Reduce Unit Costs Research Articles

PTFE-based antistatic coatings by incorporating modified carbon black

A kind of antistatic coatings which were applied to nonconductive surfaces were prepared with Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as matrix, modified carbon black (CB) as conductive filler. Compared to sodium dodecyl sulfate, poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), the TMN-10 modified CB has better wettability, dispersion, stability and re-disperse. When CBTMN-10content is 5 wt.%, the surface resistivity of coating reach to 106Ω*cm, which denotes the coating performance good antistatic behavior. The antistatic coating of 5 wt.% CBTMN-10content is found to exhibit excellent hydrophobicity and high HV hardness. Meanwhile, the low average friction coefficients and wear rate were achieved in antistatic coating of 5 wt.% CBTMN-10content. Furthermore, compared to MXene, reduced graphene oxide, carbon nanotube, the modified CB as conductive material in PTFE antistatic materials could be an useful way not only excellent properties but also large-scale production as well as a reduction in unit cost in antistatic materials.

The Challenge of Energy Efficiency in Social Housing: An Evaluation of Envelope's Improvements and their Economic Effects

Objective: This study aims to propose a combination of modifications to the envelope of a Social Housing (SH) project and evaluate their impacts on thermal load reduction and cost increase, staying within the budgetary constraints. Theoretical Framework: The Minha Casa Minha Vida Program (PMCMV) prioritizes architectural solutions focused on large-scale production and reduced unit costs, at the expense of environmental comfort and energy efficiency. However, efforts to raise the standards of habitability and quality of life are evident in the new 2023 program version and its regulations for new projects. Method: This case study assesses the envelope classification of an SH project applied to 20 sets of construction modifications and 4 deployment orientations, using the Inmetro Normative Instruction for Building Energy Efficiency (INI-R). Thermal load reduction and cost increment analysis will be performed. Results and Discussion: For each deployment orientation, the modifications that resulted in the greatest reduction in thermal load. This reduction ranged between 20% and 26.5% for the four orientations, with an additional cost ranging from 6% to 16%. Research Implications: Energy efficiency measures, even if they entail higher costs, may provide economic benefits during the operation and maintenance phases of the properties within PMCMV standards. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the dissemination of the simplified method of INI-R for envelope analysis in buildings and may influence improvements in public policies related to environmental quality in housing programs.

Feasibility of a 1,3-propanediol biorefinery from glycerol using a Clostridium butyricum wild-type strain and its in-silico knockout mutants: A genome-scale metabolic model integration

Advances in computational tools have enabled the development of genome-scale metabolic (GSM) models. Integrating GSM models with downstream processes through multi-scale models allows predicting biorefinery feasibility. This study utilizes the GSM model iCbu641 to predict the use of the wild-type strain Clostridium butyricum IBUN 158B for producing 1,3-propanediol (PDO) from Colombian biodiesel-derived glycerol. Different bioreactor and evaporation trains were evaluated, with the selected biorefinery comprising a fed-batch bioreactor and double-effect evaporation trains. Economic evaluation indicates the selected biorefinery has a payout period of 7.4 years and a production cost of around 1 US$/kg, indicating feasibility. Five additional biorefineries were assessed using in-silico knockout mutants blocking competing co-products. Simulations revealed that blocking hydrogen production could reduce unit costs and payout periods by up to 15 %, suggesting its potential in a PDO biorefinery. Concluding, the novelty of this study is the holistic integration of biological and economic assessments, reducing resources in exploratory experiments.

