Flow Over a Body of Revolution in a Steady Turn

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-10-01

31], Migliore and Wolfe [32]. Migliore investigated flow curvature effects on Darrieus wind turbines , a special type of turbine which has a continuous...and Wolfe- J. B.. Some Effects of Flow Curvature Effects oil the Aerodynamics of Darrieus Wind Turbines West Viryinia University , 1979 33. Hirsch, Ch...and Mandal. A. C., Flow Curvature Effects on Vertical Axis Darrieus Wind Turbine Having High Chord-Radius Ratio European Wind Energy Confer- ence

A dynamic response model for pressure sensors in continuum and high Knudsen number flows with large temperature gradients

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whitmore, Stephen A.; Petersen, Brian J.; Scott, David D.

1996-01-01

This paper develops a dynamic model for pressure sensors in continuum and rarefied flows with longitudinal temperature gradients. The model was developed from the unsteady Navier-Stokes momentum, energy, and continuity equations and was linearized using small perturbations. The energy equation was decoupled from momentum and continuity assuming a polytropic flow process. Rarefied flow conditions were accounted for using a slip flow boundary condition at the tubing wall. The equations were radially averaged and solved assuming gas properties remain constant along a small tubing element. This fundamental solution was used as a building block for arbitrary geometries where fluid properties may also vary longitudinally in the tube. The problem was solved recursively starting at the transducer and working upstream in the tube. Dynamic frequency response tests were performed for continuum flow conditions in the presence of temperature gradients. These tests validated the recursive formulation of the model. Model steady-state behavior was analyzed using the final value theorem. Tests were performed for rarefied flow conditions and compared to the model steady-state response to evaluate the regime of applicability. Model comparisons were excellent for Knudsen numbers up to 0.6. Beyond this point, molecular affects caused model analyses to become inaccurate.

Space-based laser-driven MHD generator: Feasibility study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choi, S. H.

1986-01-01

The feasibility of a laser-driven MHD generator, as a candidate receiver for a space-based laser power transmission system, was investigated. On the basis of reasonable parameters obtained in the literature, a model of the laser-driven MHD generator was developed with the assumptions of a steady, turbulent, two-dimensional flow. These assumptions were based on the continuous and steady generation of plasmas by the exposure of the continuous wave laser beam thus inducing a steady back pressure that enables the medium to flow steadily. The model considered here took the turbulent nature of plasmas into account in the two-dimensional geometry of the generator. For these conditions with the plasma parameters defining the thermal conductivity, viscosity, electrical conductivity for the plasma flow, a generator efficiency of 53.3% was calculated. If turbulent effects and nonequilibrium ionization are taken into account, the efficiency is 43.2%. The study shows that the laser-driven MHD system has potential as a laser power receiver for space applications because of its high energy conversion efficiency, high energy density and relatively simple mechanism as compared to other energy conversion cycles.

Aerothermodynamic Design Sensitivities for a Reacting Gas Flow Solver on an Unstructured Mesh Using a Discrete Adjoint Formulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thompson, Kyle Bonner

An algorithm is described to efficiently compute aerothermodynamic design sensitivities using a decoupled variable set. In a conventional approach to computing design sensitivities for reacting flows, the species continuity equations are fully coupled to the conservation laws for momentum and energy. In this algorithm, the species continuity equations are solved separately from the mixture continuity, momentum, and total energy equations. This decoupling simplifies the implicit system, so that the flow solver can be made significantly more efficient, with very little penalty on overall scheme robustness. Most importantly, the computational cost of the point implicit relaxation is shown to scale linearly with the number of species for the decoupled system, whereas the fully coupled approach scales quadratically. Also, the decoupled method significantly reduces the cost in wall time and memory in comparison to the fully coupled approach. This decoupled approach for computing design sensitivities with the adjoint system is demonstrated for inviscid flow in chemical non-equilibrium around a re-entry vehicle with a retro-firing annular nozzle. The sensitivities of the surface temperature and mass flow rate through the nozzle plenum are computed with respect to plenum conditions and verified against sensitivities computed using a complex-variable finite-difference approach. The decoupled scheme significantly reduces the computational time and memory required to complete the optimization, making this an attractive method for high-fidelity design of hypersonic vehicles.

Energy Conversion and Combustion Sciences

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-08

Rotational /Continuous Detonation • Only Single Initiation needed (Circumvent Initiation/DDT difficulty/loss in PDE ) • 10-100x cycle rate increase • Near...new fuels: 1. Rotational or Continuous Detonation (intense/concentrated combustion); 2. Flameless combustion (distributed combustion process...Steady Exit Flow *CFD Courtesy of NRL Rotational Detonation : (PI: Schauer, AFRL/RZ, working with NRL) Rotational Approach Allows Continuous

A study of the methods for the production and confinement of high energy plasmas. [injection of dense plasma into long magnetic field

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cheng, D. Y.; Wang, P.

1972-01-01

The injection of dense plasmas into a B sub z long magnetic field from both ends of the field coil was investigated. Deflagration plasma guns and continuous flow Z-pinch are discussed along with the possibility of a continuous flow Z-pinch fusion reactor. The injection experiments are described with emphasis on the synchronization of the two plasma deflagration guns, the collision of the two plasma beams, and the determination of plasma density.

On the dynamics of exotic matter: Towards creation of Perpetuum Mobile of third kind

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivanov, Pavel

2009-09-01

The one-dimensional dynamics of a classical ideal ‘exotic’ fluid with equation of state p=p(γ)<0 violating the weak energy condition is discussed. Under certain assumptions it is shown that the well-known Hwa-Bjorken exact solution of one-dimensional relativistic hydrodynamics is confined within the future/past light cone. It is also demonstrated that the total energy of such a solution is equal to zero and that there are regions within the light cone with negative (-) and positive (+) total energies. For certain equations of state there is a continuous energy transfer from the (-)-regions to the (+)-regions resulting in indefinite growth of energy in the (+)-regions with time, which may be interpreted as action of a specific ‘Perpetuum Mobile’ (Perpetuum Motion). It is speculated that if it is possible to construct a three-dimensional non-stationary flow of an exotic fluid having a finite negative value of energy such a situation would also occur. Such a flow may continuously transfer positive energy to gravitational waves, resulting in a runaway. It is conjectured that theories plagued by such solutions should be discarded as inherently unstable.

Avalanches, breathers, and flow reversal in a continuous Lorenz-96 model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blender, R.; Wouters, J.; Lucarini, V.

2013-07-01

For the discrete model suggested by Lorenz in 1996, a one-dimensional long-wave approximation with nonlinear excitation and diffusion is derived. The model is energy conserving but non-Hamiltonian. In a low-order truncation, weak external forcing of the zonal mean flow induces avalanchelike breather solutions which cause reversal of the mean flow by a wave-mean flow interaction. The mechanism is an outburst-recharge process similar to avalanches in a sandpile model.

Study on ammonium and organics removal combined with electricity generation in a continuous flow microbial fuel cell.

PubMed

Liu, Shuxin; Li, Lan; Li, Huiqiang; Wang, Hui; Yang, Ping

2017-11-01

A continuous microbial fuel cell system was constructed treating ammonium/organics rich wastewater. Operational performance of MFC system, mechanisms of ammonium removal, effect of ammonium on organics removal and energy output, C and N balance of anode chamber and microbial community analysis of anode chamber were studied. It was concluded that 0.0914kg/m 3 d NH 4 + -N and 5.739kg/m 3 d COD were removed from anode chamber and simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND) occurred in cathode chamber resulting in COD, TN removal rate of 88.53%, 71.35% respectively. Excess ammonium affected energy output and the MFC system reached maximum energy output of 816.8mV and 62.94mW/m 3 . In anode chamber, Spirochaetes bacterium sp., Methanobacterium formicicum sp. was predominant in bacteria, archaea communities respectively which contributed to wastewater treatment and electricity generation. This study showed the potential for practical application of continuous flow MFC system treating ammonium/organics rich wastewater and achieving electricity generation simultaneously. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Energy dependence of directed flow over a wide range of pseudorapidity in Au + Au collisions at the BNL Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider.

PubMed

Back, B B; Baker, M D; Ballintijn, M; Barton, D S; Betts, R R; Bickley, A A; Bindel, R; Budzanowski, A; Busza, W; Carroll, A; Chai, Z; Decowski, M P; García, E; Gburek, T; George, N; Gulbrandsen, K; Gushue, S; Halliwell, C; Hamblen, J; Hauer, M; Heintzelman, G A; Henderson, C; Hofman, D J; Hollis, R S; Hołyński, R; Holzman, B; Iordanova, A; Johnson, E; Kane, J L; Katzy, J; Khan, N; Kucewicz, W; Kulinich, P; Kuo, C M; Lin, W T; Manly, S; McLeod, D; Mignerey, A C; Nouicer, R; Olszewski, A; Pak, R; Park, I C; Pernegger, H; Reed, C; Remsberg, L P; Reuter, M; Roland, C; Roland, G; Rosenberg, L; Sagerer, J; Sarin, P; Sawicki, P; Seals, H; Sedykh, I; Skulski, W; Smith, C E; Stankiewicz, M A; Steinberg, P; Stephans, G S F; Sukhanov, A; Tang, J-L; Tonjes, M B; Trzupek, A; Vale, C; van Nieuwenhuizen, G J; Vaurynovich, S S; Verdier, R; Veres, G I; Wenger, E; Wolfs, F L H; Wosiek, B; Woźniak, K; Wuosmaa, A H; Wysłouch, B

2006-07-07

We report on measurements of directed flow as a function of pseudorapidity in Au + Au collisions at energies of square root of SNN = 19.6, 62.4, 130 and 200 GeV as measured by the PHOBOS detector at the BNL Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. These results are particularly valuable because of the extensive, continuous pseudorapidity coverage of the PHOBOS detector. There is no significant indication of structure near midrapidity and the data surprisingly exhibit extended longitudinal scaling similar to that seen for elliptic flow and charged particle pseudorapidity density.

Effect of oxidation of carbon material on suspension electrodes for flow electrode capacitive deionization.

PubMed

Hatzell, Kelsey B; Hatzell, Marta C; Cook, Kevin M; Boota, Muhammad; Housel, Gabrielle M; McBride, Alexander; Kumbur, E Caglan; Gogotsi, Yury

2015-03-03

Flow electrode deionization (FCDI) is an emerging area for continuous and scalable deionization, but the electrochemical and flow properties of the flow electrode need to be improved to minimize energy consumption. Chemical oxidation of granular activated carbon (AC) was examined here to study the role of surface heteroatoms on rheology and electrochemical performance of a flow electrode (carbon slurry) for deionization processes. Moreover, it was demonstrated that higher mass densities could be used without increasing energy for pumping when using oxidized active material. High mass-loaded flow electrodes (28% carbon content) based on oxidized AC displayed similar viscosities (∼21 Pa s) to lower mass-loaded flow electrodes (20% carbon content) based on nonoxidized AC. The 40% increased mass loading (from 20% to 28%) resulted in a 25% increase in flow electrode gravimetric capacitance (from 65 to 83 F g(-1)) without sacrificing flowability (viscosity). The electrical energy required to remove ∼18% of the ions (desalt) from of the feed solution was observed to be significantly dependent on the mass loading and decreased (∼60%) from 92 ± 7 to 28 ± 2.7 J with increased mass densities from 5 to 23 wt %. It is shown that the surface chemistry of the active material in a flow electrode effects the electrical and pumping energy requirements of a FCDI system.

Effect of oxidation of carbon material on suspension electrodes for flow electrode capacitive deionization

DOE PAGES

Hatzell, Kelsey B.; Hatzell, Marta C.; Cook, Kevin M.; ...

2015-01-29

Flow electrode deionization (FCDI) is an emerging area for continuous and scalable deionization, but the electrochemical and flow properties of the flow electrode need to be improved to minimize energy consumption. We examine chemical oxidation of granular activated carbon (AC) here to study the role of surface heteroatoms on rheology and electrochemical performance of a flow electrode (carbon slurry) for deionization processes. Moreover, it was demonstrated that higher mass densities could be used without increasing energy for pumping when using oxidized active material. High mass-loaded flow electrodes (28% carbon content) based on oxidized AC displayed similar viscosities (~21 Pa s)more » to lower mass-loaded flow electrodes (20% carbon content) based on nonoxidized AC. The 40% increased mass loading (from 20% to 28%) resulted in a 25% increase in flow electrode gravimetric capacitance (from 65 to 83 F g –1) without sacrificing flowability (viscosity). The electrical energy required to remove ~18% of the ions (desalt) from of the feed solution was observed to be significantly dependent on the mass loading and decreased (~60%) from 92 ± 7 to 28 ± 2.7 J with increased mass densities from 5 to 23 wt %. Finally, it is shown that the surface chemistry of the active material in a flow electrode effects the electrical and pumping energy requirements of a FCDI system.« less

Outcomes from the DOE Workshop on Turbulent Flow Simulation at the Exascale

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sprague, Michael; Boldyrev, Stanislav; Chang, Choong-Seock

This paper summarizes the outcomes from the Turbulent Flow Simulation at the Exascale: Opportunities and Challenges Workshop, which was held 4-5 August 2015, and was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Advanced Scientific Computing Research. The workshop objective was to define and describe the challenges and opportunities that computing at the exascale will bring to turbulent-flow simulations in applied science and technology. The need for accurate simulation of turbulent flows is evident across the U.S. Department of Energy applied-science and engineering portfolios, including combustion, plasma physics, nuclear-reactor physics, wind energy, and atmospheric science. The workshop brought togethermore » experts in turbulent-flow simulation, computational mathematics, and high-performance computing. Building upon previous ASCR workshops on exascale computing, participants defined a research agenda and path forward that will enable scientists and engineers to continually leverage, engage, and direct advances in computational systems on the path to exascale computing.« less

Conjugated Polymers Via Direct Arylation Polymerization in Continuous Flow: Minimizing the Cost and Batch-to-Batch Variations for High-Throughput Energy Conversion.

PubMed

Gobalasingham, Nemal S; Carlé, Jon E; Krebs, Frederik C; Thompson, Barry C; Bundgaard, Eva; Helgesen, Martin

2017-11-01

Continuous flow methods are utilized in conjunction with direct arylation polymerization (DArP) for the scaled synthesis of the roll-to-roll compatible polymer, poly[(2,5-bis(2-hexyldecyloxy)phenylene)-alt-(4,7-di(thiophen-2-yl)-benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole)] (PPDTBT). PPDTBT is based on simple, inexpensive, and scalable monomers using thienyl-flanked benzothiadiazole as the acceptor, which is the first β-unprotected substrate to be used in continuous flow via DArP, enabling critical evaluation of the suitability of this emerging synthetic method for minimizing defects and for the scaled synthesis of high-performance materials. To demonstrate the usefulness of the method, DArP-prepared PPDTBT via continuous flow synthesis is employed for the preparation of indium tin oxide (ITO)-free and flexible roll-coated solar cells to achieve a power conversion efficiency of 3.5% for 1 cm 2 devices, which is comparable to the performance of PPDTBT polymerized through Stille cross coupling. These efforts demonstrate the distinct advantages of the continuous flow protocol with DArP avoiding use of toxic tin chemicals, reducing the associated costs of polymer upscaling, and minimizing batch-to-batch variations for high-quality material. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Pumping power considerations in the designs of NASA-Redox flow cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoberecht, M. A.

1981-01-01

Pressure drop data for six different cell geometries of various flow port, manifold, and cavity dimensions are presented. The redox/energy/storage system uses two fully soluble redox couples as anode and cathode fluids. Both fluids are pumped through a redox cell, or stack of cells, where the electrochemical reactions take place at porous carbon felt electrodes. Pressure drop losses are therefore associated with this system due to the continuous flow of reactant solutions. The exact pressure drop within a redox flow cell is directly dependent on the flow rate as well as the various cell dimensions. Pumping power requirements for a specific set of cell operating conditions are found for various cell geometries once the flow rate and pressure drop are determined. These pumping power requirements contribute to the overall system parasitic energy losses which must be minimized, the choice of cell geometry becomes critical.

Energy, Systems and Connectors; or Why Electrons Don't Carry Energy from Batteries to Bulbs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Scaife, Jon

2012-01-01

A common approach when teaching about energy in circuits in secondary schools is to treat flowing electrons as carriers of energy from a source to a sink. The paper argues that although this may seem to be a useful model for teaching, it is unscientific and may ultimately be confusing to students who continue to adopt it at key stage 4 and above.…

Potential of Micro Hydroelectric Generator Embedded at 30,000 PE Effluent Discharge of Sewerage Treatment Plant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Che Munaaim, M. A.; Razali, N.; Ayob, A.; Hamidin, N.; Othuman Mydin, M. A.

2018-03-01

A micro hydroelectric generator is an energy conversion approach to generate electricity from potential (motion) energy to an electrical energy. In this research, it is desired to be implemented by using a micro hydroelectric generator which is desired to be embedded at the continuous flow of effluent discharge point of domestic sewerage treatment plant (STP). This research evaluates the potential of electricity generation from micro hydroelectric generator attached to 30,000 PE sewerage treatment plant. The power output obtained from calculation of electrical power conversion is used to identify the possibility of this system and its ability to provide electrical energy, which can minimize the cost of electric bill especially for the pumping system. The overview of this system on the practical application with the consideration of payback period is summarized. The ultimate aim of the whole application is to have a self-ecosystem electrical power generated for the internal use of STP by using its own flowing water in supporting the sustainable engineering towards renewable energy and energy efficient approach. The results shows that the output power obtained is lower than expected output power (12 kW) and fall beyond of the range of a micro hydro power (5kW - 100kW) since it is only generating 1.58 kW energy by calculation. It is also observed that the estimated payback period is longer which i.e 7 years to recoup the return of investment. A range of head from 4.5 m and above for the case where the flow shall at least have maintained at 0.05 m3/s in the selected plant in order to achieved a feasible power output. In conclusion, wastewater treatment process involves the flowing water (potential energy) especially at the effluent discharge point of STP is possibly harvested for electricity generation by embedding the micro hydroelectric generator. However, the selection of STP needs to have minimum 4.5 meter head with 0.05 m3/s of continuously flowing water to make it feasible to harvest.

Free radical propulsion concept

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hawkins, C. E.; Nakanishi, S.

1981-01-01

The concept of a free radical propulsion system, utilizing the recombination energy of dissociated low molecular weight gases to produce thrust, is analyzed. The system, operating at a theoretical impulse with hydrogen, as high as 2200 seconds at high thrust to power ratio, is hypothesized to bridge the gap between chemical and electrostatic propulsion capabilities. A comparative methodology is outlined by which characteristics of chemical and electric propulsion for orbit raising mission can be investigated. It is noted that free radicals proposed in rockets previously met with difficulty and complexity in terms of storage requirements; the present study proposes to eliminate the storage requirements by using electric energy to achieve a continuous-flow product of free radicals which are recombined to produce a high velocity propellant. Microwave energy used to dissociate a continuously flowing gas is transferred to the propellant via three-body-recombination for conversion to propellant kinetic energy. Microwave plasma discharge was found in excess of 90 percent over a broad range of pressure in preliminary experiments, and microwave heating compared to electrothermal heating showed much higher temperatures in gasdynamic equations.

Harnessing electrical forces for separation. Capillary zone electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing, field-flow fractionation, split-flow thin-cell continuous-separation and other techniques.

PubMed

Giddings, J C

1989-10-20

A simple analysis, first presented twenty years ago, showed that the effectiveness of a field-driven separation like electrophoresis, as expressed by the maximum number of theoretical plates (N), is given by the dimensionless ratio of two energies N = -delta mu ext/2RT in which -delta mu ext is the electrical potential energy drop of a charged species and RT is the thermal energy (R is the gas constant and T is the absolute temperature). Quantity -delta mu ext is the product of the force F acting on the species and the path length X of separation. The exceptional power of electrophoresis, for which often N approximately 10(6), can be traced directly to the enormous magnitude of the electrical force F. This paper explores the fundamentals underlying several different means for utilizing these powerful electrical forces for separation, including capillary zone electrophoresis, gel electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing, electrical field-flow fractionation and split-flow thin continuous separation cells. Remarkably, the above equation and its relatives are found to describe the approximate performance of all these diverse electrically driven systems. Factors affecting both the resolving power and separation speed of the systems are addressed; from these considerations some broad optimization criteria emerge. The capabilities of the different methods are compared using numerical examples.

Energy Flow Exciting Field-Aligned Current at Substorm Expansion Onset

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ebihara, Y.; Tanaka, T.

2017-12-01

At substorm expansion onset, upward field-aligned currents (FACs) increase abruptly, and a large amount of electromagnetic energy starts to consume in the polar ionosphere. A question arises as to where the energy comes from. Based on the results obtained by the global magnetohydrodynamics simulation, we present energy flow and energy conversion associated with the upward FACs that manifest the onset. Our simulations show that the cusp/mantle region transmits electromagnetic energy to almost the entire region of the magnetosphere when the interplanetary magnetic field is southward. Integral curve of the Poynting flux shows a spiral moving toward the ionosphere, probably suggesting the pathway of electromagnetic energy from the cusp/mantle dynamo to the ionosphere. The near-Earth reconnection initiates three-dimensional redistribution of the magnetosphere. Flow shear in the near-Earth region results in the generation of the near-Earth dynamo and the onset FACs. The onset FACs are responsible to transport the electromagnetic energy toward the Earth. In the near-Earth region, the electromagnetic energy coming from the cusp/mantle dynamo is converted to the kinetic energy (known as bursty bulk flow) and the thermal energy (associated with high-pressure region in the inner magnetosphere). Then, they are converted to the electromagnetic energy associated with the onset FACs. A part of electromagnetic energy is stored in the lobe region during the growth phase. The release of the stored energy, together with the continuously supplied energy from the cusp/mantle dynamo, contributes to the energy supply to the ionosphere during the expansion phase.

Towards a Model of Reactive-Cracking: the Role of Reactions, Elasticity and Surface Energy Driven Flow in Poro-elastic Media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evans, O.; Spiegelman, M. W.; Wilson, C. R.; Kelemen, P. B.

2016-12-01

Many critical processes can be described by reactive fluid flow in brittle media, including hydration/alteration of oceanic plates near spreading ridges, chemical weathering, and dehydration/decarbonation of subducting plates. Such hydration reactions can produce volume changes that may induce stresses large enough to drive fracture in the rock, in turn exposing new reactive surface and modifying the permeability. A better understanding of this potentially rich feedback could also be critical in the design of engineered systems for geologic carbon sequestration. To aid understanding of these processes we have developed a macroscopic continuum description of reactive fluid flow in an elastically deformable porous media. We explore the behaviour of this model by considering a simplified hydration reaction (e.g. olivine + H20 -> serpentine + brucite). In a closed system, these hydration reactions will continue to consume available fluids until the permeability reaches zero, leaving behind it a highly stressed residuum. Our model demonstrates this limiting behaviour, and that the elastic stresses generated are large enough to cause failure/fracture of the host rock. Whilst it is understood that `reactive fracture' is an important mechanism for the continued evolution of this process, it is also proposed that imbibition/surface energy driven flow may play a role. Through a simplified set of computational experiments, we investigate the relative roles of elasticity and surface energy in both a non-reactive purely poro-elastic framework, and then in the presence of reaction. We demonstrate that surface energy can drive rapid diffusion of porosity, thus allowing the reaction to propagate over larger areas. As we expect both surface energy and fracture/failure to be of importance in these processes, we plan to integrate the current model into one that allows for fracture once critical stresses are exceeded.

Experimental study on the disinfection efficiencies of a continuous-flow ultrasound/ultraviolet baffled reactor.

PubMed

Zhou, Xiaoqin; Guo, Hao; Li, Zifu; Zhao, Junyuan; Yun, Yupan

2015-11-01

A self-designed continuous-flow ultrasound/ultraviolet (US/UV) baffled reactor was tested in this work, and the disinfection efficiency of secondary effluent from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) was investigated in terms of the different locations of ultrasonic transducers inside the reactor under similar input power densities and specific energy consumptions. Results demonstrated that the two-stage simultaneous US/UV irradiation in both chambers 2 and 3 at a flow rate of 1200 L/h performed excellent disinfection efficiency. It achieved an average feacal coliforms concentration of 201±78 colony forming unit (CFU)/L in the effluent and an average of (4.24±0.26) log10 reduction. Thereafter, 8 days of continuous operation was performed under such a condition. A total of 31 samples were taken, and all the samples were analyzed in triplicate for feacal coliforms analysis. Experimental results showed that feacal coliforms concentrations remained at about 347±174 CFU/L under the selected optimum disinfection condition, even if the influent concentrations fluctuated from 3.97×10(5) to 3.57×10(6) CFU/L. This finding implied that all effluents of continuous-flow-baffled-reactor with simultaneous US/UV disinfection could meet the requirements of the discharge standard of pollutants for municipal WWTP (GB 18918-2002) Class 1-A (1000 CFU/L) with a specific energy consumption of 0.219 kWh/m(3). Therefore, the US/UV disinfection process has great potential for practical applications. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Numerical research of dynamic characteristics in tower solar cavity receiver based on step-change radiation flux

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zhengwei; Wang, Yueshe; Hao, Yun; Wang, Qizhi

2013-07-01

The solar cavity receiver is an important light-energy to thermal-energy convector in the tower solar thermal power plant system. The heat flux in the inner surface of the cavity will show the characteristics of non-continuous step change especially in non-normal and transient weather conditions, which may result in a continuous dynamic variation of the characteristic parameters. Therefore, the research of dynamic characteristics of the receiver plays a very important role in the operation and the control safely in solar cavity receiver system. In this paper, based on the non-continuous step change of radiation flux, a non-linear dynamic model is put forward to obtain the effects of the non-continuous step change radiation flux and step change feed water flow on the receiver performance by sequential modular approach. The subject investigated in our study is a 1MW solar power station constructed in Yanqing County, Beijing. This study has obtained the dynamic responses of the characteristic parameters in the cavity receiver, such as drum pressure, drum water level, main steam flow and main steam enthalpy under step change radiation flux. And the influence law of step-change feed water flow to the dynamic characteristics in the receiver also has been analyzed. The results have a reference value for the safe operation and the control in solar cavity receiver system.

Mass flow and energy balance plus economic analysis of a full-scale biogas plant in the rice-wine-pig system.

PubMed

Li, Jiang; Kong, Chuixue; Duan, Qiwu; Luo, Tao; Mei, Zili; Lei, Yunhui

2015-10-01

This paper presents mass flow and energy balance as well as an economic analysis for a biogas plant in a rice-wine-pig system at a practical rather than laboratory scale. Results showed feeding amount was 65.30 t d(-1) (total solid matter (TSM) 1.3%) for the normal temperature continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR), and 16.20 t d(-1) (TSM 8.4%) for the mesophilic CSTR. The digestion produced 80.50 t d(-1) of mass, with 76.41 t d(-1) flowing into rice fields and 4.49 t d(-1) into composting. Energy consumption of this plant fluctuated with seasons, and surplus energy was 823, 221 kWh/year. Thus, biogas plant was critical for material recycling and energy transformation of this agro-ecosystem. The economic analysis showed that the payback time of the plant was 10.9 years. It also revealed application of biogas as a conventional energy replacement would be attractive for a crop-wine-livestock ecosystem with anaerobic digestion of manure. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Turbulence model sensitivity and scour gap effect of unsteady flow around pipe: a CFD study.

PubMed

Ali, Abbod; Sharma, R K; Ganesan, P; Akib, Shatirah

2014-01-01

A numerical investigation of incompressible and transient flow around circular pipe has been carried out at different five gap phases. Flow equations such as Navier-Stokes and continuity equations have been solved using finite volume method. Unsteady horizontal velocity and kinetic energy square root profiles are plotted using different turbulence models and their sensitivity is checked against published experimental results. Flow parameters such as horizontal velocity under pipe, pressure coefficient, wall shear stress, drag coefficient, and lift coefficient are studied and presented graphically to investigate the flow behavior around an immovable pipe and scoured bed.

Experimental Investigation of Laser-sustained Plasma in Supersonic Argon Flow

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sperber, David; Eckel, Hans-Albert; Moessinger, Peter

Laser-induced energy deposition is widely discussed as a flow control technique in supersonic transportation. In case of thermal laser-plasma upstream of a blunt body, a substantial adaptation of shock wave geometry and magnitude of wave drag is predicted. Related to the research on laser supported detonation, the paper describes the implementation of laser-sustained plasma in a supersonic Argon jet. The stable plasma state is generated by the intersection of a Q-switched Nd:YAG-laser and a continuous wave CO{sub 2}-laser beams, for ignition and maintenance of the plasma respectively. A miniature supersonic Ludwieg tube test facility generates a supersonic jet at velocitiesmore » of Mach 2.1. Modifications of the flow and plasma conditions are investigated and characterized by Schlieren flow visualisation, laser energy transmission and plasma radiation measurements. The results include the discussions of the flow field as well as the required laser and gas parameters.« less

The Shock and Vibration Digest. Volume 15. Number 1

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-01-01

acoustics The books are arranged to engineer is statistical energy analysis (SEA). This show the wealth of information that exists and the concept is...is also used for vibrating systems in pie nonlinear elements. However, for systems with a which statistical energy analysis and power flow continuous... statistical energy analysis to analyze the random nonlinear algebraic equations can be difficult. response of two identical subsystems coupled at an end

A High Order Discontinuous Galerkin Method for 2D Incompressible Flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Jia-Guo; Shu, Chi-Wang

1999-01-01

In this paper we introduce a high order discontinuous Galerkin method for two dimensional incompressible flow in vorticity streamfunction formulation. The momentum equation is treated explicitly, utilizing the efficiency of the discontinuous Galerkin method The streamfunction is obtained by a standard Poisson solver using continuous finite elements. There is a natural matching between these two finite element spaces, since the normal component of the velocity field is continuous across element boundaries. This allows for a correct upwinding gluing in the discontinuous Galerkin framework, while still maintaining total energy conservation with no numerical dissipation and total enstrophy stability The method is suitable for inviscid or high Reynolds number flows. Optimal error estimates are proven and verified by numerical experiments.

Microbial fuel cells as power supply of a low-power temperature sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khaled, Firas; Ondel, Olivier; Allard, Bruno

2016-02-01

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) show great promise as a concomitant process for water treatment and as renewable energy sources for environmental sensors. The small energy produced by MFCs and the low output voltage limit the applications of MFCs. Specific converter topologies are required to step-up the output voltage of a MFC. A Power Management Unit (PMU) is proposed for operation at low input voltage and at very low power in a completely autonomous way to capture energy from MFCs with the highest possible efficiency. The application of sensors for monitoring systems in remote locations is an important approach. MFCs could be an alternative energy source in this case. Powering a sensor with MFCs may prove the fact that wastewater may be partly turned into renewable energy for realistic applications. The Power Management Unit is demonstrated for 3.6 V output voltage at 1 mW continuous power, based on a low-cost 0.7-L MFC. A temperature sensor may operate continuously on 2-MFCs in continuous flow mode. A flyback converter under discontinuous conduction mode is also tested to power the sensor. One continuously fed MFC was able to efficiently and continuously power the sensor.

Visualizing Coolant Flow in Sodium Reactor Subassemblies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

2010-01-01

Uniformity of temperature controls peak power output. Interchannel cross-flow is the principal cross-assembly energy transport mechanism. The areas of fastest flow all occur at the exterior of the assembly. Further, the fast moving region winds around the assembly in a continuous swath. This Nek5000 simulation uses an unstructured mesh with over one billion grid points, resulting in five billion degrees of freedom per time slice. High speed patches of turbulence due to vertex shedding downstream of the wires persist for about a quarter of the wire-wrap periodic length. Credits: Science: Paul Fisher and Aleks Obabko, Argonne National Laboratory. Visualization: Hankmore » Childs and Janet Jacobsen, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. This research used resources of the Argonne Leadership Computing Facility at Argonne National Laboratory, which is supported by the Office of Science of the U.S. Dept. of Energy under contract DE-AC02-06CH11357. This research was sponsored by the Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy's NEAMS program.« less

Continuous and scalable polymer capsule processing for inertial fusion energy target shell fabrication using droplet microfluidics.

