Storage Equipment Research Articles

Medical Equipment Management in General Hospitals: Experience of Tulu Bolo General Hospital, South West Shoa Zone, Central Ethiopia.

Medical equipment are vital items to deliver quality services in health facilities and the role of medical equipment is a well-founded reality. It is mainly used in many diverse settings in hospitals to diagnose, treat illnesses; support disabled and intervened acute and chronic cases. Effective maintenance and proper management are major utilization issues to provide quality services while saving scarce resources. However, managing medical equipment, especially, the utilization phase of medical equipment, was not well studied in this general hospital. This study aims to assess the utilization of medical devices in Tulu Bolo General Hospital. The study was conducted from December 25, 2021 to February 9, 2022. Data sources included health professionals and document archives in the hospital. Data collection method includes questionnaires and observations checklists. A census of 165 health workers was conducted, with a response rate 94.5%. Data was entered into epi-data; version 3.1, then analyzed by SPSS version 23 and presented using descriptive statistics. Procurement, storage, and utilization were found to be 53.47%, 56.57%, and 45.88%, respectively. Only 114 (57.3%) of the 199 pieces of medical equipment discovered were functional. Pearson correlation indicated that procurement and utilization of medical equipment are related to a higher proportion of non-functional devices (P = 0.000, B1 = 1.47, OR = 4.349, and CI 95% = 2.047-9.241) and nonfunctional medical equipment (B2 = 0.790, OR = 2.203, and CI 95% = 1.065-4.556) for procurement and utilization, respectively. Procurement, storage, and utilization of available medical equipment in Tulu Bolo Hospital were low. While health sectors operating in a resource-limited were assumed to have a big shortage of medical technologies, procurement, storage, and utilization of the limited available medical equipment need the attention of health program managers.

Moisture dependent engineering properties of Musa balbisiana seeds

AbstractEngineering properties of wild banana seeds at different moisture content (8.66%, 12%, 16%, 20%, and 24% db) were investigated. Physical dimensions, seed surface area (SA), seed volume (SV), and thousand seed mass (M1000) increased linearly with increase inmoisture content. While porosity decreased linearly from 42.33% to 38.89%, bulk density (ρb) and true density (ρt) increased from 513.59 to 564.72 and 890.56–924.09 kg m−3, respectively. The angle of repose increased linearly from 29.84 to 36.48 with moisture content. The increased moisture content also caused an increase in static coefficient of friction for surfaces made of stainless steel, glass, and plywood. The thermal conductivity (λ) and volumetric specific heat (ρcp) were found to increase linearly from .17 to .20 Wm−1 K−1, and .58 to .99 MJ m−3 K−1, and thermal diffusivity (α) decreased from .31 to .19 (×10−6 m2 s−1) with a increase in moisture content.Practical applicationsThe research aimed to study the engineering properties of wild banana seeds as a function of moisture content as they are necessary to design equipment for handling, aeration, storage, and processing. Moreover, it helps in predicting flow and handling behavior during processing, including hopper flow, and conveying through feeders and other handling equipment. Furthermore, thermal properties are helpful in engineering, process design and modeling the thermal behavior of food products during storage, processing, and transportation.

Research on Hierarchical Control Strategy of ESS in Distribution Based on GA-SVR Wind Power Forecasting

In recent years, the world has been actively promoting the development of wind power, photovoltaic, and other new energy. The inherent randomness and intermittency of wind power output have led to the reduction of supply-side controllability and stability, and the power system is facing severe challenges. Aiming at the irregular fluctuation of wind power output and the restriction between the charge and discharge depth and service life of hybrid energy storage equipment, a hierarchical control strategy for a hybrid energy storage system based on improved GA-SVR wind power prediction is proposed. First of all, the short-term prediction of wind power output is carried out using Support Vector Regression (SVR), and the improved genetic algorithm is used for optimization. Then, the result obtained from the prediction calculation is used as the wind power output, and the internal initial power of each energy storage element is obtained through the hybrid energy storage capacity configuration method and further controlled through hierarchical control regulation. Finally, a simulation experiment is carried out on the proposed control strategy. The simulation algorithm shows that the proposed method can not only enhance the effective output of new energy but also extend the service life of energy storage and ensure the safe and stable operation of the power system.