Healthcare Supply Chain Resilience Investment Strategy Analysis Based on Evolutionary Game

Healthcare is considered one of the necessities for sustaining life. However, frequent emergencies raise the risk of supply chain disruption, seriously threatening people’s lives and health security. Therefore, building a resilient healthcare supply chain is an important initiative to manage the healthcare crisis effectively. Based on the secondary supply chain formed by medical supply manufacturers and retailers, this paper constructs an evolution game model of resilience investment decisions under the non-disruption and disruption symmetry scenarios of the supply chain and analyzes the stabilization strategies employed by both parties based on their asymmetry strategy choices. Subsequently, the numerical simulation is used to analyze the impact of various parameters on the evolutionary results and their evolutionary trends. The results of the study show that additional benefits from resilience investment, potential costs, disruption losses, market encroachment revenue, “free-rider” benefits, additional benefit increase coefficient, resilience investment reduction coefficient, disruption loss reduction coefficient, additional unit cost reduction coefficient, and market encroachment revenue coefficient all influence the resilience investment decisions. Finally, based on the simulation results, specific recommendations are formulated to improve the resilience of the healthcare supply chain.

Shapley value cost allocation model for multimodal freight transport carriers

The downstream petroleum products distribution is beset with significant challenges due to ageing pipeline infrastructure, pipeline vandalism and other logistical constraints. These challenges have given rise to soaring pump prices of premium motor spirit (PMS), product shortages and unavailability across some locations in Nigeria. Thus, deploying alternative transport modes for PMS distribution is explored to improve product distribution efficiency. The decision to combine inland waterway transport (instead of pipeline network) and road transport modes would activate the intrinsic advantages inherent in the multimodal transport system. However, the efficiency outcome of using multi-modes may be eroded if the multimodal transport operators compete (instead of collaborating) in service provisions. This research investigated cost efficiency in cooperative collaboration among multimodal transport carriers. We proposed collaboration among six multimodal transport operators. The aim of encouraging such a large-scale coalition (S) is the expectation that costs emanating from their joint operation would be reduced. We applied the Shapley value cost allocation method to distribute the costs of operation and profit to the collaborators. After the analysis, we observed that the unit cost for coalition S1 was reduced by N17.16 (5.10 %) million naira. Similarly, we observed respective reductions in unit costs for coalitions S2, …, S10. We observed a reduction in cost by N107.84 million naira, which represents a 6.15 % reduction in total unit cost for the multimodal transportation carriers. Thus, the observed cost efficiency represents savings due to distribution chain efficiency if the multimodal transport carriers collaborate to improve product availability. Working as a coalition would offset PMS pump price variation attributable to distribution chain inefficiency.

Closing the loop of small WEEE – life cycle based approach for the evaluation of end-of-life strategies on the example of coffee machines

Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) is one of the fastest growing waste streams in Europe. Only 42.5 % of WEEE is collected and recycled with even lower rates for small WEEE, leading to significant environmental pressures. Applying end-of-life (EoL) strategies helps to ensure raw material availability, increases price resilience and reduces environmental impacts.This study analyses greenhouse gas (GHG) and cost saving potentials of EoL strategies (recycling, component reuse, remanufacturing and reuse), performed by manufacturers with own take-back systems. A life cycle assessment (LCA), including production, transport and EoL, is conducted to measure the GHG emissions, followed by a unit cost calculation. The results are compared with current practices of WEEE disposal, including WEEE in centralised collection and recycling system (WEEE recycling). As a representative for small EEE, the use case is based on a coffee machine.The LCA shows that manufacturers have great potential to reduce their products' emissions over the life cycle by taking back WEEE and implementing EoL strategies in-house. Thereby, GHG emissions can be reduced by 15–39 % over the life cycle compared to the WEEE recycling, whereby reuse and remanufacturing strategies have the highest reduction potential.Moreover, all analysed EoL strategies have the potential to reduce unit costs compared to linear production of a new machine. While the recycling scenario has the lowest cost savings at 7.7 % (new machine with recycled content), the reuse scenario can reduce unit costs by 66.5 % (tested and cleaned only) compared to the status quo.

