Storage System Research Articles

Oxygen Bridges of CoTe2/Co─O─NC Enhancing Adsorption‐Catalysis of Polysulfide for Stable Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

AbstractLithium–sulfur batteries are regarded as candidates for next‐generation energy storage systems, but their slow reaction kinetics and shuttle effect severely hinder their practical applications. One of the key solutions is to design and apply efficient, highly stable, and long‐life catalysts. Herein, a nanostructured CoTe2/Co─O─NC electrocatalytic material is developed to achieve effective adsorption and bidirectional catalytic conversions of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). Results show that oxygen bridges (Co─O─C) formed in the CoTe2/Co─O─NC not only effectively shift d‐band center of the cobalt near its Fermi level to enhance adsorption of LiPSs but also strengthen the built‐in electric fields of CoTe2/Co heterojunctions to reduce energy barrier for sulfur conversion. Deposition and dissociation of Li2S are significantly enhanced during charging/discharging processes. Durability of highly active catalyst is significantly improved, and rapid cross‐interfacial charge transfer is also achieved. The synthesized S/CoTe2/Co─O─NC cathode exhibits an initial capacity of 1498 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C, and its decay rate of capacity over 500 cycles at 0.5 C is only 0.046%. Li─S pouch cells using the cathode show an energy density of 368 Wh kg−1 and areal capacity of 7.7 mAh cm−2 at a sulfur loading of 6.7 mg cm−2, with an electrolyte/sulfur ratio of 4 µL mg−1.

Performance enhancement of single slope solar still with sensible heat storage system: An experimental investigation under climatic conditions of Northeast India

Abstract This study conducts an experimental assessment to investigate the influence of black gravel and cylindrical cement fins as thermal heat storage materials in a single slope solar still in this current study. The trials are performed under the meteorological conditions of North-East, Silchar (24.76° N, 92.80° E), India. The performance of each modification was evaluated experimentally and compared to a conventional solar still (CSS) at three different water depths in the basin: 2 cm, 4 cm, and 6 cm. The study assessed the cumulative distillate output, along with a 4E analysis (energy, exergy, economic and ecological analysis) of the solar stills. The outcomes show that at a 2 cm water depth, the daily yield and efficiency of the solar still with black gravel (SSBG) are 27% and 18% higher, respectively, when compared to the CSS. Additionally, the solar still with cylindrical cement fins (SSCCF) achieved the highest daily production of 4462.4 mL/m2 with an efficiency of 41.5%. The cost assessment disclosed that the cost per liter of distillate water produced by SSBG and SSCCF is 18% and 23% lower, respectively than the CSS at a water level of 2 cm. Moreover, the SSCCF improved carbon credits by 26% and enhanced carbon emission mitigation by 110.87% compared to the CSS at the same water depth. Solar stills equipped with energy storage provide a cost-effective solution for tackling water scarcity.

Energy-exergy and environ-economic (4E) analysis of heat storage-based single-slope solar stills integrated with solar air heater.

The energy-exergy and environ-economic (4E) analysis was conducted on a solar still with and without a hybrid thermal energy storage system (TESS) and a solar air heater. The proposed solar still was modified by integrating a rectangular aluminium box filled with paraffin wax and black gravel as the TESS and coupled with a solar air heater. Paraffin wax was selected due to its widespread availability and proven effectiveness in accelerating desalination, improving process uniformity, and maintaining optimal temperature levels. Throughout the experiments, meticulous data on mass loss, air velocity, and temperature were recorded for both conditions. The daily energy efficiency varies from 40.80% to 31.72%, showing a reduction rate with increased water depth. Estimates were made on the average exergy efficiency, losses, outflow, and inflow for the solar still. These were done for both setups. The analysis revealed that CO2 mitigation and credit were more favorable with the TESS. Furthermore, the Energy Payback Time (EPBT) for the hybrid heat storage-based single-slope solar still coupled with a solar air heater is 1.87 years. On the other hand, EPBT values for the hybrid heat storage single-slope solar still and the conventional single-slope solar still were 1.65 years and 0.95 years, respectively. Integrating a thermal energy storage system and solar air heater significantly improved the performance and sustainability of the solar still for desalination, making it a more efficient and environmentally friendly option for freshwater production.

