleic and succinic acids, influence gastric acid secretions. We hypothesize that maleic and succinic acids stimulate pancreatic exocrine secretions during beer and wine ingestion by increasing CCK secretions. Therefore, the effects of maleic and succinic acids on CCK release were studied in duodenal mucosal cells and the enteroendocrine cell line STC-1. Mucosal cells were perfused for 30 min with 5 min sampling intervals, STC-1 cells were studied under static incubation for 15 min, and supernatants were collected for CCK measurements. Succinate and maleate-induced CCK release were investigated. Succinate and maleate doses dependently stimulated CCK secretions from mucosal cells and STC-1 cells. Diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker, significantly inhibited succinate and maleate-induced CCK secretions from mucosal cells and STC-1 cells. Maleate and succinate did not show cytotoxicity in STC-1 cells. Our results indicate that succinate and maleate are novel CCK-releasing factors in fermented alcoholic beverages and could contribute to pancreatic exocrine secretions and their pathophysiology.

Low-Frequency Wind Energy Variability in the Continental Contiguous United States

Wind energy is characterized by exceptionally large power fluctuations at the single energy facility level, that remain significant also considering the average of the many different energy facilities connected to the same grid. A high-frequency statistic, 1 min or less sampling time, is needed to understand this variability and design the energy storage facilities needed to replace the combustion fuel power plants now used to stabilize a grid. While high-frequency data are unavailable for the United States, low-frequency data, collected monthly, allow assessing the month-to-month and year-to-year variability, and define a low-frequency variability “performance”. The manuscript analyzes the output of the onshore wind energy facilities of capacity more than 250 MW in the continental contiguous United States. The differences between wind energy facilities within the same macro-region, also in about the same location, are shown, for both the annual average capacity factor and the low-frequency variability parameters. Wind energy facilities with larger annual average capacity factors have reduced variability parameters, both seasonal and inter-annual, thus performing better. The facilities with a larger annual average capacity factor also feature smaller variations in between their monthly and annual outputs.

Do we need 30 min cortisol measurement in the short synacthen test: a retrospective study

ObjectiveThe short synacthen test (SST) is widely used across the UK to assess adrenal reserve but there remains no consensus on the timing of cortisol sampling to help diagnose adrenal...

A microfluidic device enabling surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy at chip-integrated multifunctional nanoporous membranes.

A three-dimensional microfluidic chip that combines sample manipulation and SERS detection on-chip was developed. This was successfully achieved by chip integration of a nanoporous polycarbonate track-etched (PCTE) membrane which connects microfluidic channels on two different levels with each other. The membrane fulfills two functions at the same time. On the one hand, it enables sample enrichment by selective electrokinetic transport processes through the membrane. On the other hand, the silver nanoparticle-coated backside of the same membrane enables SERS detection of the enriched analytes. The SERS substrate performance and the electrokinetic transport phenomena were studied using Rhodamine B (RhB) by Raman microscopy and fluorescence video microscopy. After system validation, the approach was attested by on-chip processing of a complex food sample. In a proof-of-concept study, the microfluidic device with the SERS substrate membrane was used to detect a concentration of 1 ppm melamine (705 cm-1) in whole milk. Electrokinetic transport across the nanoporous SERS substrate facilitates the extraction of analyte molecules from a sample channel into a detection channel via a potential gradient, thus easily removing obscuring compounds present in the sample matrix. The SERS signal of the analyte could be significantly increased by on-target sample drying. This was achieved by guiding an additional gas flow over the membrane which further extends the microfluidic functionality of the chip device. The proposed method possesses the advantages of combining a rapid (within 15 min) sample clean-up using electrokinetic transport in a three-dimensional microfluidic device which is highly suitable for sensitive and selective SERS detection of chemical and biological analytes. Graphical Abstract.

The Influence of Mitochondria Enzyme Activity on Beef Tenderness

ObjectivesAmong all eating quality attributes, tenderness is often described as the most important factor dictating the overall acceptance of cooked beef, as well as, future decision to repeat purchase. While many intrinsic and extrinsic factors impact end-product tenderness, variation in tenderness is usually attributed to the extent of postmortem proteolysis occurring during meat aging. Evidence from the literature indicates that muscle fiber type composition is a major source of variation in the rate and extent of postmortem proteolysis. One of the major differences that distinguishes muscle fibers is the content of mitochondria. Typically, red muscle (slow-oxidative) is characterized by greater amounts of mitochondria than white muscle (fast-glycolytic). As part of the calcium buffering system, mitochondria sequester large quantities of calcium to maintain a constant cytosolic calcium level. We hypothesized that mitochondria may delay the activation of µ-calpain, the major protease responsible for postmortem proteolysis, through preventing the increase in cytosolic calcium concentration.Materials and MethodsTo test our hypothesis, beef longissimus thoracis muscle samples were collected at 30 min and 16 d postmortem. The 30 min samples were immediately snap frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at – 80°C, while the 16 d samples were used to determine Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) values. Based on WBSF values, the samples were allocated into less tender (average WBSF = 5.3 kg; n = 8) or more tender (average WBSF = 2.3 kg; n = 8) categories. Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) abundance, citrate synthase (CS) activity, phosphofructokinase (PFK) activity, and glycogen phosphorylase (GP) activity were compared between the two categories using the 30 min samples. Collected data were analyzed using a Student’s t test and considered significant at P ≤ 0.05.ResultsOur results showed that SDH abundance and CS activity (mitochondrial biomarkers) were significantly greater (P = 0.01 and 0.003, respectively) in less tender samples when compared to more tender samples. On the other hand, PFK and GP activities (glycolytic biomarkers) were greater (P < 0.05) in the more tender than less tender steaks.ConclusionWhile not a cause and effect relationship, these data indicate that mitochondria content likely plays a role in development of beef tenderness.