PubMed

Li, Jin; Lindley-Start, Jack; Porch, Adrian; Barrow, David

2017-07-24

High specification, polymer capsules, to produce inertial fusion energy targets, were continuously fabricated using surfactant-free, inertial centralisation, and ultrafast polymerisation, in a scalable flow reactor. Laser-driven, inertial confinement fusion depends upon the interaction of high-energy lasers and hydrogen isotopes, contained within small, spherical and concentric target shells, causing a nuclear fusion reaction at ~150 M°C. Potentially, targets will be consumed at ~1 M per day per reactor, demanding a 5000x unit cost reduction to ~$0.20, and is a critical, key challenge. Experimentally, double emulsions were used as templates for capsule-shells, and were formed at 20 Hz, on a fluidic chip. Droplets were centralised in a dynamic flow, and their shapes both evaluated, and mathematically modeled, before subsequent shell solidification. The shells were photo-cured individually, on-the-fly, with precisely-actuated, millisecond-length (70 ms), uniform-intensity UV pulses, delivered through eight, radially orchestrated light-pipes. The near 100% yield rate of uniform shells had a minimum 99.0% concentricity and sphericity, and the solidification processing period was significantly reduced, over conventional batch methods. The data suggest the new possibility of a continuous, on-the-fly, IFE target fabrication process, employing sequential processing operations within a continuous enclosed duct system, which may include cryogenic fuel-filling, and shell curing, to produce ready-to-use IFE targets.

A perspective of laminar-flow control. [aircraft energy efficiency program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Braslow, A. L.; Muraca, R. J.

1978-01-01

A historical review of the development of laminar flow control technology is presented with reference to active laminar boundary-layer control through suction, the use of multiple suction slots, wind-tunnel tests, continuous suction, and spanwise contamination. The ACEE laminar flow control program is outlined noting the development of three-dimensional boundary-layer codes, cruise-noise prediction techniques, airfoil development, and leading-edge region cleaning. Attention is given to glove flight tests and the fabrication and testing of wing box designs.

Energy Efficiency and Productivity Enhancement of Microbial Electrosynthesis of Acetate

PubMed Central

LaBelle, Edward V.; May, Harold D.

2017-01-01

It was hypothesized that a lack of acetogenic biomass (biocatalyst) at the cathode of a microbial electrosynthesis system, due to electron and nutrient limitations, has prevented further improvement in acetate productivity and efficiency. In order to increase the biomass at the cathode and thereby performance, a bioelectrochemical system with this acetogenic community was operated under galvanostatic control and continuous media flow through a reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) foam cathode. The combination of galvanostatic control and the high surface area cathode reduced the electron limitation and the continuous flow overcame the nutrient limitation while avoiding the accumulation of products and potential inhibitors. These conditions were set with the intention of operating the biocathode through the production of H2. Biofilm growth occurred on and within the unmodified RVC foam regardless of vigorous H2 generation on the cathode surface. A maximum volumetric rate or space time yield for acetate production of 0.78 g/Lcatholyte/h was achieved with 8 A/Lcatholyte (83.3 A/m2projected surface area of cathode) supplied to the continuous flow/culture bioelectrochemical reactors. The total Coulombic efficiency in H2 and acetate ranged from approximately 80–100%, with a maximum of 35% in acetate. The overall energy efficiency ranged from approximately 35–42% with a maximum to acetate of 12%. PMID:28515713

Energy Efficiency and Productivity Enhancement of Microbial Electrosynthesis of Acetate.

PubMed

LaBelle, Edward V; May, Harold D

2017-01-01

It was hypothesized that a lack of acetogenic biomass (biocatalyst) at the cathode of a microbial electrosynthesis system, due to electron and nutrient limitations, has prevented further improvement in acetate productivity and efficiency. In order to increase the biomass at the cathode and thereby performance, a bioelectrochemical system with this acetogenic community was operated under galvanostatic control and continuous media flow through a reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) foam cathode. The combination of galvanostatic control and the high surface area cathode reduced the electron limitation and the continuous flow overcame the nutrient limitation while avoiding the accumulation of products and potential inhibitors. These conditions were set with the intention of operating the biocathode through the production of H 2 . Biofilm growth occurred on and within the unmodified RVC foam regardless of vigorous H 2 generation on the cathode surface. A maximum volumetric rate or space time yield for acetate production of 0.78 g/L catholyte /h was achieved with 8 A/L catholyte (83.3 A/m 2 projected surface area of cathode) supplied to the continuous flow/culture bioelectrochemical reactors. The total Coulombic efficiency in H 2 and acetate ranged from approximately 80-100%, with a maximum of 35% in acetate. The overall energy efficiency ranged from approximately 35-42% with a maximum to acetate of 12%.

An analytic approach to optimize tidal turbine fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pelz, P.; Metzler, M.

2013-12-01

Motivated by global warming due to CO2-emission various technologies for harvesting of energy from renewable sources are developed. Hydrokinetic turbines get applied to surface watercourse or tidal flow to gain electrical energy. Since the available power for hydrokinetic turbines is proportional to the projected cross section area, fields of turbines are installed to scale shaft power. Each hydrokinetic turbine of a field can be considered as a disk actuator. In [1], the first author derives the optimal operation point for hydropower in an open-channel. The present paper concerns about a 0-dimensional model of a disk-actuator in an open-channel flow with bypass, as a special case of [1]. Based on the energy equation, the continuity equation and the momentum balance an analytical approach is made to calculate the coefficient of performance for hydrokinetic turbines with bypass flow as function of the turbine head and the ratio of turbine width to channel width.

A 4-cylinder Stirling engine computer program with dynamic energy equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Daniele, C. J.; Lorenzo, C. F.

1983-01-01

A computer program for simulating the steady state and transient performance of a four cylinder Stirling engine is presented. The thermodynamic model includes both continuity and energy equations and linear momentum terms (flow resistance). Each working space between the pistons is broken into seven control volumes. Drive dynamics and vehicle load effects are included. The model contains 70 state variables. Also included in the model are piston rod seal leakage effects. The computer program includes a model of a hydrogen supply system, from which hydrogen may be added to the system to accelerate the engine. Flow charts are provided.

A continuous sampler with background suppression for monitoring alpha-emitting aerosol particles.

PubMed

McFarland, A R; Rodgers, J C; Ortiz, C A; Moore, M E

1992-05-01

A continuous air monitor has been developed that includes provisions for improving the detection of alpha-emitting aerosol particles in the presence of radon/thoron progeny that are unattached to ambient aerosol particles. Wind tunnel tests show that 80% of 10-microns aerodynamic equivalent diameter particles penetrate the flow system from the ambient air to the collection filter when the flow rate is 57 L min-1 (2 cfm) and the wind speed is 1 m s-1. Uniformity of aerosol collection on the filter, as characterized by the coefficient of variation of the areal density deposits, is less than 15% for 10-microns aerodynamic-equivalent-diameter aerosol particles. Tests with unattached radon daughters in a flow-through chamber showed that approximately 99% of the 218Po was removed by an inlet screen that is designed to collect radon daughters that are in the size range of molecular clusters. The inlet screen offers the opportunity to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of energy spectra in the regions of interest (subranges of the energy spectrum) of transuranic elements and thereby enhance the performance of background compensation algorithms.

Hybrid Graphene-Polyoxometalates Nanofluids as Liquid Electrodes for Dual Energy Storage in Novel Flow Cells.

PubMed

Dubal, Deepak P; Rueda-Garcia, Daniel; Marchante, Carlos; Benages, Raul; Gomez-Romero, Pedro

2018-02-22

Solid Hybrid materials abound. But flowing versions of them are new actors in the materials science landscape and in particular for energy applications. This paper presents a new way to deliver nanostructured hybrid materials for energy storage, namely, in the form of nanofluids. We present here the first example of a hybrid electroactive nanofluid (HENFs) combining capacitive and faradaic energy storage mechanisms in a single fluid material. This liquid electrode is composed of reduced graphene oxide and polyoxometalates (rGO-POMs) forming a stable nanocomposite for electrochemical energy storage in novel Nanofluid Flow Cells. Two graphene based hybrid materials (rGO-phosphomolybdate, rGO-PMo 12 and rGO-phosphotungstate, rGO-PW 12 ) were synthesized and dispersed with the aid of a surfactant in 1 M H 2 SO 4 aqueous electrolyte to yield highly stable hybrid electroactive nanofluids (HENFs) of low viscosity which were tested in a home-made flow cell under static and continuous flowing conditions. Remarkably, even low concentration rGO-POMs HENFs (0.025 wt%) exhibited high specific capacitances of 273 F/g(rGO-PW 12 ) and 305 F/g(rGO-PMo 12 ) with high specific energy and specific power. Moreover, rGO-POM HENFs show excellent cycling stability (∼95 %) as well as Coulombic efficiency (∼77-79 %) after 2000 cycles. Thus, rGO-POM HENFs effectively behave as real liquid electrodes with excellent properties, demonstrating the possible future application of HENFs for dual energy storage in a new generation of Nanofluid Flow Cells. © 2018 The Chemical Society of Japan & Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Orthogonal time-of-flight mass spectrometry of an ion beam with a broad kinetic energy profile.

PubMed

Miller, S W; Prince, B D; Bemish, R J

2017-10-01

A combined experimental and modeling effort is undertaken to assess a detection system composed of an orthogonal extraction time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer coupled to a continuous ion source emitting an ion beam with kinetic energy of several hundred eV. The continuous ion source comprises an electrospray capillary system employing an undiluted ionic liquid emitting directly into vacuum. The resulting ion beam consists of ions with kinetic energy distributions of width greater than a hundred of eV and mass-to-charge (m/q) ratios ranging from 111 to 500 000 amu/q. In particular, the investigation aims to demonstrate the kinetic energy resolution along the ion beam axis (axial) of orthogonally extracted ions in measurements of the axial kinetic energy-specific mass spectrum, mass flow rate, and total ion current. The described instrument is capable of simultaneous measurement of a broad m/q range in a single acquisition cycle with approximately 25 eV/q axial kinetic energy resolution. Mass resolutions of ∼340 (M/ΔM, FWHM) were obtained for ions at m/q = 1974. Comparison of the orthogonally extracted TOF mass spectrum to mass flow and ion current measurements obtained with a quartz-crystal microbalance and Faraday cup, respectively, shows reasonable numeric agreement and qualitative agreement in the trend as a function of energy defect.

Dark energy domination in the Virgocentric flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chernin, A. D.; Karachentsev, I. D.; Nasonova, O. G.; Teerikorpi, P.; Valtonen, M. J.; Dolgachev, V. P.; Domozhilova, L. M.; Byrd, G. G.

2010-09-01

Context. The standard ΛCDM cosmological model implies that all celestial bodies are embedded in a perfectly uniform dark energy background, represented by Einstein's cosmological constant, and experience its repulsive antigravity action. Aims: Can dark energy have strong dynamical effects on small cosmic scales as well as globally? Continuing our efforts to clarify this question, we now focus on the Virgo Cluster and the flow of expansion around it. Methods: We interpret the Hubble diagram from a new database of velocities and distances of galaxies in the cluster and its environment, using a nonlinear analytical model, which incorporates the antigravity force in terms of Newtonian mechanics. The key parameter is the zero-gravity radius, the distance at which gravity and antigravity are in balance. Results: 1. The interplay between the gravity of the cluster and the antigravity of the dark energy background determines the kinematical structure of the system and controls its evolution. 2. The gravity dominates the quasi-stationary bound cluster, while the antigravity controls the Virgocentric flow, bringing order and regularity to the flow, which reaches linearity and the global Hubble rate at distances ⪆15 Mpc. 3. The cluster and the flow form a system similar to the Local Group and its outflow. In the velocity-distance diagram, the cluster-flow structure reproduces the group-flow structure with a scaling factor of about 10; the zero-gravity radius for the cluster system is also 10 times larger. Conclusions: The phase and dynamical similarity of the systems on the scales of 1-30 Mpc suggests that a two-component pattern may be universal for groups and clusters: a quasi-stationary bound central component and an expanding outflow around it, caused by the nonlinear gravity-antigravity interplay with the dark energy dominating in the flow component.

Metabolic engineering: the ultimate paradigm for continuous pharmaceutical manufacturing.

PubMed

Yadav, Vikramaditya G; Stephanopoulos, Gregory

2014-07-01

Research and development (R&D) expenditures by pharmaceutical companies doubled over the past decade, yet candidate attrition rates and development times rose markedly during this period. Understandably, companies have begun downsizing their pipelines and diverting investments away from R&D in favor of manufacturing. It is estimated that transitioning to continuous manufacturing could enable companies to compete for a share in emerging markets. Accordingly, the model for continuous manufacturing that has emerged commences with the conversion of late-stage intermediates into the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in a series of continuous flow reactors, followed by continuous solid processing to form finished tablets. The use of flow reactions for API synthesis will certainly generate purer products at higher yields in shorter times compared to equivalent batch reactions. However, transitioning from batch to flow configuration simply alleviates transport limitations within the reaction milieu. As the catalogue of reactions used in flow syntheses is a subset of batch-based chemistries, molecules such as natural products will continue to evade drug prospectors. Also, it is uncertain whether flow synthesis can deliver improvements in the atom and energy economies of API production at the scales that would achieve the levels of revenue growth targeted by companies. Instead, it is argued that implementing metabolic engineering for the production of oxidized scaffolds as gateway molecules for flow-based addition of electrophiles is a more effective and scalable strategy for accessing natural product chemical space. This new paradigm for manufacturing, with metabolic engineering as its engine, would also permit rapid optimization of production variables and allow facile scale-up from gram to ton scale to meet material requirements for clinical trials, thus recasting manufacturing as a tool for discovery. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Analysis of Two-Phase Flow in Damper Seals for Cryogenic Turbopumps

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arauz, Grigory L.; SanAndres, Luis

1996-01-01

Cryogenic damper seals operating close to the liquid-vapor region (near the critical point or slightly su-cooled) are likely to present two-phase flow conditions. Under single phase flow conditions the mechanical energy conveyed to the fluid increases its temperature and causes a phase change when the fluid temperature reaches the saturation value. A bulk-flow analysis for the prediction of the dynamic force response of damper seals operating under two-phase conditions is presented as: all-liquid, liquid-vapor, and all-vapor, i.e. a 'continuous vaporization' model. The two phase region is considered as a homogeneous saturated mixture in thermodynamic equilibrium. Th flow in each region is described by continuity, momentum and energy transport equations. The interdependency of fluid temperatures and pressure in the two-phase region (saturated mixture) does not allow the use of an energy equation in terms of fluid temperature. Instead, the energy transport is expressed in terms of fluid enthalpy. Temperature in the single phase regions, or mixture composition in the two phase region are determined based on the fluid enthalpy. The flow is also regarded as adiabatic since the large axial velocities typical of the seal application determine small levels of heat conduction to the walls as compared to the heat carried by fluid advection. Static and dynamic force characteristics for the seal are obtained from a perturbation analysis of the governing equations. The solution expressed in terms of zeroth and first order fields provide the static (leakage, torque, velocity, pressure, temperature, and mixture composition fields) and dynamic (rotordynamic force coefficients) seal parameters. Theoretical predictions show good agreement with experimental leakage pressure profiles, available from a Nitrogen at cryogenic temperatures. Force coefficient predictions for two phase flow conditions show significant fluid compressibility effects, particularly for mixtures with low mass content of vapor. Under these conditions, an increase on direct stiffness and reduction of whirl frequency ratio are shown to occur. Prediction of such important effects will motivate experimental studies as well as a more judicious selection of the operating conditions for seals used in cryogenic turbomachinery.

Turbulence Model Sensitivity and Scour Gap Effect of Unsteady Flow around Pipe: A CFD Study

PubMed Central

Ali, Abbod; Sharma, R. K.; Ganesan, P.

2014-01-01

A numerical investigation of incompressible and transient flow around circular pipe has been carried out at different five gap phases. Flow equations such as Navier-Stokes and continuity equations have been solved using finite volume method. Unsteady horizontal velocity and kinetic energy square root profiles are plotted using different turbulence models and their sensitivity is checked against published experimental results. Flow parameters such as horizontal velocity under pipe, pressure coefficient, wall shear stress, drag coefficient, and lift coefficient are studied and presented graphically to investigate the flow behavior around an immovable pipe and scoured bed. PMID:25136666

Thermochemical energy storage: Proceedings from the International Seminar on hermochemical Energy Storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wettermark, G.

1980-10-01

Energy storage problems are explored. Tomorrow's energy sources will provide a continuous flow of energy. Matching supply and demand will necessitate a wide range of storage capabilities. For storing heat thermochemical and economic solutions may take advantage of the various options inherent in this kind of storage, namely heat pumping, transport of heat and direct conversion to other desired forms of energy such as electricity and mechanical work. There is a need to regularly summarize the knowledge and research in the field of thermochemical energy storage in different parts of the world.

Implicit marching solution of compressible viscous subsonic flow in planar and axisymmetric ducts. Ph.D. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Towne, C. E.; Hoffman, J. D.

1982-01-01

A new streamwise marching procedure was developed and coded for compressible viscous subsonic flow in planar or axisymmetric ducts with or without centerbodies. The continuity, streamwise momentum, cross-flow momentum, and energy equations are written in generalized orthogonal curvilinear coordinates. To allow the use of a marching procedure, second derivatives in the streamwise momentum equation are written as the sum of a known two dimensional imposed pressure field and an unknown one dimensional viscous correction. For turbulent flow, the Reynolds stress and heat flux terms are modeled using two-layer eddy viscosity turbulence models.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schipper, L.

Ongoing research into the use and conservation of energy in Kenya is reported briefly. A partial accounting of energy use in Kenya is presented, and evidence that some energy conservation has been taking place is discussed. A fuller accounting for all commercial energy flows is both possible and desirable. The work presented should serve as a basis for further data collection and analysis in Kenya, and can be used as a model for similar efforts in other countries. The author intends to continue much of this energy accounting in Kenya in the latter half of 1980.

Gravity Does it: Redshift of Light from the Galaxies Yes, Expanding Universe NO!

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malhotra, Satish

2018-04-01

In the history of physics, ideas on space and time have changed the course of physics a number of times; this is another such event. We postulate 'space and time' as a flow of quantum gravity energy, having the absolute velocity c (same as velocity of light), where time is the delay in the spread of space (delay from infinite velocity flow, when there would be no time), such a flow has to have a reverse cycle, as energy creating it (howsoever large it might be has to be limited and limited energy can only create a limited space and time energy spread) and the reverse cycle is that of the creation of fundamental particles. This explanation of the universe tells us that the idea of an expanding universe is only an appearance, the argument, in brief, is as follows: One, the universe is so large that we cannot see the edges, light from the edges, the reality is non-observable. Two, the process is dark, it is beyond observation, the process of creation of charge (the reflection of light starts with it), the space energy flow process is in the range of invisible (before charge emerged); it is the elusive dark energy of the universe; we never connected space and time to flow of energy, and so did not find its connection either to its limitedness or to its dark nature (dark energy). Three, the space energy flow has a reverse process which leads to the formation of fundamental particles we have not included it in the totality of the processes of the universe, the former is the dark energy and the initial part of the reverse process—till it reaches the state of ionisation-- is dark matter. In the continuity of the cycle of space flow and its reversal to matter forms, ionisation happens at a particular point and visibility comes through along with; ionisation here is a later event (which is a part of the reverse process, enters visibility).It is this reverse process which creates fundamental particles (no big bang creation. With no idea of space as energy flow and no idea of the reverse process, physicists could never take the step in the direction of the correct understanding of the 'dark energy' or 'dark matter'.

Granular compaction by fluidization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tariot, Alexis; Gauthier, Georges; Gondret, Philippe

2017-06-01

How to arrange a packing of spheres is a scientific question that aroused many fundamental works since a long time from Kepler's conjecture to Edward's theory (S. F. Edwards and R.B.S Oakeshott. Theory of powders. Physica A, 157: 1080-1090, 1989), where the role traditionally played by the energy in statistical problems is replaced by the volume for athermal grains. We present experimental results on the compaction of a granular pile immersed in a viscous fluid when submited to a continuous or bursting upward flow. An initial fluidized bed leads to a well reproduced initial loose packing by the settling of grains when the high enough continuous upward flow is turned off. When the upward flow is then turned on again, we record the dynamical evolution of the bed packing. For a low enough continuous upward flow, below the critical velocity of fluidization, a slow compaction dynamics is observed. Strikingly, a slow compaction can be also observed in the case of "fluidization taps" with bursts of fluid velocity higher than the critical fluidization velocity. The different compaction dynamics is discussed when varying the different control parameters of these "fluidization taps".

OPTICAL FIBER SENSOR TECHNOLOGIES FOR EFFICIENT AND ECONOMICAL OIL RECOVERY

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kristie Cooper; Gary Pickrell; Anbo Wang

2003-04-01

This report summarizes technical progress over the fourth year of the ''Optical Fiber Sensor Technologies for Efficient and Economical Oil Recovery'' program, funded by the Federal Energy Technology Center of the U.S. Department of Energy, and performed by the Center for Photonics Technology of the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Virginia Tech. During the reporting period, research efforts under the program were focused on the development and evaluation of the fiber optic flow sensor system, and field testing in Tulsa, OK and the second field test of the pressure and temperature sensors in Coalinga, CA. The feasibilitymore » of a self-compensating fiber optic flow sensor based on a cantilever beam and interferometer for real-time flow rate measurements in the fluid filled pipes of oil field was clearly demonstrated. In addition, field testing of the pressure and temperature sensors deployed downhole continued. These accomplishments are summarized here: (1) Theoretical analysis and simulations were performed to ensure performance of the design. (2) The sensor fabrication and packaging techniques were investigated and improved. (3) Prototype flow sensors were fabricated based on the fabrication experience of hundreds of test sensors. (4) A lab-scale flow testing system was constructed and used for sensor evaluation. (5) Field-testing was performed in both the indoor and outdoor flow testing facility at the University of Tulsa, OK. (6) Testing of a multimode white light pressure and temperature sensor system continued at the oil site of Chevron/Texaco Company (Coalinga CA).« less

Acceleration of the highest energy cosmic rays through proton-neutron conversions in relativistic bulk flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Derishev, E.; Aharonian, F.

We show that, in the presence of radiation field, relativistic bulk flows can very quikly accelerate protons and electrons up to the energies limited either by Hillas criterion or by synchrotron losses. Unlike the traditional approach, we take advantage of continuous photon-induced conversion of charged particle species to neutral ones, and vice versa (proton-neutron or electron-photon). Such a conversion, though it leads to considerable energy losses, allows accelerated particles to increase their energies in each scattering by a factor roughly equal to the bulk Lorentz factor, thus avoiding the need in slow and relatively inefficient diffusive acceleration. The optical depth of accelerating region with respect to inelastic photon-induced reactions (pair production for electrons and photomeson reactions for protons) should be a substancial fraction of unity. Remarkably, self-tuning of the optical depth is automatically achieved as long as the photon density depends on the distance along the bulk flow. This mechanism can work in Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs), Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs), microquasars, or any other object with relativistic bulk flows embedded in radiation-reach environment. Both GRBs and AGNs turn out to be capable of producing 1020 eV cosmic rays.

A comparative parametric study of a catalytic plate methane reformer coated with segmented and continuous layers of combustion catalyst for hydrogen production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mundhwa, Mayur; Parmar, Rajesh D.; Thurgood, Christopher P.

2017-03-01

A parametric comparison study is carried out between segmented and conventional continuous layer configurations of the coated combustion-catalyst to investigate their influence on the performance of methane steam reforming (MSR) for hydrogen production in a catalytic plate reactor (CPR). MSR is simulated on one side of a thin plate over a continuous layer of nickel-alumina catalyst by implementing an experimentally validated surface microkinetic model. Required thermal energy for the MSR reaction is supplied by simulating catalytic methane combustion (CMC) on the opposite side of the plate over segmented and continuous layer of a platinum-alumina catalyst by implementing power law rate model. The simulation results of both coating configurations of the combustion-catalyst are compared using the following parameters: (1) co-flow and counter-flow modes between CMC and MSR, (2) gas hourly space velocity and (3) reforming-catalyst thickness. The study explains why CPR designed with the segmented combustion-catalyst and co-flow mode shows superior performance not only in terms of high hydrogen production but also in terms of minimizing the maximum reactor plate temperature and thermal hot-spots. The study shows that the segmented coating requires 7% to 8% less combustion-side feed flow and 70% less combustion-catalyst to produce the required flow of hydrogen (29.80 mol/h) on the reforming-side to feed a 1 kW fuel-cell compared to the conventional continuous coating of the combustion-catalyst.

Dynamic Transitions and Baroclinic Instability for 3D Continuously Stratified Boussinesq Flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Şengül, Taylan; Wang, Shouhong

2018-02-01

The main objective of this article is to study the nonlinear stability and dynamic transitions of the basic (zonal) shear flows for the three-dimensional continuously stratified rotating Boussinesq model. The model equations are fundamental equations in geophysical fluid dynamics, and dynamics associated with their basic zonal shear flows play a crucial role in understanding many important geophysical fluid dynamical processes, such as the meridional overturning oceanic circulation and the geophysical baroclinic instability. In this paper, first we derive a threshold for the energy stability of the basic shear flow, and obtain a criterion for local nonlinear stability in terms of the critical horizontal wavenumbers and the system parameters such as the Froude number, the Rossby number, the Prandtl number and the strength of the shear flow. Next, we demonstrate that the system always undergoes a dynamic transition from the basic shear flow to either a spatiotemporal oscillatory pattern or circle of steady states, as the shear strength of the basic flow crosses a critical threshold. Also, we show that the dynamic transition can be either continuous or catastrophic, and is dictated by the sign of a transition number, fully characterizing the nonlinear interactions of different modes. Both the critical shear strength and the transition number are functions of the system parameters. A systematic numerical method is carried out to explore transition in different flow parameter regimes. In particular, our numerical investigations show the existence of a hypersurface which separates the parameter space into regions where the basic shear flow is stable and unstable. Numerical investigations also yield that the selection of horizontal wave indices is determined only by the aspect ratio of the box. We find that the system admits only critical eigenmodes with roll patterns aligned with the x-axis. Furthermore, numerically we encountered continuous transitions to multiple steady states, as well as continuous and catastrophic transitions to spatiotemporal oscillations.

SHEAR ACCELERATION IN EXPANDING FLOWS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rieger, F. M.; Duffy, P., E-mail: frank.rieger@mpi-hd.mpg.de, E-mail: peter.duffy@ucd.ie

Shear flows are naturally expected to occur in astrophysical environments and potential sites of continuous non-thermal Fermi-type particle acceleration. Here we investigate the efficiency of expanding relativistic outflows to facilitate the acceleration of energetic charged particles to higher energies. To this end, the gradual shear acceleration coefficient is derived based on an analytical treatment. The results are applied to the context of the relativistic jets from active galactic nuclei. The inferred acceleration timescale is investigated for a variety of conical flow profiles (i.e., power law, Gaussian, Fermi–Dirac) and compared to the relevant radiative and non-radiative loss timescales. The results exemplifymore » that relativistic shear flows are capable of boosting cosmic-rays to extreme energies. Efficient electron acceleration, on the other hand, requires weak magnetic fields and may thus be accompanied by a delayed onset of particle energization and affect the overall jet appearance (e.g., core, ridge line, and limb-brightening).« less

Energy Harvesting for Micropower Applications by Flow-Induced Flutter of an Inverted Piezoelectric Flag

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shoele, Kourosh; Mittal, Rajat

2015-11-01

Piezoelectric flexible flags can be used to continuously generate energy for small-scale sensor used in a wide variety of applications ranging from measurement/monitoring of environmental conditions (outdoors or indoors) to in-situ tracking of wild animals. Here, we study the energy harvesting performance as well as the flow-structure interaction of an inverted piezoelectric flag. We use a coupled fluid-structure-electric solver to examine the dynamic response of the inverted flag as well as the associated vortical characteristics with different inertia and bending stiffness. Simulations indicate that large amplitude vibrations can be achieved over a large range of parameters over which lock-on between the flag flutter and the intrinsic wake shedding occurs. The effects of initial inclination of the flag to the prevailing flow as well as Reynolds number of the flow are explored, and the effect of piezoelectric material parameters on the energy harvesting performance of this flutter state is examined in detail. The maximum energy efficiency occurs when there is a match between the intrinsic timescales of flutter and the piezoelectric circuit. The simulations are used to formulate a scaling law that could be used to predict the energy harvesting performance of such devices. The support for this study comes from AFSOR, NSF, EPRI and Johns Hopkins E2SHI Seed Grant.

Investigation of a continuous heating/cooling technique for cardiac output measurement.

PubMed

Ehlers, K C; Mylrea, K C; Calkins, J M

1987-01-01

Cardiac output is frequently measured to assess patient hemodynamic status in the operating room and intensive care unit. Current research for measuring cardiac output includes continuous sinusoidal heating and synchronous detection of thermal signals. This technique is limited by maximum heating element temperatures and background thermal noise. A continuous heating and cooling technique was investigated in vitro to determine if greater thermal signal magnitudes could be obtained. A fast responding thermistor was employed to measure consecutive ejected temperature plateaus in the thermal signal. A flow bath and mechanical ventricle were used to simulate the cardiovascular system. A thermoelectric module was used to apply heating and cooling energy to the flow stream. Trials encompassing a range of input power, input frequency, and flow rate were conducted. By alternating heating and cooling, thermal signal magnitude can be increased when compared to continuous heating alone. However, the increase was not sufficient to allow for recording in all patients over the expected normal range of cardiac output. Consecutive ejected temperature plateaus were also measured on the thermal signal and ejection fraction calculations were made.

Real-time segmentation in 4D ultrasound with continuous max-flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajchl, M.; Yuan, J.; Peters, T. M.

2012-02-01

We present a novel continuous Max-Flow based method to segment the inner left ventricular wall from 3D trans-esophageal echocardiography image sequences, which minimizes an energy functional encoding two Fisher-Tippett distributions and a geometrical constraint in form of a Euclidean distance map in a numerically efficient and accurate way. After initialization the method is fully automatic and is able to perform at up to 10Hz making it available for image-guided interventions. Results are shown on 4D TEE data sets from 18 patients with pathological cardiac conditions and the speed of the algorithm is assessed under a variety of conditions.

Suppression of chaos via control of energy flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Shengli; Ma, Jun; Alsaedi, Ahmed

2018-03-01

Continuous energy supply is critical and important to support oscillating behaviour; otherwise, the oscillator will die. For nonlinear and chaotic circuits, enough energy supply is also important to keep electric devices working. In this paper, Hamilton energy is calculated for dimensionless dynamical system (e.g., the chaotic Lorenz system) using Helmholtz's theorem. The Hamilton energy is considered as a new variable and then the dynamical system is controlled by using the scheme of energy feedback. It is found that chaos can be suppressed even when intermittent feedback scheme is applied. This scheme is effective to control chaos and to stabilise other dynamical systems.

Do Changes in Current Flow as a Result of Arrays of Tidal Turbines Have an Effect on Benthic Communities?

PubMed

Kregting, Louise; Elsaesser, Bjoern; Kennedy, Robert; Smyth, David; O'Carroll, Jack; Savidge, Graham

2016-01-01

Arrays of tidal energy converters have the potential to provide clean renewable energy for future generations. Benthic communities may, however, be affected by changes in current speeds resulting from arrays of tidal converters located in areas characterised by strong currents. Current speed, together with bottom type and depth, strongly influence benthic community distributions; however the interaction of these factors in controlling benthic dynamics in high energy environments is poorly understood. The Strangford Lough Narrows, the location of SeaGen, the world's first single full-scale, grid-compliant tidal energy extractor, is characterised by spatially heterogenous high current flows. A hydrodynamic model was used to select a range of benthic community study sites that had median flow velocities between 1.5-2.4 m/s in a depth range of 25-30 m. 25 sites were sampled for macrobenthic community structure using drop down video survey to test the sensitivity of the distribution of benthic communities to changes in the flow field. A diverse range of species were recorded which were consistent with those for high current flow environments and corresponding to very tide-swept faunal communities in the EUNIS classification. However, over the velocity range investigated, no changes in benthic communities were observed. This suggested that the high physical disturbance associated with the high current flows in the Strangford Narrows reflected the opportunistic nature of the benthic species present with individuals being continuously and randomly affected by turbulent forces and physical damage. It is concluded that during operation, the removal of energy by marine tidal energy arrays in the far-field is unlikely to have a significant effect on benthic communities in high flow environments. The results are of major significance to developers and regulators in the tidal energy industry when considering the environmental impacts for site licences.

Do Changes in Current Flow as a Result of Arrays of Tidal Turbines Have an Effect on Benthic Communities?