Scale efficiency gains in utilities? The case of electricity distribution in New Zealand*

Merger, acquisition and restructuring activity has long been conducted by public and private entities to minimise cost through increased scale of business operations. Past literature is mixed on the realised gains from this activity. Utilising a dataset of New Zealand-based regulated electricity distribution businesses we find limited potential gain from unit cost reduction purely through increasing scale. Instead, we find that potential benefits come from increasing the population density of service. This is important and often overlooked in policy conversations, particularly in relation to infrastructure activities operating highly capital-intensive businesses.

Educational Opportunities in Correctional Facilities: Prospects of Distance Learning

Correction and re–education of a convict in prisons is possible through the education system, where it is necessary to choose the appropriate technology and the most important is the auxiliary role of the computer in the learning process. Distance education, using the capabilities of information and communication technologies of education, provides a fundamentally new level of accessibility of education while maintaining its quality by creating a mobile educational environment and reducing unit costs per student in comparison with traditional systems. Both motivational and intellectual readiness of convicts for the learning process using IT are important conditions in the training process of convicts.

Three-Electrode Coin Cell with Gold Micro-Reference Electrode

As the demand for Li-ion batteries continues to grow, accelerating their development is crucial. An essential aspect of enhancing battery performance involves obtaining a deeper understanding of fundamental electrochemical processes. This understanding can be achieved by applying advanced measurement techniques such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), a promising method for investigating batteries, providing insights into reactions, material properties, and interphases.1 However, when EIS is conducted on a full cell, the resulting spectra combine information from both electrodes, limiting the characterization of each electrode.2 To deconvolute the influence of the electrodes, a three-electrode setup can be used. This setup introduces a reference electrode (RE) which allows deconvolution of the full cell impedance into the impedance of the separate electrodes.The choice and placement of the RE significantly impact impedance spectra.3 Ideally, the RE should maintain a stable potential, allow ion flow, and not obstruct any part of the other electrodes.4 Micro-REs are often favored for EIS due to these considerations. Additionally, the RE placement can distort impedance spectra if positioned in a geometrically or electrically asymmetric region of the cell.3 Several cell designs have been proposed for three-electrode configurations.4 An innovative approach incorporates a gold micro-RE into a Swagelok T-cell setup.5 This work involves a 50 µm thick insulated gold wire sandwiched between two separators which could be lithiated to form a gold-Li alloy at its tip. This lithiated tip shows a stable potential for extended periods, resulting in reliable impedance spectra of the electrodes. While the proposed setup has been instrumental in facilitating valuable research, the cell format has room for improvement. Even though effective, Swagelok T-cells come with high costs and require intricate assembly. Furthermore, disassembly, cleaning, and drying of cell components for re-use substantially prolong the preparation time. Other studies have explored the coin cell format for the three-electrode setup4, offering several advantages, including simplified and rapid assembly procedures. Moreover, the disposable nature of this cell format significantly reduces unit costs and shortens preparation times. Consequently, some researchers have sought to leverage these benefits by incorporating the RE through a coaxial configuration within a hole in the electrodes.4 However, these adaptations often necessitate substantial modifications to cell components and electrodes and are not well-suited for reliable impedance measurements. In some other approaches that involve placing the RE between separators and electrodes4, achieving consistent cell assembly appears to be a persistent challenge, and cell sealing issues may arise in these setups as well.In this work, we have devised a reliable, cost-efficient approach for three-electrode coin cell construction that employs common coin cell parts. Our approach eliminates the need for specialized tools, relying instead on conventional laboratory-scale equipment and accessible commercial materials. In this configuration, as depicted in the inset of Fig.1, the assembly process is carefully adapted so that the micro-RE wire remains straight and lies as flat as possible throughout the cell, positioned between the electrodes and separators. The sealing in our setup is ensured with a special resin compatible with the micro-RE and the components inside the cell, effectively preventing the penetration of moisture and/or air into the cell. We have validated the effectiveness of this sealing method by electrochemical tests that are sensitive to the water and oxygen content within the cell (see Fig. 1). Here, we present comprehensive details about the assembly modifications and custom-designed cell holder. This study also includes examples of measurement results, especially impedance spectra. The proposed setup holds significant promise for various applications in research laboratories and industrial settings, enabling fast, reliable, and cost-efficient setup for impedance characterization tests.