Heating rate effect on dielectric, ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties of Bi0.45La0.05Na0.40K0.10Ti0.98Zr0.02O3 Pb-free piezoelectric ceramic for actuator applications

In this present work, the effect of heating/coolling rate on the electrical properties such as ferroelectric, dielectric and electrostrictive properties of Pb-free Bi0.45La0.05Na0.40K0.10-Ti0.98Zr0.02O3 or BLNKZT piezoelectric ceramics has been systematically investigated. The BLNKZT ceramics were prepared via a conventional solid state reaction method and sintered at 1125 °C for 2 h, which applied the heating/cooling rates of 5, 10 and 15 °C/min in order to clarify the optimal parameter for densification and good electrical properties. The XRD pattern exhibited a complete single perovskite structure with a pseudo-cubic phase at the rate of 5 °C/min sample and tranformed to tetragonal-rich phase at the rate of 15 °C/min. The SEM micrograph of all BLNKZT ceramics showed a cubic-like grain shape. The P-E hysteresis loop was measured at the temperatures ranging from −40 to 120 °C. With increasing temperature, the Pr and Ec values distinctly decreased and the P-E loops tended to deform and showed pinch loops. The maximum strain (Smax) value of 0.10% and calculated normalized strain (d*33) of 167 pm/V (measured at 60 kV/cm) were obtained for ceramic sintered with the heating/cooling rates of 5 °C/min.

Holding time influence on creep behavior of transient liquid phase bonded joints of Hastelloy X

Transient liquid phase (TLP) bonding using various holding times (5, 80, 320, and 640 min) was conducted on Hastelloy X using an Ni–Cr–B–Si–Fe filler metal at 1070 °C. High temperature stress rupture (creep) tests were performed on the TLP bonded joints at 816 °C under a stress of 110 MPa. The 320 min holding time sample had the highest rupture life (95.9 ks). The presence of uniformly distributed borides along the joint grain boundaries was determined to be the primary reason for improved creep properties. These particles were observed using electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD). The large values of creep strain observed in the 640 min holding time sample were due to a decrease in the number of grain boundary borides present in the joint area. An investigation on the creep fracture surfaces revealed a transition of the failure mechanism from transgranular to intergranular with increasing holding time. The fracture surface and elemental map were studied using electron probe microanalysis (EPMA); results showed that cracks initiated at the interface of eutectic components in samples with lower holding times (5 and 80 min), while the hard and brittle grain boundary borides available in the joint were the preferred sites for crack initiation in the 320 min sample.

Comparison of adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system and recurrent neural network in vertical total electron content forecasting

Accurate prediction of total electron content (TEC) is important for monitoring the behavior of the ionosphere and indeed a magnitude of interest to understand the properties and behavior of the Sun–Earth System. The conditions of this medium have a direct impact on a growing variety of critical technological infrastructure. This work presents a comparison between two different artificial neural networks (ANNs): an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system and nonlinear autoregressive neural network (NAR-NN) applied to TEC. Both ANNs where tested on four different geomagnetic locations on 4 1-week periods having a variety of geomagnetic disturbance levels. The effect of using different training period lengths and the system response for 60 and 30 min sampling rate TEC time series was investigated. NAR-NN shows a slightly better performance, being the higher difference during the greater perturbations. There is also a better response when sampling rates of 30 min are used.

Outcomes of the short Synacthen test: what is the role of the 60 min sample in clinical practice?

In recent years, the short Synacthen test (SS) has become the most widely used test to assess adrenal reserve. Despite its frequent use, there are still several areas related to...

Comparison of simultaneous plasma clearance of 99mTc-DTPA and 51Cr-EDTA: can one tracer replace the other?