PubMed Central

Kregting, Louise; Elsaesser, Bjoern; Kennedy, Robert; Smyth, David; O’Carroll, Jack; Savidge, Graham

2016-01-01

Arrays of tidal energy converters have the potential to provide clean renewable energy for future generations. Benthic communities may, however, be affected by changes in current speeds resulting from arrays of tidal converters located in areas characterised by strong currents. Current speed, together with bottom type and depth, strongly influence benthic community distributions; however the interaction of these factors in controlling benthic dynamics in high energy environments is poorly understood. The Strangford Lough Narrows, the location of SeaGen, the world’s first single full-scale, grid-compliant tidal energy extractor, is characterised by spatially heterogenous high current flows. A hydrodynamic model was used to select a range of benthic community study sites that had median flow velocities between 1.5–2.4 m/s in a depth range of 25–30 m. 25 sites were sampled for macrobenthic community structure using drop down video survey to test the sensitivity of the distribution of benthic communities to changes in the flow field. A diverse range of species were recorded which were consistent with those for high current flow environments and corresponding to very tide-swept faunal communities in the EUNIS classification. However, over the velocity range investigated, no changes in benthic communities were observed. This suggested that the high physical disturbance associated with the high current flows in the Strangford Narrows reflected the opportunistic nature of the benthic species present with individuals being continuously and randomly affected by turbulent forces and physical damage. It is concluded that during operation, the removal of energy by marine tidal energy arrays in the far-field is unlikely to have a significant effect on benthic communities in high flow environments. The results are of major significance to developers and regulators in the tidal energy industry when considering the environmental impacts for site licences. PMID:27560657

Recent developments in organic redox flow batteries: A critical review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leung, P.; Shah, A. A.; Sanz, L.; Flox, C.; Morante, J. R.; Xu, Q.; Mohamed, M. R.; Ponce de León, C.; Walsh, F. C.

2017-08-01

Redox flow batteries (RFBs) have emerged as prime candidates for energy storage on the medium and large scales, particularly at the grid scale. The demand for versatile energy storage continues to increase as more electrical energy is generated from intermittent renewable sources. A major barrier in the way of broad deployment and deep market penetration is the use of expensive metals as the active species in the electrolytes. The use of organic redox couples in aqueous or non-aqueous electrolytes is a promising approach to reducing the overall cost in long-term, since these materials can be low-cost and abundant. The performance of such redox couples can be tuned by modifying their chemical structure. In recent years, significant developments in organic redox flow batteries has taken place, with the introduction of new groups of highly soluble organic molecules, capable of providing a cell voltage and charge capacity comparable to conventional metal-based systems. This review summarises the fundamental developments and characterization of organic redox flow batteries from both the chemistry and materials perspectives. The latest advances, future challenges and opportunities for further development are discussed.

Giant Volume Change of Active Gels under Continuous Flow

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-04-21

harnessing chemical energy to produce motion, for example, using the energy released by ATP hydrolysis to power the directed movement of muscle fibers or micro ...microfluidic systems to generate capsules of biopolymer hydrogels, Herr demonstrated the use of gels for automated microfluidic protein blotting,13 Wu...active gels driven by the Belousov−Zhabotinsky reaction. These results demon- strate that microfluidics offers a useful and facile experimental

On the Lagrangian description of unsteady boundary-layer separation. I - General theory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Van Dommelen, Leon L.; Cowley, Stephen J.

1990-01-01

Although unsteady, high-Reynolds number, laminar boundary layers have conventionally been studied in terms of Eulerian coordinates, a Lagrangian approach may have significant analytical and computational advantages. In Lagrangian coordinates the classical boundary layer equations decouple into a momentum equation for the motion parallel to the boundary, and a hyperbolic continuity equation (essentially a conserved Jacobian) for the motion normal to the boundary. The momentum equations, plus the energy equation if the flow is compressible, can be solved independently of the continuity equation. Unsteady separation occurs when the continuity equation becomes singular as a result of touching characteristics, the condition for which can be expressed in terms of the solution of the momentum equations. The solutions to the momentum and energy equations remain regular. Asymptotic structures for a number of unsteady 3-D separating flows follow and depend on the symmetry properties of the flow. In the absence of any symmetry, the singularity structure just prior to separation is found to be quasi 2-D with a displacement thickness in the form of a crescent shaped ridge. Physically the singularities can be understood in terms of the behavior of a fluid element inside the boundary layer which contracts in a direction parallel to the boundary and expands normal to it, thus forcing the fluid above it to be ejected from the boundary layer.

On the Lagrangian description of unsteady boundary layer separation. Part 1: General theory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vandommelen, Leon L.; Cowley, Stephen J.

1989-01-01

Although unsteady, high-Reynolds number, laminar boundary layers have conventionally been studied in terms of Eulerian coordinates, a Lagrangian approach may have significant analytical and computational advantages. In Lagrangian coordinates the classical boundary layer equations decouple into a momentum equation for the motion parallel to the boundary, and a hyperbolic continuity equation (essentially a conserved Jacobian) for the motion normal to the boundary. The momentum equations, plus the energy equation if the flow is compressible, can be solved independently of the continuity equation. Unsteady separation occurs when the continuity equation becomes singular as a result of touching characteristics, the condition for which can be expressed in terms of the solution of the momentum equations. The solutions to the momentum and energy equations remain regular. Asymptotic structures for a number of unsteady 3-D separating flows follow and depend on the symmetry properties of the flow. In the absence of any symmetry, the singularity structure just prior to separation is found to be quasi 2-D with a displacement thickness in the form of a crescent shaped ridge. Physically the singularities can be understood in terms of the behavior of a fluid element inside the boundary layer which contracts in a direction parallel to the boundary and expands normal to it, thus forcing the fluid above it to be ejected from the boundary layer.

Radiation beam calorimetric power measurement system

DOEpatents

Baker, John; Collins, Leland F.; Kuklo, Thomas C.; Micali, James V.

1992-01-01

A radiation beam calorimetric power measurement system for measuring the average power of a beam such as a laser beam, including a calorimeter configured to operate over a wide range of coolant flow rates and being cooled by continuously flowing coolant for absorbing light from a laser beam to convert the laser beam energy into heat. The system further includes a flow meter for measuring the coolant flow in the calorimeter and a pair of thermistors for measuring the temperature difference between the coolant inputs and outputs to the calorimeter. The system also includes a microprocessor for processing the measured coolant flow rate and the measured temperature difference to determine the average power of the laser beam.

Inertial Effects on Flow and Transport in Heterogeneous Porous Media.

PubMed

Nissan, Alon; Berkowitz, Brian

2018-02-02

We investigate the effects of high fluid velocities on flow and tracer transport in heterogeneous porous media. We simulate fluid flow and advective transport through two-dimensional pore-scale matrices with varying structural complexity. As the Reynolds number increases, the flow regime transitions from linear to nonlinear; this behavior is controlled by the medium structure, where higher complexity amplifies inertial effects. The result is, nonintuitively, increased homogenization of the flow field, which leads in the context of conservative chemical transport to less anomalous behavior. We quantify the transport patterns via a continuous time random walk, using the spatial distribution of the kinetic energy within the fluid as a characteristic measure.

Reactivation of dead sulfide species in lithium polysulfide flow battery for grid scale energy storage

DOE PAGES

Jin, Yang; Zhou, Guangmin; Shi, Feifei; ...

2017-09-06

Lithium polysulfide batteries possess several favorable attributes including low cost and high energy density for grid energy storage. However, the precipitation of insoluble and irreversible sulfide species on the surface of carbon and lithium (called “dead” sulfide species) leads to continuous capacity degradation in high mass loading cells, which represents a great challenge. To address this problem, herein we propose a strategy to reactivate dead sulfide species by reacting them with sulfur powder with stirring and heating (70 °C) to recover the cell capacity, and further demonstrate a flow battery system based on the reactivation approach. As a result, ultrahighmore » mass loading (0.125 g cm –3, 2g sulfur in a single cell), high volumetric energy density (135 Wh L –1), good cycle life, and high single-cell capacity are achieved. The high volumetric energy density indicates its promising application for future grid energy storage.« less

Reactivation of dead sulfide species in lithium polysulfide flow battery for grid scale energy storage

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jin, Yang; Zhou, Guangmin; Shi, Feifei

Lithium polysulfide batteries possess several favorable attributes including low cost and high energy density for grid energy storage. However, the precipitation of insoluble and irreversible sulfide species on the surface of carbon and lithium (called “dead” sulfide species) leads to continuous capacity degradation in high mass loading cells, which represents a great challenge. To address this problem, herein we propose a strategy to reactivate dead sulfide species by reacting them with sulfur powder with stirring and heating (70 °C) to recover the cell capacity, and further demonstrate a flow battery system based on the reactivation approach. As a result, ultrahighmore » mass loading (0.125 g cm –3, 2g sulfur in a single cell), high volumetric energy density (135 Wh L –1), good cycle life, and high single-cell capacity are achieved. The high volumetric energy density indicates its promising application for future grid energy storage.« less

Conceptual Design of a 100kW Energy Integrated Type Bi-Directional Tidal Current Turbine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Ki Pyoung; Ahmed, M. Rafiuddin; Lee, Young Ho

2010-06-01

The development of a tidal current turbine that can extract maximum energy from the tidal current will be extremely beneficial for supplying continuous electric power. The present paper presents a conceptual design of a 100kW energy integrated type tidal current turbine for tidal power generation. The instantaneous power density of a flowing fluid incident on an underwater turbine is proportional to the cubic power of current velocity which is approximately 2.5m/s. A cross-flow turbine, provided with a nozzle and a diffuser, is designed and analyzed. The potential advantages of ducted and diffuser-augmented turbines were taken into consideration in order to achieve higher output at a relatively low speed. This study looks at a cross-flow turbine system which is placed in an augmentation channel to generate electricity bi-directionally. The compatibility of this turbine system is verified using a commercial CFD code, ANSYSCFX. This paper presents the results of the numerical analysis in terms of pressure, streaklines, velocity vectors and performance curves for energy integrated type bi-directional tidal current turbine (BDT) with augmentation.

California energy flow in 1989

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borg, I. Y.; Briggs, C. K.

1991-02-01

California's energy use showed a modest increase (2.2 percent) in 1989 over 1988 which was in keeping with the steady increase in population that the state has experienced annually during the decade. All end-use sectors (residential, commercial, industrial, transportation, etc.) contributed to the growth. The larger demand was met by increased imports of all major fuels. Only electrical imports remained close to 1988 levels, in part due to increased output from Diablo Canyon nuclear plant whose performance exceeded expectations. California's per capita energy consumption has traditionally been below the national average due to the relatively benign climate associated with its centers of population. The largest single use for energy in the state was for transportation, which overtook industrial usage in the 60's. Use of highway fuels continued to grow and reached all time highs in 1989. Highway congestion, a major problem and concern in the state, is anticipated to grow as the number of licensed drivers increases; in 1989 the increase was 3.4 percent. Output from the The Geysers Geothermal fields, the largest in the world, continued to falter as the steam output fell. Nonetheless new resources at the Coso Geothermal Resource Area and at the Wendel Geothermal field came on line during the year, and other geothermal areas were under active development. Novel sources of renewable energy (solar, wind, etc.) grew; however, collectively they made only a small contribution to the overall energy supply. Cogenerated electricity sold to the utilities by small power producers inexplicably fell in 1989 although estimates of the total capacity available rose. Energy flow diagrams illustrate energy sources and energy consumption.

Design, construction, operation and costs of a modern small-scale fuel-alcohol plant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leeper, S. A.; Dawley, L. J.; Wolfram, J. H.; Berglund, G. R.; Richardson, J. G.; McAtee, R. E.

1982-01-01

The design used for the small-scale fuel alcohol plant (SSFAP) is discussed. By incorporating a microprocessor into the plant design, most plant operations were automated and labor requirements were reduced. Continuous processing made energy conservation possible, thus reducing energy requirements. A low-temperature, continuous plug-flow cooker design made high yields possible. Ethanol was consistently produced at the SSFAP from corn at a yield of 2.6 gallons (anhydrous) per bushel and an energy requirement of 30,000 to 35,000 Btu/gallon (190-proof). In addition, barley, grain dust, and potato waste were converted at the SSFAP. The capacity of the SSFAP is 180,000 gallons per year (300 days operation). Competitively priced ethanol is produced at this capacity.

Turbulent Flow Simulation at the Exascale: Opportunities and Challenges Workshop: August 4-5, 2015, Washington, D.C.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sprague, Michael A.; Boldyrev, Stanislav; Fischer, Paul

This report details the impact exascale will bring to turbulent-flow simulations in applied science and technology. The need for accurate simulation of turbulent flows is evident across the DOE applied-science and engineering portfolios, including combustion, plasma physics, nuclear-reactor physics, wind energy, and atmospheric science. The workshop brought together experts in turbulent-flow simulation, computational mathematics, and high-performance computing. Building upon previous ASCR workshops on exascale computing, participants defined a research agenda and path forward that will enable scientists and engineers to continually leverage, engage, and direct advances in computational systems on the path to exascale computing.

Flow separation characteristics of unstable dispersions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voulgaropoulos, Victor; Zhai, Lusheng; Angeli, Panagiota

2016-11-01

Drops of a low viscosity oil are introduced through a multi-capillary inlet during the flow of water in a horizontal pipe. The flow rates of the continuous water phase are kept in the turbulent region while the droplets are injected at similar flow rates (with oil fractions ranging from 0.15 to 0.60). The acrylic pipe (ID of 37mm) is approximately 7m long. Measurements are conducted at three different axial locations to illustrate how the flow structures are formed and develop along the pipe. Initial observations are made on the flow patterns through high-speed imaging. Stratification is observed for the flow rates studied, indicating that the turbulent dispersive forces are lower than the gravity ones. These results are complemented with a tomography system acquiring measurements at the same locations and giving the cross-sectional hold-up. The coalescence dynamics are strong in the dense-packed drop layer and thus measurements with a dual-conductance probe are conducted to capture any drop size changes. It is found that the drop size variations depend on the spatial configuration of the drops, the initial drop size along with the continuous and dispersed phase velocities. Project funded under Chevron Energy Technology.

Electrochemical treatment of tannery effluent using a battery integrated DC-DC converter and solar PV power supply--an approach towards environment and energy management.

PubMed

Iyappan, K; Basha, C Ahmed; Saravanathamizhan, R; Vedaraman, N; Tahiyah Nou Shene, C A; Begum, S Nathira

2014-01-01

Electrochemical oxidation of tannery effluent was carried out in batch, batch recirculation and continuous reactor configurations under different conditions using a battery-integrated DC-DC converter and solar PV power supply. The effect of current density, electrolysis time and fluid flow rate on chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal and energy consumption has been evaluated. The results of batch reactor show that a COD reduction of 80.85% to 96.67% could be obtained. The results showed that after 7 h of operation at a current density of 2.5 A dm(-2) and flow rate of 100 L h(-1) in batch recirculation reactor, the removal of COD is 82.14% and the specific energy consumption was found to be 5.871 kWh (kg COD)(-1) for tannery effluent. In addition, the performance of single pass flow reactors (single and multiple reactors) system of various configurations are analyzed.

Storage capacity in hot dry rock reservoirs

DOEpatents

Brown, D.W.

1997-11-11

A method is described for extracting thermal energy, in a cyclic manner, from geologic strata which may be termed hot dry rock. A reservoir comprised of hot fractured rock is established and water or other liquid is passed through the reservoir. The water is heated by the hot rock, recovered from the reservoir, cooled by extraction of heat by means of heat exchange apparatus on the surface, and then re-injected into the reservoir to be heated again. Water is added to the reservoir by means of an injection well and recovered from the reservoir by means of a production well. Water is continuously provided to the reservoir and continuously withdrawn from the reservoir at two different flow rates, a base rate and a peak rate. Increasing water flow from the base rate to the peak rate is accomplished by rapidly decreasing backpressure at the outlet of the production well in order to meet periodic needs for amounts of thermal energy greater than a baseload amount, such as to generate additional electric power to meet peak demands. The rate of flow of water provided to the hot dry rock reservoir is maintained at a value effective to prevent depletion of the liquid inventory of the reservoir. 4 figs.

Storage capacity in hot dry rock reservoirs

DOEpatents

Brown, Donald W.

1997-01-01

A method of extracting thermal energy, in a cyclic manner, from geologic strata which may be termed hot dry rock. A reservoir comprised of hot fractured rock is established and water or other liquid is passed through the reservoir. The water is heated by the hot rock, recovered from the reservoir, cooled by extraction of heat by means of heat exchange apparatus on the surface, and then re-injected into the reservoir to be heated again. Water is added to the reservoir by means of an injection well and recovered from the reservoir by means of a production well. Water is continuously provided to the reservoir and continuously withdrawn from the reservoir at two different flow rates, a base rate and a peak rate. Increasing water flow from the base rate to the peak rate is accomplished by rapidly decreasing backpressure at the outlet of the production well in order to meet periodic needs for amounts of thermal energy greater than a baseload amount, such as to generate additional electric power to meet peak demands. The rate of flow of water provided to the hot dry rock reservoir is maintained at a value effective to prevent depletion of the liquid

Self-oscillations of a two-dimensional shear flow with forcing and dissipation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

López Zazueta, A.; Zavala Sansón, L.

2018-04-01

Two-dimensional shear flows continuously forced in the presence of dissipative effects are studied by means of numerical simulations. In contrast with most previous studies, the forcing is confined in a finite region, so the behavior of the system is characterized by the long-term evolution of the global kinetic energy. We consider regimes with 1 < Reλ << Re, where Reλ is the Reynolds number associated with an external friction (such as bottom friction in quasi-two-dimensional flows), and Re is the traditional Reynolds number associated with Laplacian viscosity. Depending on Reλ, the flow may develop Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities that exhibit either regular or irregular oscillations. The results are discussed in two parts. First, the flow is limited to develop only one vortical instability by choosing an appropriate width of the forcing band. The most relevant regime is found for Reλ > 36, in which the energy maintains a regular oscillation around a reference value. The flow configuration is an elliptical vortex tilted with respect to the forcing axis, which oscillates steadily also. Second, the flow is allowed to develop two Kelvin-Helmholtz billows and eventually more complicated structures. The regimes of the one-vortex case are observed again, except for Reλ > 135. At these values, the energy oscillates chaotically as the two vortices merge, form dipolar structures, and split again, with irregular periodicity. The self-oscillations are explained as a result of the alternate competition between forcing and dissipation, which is verified by calculating the budget terms in the energy equation. The relevance of the forcing-vs.-dissipation competition is discussed for more general flow systems.

Power Generation for River and Tidal Generators

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Muljadi, Eduard; Wright, Alan; Gevorgian, Vahan

Renewable energy sources are the second largest contributor to global electricity production, after fossil fuels. The integration of renewable energy continued to grow in 2014 against a backdrop of increasing global energy consumption and a dramatic decline in oil prices during the second half of the year. As renewable generation has become less expensive during recent decades, and it becomes more accepted by the global population, the focus on renewable generation has expanded from primarily wind and solar to include new types with promising future applications, such as hydropower generation, including river and tidal generation. Today, hydropower is considered onemore » of the most important renewable energy sources. In river and tidal generation, the input resource flow is slower but also steadier than it is in wind or solar generation, yet the level of water turbulent flow may vary from one place to another. This report focuses on hydrokinetic power conversion.« less

Analytical Model for Mean Flow and Fluxes of Momentum and Energy in Very Large Wind Farms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Markfort, Corey D.; Zhang, Wei; Porté-Agel, Fernando

2018-01-01

As wind-turbine arrays continue to be installed and the array size continues to grow, there is an increasing need to represent very large wind-turbine arrays in numerical weather prediction models, for wind-farm optimization, and for environmental assessment. We propose a simple analytical model for boundary-layer flow in fully-developed wind-turbine arrays, based on the concept of sparsely-obstructed shear flows. In describing the vertical distribution of the mean wind speed and shear stress within wind farms, our model estimates the mean kinetic energy harvested from the atmospheric boundary layer, and determines the partitioning between the wind power captured by the wind turbines and that absorbed by the underlying land or water. A length scale based on the turbine geometry, spacing, and performance characteristics, is able to estimate the asymptotic limit for the fully-developed flow through wind-turbine arrays, and thereby determine if the wind-farm flow is fully developed for very large turbine arrays. Our model is validated using data collected in controlled wind-tunnel experiments, and its usefulness for the prediction of wind-farm performance and optimization of turbine-array spacing are described. Our model may also be useful for assessing the extent to which the extraction of wind power affects the land-atmosphere coupling or air-water exchange of momentum, with implications for the transport of heat, moisture, trace gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, and ecologically important oxygen.

Ultrasonic pretreatment for enhanced saccharification and fermentation of ethanol production from corn

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Montalbo-Lomboy, Melissa T.

The 21st Century human lifestyle has become heavily dependent on hydrocarbon inputs. Energy demand and the global warming effects due to the burning of fossil fuels have continued to increase. Rising awareness of the negative environmental and economic impacts of hydrocarbon dependence has led to a resurgence of interest in renewable energy sources such as ethanol. Fuel ethanol is known to be a cleaner and renewable source of energy relative to gasoline. Many studies have agreed that fuel ethanol has reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and has larger overall energy benefits compared to gasoline. Currently, the majority of the fuel ethanol in the United States is produced from corn using dry-grind milling process. The typical dry-grind ethanol plant incorporates jet cooking using steam to cook the corn slurry as pretreatment for saccharification; an energy intensive step. In aiming to reduce energy usage, this study evaluated the use of ultrasonics as an alternative to jet cooking. Ultrasonic batch experiments were conducted using a Branson 2000 Series bench-scale ultrasonic unit operating at a frequency of 20 kHz and a maximum output of 2.2 kW. Corn slurry was sonicated at varying amplitudes from 192 to 320 mumpeak-to-peak(p-p) for 0-40 seconds. Enzyme stability was investigated by adding enzyme (STARGEN(TM)001) before and after sonication. Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) images and particle size distribution analysis showed a nearly 20-fold size reduction by disintegration of corn particles due to ultrasonication. The results also showed a 30% improvement in sugar release of sonicated samples relative to the control group (untreated). The efficiency exceeded 100% in terms of relative energy gain from the additional sugar released due to ultrasonication compared to the ultrasonic energy applied. Interestingly, enzymatic activity was enhanced when sonicated at low and medium power. This result suggested that ultrasonic energy did not denature the enzymes during pretreatment. Ultrasonication of sugary-2 corn was also investigated in the study. Results similar to those for commodity corn (dent corn) were found, in terms of glucose yield and starch conversion. SEM and polarized-light microscope pictures showed the partial gelatinization of corn slurry due to ultrasound. In the 96-h saccharification time, a model was formulated to fit the sugar release curve. The results have shown 17-21% increase in the extent of sugar production from sonicated samples relative to the control group. Additionally, the reaction rates of the sonicated samples were 2- to 10-fold higher than the reaction rates for the control group. In comparing sugary-2 corn with commodity corn, it was found that sonicated sugary-2 corn saccharified faster than sonicated commodity corn. It is important to note, without ultrasonic treatment, sugary-2 corn released more reducing sugar than commodity corn during saccharification. To further investigate the potential of ultrasonics for scale-up, a continuous flow system was studied. An ultrasonic continuous flow system was tested using Branson's flow-through "donut" horn. The donut horn, which vibrates radially, was placed inside a 5.5 L stainless steel reactor. The amplitude was maintained at 12 mumpp and the feed flow rate was varied from 8-27 L/min (2-7 gal/min) with reactor retention times varying from 12-40 seconds. Samples sonicated in continuous flow system showed lower reducing sugar yield than batch ultrasonication. However, considering the ultrasonic energy density of batch and continuous systems, the continuous systems proved to be more energy efficient in terms of glucose production compared with the batch system. It was also seen that particle size disintegration was proportional to energy density regardless of the type of ultrasonic system used. To compare ultrasonics with jet cooking, fermentation experiments were conducted. There were only marginal differences between jet cooked samples and the sonicated samples in terms of ethanol conversion based on theoretical yield. Furthermore, statistical analysis confirmed that there was no significant difference (p<0.05) in the ethanol yields of the two pretreatment methods. Economic analysis indicated that the capital cost of installing ultrasonics was higher compared to jet cooker equipment. However, due to the energy needs of jet cooking, a typical 189 million liters (50 million gallon) per year ethanol plant ethanol plant would save about 16% in pretreatment cost by using ultrasonics. Based on these results, ultrasonication is a promising pretreatment method in corn ethanol production, as an alternative to jet cooking.

Linear and angular coherence momenta in the classical second-order coherence theory of vector electromagnetic fields.

PubMed

Wang, Wei; Takeda, Mitsuo

2006-09-01

A new concept of vector and tensor densities is introduced into the general coherence theory of vector electromagnetic fields that is based on energy and energy-flow coherence tensors. Related coherence conservation laws are presented in the form of continuity equations that provide new insights into the propagation of second-order correlation tensors associated with stationary random classical electromagnetic fields.

Ultrasonic-generated fluid velocity with Sovereign WhiteStar micropulse and continuous phacoemulsification.

PubMed

Steinert, Roger F; Schafer, Mark E

2006-02-01

To evaluate and compare ultrasonic turbulence created by conventional and micropulse ultrasound technology. Sonora Medical Systems, Longmont, Colorado, USA. A high-resolution digital ultrasound probe imaged the zone around a phacoemulsification tip. Doppler analysis allowed determination of flow. The fluid velocity was measured at 4 levels of ultrasound power at a constant flow, comparing the ultrasonic conditions of continuous energy to WhiteStar micropulses. In addition to the normal baseline irrigation and aspiration, fluid movement was detected directly below the phaco tip, produced by a nonlinear effect known as acoustic streaming. Acoustic streaming increased with increased phacoemulsification power for both conditions. At each of the 4 levels of power, fluid velocity away from the tip was less with micropulse technology than with continuous phacoemulsification. The demonstrated decrease in acoustic streaming flow away from the phaco tip with Sovereign WhiteStar micropulse technology compared to conventional ultrasound provides an objective explanation for clinical observations of increased stability of nuclear fragments at the tip and less turbulence in the anterior chamber during phacoemulsification. This methodology can be used to examine and compare fluid flow and turbulence under a variety of clinically relevant conditions.

Global socioeconomic material stocks rise 23-fold over the 20th century and require half of annual resource use

PubMed Central

Wiedenhofer, Dominik; Lauk, Christian; Haas, Willi; Tanikawa, Hiroki; Miatto, Alessio; Haberl, Helmut

2017-01-01

Human-made material stocks accumulating in buildings, infrastructure, and machinery play a crucial but underappreciated role in shaping the use of material and energy resources. Building, maintaining, and in particular operating in-use stocks of materials require raw materials and energy. Material stocks create long-term path-dependencies because of their longevity. Fostering a transition toward environmentally sustainable patterns of resource use requires a more complete understanding of stock-flow relations. Here we show that about half of all materials extracted globally by humans each year are used to build up or renew in-use stocks of materials. Based on a dynamic stock-flow model, we analyze stocks, inflows, and outflows of all materials and their relation to economic growth, energy use, and CO2 emissions from 1900 to 2010. Over this period, global material stocks increased 23-fold, reaching 792 Pg (±5%) in 2010. Despite efforts to improve recycling rates, continuous stock growth precludes closing material loops; recycling still only contributes 12% of inflows to stocks. Stocks are likely to continue to grow, driven by large infrastructure and building requirements in emerging economies. A convergence of material stocks at the level of industrial countries would lead to a fourfold increase in global stocks, and CO2 emissions exceeding climate change goals. Reducing expected future increases of material and energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions will require decoupling of services from the stocks and flows of materials through, for example, more intensive utilization of existing stocks, longer service lifetimes, and more efficient design. PMID:28167761

Coupling of damped and growing modes in unstable shear flow

DOE PAGES

Fraser, A. E.; Terry, P. W.; Zweibel, E. G.; ...

2017-06-14

Analysis of the saturation of the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability is undertaken to determine the extent to which the conjugate linearly stable mode plays a role. For a piecewise-continuous mean flow profile with constant shear in a fixed layer, it is shown that the stable mode is nonlinearly excited, providing an injection-scale sink of the fluctuation energy similar to what has been found for gyroradius-scale drift-wave turbulence. Quantitative evaluation of the contribution of the stable mode to the energy balance at the onset of saturation shows that nonlinear energy transfer to the stable mode is as significant as energy transfer to smallmore » scales in balancing energy injected into the spectrum by the instability. The effect of the stable mode on momentum transport is quantified by expressing the Reynolds stress in terms of stable and unstable mode amplitudes at saturation, from which it is found that the stable mode can produce a sizable reduction in the momentum flux.« less

Coupling of damped and growing modes in unstable shear flow

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fraser, A. E.; Terry, P. W.; Zweibel, E. G.

Analysis of the saturation of the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability is undertaken to determine the extent to which the conjugate linearly stable mode plays a role. For a piecewise-continuous mean flow profile with constant shear in a fixed layer, it is shown that the stable mode is nonlinearly excited, providing an injection-scale sink of the fluctuation energy similar to what has been found for gyroradius-scale drift-wave turbulence. Quantitative evaluation of the contribution of the stable mode to the energy balance at the onset of saturation shows that nonlinear energy transfer to the stable mode is as significant as energy transfer to smallmore » scales in balancing energy injected into the spectrum by the instability. The effect of the stable mode on momentum transport is quantified by expressing the Reynolds stress in terms of stable and unstable mode amplitudes at saturation, from which it is found that the stable mode can produce a sizable reduction in the momentum flux.« less

US energy flow, 1981

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Briggs, C. K.; Borg, I. Y.

1982-10-01

Flow diagrams to describe the US energy situation are given. In 1981 the energy consumption was 73 quads (or 73 times 10 to the 15th power Btu). Use was down from 75 quads in 1980. Oil continues to dominate the picture as it comprises 45% of the total energy used. Net oil use (exclusive of oil purchased for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and Exports) fell 8%; oil imports declined 14%. In contrast to oil, use of natural gas and coal remained at 1980 levels. Decreased use of residual oils, principally for electric power generating, account for much of the drop in oil use. Increased use of coal and nuclear energy for power generation almost compensated for the decrease in use of oil in that end use. Transmitted power remained at 1980 levels. The remainder of the drop in energy usage is attributed to price driven conservation, increased efficiencies in end use and the recession that prevailed during most of the year. The share of the energy drop attributable to the recession is estimated by various analysts to be on the order of 40 to 50%.

Infrastructure Analysis Tools: A Focus on Cash Flow Analysis (Presentation)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Melaina, M.; Penev, M.

2012-09-01

NREL has developed and maintains a variety of infrastructure analysis models for the U.S. Department of Energy. Business case analysis has recently been added to this tool set. This presentation focuses on cash flow analysis. Cash flows depend upon infrastructure costs, optimized spatially and temporally, and assumptions about financing and revenue. NREL has incorporated detailed metrics on financing and incentives into the models. Next steps in modeling include continuing to collect feedback on regional/local infrastructure development activities and 'roadmap' dynamics, and incorporating consumer preference assumptions on infrastructure to provide direct feedback between vehicles and station rollout.

Pathway and conversion of energy incident on auroral and sub-auroral ionosphere at substorm expansion onset

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ebihara, Y.; Tanaka, T.

2017-12-01

One explanation for SAPS/SAID is the poleward ionospheric electric field arising from a pair of Region 1 and Region 2 field-aligned currents (FACs). At substorm expansion onset, the FACs are intensified, resulting in intensification of energy incident on the auroral and sub-auroral ionosphere. Where does the energy comes from? Based on the results obtained by the global magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) simulation, we present energy flow and energy conversion associated with the Region 1 and Region 2 FACs that are intensified at the onset of substorm expansion. The cusp/mantle region transmits electromagnetic energy to almost the entire region of the magnetosphere. A part of electromagnetic energy is stored in the lobe in the growth phase. When reconnection takes place in the near-Earth tail region, the stored energy is released in addition to the continuously supplied one from the cusp/mantle dynamo. Two types of pathways of energy seem to be involved in the generation of the near-Earth dynamo that is associated with FACs at the expansion onset. The first type is related to the earthward fast flow in the plasma sheet. The electromagnetic energy coming from the lobe splits into the thermal energy and the kinetic energy. The kinetic energy is then converted to the thermal energy and the electromagnetic energy, in association of flow braking. The second type is that the plasma coming from the lobe goes into the inner magnetosphere directly. The electromagnetic energy is converted to the thermal energy, followed by the electromagnetic energy at off-equator. The near-Earth dynamo region seems to be embedded in the magnetospheric convection system. In this sense, the expansion onset may be regarded as a sudden, local intensification of the convection.

A thermally regenerative ammonia battery with carbon-silver electrodes for converting low-grade waste heat to electricity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahimi, Mohammad; Kim, Taeyoung; Gorski, Christopher A.; Logan, Bruce E.