The analysis of a cluster of koi herpesvirus disease outbreaks in intensive carp aquaculture using molecular and conventional epidemiology.

The analysis of a cluster of koi herpesvirus disease outbreaks in intensive carp aquaculture using molecular and conventional epidemiology.

Experimental investigation on sorption performance of new high–efficiency, inexpensive H2 getters in high–vacuum, variable density–multilayer insulated hydrogen storage equipment

Hydrogen (H2) is released by the manufactured materials, which results in the deterioration of the insulation performance of liquid hydrogen (LH2) storage tanks. The getter is found in the vacuum annular space of equipment and helps maintain the high vacuum of LH2 tanks. Palladium oxide (PdO), an effective H2 getter, is expensive, resource–constrained and unsuitable for the LH2 equipment. Therefore, suitable and inexpensive alternatives were examined using LH2 storage tanks, to maintain the insulation property of the high–vacuum variable–density multilayer insulation (VDMLI) equipment better. Eight types of H2 getters were designed using in the LH2 tanks, and classified into three categories, namely, chemical, physical and physico–chemical getters (PCNHG). The sorption performance of new H2 getters was compared with that of PdO. PdO could be replaced by in the 7:1, 5:1 and 4:1 ratio by PCNHG1, PCNHG2 and CNHG in the LH2 tanks, respectively. The results demonstrated that the sorption capacity of PCNHG1 and PCNHG2 were 1.70 and 2.14 times that of the same type of getters in the market (16.35% and 20.62% higher than that of PdO, respectively). Their average H2 sorption efficiency was 1.17 times and 1.05 times of that of PdO, respectively. The minimum thermal conductivity exhibited by CNHG was only 6.34% of that of PdO, and the sorption capacity of CNHG was 1.82 and 1.44 times that of PCNHG1 and PCNHG2, respectively. However, the sorption capacities of PCNHG1, PCNHG2 and CNHG were belows that of PdO. These results help facilitate reduction in the expense of H2 getters and provide an important reference to enhance the sorption performance of getters.

Optimal SOC Control and Rule-Based Energy Management Strategy for Fuel-Cell-Based Hybrid Vessel including Batteries and Supercapacitors

Around the world, the development of electric vehicles is underway, including in maritime transportation. However, the development of clean energy vessels still has a long way to go. Fuel cells (FCs) are a relevant choice among the many clean energy sources to power clean energy vessels. However, due to the complex and drastic change in the shipload power, FCs need to be equipped with dynamic fast-response energy storage equipment to make up for it. For multiple energy storage devices connected in parallel, the state of charge (SOC) is not balanced, which affects their service life and the stability of the vessel microgrid, as well as slowing the speed and lowering the accuracy of SOC equalization. This paper proposes a distributed variable sag slope control strategy for vessels to improve SOC equalization, with a FC as the energy source and a battery and supercapacitor as the energy storage system (ESS). For the output power distribution problem of energy storage equipment caused by shipload power variation, a power distribution strategy with a variable filter time constant is used to improve the reasonableness of the output power distribution of energy-based lithium batteries and power-based supercapacitors. Meanwhile, this paper considers the power generation equipment’s service life and energy cost as the optimization objectives, considering the discharge depth of the energy storage equipment. Finally, a method based on the combination of the lithium battery SOC rule (the rule formulated according to the state of charge and load power change in energy storage equipment) and particle swarm optimization algorithm is proposed to solve this problem. The simulation results show that the proposed strategy improves the equalization speed and accuracy of the SOC of energy storage devices, fully realizes the characteristics of different energy storage devices, and reduces the life loss of energy storage devices.