An oligopoly model for analysing oil extraction in the presence of renewable substitutes

ABSTRACT Optimal oil extraction models have often focused on economic costs and benefits in oil production. Anthropogenic pressures in accelerating climate change have become increasingly important in energy policy analysis. Renewables have gained prominence in climate policy analysis and academic discourse, and to some extent with different governments. The two strands of literature, the economically optimal extraction and climate change induced renewable substitutions, have developed separately. A Cournot-Nash equilibrium model was formulated and applied to conduct simulation experiments over a longer time horizon of 150 years. The findings indicated that if there is no renewable substitution, global oil reserves will be fully extracted in less than eighty-seven years, with slight differences depending on variations on marginal cost of oil extraction. Further, reductions in unit cost of renewable production have a greater impact on oil extraction than the respective marginal cost of oil extraction. If the unit cost of renewables falls closer to the level of currently low marginal cost for oil producers, then renewable substitution for oil would accelerate – rendering oil extraction uneconomical long before known oil reserves would be exhausted.

International labor migration policy of the European Union

The cross-border movement of labour is associated with an objective need for the host country to accept and comply with the relevant rules. This problem has always existed for the European Union and its member states due to the attractiveness of the region for migrant workers, relatively high standard of living and the widely diversified sectoral structure of the economy. Based on the analysis of the relevant directives, the article chronologises the stages of regulation of international labour migration in the EU with an emphasis on the present. Close attention is given to the EU regulatory practice of the issues of attracting highly qualified and seasonal labour third-countries workers, students and researchers, facilitating intra-corporate transfers. In this context the regulatory vector in the area of international labour migration to the EU is aimed at obtaining benefits from the influx of the necessary labour force through the creation of favorable conditions for its integration into European society. The implementation of Directive on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purpose of highly qualified employment will depend on the applicable practices of the EU member states. The study reveals the dualism of the economic effects of international labor migration received by the EU at present: positive in the form of a relative reduction in unit costs due to labor components, the flow of technological knowledge and negative ones associated with the displacement of part of local labor resources, the outflow of funds from foreign workers, changes in the structure of aggregate demand, the impact on the level of wages, aggravation of interethnic and interfaith conflicts against the background of a low level of integration of foreigners into local society.

Optimizing power, cooling, and hydrogen generation: A thermodynamic and exergoeconomic study of an advanced sCO2 trigeneration system

This paper presents an innovative trigeneration system designed for efficient power, cooling, and hydrogen production. It combines a supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) power cycle with a Kalina cycle (KC) and an ammonia-water-based absorption refrigeration cycle (ARC), all integrated with a PEM electrolyzer (PEME) unit. The system optimally utilizes waste heat from the sCO2 power cycle to enhance power generation through the KC and provide cooling via the ARC. Additionally, it leverages the PEME system and KC-generated power for eco-friendly hydrogen production. Mathematical models, thermodynamic, and exergoeconomic analyses were performed, including parametric studies, optimization, and comparative analyses. The results indicate that the reactor experiences the highest exergy destruction rate, while components in the bottoming cycles exhibit lower exergy destruction. From an exergoeconomic perspective, the reactor and sCO2 turbine are ranked as the first and second most significant components. Under the optimal conditions, the system achieved a 9.76 % increase in exergy efficiency and a 6.63 % reduction in total product unit cost. The system also provides substantial net power output, cooling capacity, and hydrogen production rates of 261.74 MW, 123.95 MW, and 176.328 kg/h, respectively. These findings highlight the system's significant thermodynamic and economic advantages, making it a promising choice for diverse user needs.