2018-01-01

Thermally regenerative ammonia batteries (TRABs) have shown great promise as a method to convert low-grade waste heat into electrical power, with power densities an order of magnitude higher than other approaches. However, previous TRABs based on copper electrodes suffered from unbalanced anode dissolution and cathode deposition rates during discharging cycles, limiting practical applications. To produce a TRAB with stable and reversible electrode reactions over many cycles, inert carbon electrodes were used with silver salts. In continuous flow tests, power production was stable over 100 discharging cycles, demonstrating excellent reversibility. Power densities were 23 W m-2-electrode area in batch tests, which was 64% higher than that produced in parallel tests using copper electrodes, and 30 W m-2 (net energy density of 490 Wh m-3-anolyte) in continuous flow tests. While this battery requires the use a precious metal, an initial economic analysis of the system showed that the cost of the materials relative to energy production was 220 per MWh, which is competitive with energy production from other non-fossil fuel sources. A substantial reduction in costs could be obtained by developing less expensive anion exchange membranes.

Control of Oxidative Sulfur Metabolism of Chlorobium limicola forma thiosulfatophilum

PubMed Central

Cork, Douglas; Mathers, Jeremy; Maka, Andrea; Srnak, Anna

1985-01-01

A metered blend of anaerobic-grade N2, CO2, and H2S gases was introduced into an illuminated, 800-ml liquid volume, continuously stirred tank reactor. The system, described as an anaerobic gas-to-liquid phase fed-batch reactor, was used to investigate the effects of H2S flow rate and light energy on the accumulation of oxidized sulfur compounds formed by the photoautotroph Chlorobium limicola forma thiosulfatophilum during growth. Elemental sulfur was formed and accumulated in stoichiometric quantities when light energy and H2S molar flow rate levels were optimally adjusted in the presence of nonlimiting CO2. Deviation from the optimal H2S and light energy levels resulted in either oxidation of sulfur or complete inhibition of sulfide oxidation. Based on these observations, a model of sulfide and sulfur oxidases electrochemically coupled to the photosynthetic reaction center of Chlorobium spp. is presented. The dynamic deregulation of oxidative pathways may be a mechanism for supplying the photosynthetic reaction center with a continuous source of electrons during periods of varying light and substrate availability, as in pond ecosystems where Chlorobium spp. are found. Possible applications for a sulfide gas removal process are discussed. PMID:16346713

Theoretical and computational analyses of LNG evaporator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chidambaram, Palani Kumar; Jo, Yang Myung; Kim, Heuy Dong

2017-04-01

Theoretical and numerical analysis on the fluid flow and heat transfer inside a LNG evaporator is conducted in this work. Methane is used instead of LNG as the operating fluid. This is because; methane constitutes over 80% of natural gas. The analytical calculations are performed using simple mass and energy balance equations. The analytical calculations are made to assess the pressure and temperature variations in the steam tube. Multiphase numerical simulations are performed by solving the governing equations (basic flow equations of continuity, momentum and energy equations) in a portion of the evaporator domain consisting of a single steam pipe. The flow equations are solved along with equations of species transport. Multiphase modeling is incorporated using VOF method. Liquid methane is the primary phase. It vaporizes into the secondary phase gaseous methane. Steam is another secondary phase which flows through the heating coils. Turbulence is modeled by a two equation turbulence model. Both the theoretical and numerical predictions are seen to match well with each other. Further parametric studies are planned based on the current research.

Study of continuous precipitation of ADU for the implantation in the pilot installation at the Atomic Energy Institute, Brazil. Estudo de precipitacao continua de DUA para a implantacao na instalacao piloto CEQ-IEA (in Portuguese)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Araujo, Jose Adroalado de

1974-05-15

The paper deals with the ammonium diuranate continuous precipitation with a high chemical purity degree from uranyl nitrate solutions, using 1.2 and 2.4 ammonium hydroxide solutions and gaseous NH{sub 3} as a precipitating agent. The precipitations were carried out in a continuous procedure with one and two stages. The variables studied were the NH[sub 4}OH solutions concentration, ADU precipitation curve, the flow rate of reactants, the temperature of the precipitation, pH of the suspended ADU, and ammonium diuranate filtrability. The experimental work performed and the data obtained permitted the design of a chemical reactor for the continuous nuclear grade ADUmore » precipitation at the Chemical Engineering Department of the Atomic Energy Institute of Sao Paulo.« less

Initial decay of flow properties of planar, cylindrical and spherical blast waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sadek, H. S. I.; Gottlieb, J. J.

1983-10-01

Analytical expressions are presented for the initial decay of all major flow properties just behind planar, cylindrical, and spherical shock wave fronts whose trajectories are known as a function of either distance versus time or shock overpressure versus distance. These expressions give the time and/or distance derivatives of the flow properties not only along constant time and distance lines but also along positive and negative characteristic lines and a fluid-particle path. Conventional continuity, momentum and energy equations for the nonstationary motion of an inviscid, non-heat conducting, compressible gas are used in their derivation, along with the equation of state of a perfect gas. All analytical expressions are validated by comparing the results to those obtained indirectly from known self-similar solutions for planar, cylindrical and spherical shock-wave flows generated both by a sudden energy release and by a moving piston. Futhermore, time derivatives of pressure and flow velocity are compared to experimental data from trinitrotoluene (TNT), pentolite, ammonium nitrate-fuel oil (ANFO) and propane-oxygen explosions, and good agreement is obtained.

Conservative properties of finite difference schemes for incompressible flow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morinishi, Youhei

1995-01-01

The purpose of this research is to construct accurate finite difference schemes for incompressible unsteady flow simulations such as LES (large-eddy simulation) or DNS (direct numerical simulation). In this report, conservation properties of the continuity, momentum, and kinetic energy equations for incompressible flow are specified as analytical requirements for a proper set of discretized equations. Existing finite difference schemes in staggered grid systems are checked for satisfaction of the requirements. Proper higher order accurate finite difference schemes in a staggered grid system are then proposed. Plane channel flow is simulated using the proposed fourth order accurate finite difference scheme and the results compared with those of the second order accurate Harlow and Welch algorithm.

Interactions Between Land Use, Climate and Hydropower in Scotland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sample, J.

2014-12-01

To promote the transition towards a low carbon economy, the Scottish Government has adopted ambitious energy targets, including generating all electricity from renewable sources by 2020. To achieve this, continued investment will be required across a range of sustainable technologies. Hydropower has a long history in Scotland and the present-day operational capacity of ~1.5 GW makes a substantial contribution to the national energy budget. In addition, there remains potential for ~500 MW of further development, mostly in the form of small to medium size run-of-river schemes. Climate change is expected to lead to an intensification of the global hydrological cycle, leading to changes in both the magnitude and seasonality of river flows. There may also be indirect effects, such as changing land use, enhanced evapotranspiration rates and an increased demand for irrigation, all of which could affect the water available for energy generation. Preliminary assessments of hydropower commonly use flow duration curves (FDCs) to estimate the power generation potential at proposed new sites. In this study, we use spatially distributed modelling to generate daily and monthly FDCs for a range of Scottish catchments using a variety of future land use and climate change scenarios. These are then used to assess Scotland's future hydropower potential under different flow regimes. The results are spatially variable and include large uncertainties, but some consistent patterns emerge. Many locations are predicted to experience enhanced seasonality, with lower power generation potential in the summer months and greater potential during the autumn and winter. Some sites may require infrastructural changes in order to continue operating at optimum efficiency. We discuss the implications and limitations of our results, and highlight design and adaptation options for maximising the resilience of hydropower installations under changing future flow patterns.

Energy transport in a shear flow of particles in a two-dimensional dusty plasma.

PubMed

Feng, Yan; Goree, J; Liu, Bin

2012-11-01

A shear flow of particles in a laser-driven two-dimensional (2D) dusty plasma is observed in a study of viscous heating and thermal conduction. Video imaging and particle tracking yields particle velocity data, which we convert into continuum data, presented as three spatial profiles: mean particle velocity (i.e., flow velocity), mean-square particle velocity, and mean-square fluctuations of particle velocity. These profiles and their derivatives allow a spatially resolved determination of each term in the energy and momentum continuity equations, which we use for two purposes. First, by balancing these terms so that their sum (i.e., residual) is minimized while varying viscosity η and thermal conductivity κ as free parameters, we simultaneously obtain values for η and κ in the same experiment. Second, by comparing the viscous heating and thermal conduction terms, we obtain a spatially resolved characterization of the viscous heating.

Erythrocytes Are Oxygen-Sensing Regulators of the Cerebral Microcirculation.

PubMed

Wei, Helen Shinru; Kang, Hongyi; Rasheed, Izad-Yar Daniel; Zhou, Sitong; Lou, Nanhong; Gershteyn, Anna; McConnell, Evan Daniel; Wang, Yixuan; Richardson, Kristopher Emil; Palmer, Andre Francis; Xu, Chris; Wan, Jiandi; Nedergaard, Maiken

2016-08-17

Energy production in the brain depends almost exclusively on oxidative metabolism. Neurons have small energy reserves and require a continuous supply of oxygen (O2). It is therefore not surprising that one of the hallmarks of normal brain function is the tight coupling between cerebral blood flow and neuronal activity. Since capillaries are embedded in the O2-consuming neuropil, we have here examined whether activity-dependent dips in O2 tension drive capillary hyperemia. In vivo analyses showed that transient dips in tissue O2 tension elicit capillary hyperemia. Ex vivo experiments revealed that red blood cells (RBCs) themselves act as O2 sensors that autonomously regulate their own deformability and thereby flow velocity through capillaries in response to physiological decreases in O2 tension. This observation has broad implications for understanding how local changes in blood flow are coupled to synaptic transmission. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The development of flux-split algorithms for flows with non-equilibrium thermodynamics and chemical reactions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grossman, B.; Cinella, P.

1988-01-01

A finite-volume method for the numerical computation of flows with nonequilibrium thermodynamics and chemistry is presented. A thermodynamic model is described which simplifies the coupling between the chemistry and thermodynamics and also results in the retention of the homogeneity property of the Euler equations (including all the species continuity and vibrational energy conservation equations). Flux-splitting procedures are developed for the fully coupled equations involving fluid dynamics, chemical production and thermodynamic relaxation processes. New forms of flux-vector split and flux-difference split algorithms are embodied in a fully coupled, implicit, large-block structure, including all the species conservation and energy production equations. Several numerical examples are presented, including high-temperature shock tube and nozzle flows. The methodology is compared to other existing techniques, including spectral and central-differenced procedures, and favorable comparisons are shown regarding accuracy, shock-capturing and convergence rates.

Design geometry and design/off-design performance computer codes for compressors and turbines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glassman, Arthur J.

1995-01-01

This report summarizes some NASA Lewis (i.e., government owned) computer codes capable of being used for airbreathing propulsion system studies to determine the design geometry and to predict the design/off-design performance of compressors and turbines. These are not CFD codes; velocity-diagram energy and continuity computations are performed fore and aft of the blade rows using meanline, spanline, or streamline analyses. Losses are provided by empirical methods. Both axial-flow and radial-flow configurations are included.

Extractable resources

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

The use of information from space systems in the operation of extractive industries, particularly in exploration for mineral and fuel resources was reviewed. Conclusions and recommendations reported are based on the fundamental premise that survival of modern industrial society requires a continuing secure flow of resources for energy, construction and manufacturing, and for use as plant foods.

Continuous microwave regeneration apparatus for absorption media

DOEpatents

Smith, Douglas D.

1999-01-01

A method and apparatus for continuously drying and regenerating ceramic beads for use in process gas moisture drying operations such as glove boxes. A microwave energy source is coupled to a process chamber to internally heat the ceramic beads and vaporize moisture contained therein. In a preferred embodiment, the moisture laden ceramic beads are conveyed toward the microwave source by a screw mechanism. The regenerated beads flow down outside of the screw mechanism and are available to absorb additional moisture.

[System continuity and energy distribution in laser-induced thermo therapy (LITT)].

PubMed

Pech, M; Werk, M; Beck, A; Stohlmann, A; Ricke, J

2002-06-01

Evaluation of the continuity and energy distribution of a laser system for laser-induced thermo therapy. For evaluation of the continuity of laser optical devices, laser generating units and optical fibers of three different manufactures (Dornier, Hüttinger, Somatex), we used the equipment to generate a laser beam of 25 Watt for 60 minutes. Measurements of the applied energy were done sequentially with two MY Test (Fa. Hüttinger) units. We also performed two in vitro ablations of animal liver tissue with different fiber optics [Mikrodom A 13-0540, Microflexx REF A 13-0561 (Hüttinger), Diffusor-Tip H-6111-T 3, Diffusor H-6111-T 4 (Dornier), Somaflex-Diffusor (Somatex)] over 20 minutes at- an energy flow of 25 J per second. We then evaluated the geometry of coagulation. The different equipment used for our tests showed differences of a maximum of 10 %. Some components did not work properly in certain configurations even though the manufacturer assured it would. We saw significant differences in the ablation characteristics of the different fiber optics, especially in axial and frontal directions. Knowledge of the different characteristics in energy distribution and ablation characteristics are an important factor in performing a successful laser-induced thermo therapy.

Analysis and experimental verification of new power flow control for grid-connected inverter with LCL filter in microgrid.

PubMed

Gu, Herong; Guan, Yajuan; Wang, Huaibao; Wei, Baoze; Guo, Xiaoqiang

2014-01-01

Microgrid is an effective way to integrate the distributed energy resources into the utility networks. One of the most important issues is the power flow control of grid-connected voltage-source inverter in microgrid. In this paper, the small-signal model of the power flow control for the grid-connected inverter is established, from which it can be observed that the conventional power flow control may suffer from the poor damping and slow transient response. While the new power flow control can mitigate these problems without affecting the steady-state power flow regulation. Results of continuous-domain simulations in MATLAB and digital control experiments based on a 32-bit fixed-point TMS320F2812 DSP are in good agreement, which verify the small signal model analysis and effectiveness of the proposed method.

Process Feasibility Study in Support of Silicon Material, Task 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Li, K. Y.; Hansen, K. C.; Yaws, C. L.

1979-01-01

During this reporting period, major activies were devoted to process system properties, chemical engineering and economic analyses. Analyses of process system properties was continued for materials involved in the alternate processes under consideration for solar cell grade silicon. The following property data are reported for silicon tetrafluoride: critical constants, vapor pressure, heat of varporization, heat capacity, density, surface tension, viscosity, thermal conductivity, heat of formation and Gibb's free energy of formation. Chemical engineering analysis of the BCL process was continued with primary efforts being devoted to the preliminary process design. Status and progress are reported for base case conditions; process flow diagram; reaction chemistry; material and energy balances; and major process equipment design.

Microwave plasma monitoring system for the elemental composition analysis of high temperature process streams

DOEpatents

Woskov, Paul P.; Cohn, Daniel R.; Titus, Charles H.; Surma, Jeffrey E.

1997-01-01

Microwave-induced plasma for continuous, real time trace element monitoring under harsh and variable conditions. The sensor includes a source of high power microwave energy and a shorted waveguide made of a microwave conductive, high temperature capability refractory material communicating with the source of the microwave energy to generate a plasma. The high power waveguide is constructed to be robust in a hot, hostile environment. It includes an aperture for the passage of gases to be analyzed and a spectrometer is connected to receive light from the plasma. Provision is made for real time in situ calibration. The spectrometer disperses the light, which is then analyzed by a computer. The sensor is capable of making continuous, real time quantitative measurements of desired elements, such as the heavy metals lead and mercury. The invention may be incorporated into a high temperature process device and implemented in situ for example, such as with a DC graphite electrode plasma arc furnace. The invention further provides a system for the elemental analysis of process streams by removing particulate and/or droplet samples therefrom and entraining such samples in the gas flow which passes through the plasma flame. Introduction of and entraining samples in the gas flow may be facilitated by a suction pump, regulating gas flow, gravity or combinations thereof.

Material flow analysis of fossil fuels in China during 2000-2010.

PubMed

Wang, Sheng; Dai, Jing; Su, Meirong

2012-01-01

Since the relationship between the supply and demand of fossil fuels is on edge in the long run, the contradiction between the economic growth and limited resources will hinder the sustainable development of the Chinese society. This paper aims to analyze the input of fossil fuels in China during 2000-2010 via the material flow analysis (MFA) that takes hidden flows into account. With coal, oil, and natural gas quantified by MFA, three indexes, consumption and supply ratio (C/S ratio), resource consumption intensity (RCI), and fossil fuels productivity (FFP), are proposed to reflect the interactions between population, GDP, and fossil fuels. The results indicated that in the past 11 years, China's requirement for fossil fuels has been increasing continuously because of the growing mine productivity in domestic areas, which also leads to a single energy consumption structure as well as excessive dependence on the domestic exploitation. It is advisable to control the fossil fuels consumption by energy recycling and new energy facilities' popularization in order to lead a sustainable access to nonrenewable resources and decrease the soaring carbon emissions.

Material Flow Analysis of Fossil Fuels in China during 2000–2010

PubMed Central

Wang, Sheng; Dai, Jing; Su, Meirong

2012-01-01

Since the relationship between the supply and demand of fossil fuels is on edge in the long run, the contradiction between the economic growth and limited resources will hinder the sustainable development of the Chinese society. This paper aims to analyze the input of fossil fuels in China during 2000–2010 via the material flow analysis (MFA) that takes hidden flows into account. With coal, oil, and natural gas quantified by MFA, three indexes, consumption and supply ratio (C/S ratio), resource consumption intensity (RCI), and fossil fuels productivity (FFP), are proposed to reflect the interactions between population, GDP, and fossil fuels. The results indicated that in the past 11 years, China's requirement for fossil fuels has been increasing continuously because of the growing mine productivity in domestic areas, which also leads to a single energy consumption structure as well as excessive dependence on the domestic exploitation. It is advisable to control the fossil fuels consumption by energy recycling and new energy facilities' popularization in order to lead a sustainable access to nonrenewable resources and decrease the soaring carbon emissions. PMID:23365525

Laser restoration of flow in occluded ventricular shunts for pediatric neurosurgery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Christens-Barry, William A.; Guarnieri, Michael; Carson, Benjamin S.

1998-01-01

We have investigated the use of short pulses of infrared ((lambda) equals 2.09 micrometers ) light from a Ho:YAG laser to photofragment occlusions and restore flow in ventricular shunts, which provide the sole means of maintaining proper intracranial pressure in hydrocephalus patients. These experiments employed model tissues, a polymeric model compound, and patient explants in order to determine appropriate pulse energies and delivery rates for removal of occlusions material. Laser energy doses and rates of occlusion removal were established for these materials. Laser energy doses that do not damage the shunt device or surrounding tissue were identified. Optical fibers (25 ga. or smaller) can be introduced through the dome of current shunt devices and threaded to the occlusion site. Clinical application will require the continued development of an introducer tool for the transcutaneous insertion of the optical fiber into the shunt device and irrigation techniques for removing the occlusion detritus generated by photofragmentation treatment. Using this approach, a minimally invasive and benign procedure for in situ restoration of flow in occluded neurological implant devices becomes possible.

COMIS -- an international multizone air-flow and contaminant transport model

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Feustel, H.E.

1998-08-01

A number of interzonal models have been developed to calculate air flows and pollutant transport mechanisms in both single and multizone buildings. A recent development in multizone air-flow modeling, the COMIS model, has a number of capabilities that go beyond previous models, much as COMIS can be used as either a stand-alone air-flow model with input and output features or as an infiltration module for thermal building simulation programs. COMIS was designed during a 12 month workshop at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) in 1988-89. In 1990, the Executive Committee of the International Energy Agency`s Energy Conservation in Buildings andmore » Community Systems program created a working group on multizone air-flow modeling, which continued work on COMIS. The group`s objectives were to study physical phenomena causing air flow and pollutant (e.g., moisture) transport in multizone buildings, develop numerical modules to be integrated in the previously designed multizone air flow modeling system, and evaluate the computer code. The working group supported by nine nations, officially finished in late 1997 with the release of IISiBat/COMIS 3.0, which contains the documented simulation program COMIS, the user interface IISiBat, and reports describing the evaluation exercise.« less

Direct and inverse energy cascades in a forced rotating turbulence experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campagne, Antoine; Gallet, Basile; Moisy, Frédéric; Cortet, Pierre-Philippe

2014-12-01

We present experimental evidence for a double cascade of kinetic energy in a statistically stationary rotating turbulence experiment. Turbulence is generated by a set of vertical flaps, which continuously injects velocity fluctuations towards the center of a rotating water tank. The energy transfers are evaluated from two-point third-order three-component velocity structure functions, which we measure using stereoscopic particle image velocimetry in the rotating frame. Without global rotation, the energy is transferred from large to small scales, as in classical three-dimensional turbulence. For nonzero rotation rates, the horizontal kinetic energy presents a double cascade: a direct cascade at small horizontal scales and an inverse cascade at large horizontal scales. By contrast, the vertical kinetic energy is always transferred from large to small horizontal scales, a behavior reminiscent of the dynamics of a passive scalar in two-dimensional turbulence. At the largest rotation rate, the flow is nearly two-dimensional, and a pure inverse energy cascade is found for the horizontal energy. To describe the scale-by-scale energy budget, we consider a generalization of the Kármán-Howarth-Monin equation to inhomogeneous turbulent flows, in which the energy input is explicitly described as the advection of turbulent energy from the flaps through the surface of the control volume where the measurements are performed.

Time-dependent correlation of cerebral blood flow with oxygen metabolism in activated human visual cortex as measured by fMRI.

PubMed

Lin, Ai-Ling; Fox, Peter T; Yang, Yihong; Lu, Hanzhang; Tan, Li-Hai; Gao, Jia-Hong

2009-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between relative cerebral blood flow (delta CBF) and relative cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (delta CMRO(2)) during continuous visual stimulation (21 min at 8 Hz) with fMRI biophysical models by simultaneously measuring of BOLD, CBF and CBV fMRI signals. The delta CMRO(2) was determined by both a newly calibrated single-compartment model (SCM) and a multi-compartment model (MCM) and was in agreement between these two models (P>0.5). The duration-varying delta CBF and delta CMRO(2) showed a negative correlation with time (r=-0.97, P<0.001); i.e., delta CBF declines while delta CMRO(2) increases during continuous stimulation. This study also illustrated that without properly calibrating the critical parameters employed in the SCM, an incorrect and even an opposite appearance of the flow-metabolism relationship during prolonged visual stimulation (positively linear coupling) can result. The time-dependent negative correlation between flow and metabolism demonstrated in this fMRI study is consistent with a previous PET observation and further supports the view that the increase in CBF is driven by factors other than oxygen demand and the energy demands will eventually require increased aerobic metabolism as stimulation continues.

The Electrochemical Flow Capacitor: Capacitive Energy Storage in Flowable Media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dennison, Christopher R.

Electrical energy storage (EES) has emerged as a necessary aspect of grid infrastructure to address the increasing problem of grid instability imposed by the large scale implementation of renewable energy sources (such as wind or solar) on the grid. Rapid energy recovery and storage is critically important to enable immediate and continuous utilization of these resources, and provides other benefits to grid operators and consumers as well. In past decades, there has been significant progress in the development of electrochemical EES technologies which has had an immense impact on the consumer and micro-electronics industries. However, these advances primarily address small-scale storage, and are often not practical at the grid-scale. A new energy storage concept called "the electrochemical flow capacitor (EFC)" has been developed at Drexel which has significant potential to be an attractive technology for grid-scale energy storage. This new concept exploits the characteristics of both supercapacitors and flow batteries, potentially enabling fast response rates with high power density, high efficiency, and long cycle lifetime, while decoupling energy storage from power output (i.e., scalable energy storage capacity). The unique aspect of this concept is the use of flowable carbon-electrolyte slurry ("flowable electrode") as the active material for capacitive energy storage. This dissertation work seeks to lay the scientific groundwork necessary to develop this new concept into a practical technology, and to test the overarching hypothesis that energy can be capacitively stored and recovered from a flowable media. In line with these goals, the objectives of this Ph.D. work are to: i) perform an exploratory investigation of the operating principles and demonstrate the technical viability of this new concept and ii) establish a scientific framework to assess the key linkages between slurry composition, flow cell design, operating conditions and system performance. To achieve these goals, a combined experimental and computational approach is undertaken. The technical viability of the technology is demonstrated, and in-depth studies are performed to understand the coupling between flow rate and slurry conductivity, and localized effects arising within the cell. The outlook of EFCs and other flowable electrode technologies is assessed, and opportunities for future work are discussed.

Fine structure of microwave spike bursts and associated cross-field energy transport

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Winglee, R. M.; Dulk, G. A.; Pritchett, P. L.

1988-01-01

The characteristics of the maser emission from a driven system where energetic electrons continue to flow through the source region is investigated using electronic particle simulations. It is shown that, under appropriate conditions, the maser can efficiently radiate a significant portion of the energy of the fast electrons in a very short time. The radiation is emitted in pulses even though the flow of electrons through the system is at a constant rate. The mission of these pulses is proposed as the source of the fine structure. Under other conditions the dominant maser emission changes from fundamental x-mode to either fundamental z-mode or to electrostatic upper hybrid or Bernstein modes. The bulk of the emission from the maser instability cannot propagate across field lines in this regime, and hence strong local plasma heating is expected, with little energy transport across the magnetic field lines.

On numerical model of one-dimensional time-dependent gas flows through bed of encapsulated phase change material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lutsenko, N. A.; Fetsov, S. S.

2017-10-01

Mathematical model and numerical method are proposed for investigating the one-dimensional time-dependent gas flows through a packed bed of encapsulated Phase Change Material (PCM). The model is based on the assumption of interacting interpenetrating continua and includes equations of state, continuity, momentum conservation and energy for PCM and gas. The advantage of the method is that it does not require predicting the location of phase transition zone and can define it automatically as in a usual shock-capturing method. One of the applications of the developed numerical model is the simulation of novel Adiabatic Compressed Air Energy Storage system (A-CAES) with Thermal Energy Storage subsystem (TES) based on using the encapsulated PCM in packed bed. Preliminary test calculations give hope that the method can be effectively applied in the future for modelling the charge and discharge processes in such TES with PCM.

The long flow to freedom

DOE PAGES

Aharony, Ofer; Razamat, Shlomo S.; Seiberg, Nathan; ...

2017-02-10

Two-dimensional field theories do not have a moduli space of vacua. Instead, it is common that their low-energy behavior is a sigma model with a target space. When this target space is compact its renormalization group flow is standard. When it is non-compact the continuous spectrum of operators can change the qualitative behavior. Here we discuss two-dimensional gauge theories with N = (2,2) supersymmetry. We focus on two specific theories, for which we argue that they flow to free chiral multiplets at low energies: the U(1) gauge theory with one flavor (two chiral superfields with charges plus and minus one)more » and a non-zero Fayet-Iliopoulos term, and pure SU( N) gauge theories. We argue that the renormalization group flow of these theories has an interesting order of limits issue. Holding the position on the target space fixed, the space flattens out under the renormalization group. On the other hand, if we first go to infinity on the target space and then perform the renormalization group, we always have a non-trivial space, e.g. a cone with a deficit angle. We explain how to interpret low-energy dualities between theories with non-compact target spaces. As a result, we expect a similar qualitative behavior also for other non-compact sigma models, even when they do not flow to free theories.« less

Effect of childhood malnutrition on salivary flow and pH.

PubMed

Psoter, Walter J; Spielman, Andrew L; Gebrian, Bette; St Jean, Rudolph; Katz, Ralph V

2008-03-01

While protein-energy malnutrition may have multiple effects on oral tissues and subsequent disease development, reports of the effect of malnutrition on the human salivary glands are sparse. A retrospective cohort study of the effect of early childhood protein-energy malnutrition (EC-PEM) and adolescent nutritional status on salivary flow and pH was conducted with rural Haitian children, ages 11-19 years (n=1017). Malnutrition strata exposure cohorts were based on 1988-1996 weight-for-age records which covered the birth through 5-year-old period for all subjects. Then, data on current anthropometrical defined nutritional status categories, stimulated and unstimulated salivary flow rates, and salivary pH were collected for the same subjects of 11-19 years old during field examinations in the summer of 2005. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used for the analyses. Stimulated and unstimulated salivary flow rates were reduced at statistically significant levels in subjects who had experienced severe malnutrition in their early childhood or who had continuing nutrition stress which resulted in delayed growth, as measured at ages 11-19 years. Salivary pH demonstrated little clinically meaningful variability between malnourished and nonmalnourished groups. This study is the first to report of a continuing effect on diminished salivary gland function into adolescence as a result of early childhood malnutrition (EC-PEM) and suggests that exocrine glandular systems may be compromised for extended periods following EC-PEM, which may have important implications for the body's systemic antimicrobial defences.

The effect of cooled dialysate on thermal energy balance in hemodialysis patients.

PubMed

Provenzano, R; Sawaya, B; Frinak, S; Polaschegg, H D; Roy, T; Zasuwa, G; Dumler, F; Levin, N W

1988-01-01

The authors have monitored extracorporeal thermal energy balance using continuous in-line arterial and venous temperature and blood flow measurements. Use of dialysate at 37 degrees C resulted in a mean heat energy gain of 83 +/- 61 cal/min, whereas dialysate at 34 degrees C produced a loss of 463 +/- 121 cal/min. Monitoring extracorporeal thermal energy balance during cooled-dialysate hemodialysis will facilitate the use of feedback loops for dialysate temperature control in order to maximize hemodynamic stability while reducing discomfort. This methodology also may be helpful in assessing the metabolic effects of protein intake, high flux dialysis, membrane biocompatibility, and adequacy of dialysis in relation to thermal energy balance.

Arrhenius plot for a reaction catalyzed by a single molecule of β-galactosidase.

PubMed

Craig, Douglas B; Chase, Linden N

2012-02-21

The activity of a single enzyme molecule of Escherichia coli β-galactosidase was measured using a capillary electrophoresis continuous flow assay. As the enzyme molecule traversed the capillary the incubation temperature was increased from 27 to 37 °C, providing a continuous record of the change in rate with temperature. This data was used to develop a single enzyme molecule Arrhenius plot, from which the activation energy of the reaction was determined to be 31 kJ mol(-1).

Shallow soil moisture - ground thaw interactions and controls - Part 2: Influences of water and energy fluxes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guan, X. J.; Spence, C.; Westbrook, C. J.

2010-07-01

The companion paper (Guan et al., 2010) demonstrated variable interactions and correlations between shallow soil moisture and ground thaw in soil filled areas along a wetness spectrum in a subarctic Canadian Precambrian Shield landscape. From wetter to drier, these included a wetland, peatland and soil filled valley. Herein, water and energy fluxes were examined for these same subarctic study sites to discern the key controlling processes on the found patterns. Results showed the presence of surface water was the key control in variable soil moisture and frost table interactions among sites. At the peatland and wetland sites, accumulated water in depressions and flow paths maintained soil moisture for a longer duration than at the hummock tops. These wet areas were often locations of deepest thaw depth due to the transfer of latent heat accompanying lateral surface runoff. Although the peatland and wetland sites had large inundation extent, modified Péclet numbers indicated the relative influence of external and internal hydrological and energy processes at each site were different. Continuous inflow from an upstream lake into the wetland site caused advective and conductive thermal energies to be of equal importance to ground thaw. The absence of continuous surface flow at the peatland and valley sites led to dominance of conductive thermal energy over advective energy for ground thaw. The results suggest that the modified Péclet number could be a very useful parameter to differentiate landscape components in modeling frost table heterogeneity. The calculated water and energy fluxes, and the modified Péclet number provide quantitative explanations for the shallow soil moisture-ground thaw patterns by linking them with hydrological processes and hillslope storage capacity.

Mathematical Modeling of Radiofrequency Ablation for Varicose Veins

PubMed Central

Choi, Sun Young; Kwak, Byung Kook

2014-01-01

We present a three-dimensional mathematical model for the study of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with blood flow for varicose vein. The model designed to analyze temperature distribution heated by radiofrequency energy and cooled by blood flow includes a cylindrically symmetric blood vessel with a homogeneous vein wall. The simulated blood velocity conditions are U = 0, 1, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 40 mm/s. The lower the blood velocity, the higher the temperature in the vein wall and the greater the tissue damage. The region that is influenced by temperature in the case of the stagnant flow occupies approximately 28.5% of the whole geometry, while the region that is influenced by temperature in the case of continuously moving electrode against the flow direction is about 50%. The generated RF energy induces a temperature rise of the blood in the lumen and leads to an occlusion of the blood vessel. The result of the study demonstrated that higher blood velocity led to smaller thermal region and lower ablation efficiency. Since the peak temperature along the venous wall depends on the blood velocity and pullback velocity, the temperature distribution in the model influences ablation efficiency. The vein wall absorbs more energy in the low pullback velocity than in the high one. PMID:25587351

Dynamical resource nexus assessments: from accounting to sustainability approaches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salmoral, Gloria; Yan, Xiaoyu

2017-04-01

Continued economic development and population growth result in increasing pressures on natural resources, from local to international levels, for meeting societal demands on water, energy and food. To date there are a few tools that link models to identify the relationships and to account for flows of water, energy and food. However, these tools in general can offer only a static view often at national level and with annual temporal resolution. Moreover, they can only account flows but cannot consider the required amounts and conditions of the natural capital that supplies and maintains these flows. With the emerging nexus thinking, our research is currently focused on promoting dynamical environmental analyses beyond the conventional silo mentalities. Our study aims to show new advancements in existing tools (e.g., dynamical life cycle assessment) and develop novel environmental indicators relevant for the resource nexus assessment. We aim to provide a step forward when sustainability conditions and resilience thresholds are aligned with flows under production (e.g., food, water and energy), process level under analysis (e.g., local production, transport, manufacturing, final consumption, reuse, disposal) and existing biophysical local conditions. This approach would help to embrace and better characterise the spatiotemporal dynamics, complexity and existing links between and within the natural and societal systems, which are crucial to evaluate and promote more environmentally sustainable economic activities.