Capacity optimization of photovoltaic storage hydrogen power generation system with peak shaving and frequency regulation

To solve the problem of power imbalance caused by the large-scale integration of photovoltaic new energy into the power grid, an improved optimization configuration method for the capacity of a hydrogen storage system power generation system used for grid peak shaving and frequency regulation is proposed. A hydrogen storage power generation system model is established, and the photovoltaic power generation and hydrogen fuel cell power generation is calculated. A two-layer hydrogen storage power generation system capacity optimization configuration model was established, an improved particle swarm optimization algorithm was used to solve the improved hydrogen storage power generation system capacity optimization configuration model, and the capacity optimization configuration results were obtained. The experimental results show that this method can obtain the best capacity allocation result based on local lighting conditions and the cost of the power generation system, whereas the improved particle swarm optimization algorithm can solve the model faster and reduce the cost of the power generation system. After applying this method, the net income of the solar hydrogen storage power generation system has almost doubled.

Dissociation-Precipitation Chemistry of Lithium Polysulfides and Its Correlation to Dynamic Evolution of Cathode-Electrolyte Interphase in Highly Solvating Electrolyte.

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries has been regarded as one of the most promising next-generation energy storage systems due to their high theoretical energy density. However, the practical application of Li-S batteries is still hindered by the unstable cathode-electrolyte interphase and the early passivation of charge product (Li2S), leading to poor cycling stability and low S utilization. Herein, we propose an electrolyte engineering strategy using highly solvating hexamethylphosphoramide (HMPA) as a co-solvent to elucidate the dissociation-precipitation chemistry of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). The multimode optical spectroscopies confirm that this electrolyte engineering is able to effectively regulate the solvation of LiPSs to initiate a radical-assisted conversion pathway and control three-dimensional (3D) Li2S electrodeposition to boost sulfur utilization. More importantly, the dynamic evolution of cathode-electrolyte interphase, featuring with S-/P-containing species, is also assessed by both distribution of relaxation times technology and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, which can suppress the passivation of Li2S to enhance conversion reversibility. As a proof-of-concept, a Li-S cell with high S loading mass of 7.75 mg cm-2 demonstrates an extremely high area capacity of 7.86 mAh cm-2 at a current density of 1.30 mA cm-2 , representing a significant advancement in promoting the development of practical high-energy-density Li-S batteries.

Storage Is the New Black: A Review of Energy Storage System Applications to Resolve Intermittency in Renewable Energy Systems

As the need for more sustainable methods of power generation becomes increasingly apparent due to the planet’s ever-deteriorating conditions, the quest for sustainable power generation intensifies. Among the options for sustainable power generation, the utilization of solar and wind power in large-scale applications is problematic due to the intermittent nature of their sources. Multiple solutions exist to counteract this intermittency, but energy storage systems are the most appealing. This article reviews the intermittency in renewable energy systems that rely on solar and wind, and how energy storage systems are utilized to mitigate this issue. While energy storage systems integrated into solar and wind power generation systems exhibit promising synergy and benefits, their full implementation is still hindered by a variety of challenges, which opens different fields of research to circumvent these challenges.

Renewable Energy Community Sizing Based on Stochastic Optimization and Unsupervised Clustering

Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) are emerging as significant in the global paradigm shift towards a smart and sustainable energy environment. By empowering energy consumers to actively participate in local energy generation, and sharing, using renewable energy sources, energy storage, and flexible loads, REC participants can reduce costs, and also contribute to low-carbon objectives, providing the flexibility needed to address modern smart grid challenges. This article presents a mixed integer linear programming model for optimal sizing of the solar PVs and battery energy storage systems (BESS) of REC participants who engage in P2P energy exchange. The model is formulated using a two-stage stochastic optimization to address load and PV uncertainty, and unsupervised clustering to structure the data for the stochastic optimization process. The model enables sizing solar PVs for different rooftop geometries and the objective function includes comprehensively defined electricity, operational, and scaled investment costs for solar PV and BESS, where economic fairness constraints are analyzed and implemented. The model is validated on real solar and atmospheric measured data from Zagreb, Croatia, and publicly available household consumption data from Northern Germany. The article also analyzes how tariff models, and electricity prices affect PV and BESS sizes, cost reductions, and P2P energy exchange for different REC participants with varying consumption and production profiles.