STRATEGY FOR INTRODUCING NEW TECHNOLOGIES IN CONSTRUCTION: HOW TO ENSURE BUSINESS COMPETITIVENESS

The urgent need for the introduction of modern technologies in construction companies underlines the importance of researching new strategies used by companies to increase their competitiveness and business efficiency, maintain their market share and achieve leadership. The use of BIM technologies in the construction and design industry makes it possible to comprehensively solve all current problems and identify possible problems related not only to the construction but also to the subsequent operation of buildings. The purpose of the research was to study the global experience of implementing a strategy for introducing new technologies in construction to ensure the competitiveness of enterprises. The subject of the study is strategies for introducing new technologies in construction to ensure the competitiveness of enterprises. The methodology is based on the methods of systematisation, analysis and generalisation of the key theoretical and practical foundations of the strategy for implementation of new technologies in construction. The author studies and summarises in detail the problems, economic effects and business strategies for implementing BIM technologies in construction. Conclusion. The use of modern technologies in construction leads to increased efficiency and resource saving in production, improved management of business processes, rational use of material resources, as well as the introduction of integrated approaches to life cycle management of construction projects and strategic planning. An analysis of global experience in the use of BIM technologies in construction has identified the main challenges faced by companies at various levels. The introduction of BIM technologies in construction leads to the following economic results: budget reduction due to the elimination of unforeseen changes by 40%; reduction of estimates by 80%; savings in contract costs by 10%; elimination of potential conflicts in interaction with customers; reduction of project implementation time by 7% and staff time and reduction of unit costs; ensuring timely completion of projects and improving their quality. In order to remain competitive, companies need to apply an integrated approach and strategic planning to introduce new technologies in construction, with government support and recognition of national and international standards being important factors. Based on a theoretical and practical study of the world experience in the implementation of BIM technologies in construction, the main problems of companies at the strategic, tactical and operational levels are systematised. In general, to ensure the competitiveness of companies in the implementation of BIM technologies, it is important to use a comprehensive approach and strategic planning for their integration into construction projects. The main factors for the successful implementation of such strategies are the joint support of the state and the recognition of global and national standards.

Automation of the Edge Deburring Process and Analysis of the Impact of Selected Parameters on Forces and Moments Induced during the Process

The article concerns the possibility of the automation and robotization of the process of deburring jet engine components. The paper presents the construction of a laboratory stand enabling the automation of selected production operations of typical low-pressure turbine blades. The work identifies important parameters and results of the technological process related to the removal of burrs that affect the exactness of the process. The results of the analysis of the impact of individual process parameters on the magnitude of forces and moments occurring during deburring were carried out and presented. The results of initial and detailed tests were presented. Based on the results obtained, it was noticed that doubling the rotational speed of the brush results in a linear increase in torque and an increase in the engagement of the detail in the disc brush, leading to a non-linear increase in torque. It has also been shown that with tool wear, the value of the torque generated by the rotating tool decreases. Based on the results of a comparison of manual and automated process and histogram analysis, results from an automated stand are centered more correctly inside of the required radius range. This means that the repeatability of the process is higher for an automated test stand, which is one of the key aspects of large-scale aviation component manufacturing. Additionally, it was confirmed by visual inspection that all burs had been removed correctly—the deburring operation for all tested work pieces was successful. Based on the results obtained, it was proven that introduction of an automated stand can improve working conditions (by the elimination of the progressive fatigue of employees and the possibility for injury) and allows for the elimination of the negative impact of the machining process on workers. Further areas in which the optimization of the process parameters of the edge deburring can be developed in order to reduce unit costs have also been indicated.