Hypervelocity atmospheric flight: Real gas flow fields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Howe, John T.

1990-01-01

Flight in the atmosphere is examined from the viewpoint of including real gas phenomena in the flow field about a vehicle flying at hypervelocity. That is to say, the flow field is subject not only to compressible phenomena, but is dominated by energetic phenomena. There are several significant features of such a flow field. Spatially, its composition can vary by both chemical and elemental species. The equations which describe the flow field include equations of state and mass, species, elemental, and electric charge continuity; momentum; and energy equations. These are nonlinear, coupled, partial differential equations that were reduced to a relatively compact set of equations of a self-consistent manner (which allows mass addition at the surface at a rate comparable to the free-stream mass flux). The equations and their inputs allow for transport of these quantities relative to the mass-averaged behavior of the flow field. Thus transport of mass by chemical, thermal, pressure, and forced diffusion; transport of momentum by viscosity; and transport of energy by conduction, chemical considerations, viscosity, and radiative transfer are included. The last of these complicate the set of equations by making the energy equation a partial integrodifferential equation. Each phenomenon is considered and represented mathematically by one or more developments. The coefficients which pertain are both thermodynamically and chemically dependent. Solutions of the equations are presented and discussed in considerable detail, with emphasis on severe energetic flow fields. For hypervelocity flight in low-density environments where gaseous reactions proceed at finite rates, chemical nonequilibrium is considered and some illustrations are presented. Finally, flight where the flow field may be out of equilibrium, both chemically and thermodynamically, is presented briefly.

Hypervelocity atmospheric flight: Real gas flow fields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Howe, John T.

1989-01-01

Flight in the atmosphere is examined from the viewpoint of including real gas phenomena in the flow field about a vehicle flying at hypervelocity. That is to say, the flow field is subject not only to compressible phenomena, but is dominated by energetic phenomena. There are several significant features of such a flow field. Spatially, its composition can vary by both chemical and elemental species. The equations which describe the flow field include equations of state and mass, species, elemental, and electric charge continuity; momentum; and energy equations. These are nonlinear, coupled, partial differential equations that have been reduced to a relatively compact set of equations in a self-consistent manner (which allows mass addition at the surface at a rate comparable to the free-stream mass flux). The equations and their inputs allow for transport of these quantities relative to the mass-average behavior of the flow field. Thus transport of mass by chemical, thermal, pressure, and forced diffusion; transport of momentum by viscosity; and transport of energy by conduction, chemical considerations, viscosity, and radiative transfer are included. The last of these complicate the set of equations by making the energy equations a partial integrodifferential equation. Each phenomenon is considered and represented mathematically by one or more developments. The coefficients which pertain are both thermodynamically and chemically dependent. Solutions of the equations are presented and discussed in considerable detail, with emphasis on severe energetic flow fields. Hypervelocity flight in low-density environments where gaseous reactions proceed at finite rates chemical nonequilibrium is considered, and some illustrations are presented. Finally, flight where the flow field may be out of equilibrium, both chemically and thermodynamically, is presented briefly.

Development of a high power microwave thruster, with a magnetic nozzle, for space applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Power, John L.; Chapman, Randall A.

1989-01-01

This paper describes the current development of a high-power microwave electrothermal thruster (MET) concept at the NASA Lewis Research Center. Such a thruster would be employed in space for applications such as orbit raining, orbit maneuvering, station change, and possibly trans-lunar or trans-planetary propulsion of spacecraft. The MET concept employs low frequency continuous wave (CW) microwave power to create and continuously pump energy into a flowing propellant gas at relative high pressure via a plasma discharge. The propellant is heated to very high bulk temperatures while passing through the plasma discharge region and then is expanded through a throat-nozzle assembly to produce thrust, as in a conventional rocket engine. Apparatus, which is described, is being assembled at NASA Lewis to test the MET concept to CW power levels of 30 kW at a frequency of 915 MHz. The microwave energy is applied in a resonant cavity applicator and is absorbed by a plasma discharge in the flowing propellant. The ignited plasma acts as a lossy load, and with optimal tuning, energy absorption efficiencies over 95 percent (based on the applied microwave power) are expected. Nitrogen, helium, and hydrogen will be tested as propellants in the MET, at discharge chamber pressures to 10 atm.

A novel microfluidic system for the mass production of Inertial Fusion Energy shells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inoue, N. T.

2016-04-01

A system which can mass produce millimetre sized spherical polymer shells economically and with high precision will be a great step towards the Inertial Fusion Energy goal. Microfluidics has shown itself to be a disruptive technology, where a rapid and continuous production of compound emulsions can be processed into such shells. Planar emulsion generators co-flow-focus in one step (COFON) and cascaded co-flow- focus (COFUS) enable millimetre compound emulsions to be produced using a one or two step formation process respectively. The co-flow-focus geometry uses symmetric and curved carrier fluid entrance walls to create a focusing orifice-minima and a carrier flow which aids movement and shaping of the dispersed fluid(s) towards the outlet, whilst maintaining operation in the dripping regime. Precision concentric alignment of these compound emulsions remains one of the greatest challenges. However steps to solve this passively using curved channel modulation to perturbate the emulsion have shown that rapid alignment can be achieved. Issues with satellite droplet formation, repeatability of the emulsion generation and cost are also addressed.

Analysis and Experimental Verification of New Power Flow Control for Grid-Connected Inverter with LCL Filter in Microgrid

PubMed Central

Gu, Herong; Guan, Yajuan; Wang, Huaibao; Wei, Baoze; Guo, Xiaoqiang

2014-01-01

Microgrid is an effective way to integrate the distributed energy resources into the utility networks. One of the most important issues is the power flow control of grid-connected voltage-source inverter in microgrid. In this paper, the small-signal model of the power flow control for the grid-connected inverter is established, from which it can be observed that the conventional power flow control may suffer from the poor damping and slow transient response. While the new power flow control can mitigate these problems without affecting the steady-state power flow regulation. Results of continuous-domain simulations in MATLAB and digital control experiments based on a 32-bit fixed-point TMS320F2812 DSP are in good agreement, which verify the small signal model analysis and effectiveness of the proposed method. PMID:24672304

An Inviscid Decoupled Method for the Roe FDS Scheme in the Reacting Gas Path of FUN3D

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thompson, Kyle B.; Gnoffo, Peter A.

2016-01-01

An approach is described to decouple the species continuity equations from the mixture continuity, momentum, and total energy equations for the Roe flux difference splitting scheme. This decoupling simplifies the implicit system, so that the flow solver can be made significantly more efficient, with very little penalty on overall scheme robustness. Most importantly, the computational cost of the point implicit relaxation is shown to scale linearly with the number of species for the decoupled system, whereas the fully coupled approach scales quadratically. Also, the decoupled method significantly reduces the cost in wall time and memory in comparison to the fully coupled approach. This work lays the foundation for development of an efficient adjoint solution procedure for high speed reacting flow.

Thermal boundary layer due to sudden heating of fluid

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kurkal, K.R.; Munukutla, S.

This paper proposes to solve computationally the heat-transfer problems (introduced by Munukutla and Venkataraman, 1988) related to a closed-cycle pulsed high-power laser flow loop. The continuity and the momentum equations as well as the unsteady energy equation are solved using the Keller-Box method. The solutions were compared with the steady-state solutions at large times, and the comparison was found to be excellent. Empirical formulas are proposed for calculating the time-dependent boundary-layer thickness and mass-heat transfer, that can be used by laser flow loop designers. 6 refs.

Thermal boundary layer due to sudden heating of fluid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurkal, K. R.; Munukutla, S.

1989-10-01

This paper proposes to solve computationally the heat-transfer problems (introduced by Munukutla and Venkataraman, 1988) related to a closed-cycle pulsed high-power laser flow loop. The continuity and the momentum equations as well as the unsteady energy equation are solved using the Keller-Box method. The solutions were compared with the steady-state solutions at large times, and the comparison was found to be excellent. Empirical formulas are proposed for calculating the time-dependent boundary-layer thickness and mass-heat transfer, that can be used by laser flow loop designers.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cirrito, A.J.

Combustion jet pumps ingest waste heat gases from power plant engines and boilers to boost their pressure for the ultimate low temperature utilization of the captured heat for heating homes, full-year hot houses, sterilization purposes, recreational hot water, absorption refrigeration and the like. Jet pump energy is sustained from the incineration of solids, liquids and gases and vapors or simply from burning fuels. This is the energy needed to transport the reaction products to the point of heat utilization and to optimize the heat transfer to that point. Sequent jet pumps raise and preserve energy levels. Crypto-steady and special jetmore » pumps increase pumping efficiency. The distribution conduit accepts fluidized solids, liquids, gases and vapors in multiphase flow. Temperature modulation and flow augmentation takes place by water injection. Macro solids such as dried sewage waste are removed by cyclone separation. Micro particles remain entrained and pass out with waste condensate just beyond each point of final heat utilization to recharge the water table. The non-condensible gases separated at this point are treated for pollution control. Further, jet pump reactions are controlled to yield fuel gas as necessary to power jet pumps or other use. In all these effects introduced sequentially, the available energy necessary to provide the flow energy, for the continuously distributed heating medium, is first extracted from fuel and fuel-like additions to the stream. As all energy, any way, finally converts to heat, which in this case is retained or recaptured in the flow, the captured heat is practically 90% available at the point of low temperature utilization. The jet pump for coal gasification is also disclosed as are examples of coal gasification and hydrogen production.« less

Computation of peak discharge at culverts

USGS Publications Warehouse

Carter, Rolland William

1957-01-01

Methods for computing peak flood flow through culverts on the basis of a field survey of highwater marks and culvert geometry are presented. These methods are derived from investigations of culvert flow as reported in the literature and on extensive laboratory studies of culvert flow. For convenience in computation, culvert flow has been classified into six types, according to the location of the control section and the relative heights of the head-water and tail-water levels. The type of flow which occurred at any site can be determined from the field data and the criteria given in this report. A discharge equation has been developed for each flow type by combining the energy and continuity equations for the distance between an approach section upstream from the culvert and a terminal section within the culvert barrel. The discharge coefficient applicable to each flow type is listed for the more common entrance geometries. Procedures for computing peak discharge through culverts are outlined in detail for each of the six flow types.

Lonely GPFUTV-the movement of water under the action of unknown vacuum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Weiyi

2013-11-01

In this paper, firstly, the experiment on the flow resistance of the aerated pipe flow is introduced. The experimental research on comparison between different volumes of air entrained is presented. Secondly, the characteristics of gravity pipe flow under the action of Torricelli's vacuum, shortly called as GPFUTV are dissertated, including creative and functional design, fundamental principle, etc. Under the joint action of an unknown vacuum energy and the formation of non-aerated flow the water flow is full-pipe and continuous, high-speed and non-rotational as distinguished from turbulent flow. Thirdly, an appeal in relation to the experimental research, the applied studies and basic theory research is given. For instance, experimental study of Torricelli's experiment phenomenon in the vacuum environment, applied study of the potential for GPFUTV to be developed for deep seawater suction technology and lifting technology for deep ocean mining, theoretical study of flow stability and flow resistance under GPFUTV condition, etc. At last, the famous GPFUTV project is illustrated. 12 years of rigorous and independent survey research.

Stark effect spectrophone for continuous absorption spectra monitoring. [a technique for gas analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kavaya, M. J. (Inventor)

1981-01-01

A Stark effect spectrophone using a pulsed or continuous wave laser having a beam with one or more absorption lines of a constituent of an unknown gas is described. The laser beam is directed through windows of a closed cell while the unknown gas to be modified flows continuously through the cell between electric field plates disposed in the cell on opposite sides of the beam path through the cell. When the beam is pulsed, energy absorbed by the gas increases at each point along the beam path according to the spectral lines of the constituents of the gas for the particular field strengths at those points. The pressure measurement at each point during each pulse of energy yields a plot of absorption as a function of electric field for simultaneous detection of the gas constituents. Provision for signal averaging and modulation is included.

A mental picture of the greenhouse effect. A pedagogic explanation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benestad, Rasmus E.

2017-05-01

The popular picture of the greenhouse effect emphasises the radiation transfer but fails to explain the observed climate change. An old conceptual model for the greenhouse effect is revisited and presented as a useful resource in climate change communication. It is validated against state-of-the-art data, and nontraditional diagnostics show a physically consistent picture. The earth's climate is constrained by well-known and elementary physical principles, such as energy balance, flow, and conservation. Greenhouse gases affect the atmospheric optical depth for infrared radiation, and increased opacity implies higher altitude from which earth's equivalent bulk heat loss takes place. Such an increase is seen in the reanalyses, and the outgoing long-wave radiation has become more diffuse over time, consistent with an increased influence of greenhouse gases on the vertical energy flow from the surface to the top of the atmosphere. The reanalyses further imply increases in the overturning in the troposphere, consistent with a constant and continuous vertical energy flow. The increased overturning can explain a slowdown in the global warming, and the association between these aspects can be interpreted as an entanglement between the greenhouse effect and the hydrological cycle, where reduced energy transfer associated with increased opacity is compensated by tropospheric overturning activity.

[Electromagnetic radiation of non-thermal intensity and short exposition as a sub-threshold irritant for the central nervous system].

PubMed

Luk'ianova, S N

2013-01-01

This work represents generalization and the analysis of the long-term own materials characterizing reaction of the brain on electromagnetic radiation of low intensity (energy flow density in the continuous regime or in the impulse approximately 500 microW/sm2) and a short exposition (approximately 30 min). A set of the experimental results received on separate neurons, formations and brain as a whole give an idea about the reaction of the central nervous system to the studied influence. Comparison of these data with the corresponding responses to the known incentives (light, sound, electric current) testifies to the electromagnetic radiation of low energy flow density and a short exposition as a sub-threshold irritant for the central nervous system.

The Redox flow system for solar photovoltaic energy storage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Odonnell, P.; Gahn, R. F.

1976-01-01

A new method of storage was applied to a solar photovoltaic system. The storage method is a redox flow system which utilizes the oxidation-reduction capability of two soluble electrochemical redox couples for its storage capacity. The particular variant described separates the charging and discharging function of the system such that the electrochemical couples are simultaneously charged and discharged in separate parts of the system. The solar array had 12 solar cells; wired in order to give a range of voltages and currents. The system stored the solar energy so that a load could be run continually day and night. The main advantages of the redox system are that it can accept a charge in the low voltage range and produce a relatively constant output regardless of solar activity.

Performance of a CW double electric discharge for supersonic CO lasers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stanton, A. C.; Hanson, R. K.; Mitchner, M.

1980-01-01

The results of an experimental investigation of a CW double discharge in supersonic CO mixtures are reported. Stable discharges in CO/N2 and CO/Ar mixtures, with a maximum energy loading of 0.5 eV/CO molecule, were achieved in a small-scale continuous-flow supersonic channel. Detailed measurements of the discharge characteristics were performed, including electrostatic probe measurements of floating potential and electron number density and spectroscopic measurements of the CO vibrational population distributions. The results of these measurements indicate that the vibrational excitation efficiency of the discharge is approximately 60%, for moderate levels of main discharge current. These experiments, on a small scale, demonstrate that the double-discharge scheme provides adequate vibrational energy loading for efficient CO laser operation under CW supersonic flow conditions.

Reactivation of dead sulfide species in lithium polysulfide flow battery for grid scale energy storage.

PubMed

Jin, Yang; Zhou, Guangmin; Shi, Feifei; Zhuo, Denys; Zhao, Jie; Liu, Kai; Liu, Yayuan; Zu, Chenxi; Chen, Wei; Zhang, Rufan; Huang, Xuanyi; Cui, Yi

2017-09-06

Lithium polysulfide batteries possess several favorable attributes including low cost and high energy density for grid energy storage. However, the precipitation of insoluble and irreversible sulfide species on the surface of carbon and lithium (called "dead" sulfide species) leads to continuous capacity degradation in high mass loading cells, which represents a great challenge. To address this problem, herein we propose a strategy to reactivate dead sulfide species by reacting them with sulfur powder with stirring and heating (70 °C) to recover the cell capacity, and further demonstrate a flow battery system based on the reactivation approach. As a result, ultrahigh mass loading (0.125 g cm -3 , 2 g sulfur in a single cell), high volumetric energy density (135 Wh L -1 ), good cycle life, and high single-cell capacity are achieved. The high volumetric energy density indicates its promising application for future grid energy storage.Lithium polysulfide batteries suffer from the precipitation of insoluble and irreversible sulfide species on the surface of carbon and lithium. Here the authors show a reactivation strategy by a reaction with cheap sulfur powder under stirring and heating to recover the cell capacity.

Effect of film slicks on near-surface wind

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Charnotskii, Mikhail; Ermakov, Stanislav; Ostrovsky, Lev; Shomina, Olga

2016-09-01

The transient effects of horizontal variation of sea-surface wave roughness due to surfactant films on near-surface turbulent wind are studied theoretically and experimentally. Here we suggest two practical schemes for calculating variations of wind velocity profiles near the water surface, the average short-wave roughness of which is varying in space and time when a film slick is present. The schemes are based on a generalized two-layer model of turbulent air flow over a rough surface and on the solution of the continuous model involving the equation for turbulent kinetic energy of the air flow. Wave tank studies of wind flow over wind waves in the presence of film slicks are described and compared with theory.

Small Scale Mass Flow Plug Calibration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sasson, Jonathan

2015-01-01

A simple control volume model has been developed to calculate the discharge coefficient through a mass flow plug (MFP) and validated with a calibration experiment. The maximum error of the model in the operating region of the MFP is 0.54%. The model uses the MFP geometry and operating pressure and temperature to couple continuity, momentum, energy, an equation of state, and wall shear. Effects of boundary layer growth and the reduction in cross-sectional flow area are calculated using an in- integral method. A CFD calibration is shown to be of lower accuracy with a maximum error of 1.35%, and slower by a factor of 100. Effects of total pressure distortion are taken into account in the experiment. Distortion creates a loss in flow rate and can be characterized by two different distortion descriptors.

One-Dimensional Ablation with Pyrolysis Gas Flow Using a Full Newton's Method and Finite Control Volume Procedure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Amar, Adam J.; Blackwell, Ben F.; Edwards, Jack R.

2007-01-01

The development and verification of a one-dimensional material thermal response code with ablation is presented. The implicit time integrator, control volume finite element spatial discretization, and Newton's method for nonlinear iteration on the entire system of residual equations have been implemented and verified for the thermochemical ablation of internally decomposing materials. This study is a continuation of the work presented in "One-Dimensional Ablation with Pyrolysis Gas Flow Using a Full Newton's Method and Finite Control Volume Procedure" (AIAA-2006-2910), which described the derivation, implementation, and verification of the constant density solid energy equation terms and boundary conditions. The present study extends the model to decomposing materials including decomposition kinetics, pyrolysis gas flow through the porous char layer, and a mixture (solid and gas) energy equation. Verification results are presented for the thermochemical ablation of a carbon-phenolic ablator which involves the solution of the entire system of governing equations.

Influence of Turbulent Flows in the Nozzle on Melt Flow Within a Slab Mold and Stability of the Metal-Flux Interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calderon-Ramos, Ismael; Morales, R. D.

2016-06-01

The design of the ports of a casting nozzle has profound effects on the fluid flow patterns in slab molds. The influence of these outlets have also considerable effects on the turbulent flow and turbulence variables inside the nozzle itself. To understand the effects of nozzle design, three approaches were employed: a theoretical analysis based on the turbulent viscosity hypothesis, dimensional analysis (both analyses aided by computer fluid dynamics), and experiments using particle image velocimetry. The first approach yields a linear relation between calculated magnitudes of scalar fields of ɛ (dissipation rate of kinetic energy) and k 2 (square of the turbulent kinetic energy), which is derived from the wall and the logarithmic-wall laws in the boundary layers. The smaller the slope of this linear relation is, the better the performance of a given nozzle is for maintaining the stability of the melt-flux interface. The second approach yields also a linear relation between flow rate of liquid metal and the cubic root of the dissipation rate of kinetic energy. In this case, the larger the slope of the linear relation is, the better the performance of a given nozzle is for maintaining the stability of the melt-flux interface. Finally, PIV measurements in a mold water model, together with equations for estimation of critical melt velocities for slag entrainment, were used to quantify the effects of nozzle design on the dynamics of the metal-slag interface. The three approaches agree in the characterization of turbulent flows in continuous casting molds using different nozzles.

Nucleation and growth constraints and outcome in the natural gas hydrate system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osegovic, J. P.; Max, M. D.

2016-12-01

Hydrate formation processes are functions of energy distribution constrained by physical and kinetic parameters. The generation of energy and energy derivative plots of a constrained growth crucible are used to demonstrate nucleation probability zones (phase origin(s)). Nucleation sets the stage for growth by further constraining the pathways through changes in heat capacity, heat flow coefficient, and enthalpy which in turn modify the mass and energy flow into the hydrate formation region. Nucleation events result from the accumulation of materials and energy relative to pressure, temperature, and composition. Nucleation induction is predictive (a frequency parameter) rather than directly dependent on time. Growth, as mass tranfer into a new phase, adds time as a direct parameter. Growth has direct feedback on phase transfer, energy dynamics, and mass export/import rates. Many studies have shown that hydrate growth is largely an equilibrium process controlled by either mass or energy flows. Subtle changes in the overall energy distribution shift the equilibrium in a predictable fashion. We will demonstrate the localization of hydrate nucleation in a reservoir followed by likely evolution of growth in a capped, sand filled environment. The gas hydrate stability zone (GHSZ) can be characterized as a semi-batch crystallizer in which nucleation and growth of natural gas hydrate (NGH) is a continuous process that may result in very large concentrations of NGH. Gas flux, or the relative concentration of hydrate-forming gas is the critical factor in a GHSZ. In an open groundwater system in which flow rate exceeds diffusion transport rate, dissolved natural gas is transported into and through the GHSZ. In a closed system, such as a geological trap, diffusion of hydrate-forming gas from a free gas zone below the GHSZ is the primary mechanism for movement of gas reactants. Because of the lower molecular weight of methane, where diffusion is the principal transport mechanism, the natural system can be a purification process for formation of increasingly pure NGH from a mixed gas solution over time.

Vertical redox profiles in treatment wetlands as function of hydraulic regime and macrophytes presence: surveying the optimal scenario for microbial fuel cell implementation.

PubMed

Corbella, Clara; Garfí, Marianna; Puigagut, Jaume

2014-02-01

Sediment microbial fuel cell (sMFC) represents a variation of the typical configuration of a MFC in which energy can be harvested via naturally occurring electropotential differences. Moreover, constructed wetlands show marked redox gradients along the depth which could be exploited for energy production via sMFC. In spite of the potential application of sMFC to constructed wetlands, there is almost no published work on the topic. The main objective of the present work was to define the best operational and design conditions of sub-surface flow constructed wetlands (SSF CWs) under which energy production with microbial fuel cells (MFCs) would be maximized. To this aim, a pilot plant based on SSF CW treating domestic sewage was operated during six months. Redox gradients along the depth of SSF CWs were determined as function of hydraulic regime (continuous vs discontinuous) and the presence of macrophytes in two sampling campaigns (after three and six months of plant operation). Redox potential (EH) within the wetlands was analysed at 5, 15 and 25 cm. Results obtained indicated that the maximum redox gradient was between the surface and the bottom of the bed for continuous planted wetlands (407.7 ± 73.8 mV) and, to a lesser extent, between the surface and the middle part of the wetland (356.5 ± 76.7 mV). Finally, the maximum redox gradients obtained for planted wetlands operated under continuous flow regime would lead to a power production of about 16 mW/m(2). © 2013.

Bioenergetics in human evolution and disease: implications for the origins of biological complexity and the missing genetic variation of common diseases.

PubMed

Wallace, Douglas C

2013-07-19

Two major inconsistencies exist in the current neo-Darwinian evolutionary theory that random chromosomal mutations acted on by natural selection generate new species. First, natural selection does not require the evolution of ever increasing complexity, yet this is the hallmark of biology. Second, human chromosomal DNA sequence variation is predominantly either neutral or deleterious and is insufficient to provide the variation required for speciation or for predilection to common diseases. Complexity is explained by the continuous flow of energy through the biosphere that drives the accumulation of nucleic acids and information. Information then encodes complex forms. In animals, energy flow is primarily mediated by mitochondria whose maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) codes for key genes for energy metabolism. In mammals, the mtDNA has a very high mutation rate, but the deleterious mutations are removed by an ovarian selection system. Hence, new mutations that subtly alter energy metabolism are continuously introduced into the species, permitting adaptation to regional differences in energy environments. Therefore, the most phenotypically significant gene variants arise in the mtDNA, are regional, and permit animals to occupy peripheral energy environments where rarer nuclear DNA (nDNA) variants can accumulate, leading to speciation. The neutralist-selectionist debate is then a consequence of mammals having two different evolutionary strategies: a fast mtDNA strategy for intra-specific radiation and a slow nDNA strategy for speciation. Furthermore, the missing genetic variation for common human diseases is primarily mtDNA variation plus regional nDNA variants, both of which have been missed by large, inter-population association studies.

Shallow soil moisture - ground thaw interactions and controls - Part 2: Influences of water and energy fluxes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guan, X. J.; Spence, C.; Westbrook, C. J.

2010-01-01

The companion paper (Guan et al., 2010) demonstrated variable interactions and correlations between shallow soil moisture and ground thaw in soil filled areas along a wetness spectrum in a subarctic Canadian Precambrian Shield landscape. From wetter to drier, these included a wetland, peatland and soil filled valley. Herein, water and energy fluxes were examined for these same subarctic study sites to discern the key controlling processes on the found patterns. Results showed the key control in variable soil moisture and frost table interactions among the sites was the presence of surface water. At the peatland and wetland sites, accumulated water in depressions and flow paths maintained soil moisture for a longer duration than at the hummock tops. These wet areas were often locations of deepest thaw depth due to the transfer of latent heat accompanying lateral surface runoff. Although the peatland and wetland sites had large inundation extent, modified Péclet numbers indicated the relative influence of external and internal hydrological processes at each site were different. Continuous inflow from an upstream lake into the wetland site caused advective and conductive thermal energies to be of equal importance to conductive ground thaw. The absence of continuous surface flow at the peatland and valley sites led to dominance of conductive thermal energy over advective energy for ground thaw. The results suggest that the modified Péclet number could be a very useful parameter to differentiate landscape components in modeling frost table heterogeneity. The calculated water and energy fluxes, and the modified Péclet number provide quantitative explanations for the shallow soil moisture-ground thaw patterns by linking them with hydrological processes and hillslope storage capacity.

The moon-Earth system...As a vacuum gravity energy machine? A Hint about the Nature of Universal Gravity that May Have Been Overlooked

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masters, Roy

2011-10-01

We revisit the theories describing the moon raising the tides by virtue of pull gravity combined with the moon's centripetal angular momentum. We show that if gravity is considered as the attractive interaction between individual bodies, then a laboring moon doing work would have fallen to earth eons ago. Isaac Newton's laws of motion cannot work with pull gravity, but they do with Einstein's gravity as a property of the universe, which produces a continuous infusion of energy. In other words, the moon-Earth system becomes the first observable vacuum gravity energy machine. In other words the dynamics of what appears to be a closed system has been producing energy that continues raising the tides into perpetuity along with the force needed for the moon to escape the Earth's gravitational pull 4cm per year. All this is in defiance of Newton's first law which says ``If no force is added to a body it cannot accelerate.'' In this theory, a flowing space-time curves with three dimensions of force. A (flowing) spatial fabric bends around mass and displaces the inverse square field vanishing point property of matter with the appearance of a push-force square of the distance. In other words, the immeasurable universal gravity field appears as measurable local gravitation, concentrating universal gravitational pressure with the square of the distance from the very point was supposed to have disappeared. Needless to say such ``gravity'' necessitates a different beginning.

Miniature electrically operated diaphragm valve

DOEpatents

Adkins, Douglas R.; Spletzer, Barry L.; Wong, Chungnin C.; Frye-Mason, Gregory C.; Fischer, Gary J.; Hesketh, Peter J.

2001-01-01

The present invention provides a miniature electrically operated valve that can stand off significant pressures, that can be inexpensively produced, and that can be made to operate without continuous electrical power. A valve according to the present invention comprises a housing and a beam mounted with the housing. A diaphragm mounted with the housing forms a sealed fluid volume. An electromagnetic energy source, such as an electromagnetic coil, mounts with the housing and when energized urges the beam in one direction. The beam can be urged in the opposing direction by passive means or by reversing the polarity of the electromagnetic energy source or by a second electromagnetic energy source. Two fluid ports mount with the housing. A first fluid port mounts so that, as the beam is urged in one direction or the opposite, the beam urges the diaphragm to move between engaging and substantially sealing the fluid port and disengaging and not substantially sealing the fluid port. A seat can be mounted with the diaphragm to aid in sealing the fluid port. Latching mechanisms such as permanent magnets can be mounted so that the valve remains in the open or closed positions without continuous electrical power input. Fluid can flow through the housing between the two fluid ports when the diaphragm does not seal the first fluid port, but can be prevented from flowing by urging the beam so that the diaphragm seals the first fluid port. Various embodiments accommodate various latching mechanisms, electromagnetic energy sources, number of fluid ports, and diaphragm design considerations.

Digital stroboscopic holographic interferometry for power flow measurements in acoustically driven membranes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keustermans, William; Pires, Felipe; De Greef, Daniël; Vanlanduit, Steve J. A.; Dirckx, Joris J. J.

2016-06-01

Despite the importance of the eardrum and the ossicles in the hearing chain, it remains an open question how acoustical energy is transmitted between them. Identifying the transmission path at different frequencies could lead to valuable information for the domain of middle ear surgery. In this work a setup for stroboscopic holography is combined with an algorithm for power flow calculations. With our method we were able to accurately locate the power sources and sinks in a membrane. The setup enabled us to make amplitude maps of the out-of-plane displacement of a vibrating rubber membrane at subsequent instances of time within the vibration period. From these, the amplitude maps of the moments of force and velocities are calculated. The magnitude and phase maps are extracted from this amplitude data, and form the input for the power flow calculations. We present the algorithm used for the measurements and for the power flow calculations. Finite element models of a circular plate with a local energy source and sink allowed us to test and optimize this algorithm in a controlled way and without the present of noise, but will not be discussed below. At the setup an earphone was connected with a thin tube which was placed very close to the membrane so that sound impinges locally on the membrane, hereby acting as a local energy source. The energy sink was a little piece of foam carefully placed against the membrane. The laser pulses are fired at selected instants within the vibration period using a 30 mW HeNe continuous wave laser (red light, 632.8 nm) in combination with an acousto-optic modulator. A function generator controls the phase of these illumination pulses and the holograms are recorded using a CCD camera. We present the magnitude and phase maps as well as the power flow measurements on the rubber membrane. Calculation of the divergence of this power flow map provides a simple and fast way of identifying and locating an energy source or sink. In conclusion possible future improvements to the setup and the power flow algorithm are discussed.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Taroyan, Youra; Williams, Thomas

The interaction of an intergranular downdraft with an embedded vertical magnetic field is examined. It is demonstrated that the downdraft may couple to small magnetic twists leading to an instability. The descending plasma exponentially amplifies the magnetic twists when it decelerates with depth due to increasing density. Most efficient amplification is found in the vicinity of the level, where the kinetic energy density of the downdraft reaches equipartition with the magnetic energy density. Continual extraction of energy from the decelerating plasma and growth in the total azimuthal energy occurs as a consequence of the wave-flow coupling along the downdraft. Themore » presented mechanism may drive vortices and torsional motions that have been detected between granules and in simulations of magnetoconvection.« less

A continuous flow microfluidic calorimeter: 3-D numerical modeling with aqueous reactants.