A Rapidly Dispatchable Energy Strategy Utilizing Electric Vehicles with Energy Storage Systems (EV-ESS) to Enhance Grid Redundancy

A Rapidly Dispatchable Energy Strategy Utilizing Electric Vehicles with Energy Storage Systems (EV-ESS) to Enhance Grid Redundancy

Case Study on Optimum Utilization of Hybrid Energy for Race Car Performance

—Hybrid energy systems have transformed the auto- motive and motorsport industries, offering an effective balance between performance and sustainability. This paper explores the optimum utilization of hybrid energy in race cars, focusing on advanced energy management strategies and their impact on performance metrics like lap times, fuel efficiency, and emissions. Utilizing insights from Quasi-Pontryagin’s Minimum Principle (Q-PMP) [1], energy allocation frameworks [2], and real-time op- timization techniques under battery constraints [3], this study ex- amines the synergy between internal combustion engines (ICEs) and electric motors in high-performance scenarios. Additionally, the role of hybrid energy storage systems, such as batteries and ultra-capacitors, in enhancing power delivery is analyzed [4]. Results from case studies and simulations demonstrate significant improvements in race performance, including faster lap times and reduced energy consumption, highlighting the practical viability of hybrid systems in motorsports [5][6]. These findings emphasize the importance of adaptive energy strategies in advancing the competitive edge and sustainability of hybrid race cars. Index Terms—Hybrid Energy, Energy Optimization, Fuel Ef- ficiency in Racing, Energy Distribution in Hybrid Vehicles

Adaptive Energy Management Control for Efficiency Improvement of Supercapacitor-Based Energy Recovery System

The efficiency of the DC microgrid can be improved by adding additional energy storage to recover regenerative braking energy. Supercapacitors are well suited for such applications. To make such devices easily connectable to the existing grid, it is beneficial to measure the voltage of the DC bus. The paper proposes a method on how to estimate load current indirectly from this voltage measurement. Estimated current is used in the developed energy management algorithm that adapts current reference of an energy storage system to discharge stored energy in the most energy efficient way. The paper presents simulation and experimental results and shows in some cases efficiency improvement even by more than five percent.

A Scenario-Based Simulation Study for Economic Viability and Widespread Impact Analysis of Consumption-Side Energy Storage Systems

This study investigates energy storage within the contexts of production-side and consumption-side energy storage concepts. The theoretical advantages of consumption-side energy storage over production-side systems are initially explored. The analysis is supported by a scenario-based simulation, with results presented to assess the feasibility and applicability of consumption-side energy storage under varying conditions. The simulation examines multiple scenarios, incorporating economic assessments to evaluate the viability of such systems. Additionally, the study explores the broader impact of consumption-side energy storage when adopted by 5 million, 10 million, 20 million, and 40 million residential consumers across separate scenarios. The analysis emphasizes the potential for shifting peak-period energy consumption to nighttime usage and assesses the corresponding reduction in energy generation requirements and transmission line loads, alongside the economic benefits derived from postponing energy infrastructure investments. The study focuses exclusively on residential consumers, with the energy storage systems referred to as residential energy storage systems (RESS). These systems are assumed to be organized and managed by energy provider companies rather than individual consumers. The research also considers the potential costs associated with implementing RESS. The simulation-based findings reveal significant benefits, including reduced reliance on new power plants, decreased risk of transmission line overload, increased utilization of renewable energy resources, financial advantages for both energy providers and consumers, and positive environmental impacts. These results provide valuable insights with implications for shaping future energy policies, particularly in the United States.

Polysaccharides: The Sustainable Foreground in Energy Storage Systems

Polysaccharides offer a perfect option as raw materials for the development of a new generation of sustainable batteries and supercapacitors. This is due to their abundance and inherent structural characteristics. Polysaccharides can be chemically functionalized and engineered, offering a wide range of possibilities as electrode materials (as precursors of porous nanocarbons), binders and separators. Their hierarchical morphology also enables their exploitation as aerogel and hydrogel structures for quasi-solid and solid polymer electrolytes with high conductivity and wide voltage stability windows. In this review, we discuss how different polysaccharides, such as lignocellulosic biomass, starch, chitosan, natural gums, sugars and marine polysaccharides, can be applied in different components of energy storage systems (ESSs). An overview of the recent research work adhering to each functionality of different polysaccharides in various storage systems is provided.