Interfacial Adsorption and Corrosion Inhibition Behavior of Environmentally Friendly Imidazole Derivatives for Copper in the Marine Environment

Copper and copper alloys are commonly used in industry due to their excellent mechanical properties, making research on the corrosion resistance of copper of great significance. The corrosion inhibition properties of 2-imidazolidinone and allantoin for copper in 3.5 wt % NaCl were studied by weight loss and electrochemical tests. Changes in the density of the copper corrosion current and the impedance module indicated that 2-imidazolidinone and allantoin exhibited cathodic corrosion inhibitors and a valid protective effect. Meanwhile, the weight loss tests showed that the inhibition efficiency of 2-imidazolidinone and allantoin at 3 mM reached 98.94% and 97.82%, respectively. The surface physiochemical properties were qualitatively and quantitatively studied by using SEM-EDS, XPS, white light interferometry, and contact angle analysis. The interfacial adsorption behavior revealed by QCM, synchrotron radiation micro-infrared, and adsorption isotherm analysis indicated that both imidazole derivatives formed an effective and rigid physical adsorption film and obeyed the Langmuir adsorption model on copper, while both the mass and thickness of the adsorption film formed by 2-imidazolidinone were higher than those of allantoin. This study contributed to an in-depth understanding of the interfacial adsorption behavior and corrosion inhibition ability of 2-imidazolidinone and allantoin and provided guidelines for the design and development of novel heterocycles as potential corrosion inhibitors for copper in marine environments. In particular, copper was used as a corrosion inhibitor in seawater storage and transport equipment.

Development of A Rapid, Low-Cost Portable Detection Assay for Enterococci in Wastewater and Environmental Waters.

Waterborne diseases are known as a leading cause of illness and death in both developing and developed countries. Several pathogens can be present in contaminated water, particularly waters containing faecal material; however, routine monitoring of all pathogens is not currently possible. Enterococcus faecalis, which is present in the microflora of human and animals has been used as a faecal indicator in water due to its abundance in surface water and soil. Accurate and fast detection methods are critical for the effective monitoring of E. faecalis in the environment. Although conventional and current molecular detection techniques provide sufficient sensitivity, specificity and throughput, their use is hampered by the long waiting period (1-6 days) to obtain results, the need for expensive laboratory equipment, skilled personnel, and cold-chain storage. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a detection system for E. faecalis that would be simple, rapid, and low-cost, using an isothermal DNA amplification assay called recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), integrated with a lateral flow assay (LFA). The assay was found to be 100% selective for E. faecalis and capable of detecting rates as low as 2.8 × 103 cells per 100 mL from water and wastewater, and 2.8 × 104 cells per 100 mL from saline water. The assay was completed in approximately 30 min using one constant temperature (38 °C). In addition, this study demonstrated the quantitation of E. faecalis using a lateral flow strip reader for the first time, enhancing the potential use of RPA assay for the enumeration of E. faecalis in wastewater and heavily contaminated environmental waters, surface water, and wastewater. However, the sensitivity of the RPA-LFA assay for the detection of E. faecalis in tap water, saline water and in wastewater was 10-1000 times lower than that of the Enterolert-E test, depending on the water quality. Nevertheless, with further improvements, this low-cost RPA-LFA may be suitable to be used at the point-of-need (PON) if conjugated with a rapid field-deployable DNA extraction method.

SG-APSIC1110: Project quality development of zero stock

Objectives: Many medical devices and equipment have been reserved in hospital wards and outpatient departments. Among these items, >80% are not often used but are being reserved for emergency situations. We aimed to reduce the number of unnecessarily reserved medical devices and to reduce the cost of unnecessary resterilization of devices and equipment. Methods: The central sterile supply department (CSSD), in coordination with other 13 wards within the Thammasat University Hospital, established a standard action plan for improving the efficiency of medical supply stocking and storage. Medical equipment and/or devices were returned to the CSSD, which acted as the center of management and distribution. The CSSD also tracked and solved problems that occurred and reevaluated practice guidelines. User satisfaction was evaluated and statistic data were collected and analyzed. Results: Wards no longer reserve medical equipment. Thus, no repeated sterilization was needed for unused medical equipment from the participated 13 wards, and sufficient medical equipment was available for various wards when needed. This project helped reduce the cost of purchasing medical equipment, especially for a newly opened ward. The storage of all medical equipment and devices complied with the practice guidelines because the CSSD storage room had a standard temperature and humidity control system. Conclusions: In this project, the CSSD cooperated with the 13 participating wards. As the result of centralizing the supplies, the CSSD has sufficient medical equipment and devices for all other wards, including a newly opened ward. The hospital benefitted from reduced costs of purchasing new medical equipment for a newly opened ward as well as the cost savings of eliminating unnecessary resterilization of unused devices and equipment.