PubMed

Sen, Mehmet A; Kowalski, Gregory J; Fiering, Jason; Larson, Dale

2015-03-10

A computational analysis of the reacting flow field, species diffusion and heat transfer processes with thermal boundary layer effects in a microchannel reactor with a coflow configuration was performed. Two parallel adjacent streams of aqueous reactants flow along a wide, shallow, enclosed channel in contact with a substrate, which is affixed to a temperature controlled plate. The Fluent computational fluid dynamics package solved the Navier-Stokes, mass transport and energy equations. The energy model, including the enthalpy of reaction as a nonuniform heat source, was validated by calculating the energy balance at several control volumes in the microchannel. Analysis reveals that the temperature is nearly uniform across the channel thickness, in the direction normal to the substrate surface; hence, measurements made by sensors at or near the surface are representative of the average temperature. Additionally, modeling the channel with a glass substrate and a silicone cover shows that heat transfer is predominantly due to the glass substrate. Finally, using the numerical results, we suggest that a microcalorimeter could be based on this configuration, and that temperature sensors such as optical nanohole array sensors could have sufficient spatial resolution to determine enthalpy of reaction.

A continuous flow microfluidic calorimeter: 3-D numerical modeling with aqueous reactants

PubMed Central

Sen, Mehmet A.; Kowalski, Gregory J.; Fiering, Jason; Larson, Dale

2015-01-01

A computational analysis of the reacting flow field, species diffusion and heat transfer processes with thermal boundary layer effects in a microchannel reactor with a coflow configuration was performed. Two parallel adjacent streams of aqueous reactants flow along a wide, shallow, enclosed channel in contact with a substrate, which is affixed to a temperature controlled plate. The Fluent computational fluid dynamics package solved the Navier–Stokes, mass transport and energy equations. The energy model, including the enthalpy of reaction as a nonuniform heat source, was validated by calculating the energy balance at several control volumes in the microchannel. Analysis reveals that the temperature is nearly uniform across the channel thickness, in the direction normal to the substrate surface; hence, measurements made by sensors at or near the surface are representative of the average temperature. Additionally, modeling the channel with a glass substrate and a silicone cover shows that heat transfer is predominantly due to the glass substrate. Finally, using the numerical results, we suggest that a microcalorimeter could be based on this configuration, and that temperature sensors such as optical nanohole array sensors could have sufficient spatial resolution to determine enthalpy of reaction. PMID:25937678

Scalable Methods for Eulerian-Lagrangian Simulation Applied to Compressible Multiphase Flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zwick, David; Hackl, Jason; Balachandar, S.

2017-11-01

Multiphase flows can be found in countless areas of physics and engineering. Many of these flows can be classified as dispersed two-phase flows, meaning that there are solid particles dispersed in a continuous fluid phase. A common technique for simulating such flow is the Eulerian-Lagrangian method. While useful, this method can suffer from scaling issues on larger problem sizes that are typical of many realistic geometries. Here we present scalable techniques for Eulerian-Lagrangian simulations and apply it to the simulation of a particle bed subjected to expansion waves in a shock tube. The results show that the methods presented here are viable for simulation of larger problems on modern supercomputers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship under Grant No. DGE-1315138. This work was supported in part by the U.S. Department of Energy under Contract No. DE-NA0002378.

A Comparison of Flow-Through Versus Non-Flow-Through Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Systems for NASA's Exploration Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoberecht, Mark A.

2010-01-01

As part of the Exploration Technology Development Program (ETDP) under the auspices of the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD), NASA is developing both primary fuel cell power systems and regenerative fuel cell (RFC) energy storage systems within the fuel cell portion of the Energy Storage Project. This effort is being led by the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) in partnership with the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC), Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC), and industrial partners. The development goals are to improve fuel cell and electrolysis stack electrical performance, reduce system mass, volume, and parasitic power requirements, and increase system life and reliability. A major focus of this effort has been the parallel development of both flow-through and non-flow-through proton exchange membrane (PEM) primary fuel cell power systems. The plan has been, at the appropriate time, to select a single primary fuel cell technology for eventual flight hardware development. Ideally, that appropriate time would occur after both technologies have achieved a technology readiness level (TRL) of six, which represents an engineering model fidelity PEM fuel cell system being successfully tested in a relevant environment. Budget constraints in fiscal year 2009 and beyond have prevented NASA from continuing to pursue the parallel development of both primary fuel cell options. Because very limited data exists for either system, a toplevel, qualitative assessment based on engineering judgement was performed expeditiously to provide guidance for a selection. At that time, the non-flow-through technology was selected for continued development because of potentially major advantages in terms of weight, volume, parasitic power, reliability, and life. This author believes that the advantages are significant enough, and the potential benefits great enough, to offset the higher state of technology readiness of flow-through technology. This paper summarizes the technical considerations which helped form the engineering judgement that led to the final decision.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Tianbiao L.; Wei, Xiaoliang; Nie, Zimin

The worldwide increasing energy demands and rising CO2 emissions motivate a search of new technologies to take advantage of renewable energy such as solar and wind. Rechargeable redox flow batteries (RFBs) with their high power density, high energy efficiency, scalability (up to MW and MWh), and safety features are one suitable option for integrating such energy sources and overcoming their intermittency. Source limitation and forbidden high system costs of current RFBs technologies impede wide implementation. Here we report a total organic aqueous redox flow battery (OARFB), using low cost and sustainable MV (anolyte) and 4-HO-TEMPO (catholyte), and benign NaCl supportingmore » electrolyte. The electrochemical properties of the organic redox active materials were studied using cyclic voltammetry and rotating disk electrode voltammetry. The MV/4-HO-TEMPO ARFB has an exceptionally high cell voltage, 1.25 V. Prototypes of the organic ARFB can be operated at high current densities ranging from 20 to 100 mA/cm2, and deliver stable capacity for 100 cycles with nearly 100% coulombic efficiency. The overall technical characters of the MV/4-HO-TEMPO ARFB are very attractive for continuous technic development.« less

Continuous-flow biosynthesis of Au-Ag bimetallic nanoparticles in a microreactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hongyu; Huang, Jiale; Sun, Daohua; Odoom-Wubah, Tareque; Li, Jun; Li, Qingbiao

2014-11-01

Herein, a microfluidic biosynthesis of Au-Ag bimetallic nanoparticle (NP) in a tubular microreactor, based on simultaneous reduction of HAuCl4 and AgNO3 precursors in the presence of Cacumen Platycladi ( C. Platycladi) extract was studied. The flow velocity profile was numerically analyzed with computational fluid dynamics. Au-Ag bimetallic NPs with Ag/Au molar ratios of 1:1 and 2:1 were synthesized, respectively. The alloy formation, morphology, structure, and size were investigated by UV-Vis spectra analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution TEM, scanning TEM, and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. In addition, the effects of volumetric flow rate, reaction temperature, and concentration of C. Platycladi extract and NaOH on the properties of the as-synthesized Au-Ag bimetallic NPs were investigated. The results indicated that these factors could not only affect the molar ratios of the two elements in the Au-Ag bimetallic NPs, but also affect particle size which can be adjusted from 3.3 to 5.6 nm. The process was very rapid and green, since a microreactor was employed with no additional synthetic reagents used. This work is anticipated to provide useful parameters for continuous-flow biosynthesis of bimetallic NPs in microreactors.

Controlling autonomous underwater floating platforms using bacterial fermentation.

PubMed

Biffinger, Justin C; Fitzgerald, Lisa A; Howard, Erinn C; Petersen, Emily R; Fulmer, Preston A; Wu, Peter K; Ringeisen, Bradley R

2013-01-01

Biogenic gas has a wide range of energy applications from being used as a source for crude bio-oil components to direct ignition for heating. The current study describes the use of biogenic gases from Clostridium acetobutylicum for a new application-renewable ballast regeneration for autonomous underwater devices. Uninterrupted (continuous) and blocked flow (pressurization) experiments were performed to determine the overall biogas composition and total volume generated from a semirigid gelatinous matrix. For stopped flow experiments, C. acetobutylicum generated a maximum pressure of 55 psi over 48 h composed of 60 % hydrogen gas when inoculated in a 5 % agar (w/v) support with 5 % glucose (w/v) in the matrix. Typical pressures over 24 h at 318 K ranged from 10 to 33 psi. These blocked flow experiments show for the first time the use of microbial gas production as a way to repressurize gas cylinders. Continuous flow experiments successfully demonstrated how to deliver biogas to an open ballast control configuration for deployable underwater platforms. This study is a starting point for engineering and microbiology investigations of biogas which will advance the integration of biology within autonomous systems.

Optical steam quality measurement system and method

DOEpatents

Davidson, James R.; Partin, Judy K.

2006-04-25

An optical measurement system is presented that offers precision on-line monitoring of the quality of steam. Multiple wavelengths of radiant energy are passed through the steam from an emitter to a detector. By comparing the amount of radiant energy absorbed by the flow of steam for each wavelength, a highly accurate measurement of the steam quality can be determined on a continuous basis in real-time. In an embodiment of the present invention, the emitter, comprises three separate radiant energy sources for transmitting specific wavelengths of radiant energy through the steam. In a further embodiment, the wavelengths of radiant energy are combined into a single beam of radiant energy for transmission through the steam using time or wavelength division multiplexing. In yet a further embodiment, the single beam of radiant energy is transmitted using specialized optical elements.

Options for reducing carbon dioxide emissions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosenfeld, Arthur H.; Price, Lynn

1992-03-01

Improvements in energy efficiency can significantly reduce the annual growth in greenhouse gas emissions. Such improvements occur when energy intensity is reduced; no reduction in energy services is required. Using the concept of ``cost of conserved energy'' to develop conservation supply curves similar to resource supply curves, researchers consistently find that electricity and natural gas savings of nearly 50% of current consumption are possible for U.S. buildings. Such reductions in energy consumption directly reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. To capture these savings, we must continue to develop energy-efficient technologies and strategies. This paper describes three recent energy-efficient technologies that benefitted from energy conservation research and development (R&D) funding: high-frequency ballasts, compact fluorescent lamps, and low-emissivity windows. Other advanced technologies and strategies of spectrally selective windows, superwindows, electrochromic windows, advanced insulation, low-flow showerheads, improved recessed lamp fixtures, whitening surfaces and planting urban trees, daylighting, and thermal energy storage are also discussed.

High frequency electromagnetism, heat transfer and fluid flow coupling in ANSYS multiphysics.

PubMed

Sabliov, Cristina M; Salvi, Deepti A; Boldor, Dorin

2007-01-01

The goal of this study was to numerically predict the temperature of a liquid product heated in a continuous-flow focused microwave system by coupling high frequency electromagnetism, heat transfer, and fluid flow in ANSYS Multiphysics. The developed model was used to determine the temperature change in water processed in a 915 MHz microwave unit, under steady-state conditions. The influence of the flow rates on the temperature distribution in the liquid was assessed. Results showed that the average temperature of water increased from 25 degrees C to 34 degrees C at 2 l/min, and to 42 degrees C at 1 l/min. The highest temperature regions were found in the liquid near the center of the tube, followed by progressively lower temperature regions as the radial distance from the center increased, and finally followed by a slightly higher temperature region near the tube's wall corresponding to the energy distribution given by the Mathieu function. The energy distribution resulted in a similar temperature pattern, with the highest temperatures close to the center of the tube and lower at the walls. The presented ANSYS Multiphysics model can be easily improved to account for complex boundary conditions, phase change, temperature dependent properties, and non-Newtonian flows, which makes for an objective of future studies.

Macroscopic irreversibility and microscopic paradox: A Constructal law analysis of atoms as open systems

PubMed Central

Lucia, Umberto

2016-01-01

The relation between macroscopic irreversibility and microscopic reversibility is a present unsolved problem. Constructal law is introduced to develop analytically the Einstein’s, Schrödinger’s, and Gibbs’ considerations on the interaction between particles and thermal radiation (photons). The result leads to consider the atoms and molecules as open systems in continuous interaction with flows of photons from their surroundings. The consequent result is that, in any atomic transition, the energy related to the microscopic irreversibility is negligible, while when a great number of atoms (of the order of Avogadro’s number) is considered, this energy related to irreversibility becomes so large that its order of magnitude must be taken into account. Consequently, macroscopic irreversibility results related to microscopic irreversibility by flows of photons and amount of atoms involved in the processes. PMID:27762333

Pulsed electrothermal thruster

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burton, Rodney L. (Inventor); Goldstein, Yeshayahu S. A. (Inventor); Tidman, Derek A. (Inventor); Winsor, Niels K. (Inventor)

1989-01-01

A plasma electrothermal thruster includes a capillary passage in which a plasma discharge is formed and directed out of an open end of the passage into a supersonic nozzle. Liquid supplied to the capillary passage becomes partially atomized to cool a confining surface of the passage. The plasma discharge is formed as the atomized liquid flows out of the open end into a supersonic equilibrium nozzle. The discharge can have a duration greater than the two way travel time of acoustic energy in the capillary to cause the plasma to flow continuously through the nozzle during the time of the discharge pulse.

NPAC-Nozzle Performance Analysis Code

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barnhart, Paul J.

1997-01-01

A simple and accurate nozzle performance analysis methodology has been developed. The geometry modeling requirements are minimal and very flexible, thus allowing rapid design evaluations. The solution techniques accurately couple: continuity, momentum, energy, state, and other relations which permit fast and accurate calculations of nozzle gross thrust. The control volume and internal flow analyses are capable of accounting for the effects of: over/under expansion, flow divergence, wall friction, heat transfer, and mass addition/loss across surfaces. The results from the nozzle performance methodology are shown to be in excellent agreement with experimental data for a variety of nozzle designs over a range of operating conditions.

Volcanic eruptions; energy and size

USGS Publications Warehouse

de la Cruz-Reyna, S.

1991-01-01

The Earth is a dynamic planet. Many different processes are continuously developing, creating a delicate balance between the energy stored and generated in its interior and the heat lost into space. The heat in continuously transferred through complex self-regulating convection mechanisms on a planetary scale. The distribution of terrestrial heat flow reveals some of the fine structure of the energy transport mechanisms in the outer layers of the Earth. Of these mechanisms in the outer layers of the Earth. Of these mechanisms, volcanism is indeed the most remarkable, for it allows energy to be transported in rapid bursts to the surface. In order to maintain the subtle balance of the terrestrial heat machine, one may expect that some law or principle restricts the ways in which these volcanic bursts affect the overall energy transfer of the Earth. For instance, we know that the geothermal flux of the planet amounts to 1028 erg/year. On the other hand, a single large event like the Lava Creek Tuff eruption that formed Yellowstone caldera over half a million years ago may release the same amount of energy in a very small area, over a short period of time. 

Flow direction variations of low energy ions as measured by the ion electron sensor (IES) flying on board of Rosetta

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szegö, Karoly; Nemeth, Zoltan; Foldy, Lajos; Burch, James L.; Goldstein, Raymond; Mandt, Kathleen; Mokashi, Prachet; Broiles, Tom

2015-04-01

The Ion Electron Sensor (IES) simultaneously measures ions and electrons with two separate electrostatic plasma analyzers in the energy range of 4 eV- 22 keV for ions. The field of view is 90ox360o, with angular resolution 5ox45o for ions, with a sector containing the solar wind being further segmented to 5o × 5o. IES has operated continuously since early 2014. In the ion data a low energy (<50-100 eV) component is well separated from the higher energy ions. Here we analyze the arrival direction of this low energy component. The origin of these low energy ions is certainly the ionized component of the neutral gas emitted due to solar activity from comet 67P/Churiumov-Gerasimenko. The low energy component in general shows a 6h periodicity due to cometary rotation. The data show, however, that the arrival direction of the low energy ions is smeared both in azimuth and elevation, due possibly to the diverse mechanisms affecting these ions. One of these effects is the spacecraft potential (~-10V), which accelerates the ions towards the spacecraft omnidirectionally. To characterize the flow direction in azimuth-elevation, we have integrated over the lowest 8 energy channels using weighted energy: sum(counts * energy)/sum(counts); and considered only cases when the counts are above 30. When we apply higher cut for counts, the flow direction became more definite. For this analysis we use data files where the two neighbouring energy values and elevation values are collapsed; and the azimuthal resolution is 45o, that is the solar wind azimuthal segmentation is also collapsed. Here we use day 2014.09.11. as illustration. On that day a solar wind shock reached the spacecraft at about ~10 UT. After the shock transition the energy of the solar wind became higher, and after ~12 UT the flow direction of the solar wind fluctuated, sometimes by 35o. On this day Rosetta flew at about 29.3-29.6 km from the nucleus. In the azimuth-elevation plots summed over "weighted energy" (as defined above) we were able to identify two flow directions: one close to the anti-solar direction, and one perpendicular to it. The occurrence and variations of these directions are still under investigation. A possible cause of the acceleration of low energy ions along the solar wind might be that electrons produced by the ionization of neutrals are immediately picked up by the solar wind generating a polarization electric field that accelerates the ions. This effect is similar to the generation of ionospheric holes at Venus [Hartle and Grebowsky, Adv. Space Res., 4, 1995]. The acceleration perpendicular to the solar wind might be due to the v x B electric field. The variations of the low energy flow direction is analyzed in detail in the presentation.

Theoretical Exploration of Exponential Heat Source and Thermal Stratification Effects on The Motion of 3-Dimensional Flow of Casson Fluid Over a Low Heat Energy Surface at Initial Unsteady Stage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sandeep, N.; Animasaun, I. L.

2017-06-01

Within the last few decades, experts and scientists dealing with the flow of non-Newtonian fluids (most especially Casson fluid) have confirmed the existence of such flow on a stretchable surface with low heat energy (i.e. absolute zero of temperature). This article presents the motion of a three-dimensional of such fluid. Influence of uniform space dependent internal heat source on the intermolecular forces holding the molecules of Casson fluid is investigated. It is assumed that the stagnation flow was induced by an external force (pressure gradient) together with impulsive. Based on these assumptions, variable thermophysical properties are most suitable; hence modified kinematic viscosity model is presented. The system of governing equations of 3-dimensional unsteady Casson fluid was non-dimensionalized using suitable similarity transformation which unravels the behavior of the flow at full fledge short period. The numerical solution of the corresponding boundary value problem (ODE) was obtained using Runge-Kutta fourth order along with shooting technique. The intermolecular forces holding the molecules of Casson fluid flow in both horizontal directions when magnitude of velocity ratio parameters are greater than unity breaks continuously with an increase in Casson parameter and this leads to an increase in velocity profiles in both directions.

Yield of reversible colloidal gels during flow start-up: release from kinetic arrest.

PubMed

Johnson, Lilian C; Landrum, Benjamin J; Zia, Roseanna N

2018-06-05

Yield of colloidal gels during start-up of shear flow is characterized by an overshoot in shear stress that accompanies changes in network structure. Prior studies of yield of reversible colloidal gels undergoing strong flow model the overshoot as the point at which network rupture permits fluidization. However, yield under weak flow, which is of interest in many biological and industrial fluids shows no such disintegration. The mechanics of reversible gels are influenced by bond strength and durability, where ongoing rupture and re-formation impart aging that deepens kinetic arrest [Zia et al., J. Rheol., 2014, 58, 1121], suggesting that yield be viewed as release from kinetic arrest. To explore this idea, we study reversible colloidal gels during start-up of shear flow via dynamic simulation, connecting rheological yield to detailed measurements of structure, bond dynamics, and potential energy. We find that pre-yield stress grows temporally with the changing roles of microscopic transport processes: early time behavior is set by Brownian diffusion; later, advective displacements permit relative particle motion that stretches bonds and stores energy. Stress accumulates in stretched, oriented bonds until yield, which is a tipping point to energy release, and is passed with a fully intact network, where the loss of very few bonds enables relaxation of many, easing glassy arrest. This is immediately followed by a reversal to growth in potential energy during bulk plastic deformation and condensation into larger particle domains, supporting the view that yield is an activated release from kinetic arrest. The continued condensation of dense domains and shrinkage of network surfaces, along with a decrease in the potential energy, permit the gel to evolve toward more complete phase separation, supporting our view that yield of weakly sheared gels is a 'non-equilibrium phase transition'. Our findings may be particularly useful for industrial or other coatings, where weak, slow application via shear may lead to phase separation, inhibiting smooth distribution.

A note on singularities of the 3-D Euler equation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tanveer, S.

1994-01-01

In this paper, we consider analytic initial conditions with finite energy, whose complex spatial continuation is a superposition of a smooth background flow and a singular field. Through explicit calculation in the complex plane, we show that under some assumptions, the solution to the 3-D Euler equation ceases to be analytic in the real domain in finite time.

Metabolic and Cardiovascular Responses to Upright Cycle Exercise with Leg Blood Flow Reduction

PubMed Central

Ozaki, Hayao; Brechue, William F.; Sakamaki, Mikako; Yasuda, Tomohiro; Nishikawa, Masato; Aoki, Norikazu; Ogita, Futoshi; Abe, Takashi

2010-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the metabolic and cardiovascular response to exercise without (CON) or with (BFR) restricted blood flow to the muscles. Ten young men performed upright cycle exercise at 20, 40, and 60% of maximal oxygen uptake, VO2max in both conditions while metabolic and cardiovascular parameters were determined. Pre-exercise VO2 was not different between CON and BFR. Cardiac output (Q) was similar between the two conditions as a 25% reduction in stroke volume (SV) observed in BFR was associated with a 23% higher heart rate (HR) in BFR compared to CON. As a result rate-pressure product (RPP) was higher in the BFR but there was no difference in mean arterial pressure (MAP) or total peripheral resistance (TPR). During exercise, VO2 tended to increase with BFR (~10%) at each workload. Q increased in proportion to exercise intensity and there were no differences between conditions. The increase in SV with exercise was impaired during BFR; being ~20% lower in BFR at each workload. Both HR and RPP were significantly greater at each workload with BFR. MAP and TPR were greater with BFR at 40 and 60% VO2max. In conclusion, the BFR employed impairs exercise SV but central cardiovascular function is maintained by an increased HR. BFR appears to result in a greater energy demand during continuous exercise between 20 and 60% of control VO2max; probably indicated by a higher energy supply and RPP. When incorporating BFR, HR and RPP may not be valid or reliable indicators of exercise intensity. Key points Blood flow reduction (BFR) employed impairs stroke volume (SV) during exercise, but central cardiovascular function is maintained by an increased heart rate (HR). BFR appears to result in a greater energy demand during continuous exercise between 20 and 60% of control VO2max; Probably indicated by a higher energy supply (VO2) and rate-pressure product (HR x systolic blood pressure). PMID:24149689

Substorm onset: Current sheet avalanche and stop layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haerendel, Gerhard

2015-03-01

A new scenario is presented for the onset of a substorm and the nature of the breakup arc. There are two main components, current sheet avalanche and stop layer. The first refers to an earthward flow of plasma and magnetic flux from the central current sheet of the tail, triggered spontaneously or by some unknown interaction with an auroral streamer or a suddenly appearing eastward flow at the end of the growth phase. The second offers a mechanism to stop the flow abruptly at the interface between magnetosphere and tail and extract momentum and energy to be partially processed locally and partially transmitted as Poynting flux toward the ionosphere. The stop layer has a width of the order of the ion inertial length. The different dynamics of the ions entering freely and the magnetized electrons create an electric polarization field which stops the ion flow and drives a Hall current by which flow momentum is transferred to the magnetic field. A simple formalism is used to describe the operation of the process and to enable quantitative conclusions. An important conclusion is that by necessity the stop layer is also highly structured in longitude. This offers a natural explanation for the coarse ray structure of the breakup arc as manifestation of elementary paths of energy and momentum transport. The currents aligned with the rays are balanced between upward and downward directions. While the avalanche is invoked for explaining the spontaneous substorm onset at the inner edge of the tail, the expansion of the breakup arc for many minutes is taken as evidence for a continued formation of new stop layers by arrival of flow bursts from the near-Earth neutral line. This is in line with earlier conclusions about the nature of the breakup arc. Small-scale structure, propagation speed, and energy flux are quantitatively consistent with observations. However, the balanced small-scale currents cannot constitute the substorm current wedge. The source of the latter must be located just earthward of the stop layer in the near-dipolar magnetosphere and be powered by the internal energy of the flow bursts. The stop layer mechanism is in some way the inverse of reconnection, as it converts flow into electromagnetic energy, and may have wide applicability in astrophysical plasmas.

Energy flow and the “grassification” of desert shrublands

USGS Publications Warehouse

Betancourt, Julio L.

2015-01-01

In our directionally and continuously changing world, history still matters, and it does so in increasingly novel and important ways. Human adaptation to global change will rely heavily on robust baselines of historic environmental variability and detailed understanding of how both past and modern ecosystems have responded to both individual and multiple stressors. The question of global change has motivated an upsurge in paleoecological studies that span the late Quaternary and the modern era, and has inspired a growing consideration of time as a fundamental axis in ecology (1). A major challenge in developing pertinent ecological baselines remains how to fuse, into continuous time series, observations and experiments from living systems with paleoecological reconstructions from the same sites (2, 3). Tracing and disentangling complex responses to environmental stress from paleological to present-day communities is especially daunting; for example, how climate change; accelerated land use; and biological invasions are influencing the flows of water, nutrients, and energy. The paper by Terry and Rowe in PNAS (4) is a shining example of how modern ecology and paleoecology can be spliced together to decipher how ecological processes unfold over time scales inaccessible to direct observation or experimentation, and how they can be disrupted by human impacts.

High-repetition-rate interferometric Rayleigh scattering for flow-velocity measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Estevadeordal, Jordi; Jiang, Naibo; Cutler, Andrew D.; Felver, Josef J.; Slipchenko, Mikhail N.; Danehy, Paul M.; Gord, James R.; Roy, Sukesh

2018-03-01

High-repetition-rate interferometric-Rayleigh-scattering (IRS) velocimetry is demonstrated for non-intrusive, high-speed flow-velocity measurements. High temporal resolution is obtained with a quasi-continuous burst-mode laser that is capable of operating at 10-100 kHz, providing 10-ms bursts with pulse widths of 5-1000 ns and pulse energy > 100 mJ at 532 nm. Coupled with a high-speed camera system, the IRS method is based on imaging the flow field through an etalon with 8-GHz free spectral range and capturing the Doppler shift of the Rayleigh-scattered light from the flow at multiple points having constructive interference. The seed-laser linewidth permits a laser linewidth of < 150 MHz at 532 nm. The technique is demonstrated in a high-speed jet, and high-repetition-rate image sequences are shown.

Nucleation of Super-Critical Carbon Dioxide in a Venturi Nozzle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jarrahbashi, Dorrin; Pidaparti, Sandeep; Ranjan, Devesh

2015-11-01

The supercritical carbon dioxide (S-CO2) Brayton cycle combines the primary advantages of the ideal Brayton and Rankine cycles by utilizing CO2 above its critical pressure. In addition to single phase and small back work ratios, supercritical fluids offer other advantages, e.g. heat transfer augmentation and low specific volume. Pressure reduction at the entrance of the compressor may cause homogenous nucleation, vapor production, and collapse of bubbles due to operation near the saturation conditions. Transient behavior of the flow after nucleation may cause serious issues in operation of the cycle and affect the materials used in design. The flow of S-CO2 through a venturi nozzle near the critical point has been studied. A transient compressible 3D Navier-Stokes solver, coupled with continuity, and energy equation has been used. Developed FIT libraries based on a piecewise biquintic spline interpolation of Helmholtz energy have been integrated with OpenFOAM to model S-CO2 properties. The mass fraction of vapor created in the venturi has been calculated using homogeneous equilibrium model (HEM). The flow conditions that lead to nucleation have been investigated. The sensitivity of nucleation to the inlet pressure and temperature, flow rate, and venturi profile has been shown.

High energy sodium based room temperature flow batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shamie, Jack

As novel energy sources such as solar, wind and tidal energies are explored it becomes necessary to build energy storage facilities to load level the intermittent nature of these energy sources. Energy storage is achieved by converting electrical energy into another form of energy. Batteries have many properties that are attractive for energy storage including high energy and power. Among many different types of batteries, redox flow batteries (RFBs) offer many advantages. Unlike conventional batteries, RFBs store energy in a liquid medium rather than solid active materials. This method of storage allows for the separation of energy and power unlike conventional batteries. Additionally flow batteries may have long lifetimes because there is no expansion or contraction of electrodes. A major disadvantage of RFB's is its lower energy density when compared to traditional batteries. In this Thesis, a novel hybrid Na-based redox flow battery (HNFB) is explored, which utilizes a room temperature molten sodium based anode, a sodium ion conducting solid electrolyte and liquid catholytes. The sodium electrode leads to high voltages and energy and allows for the possibility of multi-electron transfer per molecule. Vanadium acetylacetonate (acac) and TEMPO have been investigated for their use as catholytes. In the vanadium system, 2 electrons transfers per vanadium atom were found leading to a doubling of capacity. In addition, degradation of the charged state was found to be reversible within the voltage range of the cell. Contamination by water leads to the formation of vanadyl acetylacetonate. Although it is believed that vanadyl complex need to be taken to low voltages to be reduced back to vanadium acac, a new mechanism is shown that begins at higher voltages (2.1V). Vanadyl complexes react with excess ligand and protons to reform the vanadium complex. During this reaction, water is reformed leading to the continuous cycle in which vanadyl is formed and then reduced back to the original state. In the discharged state, it was found that precipitation occurs, but is due to solubility limits and not chemical reactions. The TEMPO system showed the potential of higher concentration catholytes although large capacity losses were found. Although no explanation is found, the behavior of the fade is related to time and concentration.

Apparatus and method for ultrasonic treatment of a liquid

DOEpatents

Chandler, Darrell P.; Posakony, Gerald J.; Bond, Leonard J.; Bruckner-Lea, Cynthia J.

2006-04-04

The present invention is an apparatus for ultrasonically treating a liquid to generate a product. The apparatus is capable of treating a continuously-flowing, or intermittently-flowing, liquid along a line segment coincident with the flow path of the liquid. The apparatus has one or more ultrasonic transducers positioned asymmetrically about the line segment. The ultrasonic field encompasses the line segment and the ultrasonic energy may be concentrated along the line segment. Lysing treatments have been successfully achieved with efficiencies of greater than 99% using ultrasound at MHz frequencies without erosion or heating problems and without the need for chemical or mechanical pretreatment, or contrast agents. The present invention overcomes drawbacks of current ultrasonic treatments beyond lysing and opens up new sonochemical and sonophysical processing opportunities.

Observations of Magnetic Evolution and Network Flares Driven by Photospheric Flows in the Quiet Sun

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Attie, Raphael; Thompson, Barbara J.

2017-08-01

The quiet Sun may be the biggest laboratory to study physical elementary processes of fundamental importance to space plasma. The advantage is the continuous availability of small-scale events, carrying the hidden microphysics that is responsible for larger-scale phenomena. By small-scale events, we mean spatial dimensions of a few Mm at most, and durations of less than an hour. I present here an attempt to describe and understand the coupling between the photospheric flows, the photospheric magnetic flux, and small-scale energetic transient events. By adapting and improving the highly efficient Balltracking technique for Hinode/SOT data, we relate the fine structures of the supergranular flow fields with the magnetic flux evolution. For studying the dynamics of the latter, and more precisely, the magnetic flux cancellation at sites of energy releases, we applied a new feature tracking algorithm called "Magnetic Balltracking" -- which tracks photospheric magnetic elements -- to high-resolution magnetograms from Hinode/SOT.Using observations of the low corona in soft X-rays with Hinode/XRT, we analyse the triggering mechanism of small-scale network flares. By tracking both the flow fields on the one hand, and the magnetic motions on the other hand, we relate the flows with cancelling magnetic flux. We identify two patterns of horizontal flows that act as catalysts for efficient magnetic reconnection: (i) Funnel-shaped streamlines in which the magnetic flux is carried, and (ii) large-scale vortices (~10 Mm and above) at the network intersections, in which distant magnetic features of opposite polarities seem to be sucked in and ultimately vanish. The excess energy stored in the stressed magnetic field of the vortices is sufficient to power network flares.Prospects for determining the magnetic energy budget in the quiet sun are discussed.

An Assessment of Wind Plant Complex Flows Using Advanced Doppler Radar Measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gunter, W. S.; Schroeder, J.; Hirth, B.; Duncan, J.; Guynes, J.