Improving the Efficiency of Seed Drying in a Reversible Grain Dryer

Reverse drying is acknowledged to be widely used in the woodworking industry, and in corn cob drying, but it is hardly used for drying grass and cereal seeds. It can be explained by insufficient research into the matter. It is noted that the reversible dryer operation is characterized by the duration of one-direction blowing and the permissible temperature of the drying agent. It has been found that a temperature increase in the drying agent is crucial for dryers designed for processing small-seed crops, since they operate at lower temperatures compared to those designed for cereals. (Research purpose) To determine the effectiveness of a reversible grain dryer that lies in reduced unit costs and increased productivity, as well as the duration of blowing in one direction and the drying agent allowable temperature. (Materials and methods) The main parameters characterizing the operation of a reverse grain dryer have been determined as follows: the duration and permissible temperature of grain heating, the indicators of the one-direction blowing mode and the permissible temperature of the drying agent. It has been found that the intensification of the reverse drying process can be achieved by an increase in the drying agent temperature compared to drying in the one-direction blowing mode, possible due to a higher permissible temperature of seed heating. (Results and discussion) The economic testing of a reversible dryer proved its efficiency in terms of an increase in productivity, a decrease in the specific heat consumption as well as the seed drying non-uniformity below the norm. It is emphasized that an increase in the maximum permissible grain temperature by about 2 degrees Celsius corresponds to a 4-6-degree rise in the drying agent temperature and a 10-12 percent increase in the dryer productivity. (Conclusions) A reverse dryer is proved to be more efficient compared to a traditional one that lies in a 13-percent increase in productivity and a 10-percent decrease in the specific heat consumption, as well as the seed drying non-uniformity below the norm. It has been found that the duration of one-direction blowing mode in a reversible grain dryer was 0.3 hours. It has been determined that compared to the traditional drying, the maximum temperature of the drying agent in the reverse-mode drying is calculated based on the seed permissible temperature, that is to be 2-3 degrees higher than the maximum permissible one. According to the findings, it is 57 degrees Celsius for ryegrass seeds.

Measuring process innovation output in firms: Cost reduction versus quality improvement

Process innovation is an important part of the innovation activities of firms and supposed to significantly contribute to the returns from innovation. Analysing this link is complicated, however, due to a lack of quantitative indicators on the outcome of process innovation. This article presents empirical evidence on such quantitative measures that have been collected in the German part of the Community Innovation Survey (CIS). Two main output dimensions are distinguished. The share of unit cost reduction owing to process innovation represents the extent to which new process technology affects a firm's cost function. The increase in sales that can be attributed to higher product quality resulting from new or improved process technology is linked to the impact of process innovation on a firm's demand function. The empirical analysis based on firm-level panel data shows that the link between firm characteristics, firm performance and the two types of output differs as expected by conceptual considerations. The results suggest that the two proposed measures of process innovation output are useful indicators to capture the type and magnitude of the outcome firms obtain from their process innovation efforts.

Improving the Efficiency of Rail Passenger Transportation Using an Innovative Operational Concept

In an increasingly fast-paced world, emerging mobility demands must be met by competitive services that are in line with the principles of sustainable transportation concepts. It is not possible to know exactly what the mobility solution of the future will be, but it is certain that it will require a reduction in car use. A dramatic increase in energy prices will have an impact on the transportation sector, but making public transportation attractive to large numbers of people could reduce unit costs. Public transportation systems can be made more efficient through flexible transportation concepts and by combining individual passenger demand for travel. In the field of rail passenger transportation, practice uses fixed timetables, which do not take into account the changes in ad hoc travel needs. This results in significant losses due to unjustified unnecessary stops and longer travel times. This article presents an operational concept that enables ad hoc passenger demands to be met. The concept ensures minimum energy consumption and a higher level of passenger demand satisfaction through multilevel demand management. A case study was presented to prove the developed theory.

Cost savings associated with palliative care among patients with genitourinary malignancies.