Optimal allocation of EVs parking lots and DG in micro grid using two‐stage GA‐PSO

In this paper, the optimal allocation problem of the Electric Vehicles Parking Lots and DG in micro-grid is studied as a novel optimization problem. In the proposed problem, the different factors including the technical and the economic issues are considered for achieving a realistic solution. In addition, FACTS devices have been added to the network by considering the costs of installation, repair and maintenance, and their effecton the technical and economic parameters of the network has been investigated. Also, how to optimally charge and discharge storage devices and how to optimally inject active or reactive power by charging stations to improve energy management in the network has been studied. In order to evaluate the impact and reduce economic costs, the optimal number of distributed renewable energy, storage and FACTS equipment along with the optimal number of parking lots with Existence of different number of electric vehicles in the survey and microgrid network has been designed using a two-stage optimization method. The method is simulated on the standard IEEE 33 bus. The results show that the optimal power factor of parking lots can be determined during the unloading of vehicles in such a way that the technical parameter of the network is improved.

Resilience enhancement strategy of multi-energy coupling distribution network considering movable energy storage equipment

With the deepening of energy transformation, multi-energy coupling has become an effective method to alleviate the energy gap and improve the energy utilization rate. As a bridge connecting users and the power system, the distribution network is becoming multi-energy coupling as well. Therefore, to ensure a stable supply of power, heat, and other energy sources, it is of great significance to study the resilience improvement of multi-energy coupling distribution networks. This paper proposes a strategy for improving the resilience of multi-energy coupling distribution networks considering movable energy storage equipment (MESS) configuration. Firstly, the multi-energy coupling distribution network model is established, and the mathematical model of each piece of equipment is established considering the coupling of the power grid and heat grid. Secondly, based on the loss of load probability (LOLP), considering the importance of the load, it is expanded to the loss of important load probability as an index to evaluate the resilience of distribution networks. Thirdly, a distribution network resilience improvement model based on the configuration and operation of the MESS is established, and the optimal configuration capacity and operation strategy of the MESS is solved by taking the minimum operation cost as the objective function, i.e., the configuration cost of the MESS, the load shedding cost and the cost of wind and PV abandonment. Finally, based on the IEEE-33 node distribution network, a multi-energy coupling distribution network model is built, which verifies that the method proposed in this paper can effectively reduce the total cost and improve the resilience of the multi-energy coupling distribution network.

Techno-economic analysis of solar aided liquid air energy storage system with a new air compression heat utilization method

Solar aided liquid air energy storage (SA-LAES) system is a clean and efficient large-scale energy storage system. Traditional SA-LAES system requires the storage equipment for air compression heat, which results in a high economic cost and low energy storage density. And the air compression heat cannot be completely utilized. To solve these problems, this study proposes a novel solar aided liquid air storage system (SA-LAES) with a new cascade air compression heat utilization method in the charging process. The results show that the round trip efficiency (RTE) of the new system (Case 2) is 110.29%, 2.97% higher than that of the reference system (Case 1). The energy storage density of the Case 2 is 35.38 kWh/m3, 75.67% higher than that of the Case 1. The payback period of Case 2 is 5.25 years, 41.79% lower than that of Case 1. The levelized cost of energy (LCOE) is 0.07 $/kWh, 20.73% lower than that of Case 1. At the same time, Case 2 can effectively avoid the heat accumulation phenomenon of Case 1. These results show that the proposed SA-LAES system (Case 2) is efficient and economical and can be a promising candidate for advanced energy storage technology in engineering applications.