2015-12-01

As installed wind energy capacity continues to steadily increase, the need for comprehensive measurements of wind plant complex flows to further reduce the cost of wind energy has been well advertised by the industry as a whole. Such measurements serve diverse perspectives including resource assessment, turbine inflow and power curve validation, wake and wind plant layout model verification, operations and maintenance, and the development of future advanced wind plant control schemes. While various measurement devices have been matured for wind energy applications (e.g. meteorological towers, LIDAR, SODAR), this presentation will focus on the use of advanced Doppler radar systems to observe the complex wind flows within and surrounding wind plants. Advanced Doppler radars can provide the combined advantage of a large analysis footprint (tens of square kilometers) with rapid data analysis updates (a few seconds to one minute) using both single- and dual-Doppler data collection methods. This presentation demonstrates the utility of measurements collected by the Texas Tech University Ka-band (TTUKa) radars to identify complex wind flows occurring within and nearby operational wind plants, and provide reliable forecasts of wind speeds and directions at given locations (i.e. turbine or instrumented tower sites) 45+ seconds in advance. Radar-derived wind maps reveal commonly observed features such as turbine wakes and turbine-to-turbine interaction, high momentum wind speed channels between turbine wakes, turbine array edge effects, transient boundary layer flow structures (such as wind streaks, frontal boundaries, etc.), and the impact of local terrain. Operational turbine or instrumented tower data are merged with the radar analysis to link the observed complex flow features to turbine and wind plant performance.

Internal shocks in microquasar jets with a continuous Lorentz factor modulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pjanka, Patryk; Stone, James M.

2018-06-01

We perform relativistic hydrodynamic simulations of internal shocks formed in microquasar jets by continuous variation of the bulk Lorentz factor, in order to investigate the internal shock model. We consider one-, two-, and flicker noise 20-mode variability. We observe emergence of a forward-reverse shock structure for each peak of the Lorentz factor modulation. The high pressure in the shocked layer launches powerful outflows perpendicular to the jet beam into the ambient medium. These outflows dominate the details of the jet's kinetic energy thermalization. They are responsible for mixing between the jet and the surrounding medium and generate powerful shocks in the latter. These results do not concur with the popular picture of well-defined internal shells depositing energy as they collide within the confines of the jet, in fact collisions between internal shells themselves are quite rare in our continuous formulation of the problem. For each of our simulations, we calculate the internal energy deposited in the system, the `efficiency' of this deposition (defined as the ratio of internal to total flow energy), and the maximum temperature reached in order to make connections to emission mechanisms. We probe the dependence of these diagnostics on the Lorentz factor variation amplitudes, modulation frequencies, as well as the initial density ratio between the jet and the ambient medium.

Generating pulsatility by pump speed modulation with continuous-flow total artificial heart in awake calves.

PubMed

Fukamachi, Kiyotaka; Karimov, Jamshid H; Sunagawa, Gengo; Horvath, David J; Byram, Nicole; Kuban, Barry D; Dessoffy, Raymond; Sale, Shiva; Golding, Leonard A R; Moazami, Nader

2017-12-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of sinusoidal pump speed modulation of the Cleveland Clinic continuous-flow total artificial heart (CFTAH) on hemodynamics and pump flow in an awake chronic calf model. The sinusoidal pump speed modulations, performed on the day of elective sacrifice, were set at ±15 and ± 25% of mean pump speed at 80 bpm in four awake calves with a CFTAH. The systemic and pulmonary arterial pulse pressures increased to 12.0 and 12.3 mmHg (±15% modulation) and to 15.9 and 15.7 mmHg (±25% modulation), respectively. The pulsatility index and surplus hemodynamic energy significantly increased, respectively, to 1.05 and 1346 ergs/cm at ±15% speed modulation and to 1.51 and 3381 ergs/cm at ±25% speed modulation. This study showed that it is feasible to generate pressure pulsatility with pump speed modulation; the platform is suitable for evaluating the physiologic impact of pulsatility and allows determination of the best speed modulations in terms of magnitude, frequency, and profiles.

Continuous-flow ultrasound assisted oxidative desulfurization (UAOD) process: An efficient diesel treatment by injection of the aqueous phase.

PubMed

Rahimi, Masoud; Shahhosseini, Shahrokh; Movahedirad, Salman

2017-11-01

A new continuous-flow ultrasound assisted oxidative desulfurization (UAOD) process was developed in order to decrease energy and aqueous phase consumption. In this process the aqueous phase is injected below the horn tip leading to enhanced mixing of the phases. Diesel fuel as the oil phase with sulfur content of 1550ppmw and an appropriate mixture of hydrogen peroxide and formic acid as the aqueous phase were used. At the first step, the optimized condition for the sulfur removal has been obtained in the batch mode operation. Hence, the effect of more important oxidation parameters; oxidant-to-sulfur molar ratio, acid-to-sulfur molar ratio and sonication time were investigated. Then the optimized conditions were obtained using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) technique. Afterwards, some experiments corresponding to the best batch condition and also with objective of minimizing the residence time and aqueous phase to fuel volume ratio have been conducted in a newly designed double-compartment reactor with injection of the aqueous phase to evaluate the process in a continuous flow operation. In addition, the effect of nozzle diameter has been examined. Significant improvement on the sulfur removal was observed specially in lower sonication time in the case of dispersion method in comparison with the conventional contact between two phases. Ultimately, the flow pattern induced by ultrasonic device, and also injection of the aqueous phase were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively by capturing the sequential images. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Azimuthal MHD stirring of metal in vessels with cross-sections of different configuration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siraev, R. R.; Khripchenko, S. Yu

2017-11-01

Continuous casting of cylindrical ingots from aluminum and preparation of aluminum-based alloys and composites require intensive mixing of liquid metal phase in the crystallization area of the melt. It is evident that the topology of the flow in the liquid phase of an ingot should influence the processes occurring during crystallization. Contemporary continuous casting machines use MHD-stirrers that generate an azimuthal motion in a crystallizer with a warm top of circular cross-section in the presence of rotating magnetic field. The flow of metal in the liquid phase of an ingot is similar to its rotation in a solid state, and transport processes are most intensively carried out in the near near-wall region and near the ingot solidification front, where shear flows are essential. In this work, we consider the possibility of amplifying transport processes in the entire volume of a stirred metal by making the cross-section shape of the warm top of the crystallizer different from a circle. It has been found numerically that the total energy of the flow in a crucible of square cross-section is twice as lower as that in a crucible with circular cross-section at the same inductor current. Turbulent pulsations in the square crucible, as well as in the circular one, are concentrated mainly in the near-wall region. The energy of pulsations in the square crucible also reduces, but the time of stirring of the passive impurity introduced into the volume of the metal is less than in the circular crucible. The effect of MHD stirring on the vertical temperature distribution on the square crucible is higher than in the “round crucible”.

Regenerable Incinerator Exhaust Purification and Trace Contaminant Control System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Finn, John E.; Cho, Shelia Y.; LeVan, M. Douglas

2003-01-01

In this novel approach to air purification, contaminants removed from a process air stream by a high-capacity adsorbent are displaced periodically by a warm, high-humidity, reverse-flow air stream. Displaced contaminants flow into a closed regeneration loop, in which organic compounds are oxidized catalytically and acid gases are removed by a gas- water contactor (which also serves as the source of the water vapor). These features are expected to result in a design that has few expendables and lower energy consumption than alternative regenerable techniques. The joint project between NASA Ames Research Center and Vanderbilt University has completed its third year. Breadboard development continues at NASA Ames, while Vanderbilt has completed most of its adsorption equilibria development. Vanderbilt has completed its fixed-bed apparatus for investigation of dynamic adsorption and desorption processes for trace organic compounds and water vapor, and is continuing its development of the mathematical model describing the column dynamics.

Increasing EDV Range through Intelligent Cabin Air Handling Strategies: Annual Progress Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Leighton, Daniel; Rugh, John

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of a Ford Focus Electric demonstrated that a split flow heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system with rear recirculation ducts can reduce cabin heating loads by up to 57.4% relative to full fresh air usage under some conditions (steady state, four passengers, ambient temperature of -5 deg C). Simulations also showed that implementing a continuous recirculation fraction control system into the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) HVAC system can reduce cabin heating loads by up to 50.0% relative to full fresh air usage under some conditions (steady state, four passengers, ambient temperature of -5 degmore » C). Identified that continuous fractional recirculation control of the OEM system can provide significant energy savings for EVs at minimal additional cost, while a split flow HVAC system with rear recirculation ducts only provides minimal additional improvement at significant additional cost.« less

Multi-fluid modelling of pulsed discharges for flow control applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poggie, J.

2015-02-01

Experimental evidence suggests that short-pulse dielectric barrier discharge actuators are effective for speeds corresponding to take-off and approach of large aircraft, and thus are a fruitful direction for flow control technology development. Large-eddy simulations have reproduced some of the main fluid dynamic effects. The plasma models used in such simulations are semi-empirical, however, and need to be tuned for each flowfield under consideration. In this paper, the discharge physics is examined in more detail with multi-fluid modelling, comparing a five-moment model (continuity, momentum, and energy equations) to a two-moment model (continuity and energy equations). A steady-state, one-dimensional discharge was considered first, and the five-moment model was found to predict significantly lower ionisation rates and number densities than the two-moment model. A two-dimensional, transient discharge problem with an elliptical cathode was studied next. Relative to the two-moment model, the five-moment model predicted a slower response to the activation of the cathode, and lower electron velocities and temperatures as the simulation approached steady-state. The primary reason for the differences in the predictions of the two models can be attributed to the effects of particle inertia, particularly electron inertia in the cathode layer. The computational cost of the five-moment model is only about twice that of the simpler variant, suggesting that it may be feasible to use the more sophisticated model in practical calculations for flow control actuator design.

The FEM simulation of continuous rotary extrusion (CRE) of aluminum alloy AA3003

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajendran, Nijenthan; Valberg, Henry; Misiolek, Wojciech Z.

2017-10-01

Continuous Rotary Extrusion (CRE) process is also known in literature under Conform TM name and it is mainly used for the continuous extrusion of Aluminum and Copper alloys. CRE use a feedstock in the form of rod, powders and chips, which are fed into the groove of the rotating wheel. As the wheel rotates the feedstock moves along with it due to friction with the wheel. Once the feedstock reaches the abutment the material deforms plastically and it is extruded through the die. CRE has lot to offer when compared to other more conventional extrusion processes such as low energy input, no limit in billet length as it is a continuous process as well as improved material physical properties due to plastic deformation under constant parameters. In this work a FEM model has been developed using Deform TM 3D, to study the metal flow and state variables of AA3003 CRE extrusion. The effect of extrusion wheel velocity has been investigated. The results show that increase in wheel velocity will heat up the feedstock metal due to high shear deformation and higher friction, which significantly changes metal flow conditions at the die exit.

Effect of the anode feeding composition on the performance of a continuous-flow methane-producing microbial electrolysis cell.

PubMed

Zeppilli, Marco; Villano, Marianna; Aulenta, Federico; Lampis, Silvia; Vallini, Giovanni; Majone, Mauro

2015-05-01

A methane-producing microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) was continuously fed at the anode with a synthetic solution of soluble organic compounds simulating the composition of the soluble fraction of a municipal wastewater. The MEC performance was assessed at different anode potentials in terms of chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency, methane production, and energy efficiency. As a main result, about 72-80% of the removed substrate was converted into current at the anode, and about 84-86% of the current was converted into methane at the cathode. Moreover, even though both COD removed and methane production slightly decreased as the applied anode potential decreased, the energy efficiency (i.e., the energy recovered as methane with respect to the energy input into the system) increased from 54 to 63%. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analyses revealed a high diversity in the anodic bacterial community with the presence of both fermentative (Proteiniphilum acetatigenes and Petrimonas sulphurifila) and aerobic (Rhodococcus qingshengii) microorganisms, whereas only two microorganisms (Methanobrevibacter arboriphilus and Methanosarcina mazei), both assignable to methanogens, were observed in the cathodic community.

The Sun: Source of the Earth's Energy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thompson, Barbara J.; Fisher, Richard R. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

The Sun is the primary source of the Earth's energy. However, due to the complexity in the way the energy affects Earth, the various solar sources of the energy, and the variation exhibited by the Sun it is difficult to understand and predict the Earth's response to solar drivers. In addition to visible light the radiant energy of the Sun can exhibit variation in nearly all wavelengths, which can vary over nearly all timescales. Depending on the wavelength of the incident radiation the light can deposit energy in a wide variety or locations and drive processes from below Earth's surface to interplanetary space. Other sources of energy impacting Earth include energetic particles, magnetic fields, and mass and flow variations in the solar wind. Many of these variable energetic processes cannot be coupled and recent results continue to demonstrate that the complex dynamics of the Sun can have a great range of measurable impacts on Earth.

Impact of membrane characteristics on the performance and cycling of the Br₂–H₂ redox flow cell

DOE PAGES

Tucker, Michael C.; Cho, Kyu Taek; Spingler, Franz B.; ...

2015-03-04

The Br₂/H₂ redox flow cell shows promise as a high-power, low-cost energy storage device. In this paper, the effect of various aspects of material selection and processing of proton exchange membranes on the operation of the Br₂/H₂ redox flow cell is determined. Membrane properties have a significant impact on the performance and efficiency of the system. In particular, there is a tradeoff between conductivity and crossover, where conductivity limits system efficiency at high current density and crossover limits efficiency at low current density. The impact of thickness, pretreatment procedure, swelling state during cell assembly, equivalent weight, membrane reinforcement, and additionmore » of a microporous separator layer on this tradeoff is assessed. NR212 (50 μm) pretreated by soaking in 70 °C water is found to be optimal for the studied operating conditions. For this case, an energy efficiency of greater than 75% is achieved for current density up to 400 mA cm⁻², with a maximum obtainable energy efficiency of 88%. A cell with this membrane was cycled continuously for 3164 h. Membrane transport properties, including conductivity and bromine and water crossover, were found to decrease moderately upon cycling but remained higher than those for the as-received membrane.« less

A Biomimetic Ultrasonic Whistle for Use as a Bat Deterrent on Wind Turbines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sievert, Paul; Seyed-Aghazadeh, Banafsheh; Carlson, Daniel; Dowling, Zara; Modarres-Sadeghi, Yahya

2016-11-01

As wind energy continues to gain worldwide prominence, more and more turbines are detrimentally influencing bat colonies. In 2012 alone, an estimated 600,000 bats were killed by wind turbines in the United States. Bats show a tendency to fly towards turbines. The objective of this work is to deter bats from the proximity of the swept area of operational wind turbine blades. Established field studies have shown that bats avoid broadband ultrasonic noise on the same frequency spectrum as their echolocation chirps. A biomimetic ultrasonic pulse generator for use as a bat deterrent on wind turbines is designed and studied experimentally. This device, which works based on the fundamentals of flow-induced oscillations of a flexible sheet is a whistle-like device inspired by a bat larynx, mechanically powered via air flow on a wind turbine blade. Current device prototypes have proven robust at producing ultrasound across the 20 - 70 kHz range for flow inlet velocities of 4 - 14 m/s. Ultimately, a deterrent as described here could provide a reliable, cost-effective means of alerting bats to the presence of moving turbine blades, reducing bat mortality at wind facilities, and reducing regulatory uncertainty for wind facility developers. The financial support provided by the US Department of Energy, and the Massachusetts Clean Energy center is acknowledged.

Supercritical/Solid Catalyst (SSC)

ScienceCinema

Ginosar, Daniel; Fox, Robert; Bright, Patricia

2018-05-23

INL's patented, continuous-flow Supercritical/Solid Catalyst (SSC) produces the highest ASTM-quality B-100 biodiesel from waste fats, oils, and greases at the site of waste generation. SSC delivers low-cost transportation fuel, avoids significant landfill costs for municipalities, and reduces potent methane and other emissions produced in landfills from these wastes. You can learn more about INL's energy research programs at http://www.facebook.com/idahonationallaboratory.

Detonation Propagation Through Ducts in a Pulsed Detonation Engine

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-01

PDE head. This convention is used based on the fill and purge flow directions, not the detonation direction. Figure 21. Adapter used to rotate ...presented for the development of a continuously operating pulsed detonation engine ( PDE ). A PDE without a high energy ignition system or a... detonation wave. Propagation is left to right in the bottom tube. ..... 19  Figure 15. Research PDE head

Supercritical/Solid Catalyst (SSC)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ginosar, Daniel; Fox, Robert; Bright, Patricia

2010-05-28

INL's patented, continuous-flow Supercritical/Solid Catalyst (SSC) produces the highest ASTM-quality B-100 biodiesel from waste fats, oils, and greases at the site of waste generation. SSC delivers low-cost transportation fuel, avoids significant landfill costs for municipalities, and reduces potent methane and other emissions produced in landfills from these wastes. You can learn more about INL's energy research programs at http://www.facebook.com/idahonationallaboratory.

Nonnormality increases variance of gravity waves trapped in a tilted box

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harlander, Uwe; Borcia, Ion Dan; Krebs, Andreas

2017-04-01

We study the prototype problem of internal gravity waves in a square domain tilted with respect to the gravity vector by an angle theta. Only when theta is zero regular normal modes exist, for all other angles wave attractors and singularities dominate the flow. We show that the linear operator of the governing PDE becomes non-normal for nonzero theta giving rise to non-modal transient growth. This growth depends on the underlying norm: for the variance norm significant growth rates can be found whereas for the energy norm, no growth is possible since there is no source for energy (in contrast to shear fows, for which the mean flow feeds the perturbations). We continue by showing that the nonnormality of the system matrix is increasing with theta and reaches a maximum when theta is 45 degree. Moreover, the growth rate is increasing as can be expected from the increasing nonnormality of the matrix. Our results imply that at least the most simple wave attractors can be seen as those initial flow fields that gain most of the variance during a given time period.

A Long Cycle Life, Self-Healing Zinc-Iodine Flow Battery with High Power Density.

PubMed

Xie, Congxin; Zhang, Huamin; Xu, Wenbin; Wang, Wei; Li, Xianfeng

2018-05-01

A zinc-iodine flow battery (ZIFB) with long cycle life, high energy, high power density, and self-healing behavior is prepared. The long cycle life was achieved by employing a low-cost porous polyolefin membrane and stable electrolytes. The pores in the membrane can be filled with a solution containing I 3 - that can react with zinc dendrite. Therefore, by consuming zinc dendrite, the battery can self-recover from micro-short-circuiting resulting from overcharging. By using KI, ZnBr 2 , and KCl as electrolytes and a high ion-conductivity porous membrane, a very high power density can be achieved. As a result, a ZIFB exhibits an energy efficiency (EE) of 82 % at 80 mA cm -2 , which is 8 times higher than the currently reported ZIFBs. Furthermore, a stack with an output of 700 W was assembled and continuously run for more than 300 cycles. We believe this ZIFB can lead the way to development of new-generation, high-performance flow batteries. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Energy.

PubMed

Chambers, David W

2012-01-01

Energy is the capacity to do the things we are capable of and desire to accomplish. Most often this is thought of in terms of PEP--personal energy potential--a reservoir of individual vivacity and zest for work. Like a battery, energy can be conceived of as a resource that is alternatively used and replenished. Transitions between activities, variety of tasks, and choices of what to spend energy on are part of energy management. Energy capacity can be thought of at four levels: (a) so little that harm is caused and extraordinary steps are needed for recovery, (b) a deficit that slightly impairs performance but will recover naturally, (c) the typical range of functioning, and (d) a surplus that may or may not be useful and requires continual investment to maintain. "Flow" is the experience of optimal energy use when challenges balance capacity as a result of imposing order on our environment. There are other energy resources in addition to personal vim. Effective work design reduces demands on energy. Money, office design, and knowledge are excellent substitutes for personal energy.

Mod-2 wind turbine project assessment and cluster test plans

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gordon, L. H.

1982-01-01

An assessment of the Mod-2 Wind Turbine project is presented based on initial goals and present results. Specifically, the Mod-2 background, project flow, and a chronology of events/results leading to Mod-2 acceptance is presented. After checkout/acceptance of the three operating turbines, NASA/LeRC will continue management of a two year test program performed at the DOE Goodnoe Hills test site. This test program is expected to yield data necessary for the continued development and optimization of wind energy systems. These test activities, the implementation of, and the results to date are also presented.

Basic lubrication equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hamrock, B. J.; Dowson, D.

1981-01-01

Lubricants, usually Newtonian fluids, are assumed to experience laminar flow. The basic equations used to describe the flow are the Navier-Stokes equation of motion. The study of hydrodynamic lubrication is, from a mathematical standpoint, the application of a reduced form of these Navier-Stokes equations in association with the continuity equation. The Reynolds equation can also be derived from first principles, provided of course that the same basic assumptions are adopted in each case. Both methods are used in deriving the Reynolds equation, and the assumptions inherent in reducing the Navier-Stokes equations are specified. Because the Reynolds equation contains viscosity and density terms and these properties depend on temperature and pressure, it is often necessary to couple the Reynolds with energy equation. The lubricant properties and the energy equation are presented. Film thickness, a parameter of the Reynolds equation, is a function of the elastic behavior of the bearing surface. The governing elasticity equation is therefore presented.

Influence of pressure driven secondary flows on the behavior of turbofan forced mixers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, B.; Povinelli, L.; Gerstenmaier, W.

1980-01-01

A finite difference procedure was developed to analyze the three dimensional subsonic turbulent flows in turbofan forced mixer nozzles. The method is based on a decomposition of the velocity field into primary and secondary flow components which are determined by solution of the equations governing primary momentum, secondary vorticity, thermal energy, and continuity. Experimentally, a strong secondary flow pattern was identified which is associated with the radial inflow and outflow characteristics of the core and fan streams and forms a very strong vortex system aligned with the radial interface between the core and fan regions. A procedure was developed to generate a similar generic secondary flow pattern in terms of two constants representing the average radial outflow or inflow in the core and fan streams as a percentage of the local streamwise velocity. This description of the initial secondary flow gave excellent agreement with experimental data. By identifying the nature of large scale secondary flow structure and associating it with characteristic mixer nozzle behavior, it is felt that the cause and effect relationship between lobe design and nozzle performance can be understood.

Breakdown characteristics of atmospheric dielectric barrier discharge in gas flow condition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Zhihui; Yan, Huijie; Wang, Yuying; Liu, Yidi; Guo, Hongfei; Ren, Chunsheng

2018-05-01

Experimental investigations of the breakdown characteristics of plate-to-plate dielectric barrier discharge excited by an AC source at different gas flow conditions are carried out. The ignition voltage for the appearance of the very first discharge filament and the breakdown voltage in each discharge half cycle in continuous operation are examined. As revealed by the results of the indoor air experiment, the ignition voltage manifests a monotonous increase with the increase in the gas flow rate, while the breakdown voltage has a marked decline at the low gas flow rate and increases slightly as the gas flow rate is higher than 10 m/s. As regards the obvious decreases in the ignition voltage and breakdown voltage, the decrease in the humidity with the increase in the gas flow rate plays a dominant role. As regards the increase in breakdown voltage, the memory effect from the preceding discharge is considered. The losses of metastable particles, together with particles having high translational energy in the gas flow, are considered to be the most critical factors.

Exit blade geometry and part-load performance of small axial flow propeller turbines: An experimental investigation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Singh, Punit; Nestmann, Franz

2010-09-15

A detailed experimental investigation of the effects of exit blade geometry on the part-load performance of low-head, axial flow propeller turbines is presented. Even as these turbines find important applications in small-scale energy generation using micro-hydro, the relationship between the layout of blade profile, geometry and turbine performance continues to be poorly characterized. The experimental results presented here help understand the relationship between exit tip angle, discharge through the turbine, shaft power, and efficiency. The modification was implemented on two different propeller runners and it was found that the power and efficiency gains from decreasing the exit tip angle couldmore » be explained by a theoretical model presented here based on classical theory of turbomachines. In particular, the focus is on the behaviour of internal parameters like the runner loss coefficient, relative flow angle at exit, mean axial flow velocity and net tangential flow velocity. The study concluded that the effects of exit tip modification were significant. The introspective discussion on the theoretical model's limitation and test facility suggests wider and continued experimentation pertaining to the internal parameters like inlet vortex profile and exit swirl profile. It also recommends thorough validation of the model and its improvement so that it can be made capable for accurate characterization of blade geometric effects. (author)« less

Interplay of Coulomb interactions and disorder in three-dimensional quadratic band crossings without time-reversal symmetry and with unequal masses for conduction and valence bands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mandal, Ipsita; Nandkishore, Rahul M.

2018-03-01

Coulomb interactions famously drive three-dimensional quadratic band crossing semimetals into a non-Fermi liquid phase of matter. In a previous work [Nandkishore and Parameswaran, Phys. Rev. B 95, 205106 (2017), 10.1103/PhysRevB.95.205106], the effect of disorder on this non-Fermi liquid phase was investigated, assuming that the band structure was isotropic, assuming that the conduction and valence bands had the same band mass, and assuming that the disorder preserved exact time-reversal symmetry and statistical isotropy. It was shown that the non-Fermi liquid fixed point is unstable to disorder and that a runaway flow to strong disorder occurs. In this paper, we extend that analysis by relaxing the assumption of time-reversal symmetry and allowing the electron and hole masses to differ (but continuing to assume isotropy of the low energy band structure). We first incorporate time-reversal symmetry breaking disorder and demonstrate that there do not appear any new fixed points. Moreover, while the system continues to flow to strong disorder, time-reversal-symmetry-breaking disorder grows asymptotically more slowly than time-reversal-symmetry-preserving disorder, which we therefore expect should dominate the strong-coupling phase. We then allow for unequal electron and hole masses. We show that whereas asymmetry in the two masses is irrelevant in the clean system, it is relevant in the presence of disorder, such that the `effective masses' of the conduction and valence bands should become sharply distinct in the low-energy limit. We calculate the RG flow equations for the disordered interacting system with unequal band masses and demonstrate that the problem exhibits a runaway flow to strong disorder. Along the runaway flow, time-reversal-symmetry-preserving disorder grows asymptotically more rapidly than both time-reversal-symmetry-breaking disorder and the Coulomb interaction.

Hydraulic characterization and optimization of total nitrogen removal in an aerated vertical subsurface flow treatment wetland.

PubMed

Boog, Johannes; Nivala, Jaime; Aubron, Thomas; Wallace, Scott; van Afferden, Manfred; Müller, Roland Arno

2014-06-01

In this study, a side-by-side comparison of two pilot-scale vertical subsurface flow constructed wetlands (6.2 m(2)×0.85 m, q(i)=95 L/m(2) d, τ(n)=3.5 d) handling primary treated domestic sewage was conducted. One system (VA-i) was set to intermittent aeration while the other was aerated continuously (VAp-c). Intermittent aeration was provided to VA-i in an 8 h on/4 h off pattern. The intermittently aerated wetland, VA-i, was observed to have 70% less nitrate nitrogen mass outflow than the continuously aerated wetland, VAp-c. Intermittent aeration was shown to increase treatment performance for TN while saving 33% of running energy cost for aeration. Parallel tracer experiments in the two wetlands showed hydraulic characteristics similar to one Continuously Stirred Tank Reactor (CSTR). Intermittent aeration did not significantly affect the hydraulic functioning of the system. Hydraulic efficiencies were 78% for VAp-c and 76% for VA-i. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Coproduction of hydrogen and methane via anaerobic fermentation of cornstalk waste in continuous stirred tank reactor integrated with up-flow anaerobic sludge bed.

PubMed

Cheng, Xi-Yu; Li, Qian; Liu, Chun-Zhao

2012-06-01

A 10 L continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) system was developed for a two-stage hydrogen fermentation process with an integrated alkaline treatment. The maximum hydrogen production rate reached 218.5 mL/L h at a cornstalk concentration of 30 g/L, and the total hydrogen yield and volumetric hydrogen production rate reached 58.0 mL/g-cornstalk and 0.55-0.57 L/L d, respectively. A 10 L up-flow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) was used for continuous methane fermentation of the effluents obtained from the two-stage hydrogen fermentation. At the optimal organic loading rate of 15.0 g-COD/Ld, the COD removal efficiency and volumetric biogas production rate reached 83.3% and 4.6L/Ld, respectively. Total methane yield reached 200.9 mL/g-cornstalk in anaerobic fermentation with the effluents and alkaline hydrolysate. As a result, the total energy recovery by coproduction of hydrogen and methane with anaerobic fermentation of cornstalk reached 67.1%. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

An assessment of climate change impacts on micro-hydropower energy recovery in water supply networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brady, Jennifer; Patil, Sopan; McNabola, Aonghus; Gallagher, John; Coughlan, Paul; Harris, Ian; Packwood, Andrew; Williams, Prysor

2015-04-01

Continuity of service of a high quality water supply is vital in sustaining economic and social development. However, water supply and wastewater treatment are highly energy intensive processes and the overall cost of water provision is rising rapidly due to increased energy costs, higher capital investment requirements, and more stringent regulatory compliance in terms of both national and EU legislation. Under the EU Directive 2009/28/EC, both Ireland and the UK are required to have 16% and 15% respectively of their electricity generated by renewable sources by 2020. The projected impacts of climate change, population growth and urbanisation will place additional pressures on resources, further increasing future water demand which in turn will lead to higher energy consumption. Therefore, there is a need to achieve greater efficiencies across the water industry. The implementation of micro-hydropower turbines within the water supply network has shown considerable viability for energy recovery. This is achieved by harnessing energy at points of high flow or pressure along the network which can then be utilised on site or alternatively sold to the national grid. Micro-hydropower can provide greater energy security for utilities together with a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. However, potential climate change impacts on water resources in the medium-to-long term currently act as a key barrier to industry confidence as changes in flow and pressure within the network can significantly alter the available energy for recovery. The present study aims to address these uncertainties and quantify the regional and local impacts of climate change on the viability of energy recovery across water infrastructure in Ireland and the UK. Specifically, the research focuses on assessing the potential future effects of climate change on flow rates at multiple pressure reducing valve sites along the water supply network and also in terms of flow at a number of wastewater treatment works. This analysis is achieved through development of an empirical model utilising historical climatic data in conjunction with low, medium and high emission IPCC climate scenarios using the HADCM3 global climate model across a baseline condition and two further time steps. Results highlight projected alterations in flow rates together with the potential for increases in the frequency and persistence of drought/flooding events and the resulting impacts on future energy recovery. Critical climate change limits are also identified indicating the tolerable ranges within which hydropower recovery is financially viable, thus allowing for more informed decision making across potential sites.

Bayes to the Rescue: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Has Less Mortality Than High-Flow Oxygen.

PubMed

Modesto I Alapont, Vicent; Khemani, Robinder G; Medina, Alberto; Del Villar Guerra, Pablo; Molina Cambra, Alfred

2017-02-01

The merits of high-flow nasal cannula oxygen versus bubble continuous positive airway pressure are debated in children with pneumonia, with suggestions that randomized controlled trials are needed. In light of a previous randomized controlled trial showing a trend for lower mortality with bubble continuous positive airway pressure, we sought to determine the probability that a new randomized controlled trial would find high-flow nasal cannula oxygen superior to bubble continuous positive airway pressure through a "robust" Bayesian analysis. Sample data were extracted from the trial by Chisti et al, and requisite to "robust" Bayesian analysis, we specified three prior distributions to represent clinically meaningful assumptions. These priors (reference, pessimistic, and optimistic) were used to generate three scenarios to represent the range of possible hypotheses. 1) "Reference": we believe bubble continuous positive airway pressure and high-flow nasal cannula oxygen are equally effective with the same uninformative reference priors; 2) "Sceptic on high-flow nasal cannula oxygen": we believe that bubble continuous positive airway pressure is better than high-flow nasal cannula oxygen (bubble continuous positive airway pressure has an optimistic prior and high-flow nasal cannula oxygen has a pessimistic prior); and 3) "Enthusiastic on high-flow nasal cannula oxygen": we believe that high-flow nasal cannula oxygen is better than bubble continuous positive airway pressure (high-flow nasal cannula oxygen has an optimistic prior and bubble continuous positive airway pressure has a pessimistic prior). Finally, posterior empiric Bayesian distributions were obtained through 100,000 Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulations. In all three scenarios, there was a high probability for more death from high-flow nasal cannula oxygen compared with bubble continuous positive airway pressure (reference, 0.98; sceptic on high-flow nasal cannula oxygen, 0.982; enthusiastic on high-flow nasal cannula oxygen, 0.742). The posterior 95% credible interval on the difference in mortality identified a future randomized controlled trial would be extremely unlikely to find a mortality benefit for high-flow nasal cannula oxygen over bubble continuous positive airway pressure, regardless of the scenario. Interpreting these findings using the "range of practical equivalence" framework would recommend rejecting the hypothesis that high-flow nasal cannula oxygen is superior to bubble continuous positive airway pressure for these children. For children younger than 5 years with pneumonia, high-flow nasal cannula oxygen has higher mortality than bubble continuous positive airway pressure. A future randomized controlled trial in this population is unlikely to find high-flow nasal cannula oxygen superior to bubble continuous positive airway pressure.