Calculation algorithm for a multilayer thermal insulation system of a thermal energy storage device with a high-temperature working fluid

RELEVANCE. Managing the surplus and deficit of electric power generation, which contributes to the stabilization of the energy system and enhances its reliability, is a pressing issue. One of the solutions is the development and implementation of thermal energy storage systems within distributed energy systems. An important task in their development is creating an effective insulation system. THE PURPOSE. To develop an algorithm for the effective design of insulation systems for thermal energy storages with high-temperature working bodies. METHODS. The research is carried out using theoretical methods, including thermal engineering calculation of thermal insulation layers and thermal conductivity analysis. Mathematical modeling methods were used to determine the thickness of the thermal insulation system of a thermal energy storage device. RESULTS. The design of a thermal energy storage device has been developed. Based on the developed algorithm, it was determined that the thickness of the thermal insulation system should be 151 mm (the thickness of the first thermal insulation circuit is 135 mm, the thickness of the second thermal insulation layer made of mineral wool is 16 mm), ensuring minimal heat loss at a temperature of the heat accumulator equal to 2000 °C. It was revealed that the radiant heat flux prevails in the layers closest to graphite, accounting for about 70% of the total flux. CONCLUSION. The study confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed multi-layer insulation system for thermal energy storage. The developed algorithm allows for the calculation of insulation systems of thermal energy storage, taking into account various parameters and operating conditions.

SMART APPROACH FOR TOURISM

Today, there are so many tourism applications such as Airbnb, Booking.com, and Expedia that allow the booking of accommodation, flights, and activities; however, these platforms often lack the personalization in user experience and seamless integration of services. Many of these focus on either lodging or travel arrangement, thus not filling the gap in holistic travel planning. Our proposed tourism app is meant to enhance user experience through the provision of a single platform that allows users to book destinations, hotels, transportation, and events all in one place with an emphasis on personalization. The app will be flexible for both individuals and families, thus catering to different travel needs. Unlike the existing apps, we shall implement an easy interface which will simplify the booking process and integrate a robust user profile management system for storage of preference and previous bookings. Additionally, our app shall include a secure payment gateway that supports various payment methods to enable fluid transaction experience. Focusing on user-centric design, personalized recommendations, and comprehensive service integration, our app will be the most attractive in the competitive tourism market and provide a more cohesive and enjoyable travel planning experience for users. KEYWORDS Integrated Travel App, Unified Booking Platform, ReactJS,Python, Google Firebase Database, Flask, Real- time data, RazorPay, User-friendly Interface, Multi- Service Integration, Secure Payment Gateway, API integration.

Enhanced melting dynamics of phase change material (PCM) based energy storage system combining modified fin and nanoparticles under solar irradiation

Enhanced melting dynamics of phase change material (PCM) based energy storage system combining modified fin and nanoparticles under solar irradiation

The Influence of Carbon Nanotube Composites of Precious Metals and Non-precious Metal Oxides on the Electrode Performance of Supercapacitors

As the problems of energy shortage and environmental pollution are increasingly escalating, the development of efficient and sustainable energy storage technologies has become extremely important. Among these technologies, supercapacitors are receiving significant attention due to their relatively high energy density and power density, making them a promising solution for future energy needs. The unique combination of fast charge-discharge capability, long cycle life, and reliability makes supercapacitors attractive in fields such as portable electronic devices, electric vehicles, and renewable energy integration. In particular, composite materials containing carbon nanotubes and metal oxides are of great research interest in improving the performance of supercapacitors. For example, incorporating non-precious metal oxides (such as manganese oxide and nickel oxide) or precious metal oxides (such as ruthenium oxide) into carbon-based materials can significantly enhance electrochemical performance. An appropriate loading quantity of active materials plays a crucial role in achieving high specific capacitance. Furthermore, different composite preparation techniques have a significant impact on the microstructure of the materials, thereby markedly changing the electrochemical characteristics of the electrode and affecting its overall performance in energy storage systems.

Phase‐Transfer Catalyst for Lithium‐Oxygen Batteries Based on Bidirectional Coordination Catalysis: 2‐Aminopyridine

AbstractLi‐O2 batteries are considered promising candidates for next generation high energy storage systems due to their exceptionally theoretical energy density. However, the accumulation of insulating discharge product Li2O2 leads to severe cathode passivation, reduced conductivity, and hindered charge transfer, which seriously compromise the battery performance. This work proposes a novel phase‐transfer catalyst with bidirectional coordination functionality, 2‐aminopyridine (AP). The AP molecule contains a nucleophilic pyridine nitrogen and an electrophilic amino hydrogen, which can interact with Li+ and reactive oxygen intermediates through electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonding, respectively. This dual interaction facilitates the liquid‐phase deposition of Li2O2 while enabling efficient product decomposition. The uneven electrostatic potential distribution within the AP molecule generates an internal electric field that stabilizes reduced oxygen species, shields against nucleophilic attacks, and suppresses Li+ deposition at the anode tips, effectively preventing lithium dendrite growth. Therefore, Li‐O2 batteries with AP exhibit an exceptionally high discharge capacity of 36419 mAh g−1, a significantly reduced charge over‐potential of 0.29 V, and an extended cycle life exceeding 2256 h. Through functional molecular structure design, the bidirectional coordination catalytic effect demonstrated by AP molecules effectively regulates the migration and interaction of substances during reactions, significantly improves the electrochemical performance of Li‐O2 batteries.