LNG point supply of villages and towns in China: Challenges and countermeasures

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) point supply is one of the most flexible and convenient methods advocated by China for distributing energy to end-users such as towns and villages where it is difficult or uneconomical to construct gas pipelines. This study sorts out the advantages and challenges and designs the optimization model for LNG point supply in China based on a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model. In this model, the goal of optimization is to minimize economic and environmental costs in the construction and operation stages. By optimizing location-allocation, gas storage capacity, vaporization capacity, equipment selection, and pipeline distribution, the model meets the fluctuating seasonal demand for natural gas. This model design uses the actual construction and operation-related parameters of the vaporization station and pipeline, and applies the model to four different types of towns. Through sensitivity analysis, this study finds that the sensitivity of construction cost is relatively high.

Pendant Length-Dependent Electrochemical Performances for Conjugated Organic Polymers as Solid-State Polymer Electrolytes in Lithium Metal Batteries.

The development of solid-state polymer electrolytes (SPEs) has been plagued by poor ionic conductivity, low ionic transference number, and limited electrochemical potential window. The exploitation of ionized SPEs is a feasible avenue to solve this problem. Herein, conjugated organic polymers (COPs) with excellent designability and rich pore structures have been selected as platforms for exploration. Three cationic COPs with different chain lengths of quaternary ammonium salts (CbzT@Cx, x = 4, 6, 9) are designed and applied to SPEs for the first time. Meanwhile, the effects of chain lengths on their electrochemical performances are compared. Especially, CbzT@C9 shows the most attractive electrochemical performance due to its high specific surface area of 212.3 m2 g-1. The larger specific surface area allows more exposure of the long-chain quaternary ammonium cation groups, which is more favorable for the dissociation of lithium salts. Moreover, the flexible long-chain structure increases the compatibility with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and reduces the crystallinity of PEO to some extent. The richer pore structure can accommodate more PEO, further disrupting the crystallinity of PEO and creating more channels for the ether-oxygen chain to transport lithium ions. At 60 °C, the SPE (CbzTM@C9) presents an excellent ionic conductivity (σ) of 8.00 × 10-4 S cm-1. CbzTM@C9 has a lithium-ion transference number (tLi+) of 0.48. Thus, the assembled Li/CbzTM@C9/LiFePO4 battery provides a good discharge capacity of 158.8 mAh g-1 at 0.1C. After 70 cycles, the capacity retention rate is 93.8% with a Coulombic efficiency of 98%. The excellent flexibility brings stable power supply capability under various bending angles to the assembled Li/CbzTM@C9/LiFePO4 soft-packed battery. The project uses conjugated organic polymers in SPEs and creates an avenue to develop flexible energy storage equipment.

Corrosion resistance of calcium hexaaluminate insulating firebrick for synthesising ternary lithium-ion battery cathode materials

The widespread use of ternary lithium-ion battery cathode Li(NixCoyMn1−x−y)O2 (LNCM) materials in energy storage equipment has resulted in an increase in the demand for insulating refractory of roller kiln. However, the severe corrosion during LNCM calcination will result in desquamate and damage of the insulating refractory. In this study, the corrosion resistance of bubble alumina brick (bubble alumina), mullite and CA6 (calcium hexaaluminate) insulating refractories was thoroughly investigated. This study combined the laboratory scale experiments on the interfacial reaction and after life cycle analysis on industrial insulating refractory to investigate the interactions between the insulating refractories and LNCM precursor mixture powders after the calcination temperature of 950 °C for 10 h and the corrosion behaviour of the LNCM precursor to different insulating fire bricks after the heat treatment temperature of 950 °C for 10 h every time and repeated 10 times according to the actual LNCM preparation system. The phase composition and microstructure of the three insulating refractories before and after corrosion were characterised to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the corrosion mechanism and behaviour. Results showed that the CA6 has excellent corrosion resistance and has the potential to be used in the lithium battery industry.