474 Background: The cost of cancer treatment has increased significantly in recent decades, and highest costs incurred in the last 6-months of life. Patients’ health insurance status is a factor influencing to cost of care in different from individuals’ ability to access hospital care. 80% of Thai people use the Thailand’s Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS), about 15% use the Civil Servants Medical Benefit Scheme (CSMBS). Only CSMBS can reimburse all costs of in-patient care, but UCS had to co-pay at some cost. All health scheme is equality accessibility to palliative care. Early integrated palliative care services improve the GU malignancy patients care experience, decreases healthcare utilization, and improved quality of life. Study aim was to examine Hospital-based palliative care interventions in GU malignancy patients may reduce costs. Methods: A retrospective claims database in Ramathibodi Hospital was analyzed, that included cancer patients had a medical claim for death between Jan 1, 2016 - Dec 31, 2020. Our study compared cost in patients receiving palliative care (PC) and patients receiving usual care. Costs were determined by summing paid amounts on all hospital services used within the last 6, 3 and 1 months before death, including cancer-related inpatient service, emergency room visits, cancer-related outpatient services and other hospital services with cancer diagnosis. Results: Of the 1,772 cancer patients who died, 289 (16.3%) integrated treated with PC matched to 1,483 (83.7%) were usual care patients. 107 Genitourinary Malignancies patients including 44 TCC, 36 Prostate, 22 RCC and 2 Testicular cancer, that 22 (20.6%) integrated treated with PC. Median age was 72.4 years. Patients categorized as CSMBS 48% and UCS 44.4%. The PC group had $10,244.1 (+/- 8,705.6) in last 3 months hospital costs that significantly less than in usual care $(17,174.3 +/-14,262.5) (P= 0.032) that PC group had significant reductions in medications, laboratory, and intensive care unit costs compared with usual care patients. Direct costs of inpatient care in the last 3 months of life for patients were lower in patient who received earlier PC that patients who received PC consults < 90 days was $9,728.8 (+/- 1,044.5) and patients received PC consults < 30 days cost was $12,517.7 +/- 1,476. Patients in SSS and UCS had a significantly saving cost when they received PC consultation, P=0.032. However, there was no difference in CSMBS. Conclusions: Integrated palliative care in caring GU malignant patients associates with significant hospital cost savings. Insurance status not limited in access to palliative care consultation, but influences in cost of end-of-life care.

3D Printing a Low-Cost Miniature Accommodating Optical Microscope.

This decade has witnessed the tremendous progress in miniaturizing optical imaging systems. Despite the advancements in 3D printing optical lenses at increasingly smaller dimensions, challenges remain in precisely manufacturing the dimensionally compatible optomechanical components and assembling them into a functional imaging system. To tackle this issue, the use of 3D printing to enable digitalized optomechanical component manufacturing, part-count-reduction design, and the inclusion of passive alignment features is reported here, all for the ease of system assembly. The key optomechanical components of a penny-sized accommodating optical microscope are 3D printed in 50 min at a significantly reduced unit cost near $4. By actuating a built-in voice-coil motor, its accommodating capability is validated to focus on specimens located at different distances, and a focus-stacking function is further utilized to greatly extend depth of field. The microscope can be readily customized and rapidly manufactured to respond to task-specific needs in form factor and optical characteristics.

Factors affecting the techno-economic and environmental performance of on-grid distributed hydrogen energy storage systems with solar panels

Deployment of on-grid distributed hydrogen energy storage (HES) systems, which are more economically advantageous than off-grid systems, requires not only optimization for minimizing system costs but also analysis for clarifying the factors that affect the optimization results. In this study, an on-grid system with solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, an electrolyzer (EC), fuel cell, hydrogen tank, and compressor was modeled. This model was used to analyze the changes in the system cost and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission with an increase of device capacities under different PV capacities and self-sufficiency rates (SSRs). The analyses quantitatively showed that the optimization under massive PV implementation, which generated large amounts of surplus electricity and did not need seasonal storage for more than half a year, makes HES system more economically attractive while reducing the GHG emission. The unit cost reduction of the HES devices made the optimal EC capacity increased, which reduced the curtailment of surplus electricity. When an SSR constraint was imposed, the unit cost reduction of the HES devices decreased the optimal PV capacity while reducing the curtailment of surplus electricity. The maximum installable PV capacity in a microgrid was also discussed in terms of the electricity demand density and grid transmission capacity.