Influences of carbon nanotubes as electrode materials on the energy storage for lithium-ion batteries

Due to inherent theoretical capacity limitations and safety issues associated with commonly used anode materials in lithium-ion batteries, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), with their unique one-dimensional tubular structure and superior mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties, can partially address these deficiencies and enhance lithium storage capacity. Therefore, this paper concentrates on the impacts of carbon nanotubes as electrode materials on energy storage for lithium-ion batteries. It discusses three aspects in detail: the use of CNTs as direct anode materials, as composite anode materials, and as flexible electrode materials. Each application will be examined in terms of its specific advantages, existing challenges, and corresponding solutions to improve battery performance. The paper also evaluates the role of CNTs in enhancing the electrochemical stability, improving cycle life, and achieving higher power densities, which makes them highly promising for next-generation energy storage solutions, particularly for portable and flexible electronic devices. Additionally, the unique ability of CNTs to form a highly conductive network facilitates efficient charge transport and reduces internal resistance, further contributing to the overall performance of the battery. Future research directions may focus on optimizing the synthesis methods and improving the interface interactions between CNTs and other active materials, to fully leverage their properties for enhanced safety, higher efficiency, and lower costs. As such, carbon nanotubes are seen as key materials that could play an important role in meeting the growing demand for advanced energy storage systems.

Insights into the role of electrolyte additives for stable Zn anodes

Aqueous zinc-based batteries (ZIBs), characterized by their low cost, inherent safety, and environmental sustainability, represent a promising alternative for energy storage solutions in sustainable systems. Significant advancements have been made in developing high-performance cathode materials for aqueous ZIBs, which exhibit enhanced lifespan and energy density. However, challenges associated with zinc anodes, such as dendrite formation and side reactions, impede the practical application of ZIBs. This manuscript discusses the role of electrolyte additives in the Zn electrodeposition process and comprehensively describes strategies to enhance the anode stability through additive incorporation. It specifically focuses on the underlying mechanisms that regulate the solvation structure and the electrical double layer. Finally, the manuscript concludes with future perspectives on advancing Zn anode technology, aiming to provide guidelines for developing more robust Zn-based energy storage systems.

Effects of Heat Transport Characteristics and Chemical Reaction in Unsteady Flow of Williamson Fluid and Entropy Generation: The Keller‐Box Numerical Scheme

ABSTRACTThe study of heat and mass transport in non‐Newtonian fluid flow over a stretching surface accompanying relevant characteristics is important in several engineering and industrial processes like annealing and thinning of copper wires, aerodynamic extrusion of plastic and rubber sheet, glass fiber, and so forth. Based on significant practical applications, the objective of this investigation is to assess the time‐dependent flow of Williamson fluid influenced by porous sheet stretching in exponential manner accompanied by thermal and mass transport and entropy generation. Various factors affecting fluid flow, thermal and mass transport (viscous dissipation, non‐linear radiation, porous media, chemical reaction, and heat source) are considered. The regulating PDEs are turned into ODEs in nondimensional form utilizing adequate similarity transformation relations. The problem is solved numerically on MATLAB adopting the Keller‐Box scheme. On fluid flow, temperature, and concentration distribution the effects of relevant parameters are depicted by drawing sketches and discussed. Besides, second law analysis is also evoked in the study in terms of entropy generation accompanying the Bejan number. Moreover, quantities of physical significance such as skin friction coefficient, Sherwood number, and Nusselt number are computed, compared with prior research and found in excellent agreement. It is concluded that temperature profile magnifies due to radiation and heat generation effects. The reaction coefficient and order of the reaction exhibited opposite effects on concentration profile. It is also concluded that entropy production reduces with increasing slips and temperature difference parameter, while opposite effect is observed due to Brinkman number. Furthermore, it is observed that skin‐friction coefficient at the surface decreases with velocity slip and non‐Newtonian parameter however, trend is reversed due to unsteadiness parameter. The results of the study may find applications of practical importance in engineering fields such as designing heat exchangers, cooling processes, improving energy storage systems, and so forth.