Review on Nano Enhanced PCMs: Insight on nePCM Application in Thermal Management/Storage Systems

Phase change materials (PCMs) proved to be valuable and drew the attention of numerous scientists striving to establish novel techniques to minimize energy consumption and expand heat storage; yet a number of challenges hampered their research. This paper provides an overall overview on how to overcome those constraints by adapting nano-enhanced phase change materials, the motivation behind their investigation, their advantages, area of applications, and their impact on thermal management and storage equipment. Recent computational and experimental studies have revealed that nanoparticles are extremely useful in terms of improving the thermo-physical properties of PCMs, allowing nano-PCMs, mainly nano-paraffin, to have a major positive influence on thermal concepts at the economical, ecological, and effectiveness levels. In this context, nano-enhanced PCMs are now able to store and release large amounts of heat in short intervals of time, which is relevant to thermal storage systems and contributes to augmenting and boosting their efficiency. It also improves the thermal performance of cooling and heating systems in buildings and regulates the operating temperature of PV systems, electronic components, and batteries.

Experimental investigation on the dynamics of an Organic Rankine Cycle evaporator with large-mass fins for the purpose of reducing heat input fluctuations

Waste heat recovery from energy-intensive processes using Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) is a promising effective method to reduce large quantities of energy waste and emissions in the planet. However, one of the main technical challenges that remain for its widespread implementation is related to the intermittent and fluctuating nature of the thermal power available from waste heat sources.This paper presents a test rig to study the effect of the geometry of an ORC evaporator to mitigate the adverse effects of thermal power fluctuations of a waste heat source. An experimental campaign is carried out to analyse the dynamic behaviour of the ORC evaporator, which has a custom geometry aimed at increasing its energy storage capacity. The experimental results show that the evaporator is able to dampen fluctuations of the heat source with cycle durations of up to 12 min. It is shown that an evaporator design consisting of a finned tube heat exchanger with large mass of the fins can have a dramatic effect on the thermal inertia of the system. Such a design can help to dampen or reduce some of the variation of the heat source that is transmitted to the ORC system. This, in turn, can allow the ORC system to work in more stable conditions and reduce the need for aggressive control measures or additional heat storage equipment.

Advanced Strategies for Improving Lithium Storage Performance under Cryogenic Conditions

AbstractAs a vital technology in portable electronic equipment, electric vehicle, and stationary energy storage, lithium‐based batteries are currently gaining widespread attention. However, when batteries are used more frequently, there are greater worries regarding their susceptibility to temperature, especially at low temperatures (LTs). In this review, the factors that lead to capacity loss in lithium‐based batteries at LT are analyzed and a summary of the most recent cutting‐edge approaches for improving LT kinetics is provided. In order to achieve satisfactory LT performance, electrode technology, interface chemistry, and electrolyte engineering must be taken into account during the cell design process. The recently revealed unique cryogenic storage mode and design concepts are also thoroughly introduced in this review, which is intended to motivate researchers in related domains. Finally, new insights, intriguing concepts, and workable solutions are proposed to promote the ongoing development of high‐performance cryogenic lithium batteries.

A chance constraint programming model on orderly maintenance for long-term storage equipment

Equipment for long-term storage is affected by multiple uncertainties such as environmental factors during storage and will face performance degradation and other problems, so the maintenance of equipment for long-term storage has an extremely important role in maintaining the overall equipment system operational capability. In this paper, considering the uncertainty of the performance degradation process of equipment, the uncertainty of the degradation process is modeled and analyzed by using the Wiener process. With maximizing the starting maintenance time as the optimization objective, an ordered maintenance optimization model under the chance constraint is established and an algorithm is put forward to solve it. Finally, a case study is used to verify the validity of the model.

New expected maintenance optimization model for life degradation long storage equipments

For long-term storage systems such as rockets and missiles, maintenance is an important way to keep the equipment in good technical condition, maintenance strategy optimization about long-term storage equipment has received extensive attention from experts in the industry. Considering factors such as the complexity of the degradation mechanisms, the constraints imposed by failure, and the uncertainty caused by environment, we need to develop a more conservative repair strategy to meet practical needs. In this paper, we study the issue of maintenance optimization model for long-term storage systems. First, the Wiener process is used to establish a performance degradation model for long-term storage equipment. Second, a long storage system maintenance expected optimization model is established with the minimum maintenance start time as the optimization goal. Then, a genetic algorithm is designed to solve the model. Finally, the applicability and effectiveness of the model are demonstrated by an example.