Both 99mTc-DTPA and 51Cr-EDTA are widely used to determine glomerular filtration rate (GFR), but few direct comparative studies exist. The shortage of 51Cr-EDTA makes a direct comparison highly relevant. The aim of the study was to investigate if there is any clinically relevant difference between plasma clearance of 99mTc-DTPA and 51Cr-EDTA. Patients ≥18 years of age referred for routine GFR measurement by 51Cr-EDTA were prospectively enrolled. The two tracers (10 MBq 99mTc-DTPA (CaNa3-DTPA) and 2.5 MBq 51Cr-EDTA) were intravenously injected at time zero. A standard 4-sample technique was applied with samples collected at 180, 200, 220 and 240 min, if the estimated GFR (eGFR) was ≥30 mL/min. A comparison of single-sample GFR based on the 200 min sample was also conducted. Fifty-six patients were enrolled in the study. All patients had an estimated GFR >30 mL/min/1.73 m2. No patients suffered from ascites or significant oedema. The mean 51Cr-EDTA plasma clearance was 82 mL/min (range 16–226). The plasma clearances determined by the two methods were highly correlated (r = 0.993). The plasma clearance was significantly higher when measured by 99mTc-DTPA than by 51Cr-EDTA (p = 0.01), but the numerical difference was minimal (mean difference 1.4 mL/min; 95% limits of agreement (LOA) –6.6 to 9.4). The difference between the two methods was independent of the level of renal function. Similar results were found for one-sample GFR. No clinically relevant differences were found between the plasma clearance of 99mTc-DTPA and that of 51Cr-EDTA. Therefore, 99mTc-DTPA can replace 51Cr-EDTA when needed.

Abundance and host-seeking activity of the biting midge, Forcipomyia taiwana (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)

Abstract The abundance and host-seeking activity of the biting midge, Forcipomyia taiwana (Shiraki), were measured in Central Taiwan at 418 locations with low, medium, and high densities using a human-bait method. Abundance estimates at 10 min after sampling commenced were comparable to longer sampling periods of 20 min, allowing a shorter 10 min sampling period to be used throughout. Host-seeking F. taiwana females were only active during daylight and biting activity did not occur after sunset. The diurnal activity of host-seeking females changed seasonally, beginning at around 07:00–08:00 during the spring equinox, summer solstice, and autumnal equinox, whereas activity began an hour later in winter. Most females were collected during 10:00–16:00, with a peak abundance during 13:00–15:00. Blood-sucking activity of female F. taiwana were positively correlated with ambient temperature with a minimum threshold of 18 °C. When different years, seasons, trapping times, environmental factors, and female adults trapped were analyzed using multiple regression model, the results showed that all these factors contributed to the regression model and the determination coefficient (R2) of this multiple regression model was 0.81.

Plasma electrolytic oxidation ceramic coatings proceed by porous anodic film

Ceramic coatings were performed on aluminum through plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) in a Na5P3O10 solution with various concentrations of NaOH. It was revealed that the concentration of NaOH affected the types of anodic films and the activity of plasma discharges. Emphatic investigation was performed on the coatings fabricated in the electrolyte with addition of 1 g L−1 NaOH, focusing on the coating microstructure evolution and coating corrosion resistance. Some coatings were detached from the substrate, showing that the oxide particles on the anodic film C/S interface underwent profile variations from hemisphere to polygon, and its interpore distance decreased over time. The formations of pores of anodic films and plasma discharge of the PEO coatings were both easy to occur around the existing pores and the existing discharge channels. Fractured cross-section showed that a pancake-like structure corresponded to a discharge channel, a cavity, and a barrier layer protrusion whose area was similar to that of the corresponding pancake-like structure. The data of potentiodynamic polarization measurements showed that the sample treated with PEO for 10 min possessed the lowest icorr value of 4.97E-8 A cm−2, the most positive Epit value of −0.63 V, and the highest Rp value of 2.66E5 Ω cm2. EIS data of 10 min sample exhibited the highest R2 value of 1.61E6 Ω cm2, demonstrating the best corrosion resistance among these samples.

Energy management system for hybrid PV-wind-battery microgrid using convex programming, model predictive and rolling horizon predictive control with experimental validation

The integration of energy storage technologies with renewable energy systems can significantly reduce the operating costs for microgrids (MG) in future electricity networks. This paper presents a novel energy management system (EMS) which can minimize the daily operating cost of a MG and maximize the self-consumption of the RES by determining the best setting for a central battery energy storage system (BESS) based on a defined cost function. This EMS has a two-layer structure. In the upper layer, a Convex Optimization Technique is used to solve the optimization problem and to determine the reference values for the power that should be drawn by the MG from the main grid using a 15 min sample time. The reference values are then fed to a lower control layer, which uses a 1 min sample time, to determine the settings for the BESS which then ensures that the MG accurately follows these references. This lower control layer uses a Rolling Horizon Predictive Controller and Model Predictive Controllers to achieve its target. Experimental studies using a laboratory-based MG are implemented to demonstrate the capability of the proposed EMS.