Apparatus and method for ultrasonic treatment of a liquid

DOEpatents

Chandler, Darrell P [Richland, WA; Posakony, Gerald J [Richland, WA; Bond, Leonard J [Richland, WA; Bruckner-Lea, Cynthia J [Richland, WA

2003-01-14

The present invention is an apparatus and method for ultrasonically treating a liquid to generate a product. The apparatus is capable of treating a continuously-flowing, or intermittently-flowing, liquid along a line segment coincident with the flow path of the liquid. The apparatus has one or more ultrasonic transducers positioned asymmetrically about the line segment. The ultrasonic field encompasses the line segment and the ultrasonic energy may be concentrated along the line segment. Lysing treatments have been successfully achieved with efficiencies of greater than 99% using ultrasound at MHz frequencies without erosion or heating problems and without the need for chemical or mechanical pretreatment, or contrast agents. The present invention overcomes drawbacks of current ultrasonic treatments beyond lysing and opens up new sonochemical and sonophysical processing opportunities.

Electron-Impact Excitation Cross Sections for Modeling Non-Equilibrium Gas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huo, Winifred M.; Liu, Yen; Panesi, Marco; Munafo, Alessandro; Wray, Alan; Carbon, Duane F.

2015-01-01

In order to provide a database for modeling hypersonic entry in a partially ionized gas under non-equilibrium, the electron-impact excitation cross sections of atoms have been calculated using perturbation theory. The energy levels covered in the calculation are retrieved from the level list in the HyperRad code. The downstream flow-field is determined by solving a set of continuity equations for each component. The individual structure of each energy level is included. These equations are then complemented by the Euler system of equations. Finally, the radiation field is modeled by solving the radiative transfer equation.

Coal-fluid properties with an emphasis on dense phase. Final report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Klinzing, G.E.

1985-04-01

Many fossil fuel energy processes depend on the movement of solids by pneumatic transport. Despite the considerable amount of work reported in the literature on pneumatic transport, the design of new industrial systems for new products continues to rely to a great extent on empiricism. A pilot-scale test facility has been constructed at Pittsburgh Energy Technology Center (PETC), equipped with modern sophisticated measuring techniques (such as Pressure Transducers, Auburn Monitors and Micro Motion Mass Flow Meters) and an automatic computer-controlled data acquisition system to study the effects of particle pneumatic transport. Pittsburgh Seam and Montana Rosebud coals of varying sizemore » consist and moisture content were tested in the atmospheric and pressurized coal flow test loops (AP/CFTL and HP/CFTL) at PETC. The system parameters included conveying gas velocity, injector tank pressure, screw conveyor speed, pipe radius and pipe bends. In this report, results from the coal flow tests were presented and analyzed. Existing theories and correlations on two phase flows were reviewed. Experimental data were compared with values calculated from empirically or theoretically derived equations available in the literature and new correlations were proposed, when applicable, to give a better interpretation of the data and a better understanding of the various flow regimes involved in pneumatic transport. 55 refs., 56 figs., 6 tabs.« less

Energy Harvesting with a Liquid-Metal Microfluidic Influence Machine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Conner, Christopher; de Visser, Tim; Loessberg, Joshua; Sherman, Sam; Smith, Andrew; Ma, Shuo; Napoli, Maria Teresa; Pennathur, Sumita; Weld, David

2018-04-01

We describe and demonstrate an alternative energy-harvesting technology based on a microfluidic realization of a Wimshurst influence machine. The prototype device converts the mechanical energy of a pressure-driven flow into electrical energy, using a multiphase system composed of droplets of liquid mercury surrounded by insulating oil. Electrostatic induction between adjacent metal droplets drives charge through external electrode paths, resulting in continuous charge amplification and collection. We demonstrate a power output of 4 nW from the initial prototype and present calculations suggesting that straightforward device optimization could increase the power output by more than 3 orders of magnitude. At that level, the power efficiency of this energy-harvesting mechanism, limited by viscous dissipation, could exceed 90%. The microfluidic context enables straightforward scaling and parallelization, as well as hydraulic matching to a variety of ambient mechanical energy sources, such as human locomotion.

Black hole feedback in a multiphase interstellar medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bourne, Martin A.; Nayakshin, Sergei; Hobbs, Alexander

2014-07-01

Ultrafast outflows (UFOs) from supermassive black holes (SMBHs) are thought to regulate the growth of SMBHs and host galaxies, resulting in a number of observational correlations. We present high-resolution numerical simulations of the impact of a thermalized UFO on the ambient gas in the inner part of the host galaxy. Our results depend strongly on whether the gas is homogeneous or clumpy. In the former case all of the ambient gas is driven outward rapidly as expected based on commonly used energy budget arguments, while in the latter the flows of mass and energy de-couple. Carrying most of the energy, the shocked UFO escapes from the bulge via paths of least resistance, taking with it only the low-density phase of the host. Most of the mass is however in the high-density phase, and is affected by the UFO much less strongly, and may even continue to flow inwards. We suggest that the UFO energy leakage through the pores in the multiphase interstellar medium (ISM) may explain why observed SMBHs are so massive despite their overwhelmingly large energy production rates. The multiphase ISM effects reported here are probably under-resolved in cosmological simulations but may be included in prescriptions for active galactic nuclei feedback in future simulations and in semi-analytical models.

A study on the flow characteristics of a direct drive turbine for energy conversion generation by experiment and CFD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Y. J.; Zullah, M. A.; Faizal, M.; Choi, Y. D.; Lee, Y. H.

2012-11-01

A variety of technologies has been proposed to capture the energy from waves. Some of the more promising designs are undergoing demonstration testing at commercial scales. Due to the complexity of most offshore wave energy devices and their motion response in different sea states, physical tank tests are common practice for WEC design. Full scale tests are also necessary, but are expensive and only considered once the design has been optimized. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is now recognized as an important complement to traditional physical testing techniques in offshore engineering. Once properly calibrated and validated to the problem, CFD offers a high density of test data and results in a reasonable timescale to assist with design changes and improvements to the device. The purpose of this study is to investigate the performance of a newly developed direct drive hydro turbine (DDT), which will be built in a caisson for extraction of wave energy. Experiments and CFD analysis are conducted to clarify the turbine performance and internal flow characteristics. The results show that commercial CFD code can be applied successfully to the simulation of the wave motion in the water tank. The performance of the turbine for wave energy converter is studied continuously for a ongoing project.

Real time monitoring of rat liver energy state during ischemia.

PubMed

Barbiro, E; Zurovsky, Y; Mayevsky, A

1998-11-01

Hepatic failure is one of the major problems developed during the posttransplantation period. A possible cause of hepatic failure is the prolonged ischemia induced during the implantation procedure. Hepatic ischemia leads to a reduction in oxygen supply, ATP level decline, liver metabolism impairment, and finally organ failure. The purpose of this study was to estimate the functional state of the liver by monitoring liver blood flow and the mitochondrial NADH redox state simultaneously and continuously during in situ liver ischemia followed by reperfusion. Measurements were performed using the multiprobe developed in our laboratory consisting of fibers for the measurement of relative liver blood flow (laser Doppler flowmetry) and mitochondrial redox state (NADH fluorescence). The experimental procedure included the temporary interruption of blood flow to the liver using three types of ischemia, hepatic artery occlusion, portal vein occlusion, and simultaneous occlusion of hepatic artery and portal vein, followed by a reperfusion period. These preliminary experiments showed a significant decrease in liver blood flow, following the three types of liver ischemia, and a significant increase in NADH levels. The probe used in this study incorporates the advantage of monitoring NADH and liver blood flow simultaneously and continuously from the same area on the surface of the liver. Since each of these two parameters is not calibrated in absolute units, the simultaneous monitoring decreases possible artifacts. Also, it will allow us to determine of the coupling between tissue blood flow and oxidative phosphorylation. It is believed that the measurements of respiratory chain dysfunction might predict organ viability in clinical organ transplantation situations. Using this probe may also help to decrease the variability in liver blood flow monitoring since liver blood flow monitoring is supported simultaneously with the mitochondrial redox state, which supplies the information on liver metabolic and functional state. Copyright 1998 Academic Press.

Lumley's energy cascade dissipation rate model for boundary-free turbulent shear flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Duncan, B. S.

1992-01-01

True dissipation occurs mainly at the highest wavenumbers where the eddy sizes are comparatively small. These high wavenumbers receive their energy through the spectral cascade of energy starting with the largest eddies spilling energy into the smaller eddies, passing through each wavenumber until it is dissipated at the microscopic scale. However, a small percentage of the energy does not spill continuously through the cascade but is instantly passed to the higher wavenumbers. Consequently, the smallest eddies receive a certain amount of energy almost immediately. As the spectral energy cascade continues, the highest wavenumber needs a certain time to receive all the energy which has been transferred from the largest eddies. As such, there is a time delay, of the order of tau, between the generation of energy by the largest eddies and the eventual dissipation of this energy. For equilibrium turbulence at high Reynolds numbers, there is a wide range where energy is neither produced by the large eddies nor dissipated by viscosity, but is conserved and passed from wavenumber to higher wavenumbers. The rate at which energy cascades from one wavenumber to another is proportional to the energy contained within that wavenumber. This rate is constant and has been used in the past as a dissipation rate of turbulent kinetic energy. However, this is true only in steady, equilibrium turbulence. Most dissipation models contend that the production of dissipation is proportional to the production of energy and that the destruction of dissipation is proportional to the destruction of energy. In essence, these models state that the change in the dissipation rate is proportional to the change in the kinetic energy. This assumption is obviously incorrect for the case where there is no production of turbulent energy, yet energy continues to cascade from large to small eddies. If the time lag between the onset on the energy cascade to the destruction of energy at the microscale can be modeled, then there will be a better representation of the dissipation process. Development of an energy cascade time scale equation is discussed.

Enhancing the Performance of Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries using Quinones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mulcahy, James W., III

The global dependence on fossil fuels continues to increase while the supply diminishes, causing the proliferation in demand for renewable energy sources. Intermittent renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, require electrochemical storage devices in order to transfer stored energy to the power grid at a constant output. Redox flow batteries (RFB) have been studied extensively due to improvements in scalability, cyclability and efficiency over conventional batteries. Vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFB) provide one of the most comprehensive solutions to energy storage in relation to other RFBs by alleviating the problem of cross-contamination. Quinones are a class of organic compounds that have been extensively used in chemistry, biochemistry and pharmacology due to their catalytic properties, fast proton-coupled electron transfer, good chemical stability and low cost. Anthraquinones are a subcategory of quinones and have been utilized in several battery systems. Anthraquinone-2, 6-disulfonic acid (AQDS) was added to a VRFB in order to study its effects on cyclical performance. This study utilized carbon paper electrodes and a Nafion 117 ion exchange membrane for the membrane-electrode assembly (MEA). The cycling performance was investigated over multiple charge and discharge cycles and the addition of AQDS was found to increase capacity efficiency by an average of 7.6% over the standard VRFB, while decreasing the overall cycle duration by approximately 18%. It is thus reported that the addition of AQDS to a VRFB electrolyte has the potential to increase the activity and capacity with minimal increases in costs.

Predevelopment Water-Level Contours for Aquifers in the Rainier Mesa and Shoshone Mountain area of the Nevada Test Site, Nye County, Nevada

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Joseph M. Fenelon; Randell J. Laczniak; and Keith J. Halford

2008-06-24

Contaminants introduced into the subsurface of the Nevada Test Site at Rainier Mesa and Shoshone Mountain by underground nuclear testing are of concern to the U.S. Department of Energy and regulators responsible for protecting human health and safety. Although contaminants were introduced into low-permeability rocks above the regional flow system, the potential for contaminant movement away from the underground test areas and into the accessible environment is greatest by ground-water transport. The primary hydrologic control on this transport is evaluated and examined through a series of contour maps developed to represent the water-level distribution within each of the major aquifersmore » underlying the area. Aquifers were identified and their extents delineated by merging and analyzing multiple hydrostratigraphic framework models developed by other investigators from existing geologic information. The contoured water-level distribution in each major aquifer was developed from a detailed evaluation and assessment of available water-level measurements. Multiple spreadsheets that accompany this report provide pertinent water-level and geologic data by well or drill hole. Aquifers are mapped, presented, and discussed in general terms as being one of three aquifer types—volcanic aquifer, upper carbonate aquifer, or lower carbonate aquifer. Each of these aquifer types was subdivided and mapped as independent continuous and isolated aquifers, based on the continuity of its component rock. Ground-water flow directions, as related to the transport of test-generated contaminants, were developed from water-level contours and are presented and discussed for each of the continuous aquifers. Contoured water-level altitudes vary across the study area and range from more than 5,000 feet in the volcanic aquifer beneath a recharge area in the northern part of the study area to less than 2,450 feet in the lower carbonate aquifer in the southern part of the study area. Variations in water-level altitudes within any single continuous aquifer range from a few hundred feet in a lower carbonate aquifer to just more than 1,100 feet in a volcanic aquifer. Flow directions throughout the study area are dominantly southward with minor eastward or westward deviations. Primary exceptions are westward flow in the northern part of the volcanic aquifer and eastward flow in the eastern part of the lower carbonate aquifer. Northward flow in the upper and lower carbonate aquifers in the northern part of the study area is possible but cannot be substantiated because data are lacking. Interflow between continuous aquifers is evaluated and mapped to define major flow paths. These flow paths delineate tributary flow systems, which converge to form the regional ground-water flow system. The implications of these tributary flow paths in controlling transport away from the underground test areas at Rainier Mesa and Shoshone Mountain are discussed. The obvious data gaps contributing to uncertainties in the delineation of aquifers and development of water-level contours are identified and evaluated.« less

Predevelopment Water-Level Contours for Aquifers in the Rainier Mesa and Shoshone Mountain area of the Nevada Test Site, Nye County, Nevada

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fenelon, Joseph M.; Laczniak, Randell J.; Halford, Keith J.

2008-01-01

Contaminants introduced into the subsurface of the Nevada Test Site at Rainier Mesa and Shoshone Mountain by underground nuclear testing are of concern to the U.S. Department of Energy and regulators responsible for protecting human health and safety. Although contaminants were introduced into low-permeability rocks above the regional flow system, the potential for contaminant movement away from the underground test areas and into the accessible environment is greatest by ground-water transport. The primary hydrologic control on this transport is evaluated and examined through a series of contour maps developed to represent the water-level distribution within each of the major aquifers underlying the area. Aquifers were identified and their extents delineated by merging and analyzing multiple hydrostratigraphic framework models developed by other investigators from existing geologic information. The contoured water-level distribution in each major aquifer was developed from a detailed evaluation and assessment of available water-level measurements. Multiple spreadsheets that accompany this report provide pertinent water-level and geologic data by well or drill hole. Aquifers are mapped, presented, and discussed in general terms as being one of three aquifer types?volcanic aquifer, upper carbonate aquifer, or lower carbonate aquifer. Each of these aquifer types was subdivided and mapped as independent continuous and isolated aquifers, based on the continuity of its component rock. Ground-water flow directions, as related to the transport of test-generated contaminants, were developed from water-level contours and are presented and discussed for each of the continuous aquifers. Contoured water-level altitudes vary across the study area and range from more than 5,000 feet in the volcanic aquifer beneath a recharge area in the northern part of the study area to less than 2,450 feet in the lower carbonate aquifer in the southern part of the study area. Variations in water-level altitudes within any single continuous aquifer range from a few hundred feet in a lower carbonate aquifer to just more than 1,100 feet in a volcanic aquifer. Flow directions throughout the study area are dominantly southward with minor eastward or westward deviations. Primary exceptions are westward flow in the northern part of the volcanic aquifer and eastward flow in the eastern part of the lower carbonate aquifer. Northward flow in the upper and lower carbonate aquifers in the northern part of the study area is possible but cannot be substantiated because data are lacking. Interflow between continuous aquifers is evaluated and mapped to define major flow paths. These flow paths delineate tributary flow systems, which converge to form the regional ground-water flow system. The implications of these tributary flow paths in controlling transport away from the underground test areas at Rainier Mesa and Shoshone Mountain are discussed. The obvious data gaps contributing to uncertainties in the delineation of aquifers and development of water-level contours are identified and evaluated.

Lagoon Restoration Project: Final report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

NONE

This project is a multiyear effort focusing on energy flow in the Palace of Fine Arts lagoon just outside the Exploratorium in San Francisco. Phase 1 was a pilot study to determine the feasibility of improving biological energy flow through the small freshwater lagoon, using the expertise and resources of an environmental artist in collaboration with museum biologists and arts department staff. The primary outcome of Phase 1 is an experimental fountain exhibit inside the museum designed by public artist Laurie Lundquist with Exploratorium staff. This fountain, with signage, functions both as a model for natural aeration and filtration systemsmore » and as a focal point for museum visitors to learn about how biological processes cycle energy through aquatic systems. As part of the study of the lagoon`s health, volunteers continued biweekly bird consus from March through September, 1994. The goal was to find out whether the poor water quality of the lagoon is affecting the birds. Limited dredging was undertaken by the city Parks and Recreation Department. However, a more peermanent solution to the lagoon`s ecological problems would require an ambitious redesign of the lagoon.« less

Analysis of fine coal pneumatic systems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mathur, M.P.; Rohatgi, N.D.; Klinzing, G.E.

1987-01-01

Many fossil fuel energy processes depend on the movement of solids by pneumatic transport. Despite the considerable amount of work reported in the literature on pneumatic transport, the design of new industrial systems for new products continues to rely to a great extent on empiricism. A pilot-scale test facility has been constructed at Pittsburgh Energy Technology Center (PETC) and is equipped with modern sophisticated measuring techniques (such as Pressure Transducers, Auburn Monitors, Micro Motion Mass flowmeters) and an automatic computer-controlled data acquisition system to study the effects of particle pneumatic transport. Pittsburgh Seam and Montana rosebud coals of varying sizemore » consist and moisture content were tested in the atmospheric and pressurized coal flow test loops (AP/CFTL and HP/CFTL) at PETC. The system parameters included conveying gas velocity, injector tank pressure, screw conveyor speed, pipe radius, and pipe bends. In the following report, results from the coal flow tests were presented and analyzed. Existing theories and correlations on two-phase flows were reviewed. Experimental data were compared with values calculated from empirically or theoretically derived equations available in the literature, and new correlations were proposed, when applicable, to give a better interpretation of the data and a better understanding of the various flow regimes involved in pneumatic transport. 55 refs., 56 figs., 6 tabs.« less

Numerical Simulation of Combustion and Extinction of a Solid Cylinder in Low-Speed Cross Flow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tien, J. S.; Yang, Chin Tien

1998-01-01

The combustion and extinction behavior of a diffusion flame around a solid fuel cylinder (PMMA) in low-speed forced flow in zero gravity was studied numerically using a quasi-steady gas phase model. This model includes two-dimensional continuity, full Navier Stokes' momentum, energy, and species equations with a one-step overall chemical reaction and second-order finite-rate Arrhenius kinetics. Surface radiation and Arrhenius pyrolysis kinetics are included on the solid fuel surface description and a parameter Phi, representing the percentage of gas-phase conductive heat flux going into the solid, is introduced into the interfacial energy balance boundary condition to complete the description for the quasi-steady gas-phase system. The model was solved numerically using a body-fitted coordinate transformation and the SIMPLE algorithm. The effects of varying freestream velocity and Phi were studied. These parameters have a significant effect on the flame structure and extinction limits. Two flame modes were identified: envelope flame and wake flame. Two kinds of flammability limits were found: quenching at low-flow speeds due to radiative loss and blow-off at high flow speeds due to insufficient gas residence time. A flammability map was constructed showing the existence of maximum Phi above which the solid is not flammable at any freestream velocity.

Low-flow characteristics of Indiana streams

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fowler, K.K.; Wilson, J.T.

1996-01-01

Knowledge of low-flow characteristics of streams is essential for management of water resources. Low-flow characteristics are presented for 229 continuous-record, streamflow-gaging stations and 285 partial-record stations in Indiana. Low- flow-frequency characteristics were computed for 210 continuous-record stations that had at least 10 years of record, and flow-duration curves were computed for all continuous-record stations. Low-flow-frequency and flow-duration analyses are based on available streamflow records through September 1993. Selected low-flow-frequency curves were computed for annual low flows and seasonal low flows. The four seasons are represented by the 3-month groups of March-May, June-August, September-November, and December- February. The 7-day, 10-year and the 7-day, 2 year low flows were estimated for 285 partial-record stations, which are ungaged sites where streamflow measurements were made at base flow. The same low-flow characteristics were estimated for 19 continuous-record stations where less than 10 years of record were available. Precipitation and geology directly influence the streams in Indiana. Streams in the northern, glaciated part of the State tend to have higher sustained base flows than those in the nonglaciated southern part. Flow at several of the continuous-record gaging stations is affected by some form of regulation or diversion. Low-flow characteristics for continuous-record stations at which flow is affected by regulation are determined using the period of record affected by regulation; natural flows prior to regulation are not used.

Optimum aerobic volume control based on continuous in-line oxygen uptake monitoring.

PubMed

Svardal, K; Lindtner, S; Winkler, S

2003-01-01

Dynamic adaptation of the aerated volume to changing load conditions is essential to maximise the nitrogen removal performance and to minimise energy consumption. A control strategy is presented which provides optimum aerobic volume control (OAV-control concept) based on continuous in-line oxygen uptake monitoring. For ammonium concentrations below 1 mg/l the oxygen uptake rate shows a strong and almost linear dependency on the ammonium concentration. Therefore, the oxygen uptake rate is an ideal indicator for the nitrification performance in activated sludge systems. The OAV-control concept provides dynamic variation of the minimum aerobic volume required for complete nitrification and therefore maximises the denitrification performance. In-line oxygen uptake monitoring is carried out by controlling the oxygen concentration in a continuous aerated zone of the aeration tank and measuring the total air flow to the aeration tank. The total air flow to the aeration tank is directly proportional to the current oxygen uptake rate and can therefore be used as an indicator for the required aerobic volume. The instrumentation requirements for installation of the OAV-control are relatively low, oxygen sensors in the aeration tank and an on-line air flow measurement are needed. This enables individual control of aeration tanks operated in parallel at low investment costs. The OAV-control concept is installed at the WWTP Linz-Asten (1 Mio PE) and shows very good results. Full scale results are presented.

Pressure and kinetic energy transport across the cavity mouth in resonating cavities.

PubMed

Bailey, Peter Roger; Abbá, Antonella; Tordella, Daniela

2013-01-01

Basic properties of the incompressible fluid motion in a rectangular cavity located along one wall of a plane channel are considered. For Mach numbers of the order of 1×10(-3) and using the incompressible formulation, we look for observable properties that can be associated with acoustic emission, which is normally observed in this kind of flow beyond a critical value of Reynolds number. The focus is put on the energy dynamics, in particular on the accumulation of energy in the cavity which takes place in the form of pressure and kinetic energy. By increasing the external forcing, we observe that the pressure flow into the cavity increases very rapidly, then peaks. However, the flow of kinetic energy, which is many orders of magnitude lower than that of the pressure, slowly but continuously grows. This leads to the pressure-kinetic energy flows ratio reaching an asymptotic state around the value 1000 for the channel bulk speed Reynolds number. It is interesting to note that beyond this threshold when the channel flow is highly unsteady-a sort of coarse turbulent flow-a sequence of high and low pressure spots is seen to depart from the downward cavity step in the statistically averaged field. The set of spots forms a steady spatial structure, a sort of damped standing wave stretching along the spanwise direction. The line joining the centers of the spots has an inclination similar to the normal to the fronts of density or pressure waves, which are observed to propagate from the downstream cavity edge in compressible cavity flows (at Mach numbers of 1×10(2) to 1×10(3), larger than those considered here). The wavelength of the standing wave is of the order of 1/8 the cavity depth and observed at the channel bulk Reynolds number, Re~2900. In this condition, the measure of the maximum pressure differences in the cavity field shows values of the order of 1×10(-1) Pa. We interpret the presence of this sort of wave as the fingerprint of the noise emission spots which could be observed in simulations where the full compressible formulation is used. The flow is studied by means of a sequence of direct numerical simulations in the Reynolds number range 25-2900. This allows the study to span across the steady laminar regime up to a first coarse turbulent regime. These results are confirmed by the good agreement with a set of laboratory results obtained at a Reynolds number one order of magnitude larger in a different cavity geometry [M. Gharib and A. Roshko, J. Fluid Mech. 177, 501 (1987)]. This leaves room for a certain degree of qualitative universality to be associated with the present findings.

Jet-Surface Interaction Test: Flow Measurements Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, Cliff; Wernet, Mark

2014-01-01

Modern aircraft design often puts the engine exhaust in close proximity to the airframe surfaces. Aircraft noise prediction tools must continue to develop in order to meet the challenges these aircraft present. The Jet-Surface Interaction Tests have been conducted to provide a comprehensive quality set of experimental data suitable for development and validation of these exhaust noise prediction methods. Flow measurements have been acquired using streamwise and cross-stream particle image velocimetry (PIV) and fluctuating surface pressure data acquired using flush mounted pressure transducers near the surface trailing edge. These data combined with previously reported far-field and phased array noise measurements represent the first step toward the experimental data base. These flow data are particularly applicable to development of noise prediction methods which rely on computational fluid dynamics to uncover the flow physics. A representative sample of the large flow data set acquired is presented here to show how a surface near a jet affects the turbulent kinetic energy in the plume, the spatial relationship between the jet plume and surface needed to generate surface trailing-edge noise, and differences between heated and unheated jet flows with respect to surfaces.

The assembly and use of continuous flow systems for chemical synthesis.

PubMed

Britton, Joshua; Jamison, Timothy F

2017-11-01

The adoption of and opportunities in continuous flow synthesis ('flow chemistry') have increased significantly over the past several years. Continuous flow systems provide improved reaction safety and accelerated reaction kinetics, and have synthesised several active pharmaceutical ingredients in automated reconfigurable systems. Although continuous flow platforms are commercially available, systems constructed 'in-lab' provide researchers with a flexible, versatile, and cost-effective alternative. Herein, we describe the assembly and use of a modular continuous flow apparatus from readily available and affordable parts in as little as 30 min. Once assembled, the synthesis of a sulfonamide by reacting 4-chlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride with dibenzylamine in a single reactor coil with an in-line quench is presented. This example reaction offers the opportunity to learn several important skills including reactor construction, charging of a back-pressure regulator, assembly of stainless-steel syringes, assembly of a continuous flow system with multiple junctions, and yield determination. From our extensive experience of single-step and multistep continuous flow synthesis, we also describe solutions to commonly encountered technical problems such as precipitation of solids ('clogging') and reactor failure. Following this protocol, a nonspecialist can assemble a continuous flow system from reactor coils, syringes, pumps, in-line liquid-liquid separators, drying columns, back-pressure regulators, static mixers, and packed-bed reactors.

Evaluation of continuous oxydesulfurization processes. Final technical report, September 1979-July 1981

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jones, J.F.; Wever, D.M.

1981-07-01

Three processes developed by Pittsburgh Energy Technology Center (PETC), Ledgemont Laboratories, and Ames Laboratories for the oxydesulfurization of coal were evaluated in continuous processing equipment designed, built, and/or adapted for the purpose at the DOE-owned Multi-Use Fuels and Energy Processes Test Plant (MEP) located at TRW's Capistrano Test Site in California. The three processes differed primarily in the chemical additives (none, sodium carbonate, or ammonia), fed to the 20% to 40% coal/water slurries, and in the oxygen content of the feed gas stream. Temperature, pressure, residence time, flow rates, slurry concentration and stirrer speed were the other primary independent variables.more » The amount of organic sulfur removed, total sulfur removed and the Btu recovery were the primary dependent variables. Evaluation of the data presented was not part of the test effort.« less

Tidal energy extraction: renewable, sustainable and predictable.

PubMed

Nicholls-Lee, R F; Turnock, S R

2008-01-01

The tidal flow of sea water induced by planetary motion is a potential source of energy if suitable systems can be designed and operated in a cost-effective manner This paper examines the physical origins of the tides and how the local currents are influenced by the depth of the seabed and presence of land mass and associated coastal features. The available methods of extracting energy from tidal movement are classified into devices that store and release potential energy and those that capture kinetic energy directly. A survey is made of candidate designs and, for the most promising, the likely efficiency of energy conversion and methods of installing them are considered. Overall, the need to reduce CO2 emissions, a likely continued rise in fossil fuel cost will result in a significantly increased use of tidal energy. What is still required, especially for kinetic energy devices, is a much greater understanding of how they can be designed to withstand long-term immersion in the marine environment.

Energy flow and trophic partitioning of contrasting Cold Water Coral ecosystems of the NE Atlantic.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiriakoulakis, K.; Smith, E. L.; Dempster, N. M.; Roberts, M.; Hennige, S. J.; Wolff, G. A.

2016-02-01

This study investigates the energy flow, trophic positioning and nutritional quality of suspended particulate organic matter (sPOM) that reaches cold-water coral (CWC) ecosystems from two contrasting oceanographic settings of the N. E. Atlantic using molecular (lipid) and stable isotopic analysis. Study sites are the shallow ( 150m) Mingulay Reef on the NW Scotland shelf vs the deeper ( 700m) Logachev Mounds on the eastern slope of the Rockall Bank. Cold water corals are now being realised as abundant, cosmopolitan and biodiverse hotspots of the global ocean. Recent research has shown links between high levels of surface primary productivity and sPOM flux; which when combined with hydrodynamic processes facilitates an almost continuous supply of nutrient rich sPOM to these deep-ocean ecosystems. However, little is understood regarding the exact nutritional requirements of these ecosystems. Fresh marine sPOM is usually rich in proteins and lipids; however during transport into the ocean interior its chemical composition is influenced by a variety of complex transformation, remineralisation and repackaging processes; thus altering its `freshness' and nutritional quality. The study of the bioavailable and nutritional fractions of sPOM in relation to specific oceanographic transport regimes can help further understand the processes, nutritional requirements and energy flow of these ecosystems. Isotopic ratios of carbon and nitrogen were analysed using EA-IR-MS and lipids via GC-MS. Initial results show significant differences in δ15N and δ13C values of sPOM between the two areas, indicating differences in trophic dynamics and sPOM re-working between locations. In addition lipid results highlight differences in trophic contributions to the energy flows of the two locations, yet similarities in molecular nutritional component contributions; thus supporting previous studies regarding the importance of certain lipid classes in the development of these deep and fragile ecosystems. This multi-disciplinary approach to biogeochemical analysis may also be used to detect chemosynthetic energy pathway contributions to sPOM.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Guo, Z.; Department of Applied Mathematics and Mechanics, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083; Lin, P.

In this paper, we investigate numerically a diffuse interface model for the Navier–Stokes equation with fluid–fluid interface when the fluids have different densities [48]. Under minor reformulation of the system, we show that there is a continuous energy law underlying the system, assuming that all variables have reasonable regularities. It is shown in the literature that an energy law preserving method will perform better for multiphase problems. Thus for the reformulated system, we design a C{sup 0} finite element method and a special temporal scheme where the energy law is preserved at the discrete level. Such a discrete energy lawmore » (almost the same as the continuous energy law) for this variable density two-phase flow model has never been established before with C{sup 0} finite element. A Newton method is introduced to linearise the highly non-linear system of our discretization scheme. Some numerical experiments are carried out using the adaptive mesh to investigate the scenario of coalescing and rising drops with differing density ratio. The snapshots for the evolution of the interface together with the adaptive mesh at different times are presented to show that the evolution, including the break-up/pinch-off of the drop, can be handled smoothly by our numerical scheme. The discrete energy functional for the system is examined to show that the energy law at the discrete level is preserved by our scheme.« less

Alpha-environmental continuous air monitor inlet

DOEpatents

Rodgers, John C.

2003-01-01

A wind deceleration and protective shroud that provides representative samples of ambient aerosols to an environmental continuous air monitor (ECAM) has a cylindrical enclosure mounted to an input on the continuous air monitor, the cylindrical enclosure having shrouded nozzles located radially about its periphery. Ambient air flows, often along with rainwater flows into the nozzles in a sampling flow generated by a pump in the continuous air monitor. The sampling flow of air creates a cyclonic flow in the enclosure that flows up through the cylindrical enclosure until the flow of air reaches the top of the cylindrical enclosure and then is directed downward to the continuous air monitor. A sloped platform located inside the cylindrical enclosure supports the nozzles and causes any moisture entering through the nozzle to drain out through the nozzles.

Continuation Power Flow with Variable-Step Variable-Order Nonlinear Predictor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kojima, Takayuki; Mori, Hiroyuki

This paper proposes a new continuation power flow calculation method for drawing a P-V curve in power systems. The continuation power flow calculation successively evaluates power flow solutions through changing a specified value of the power flow calculation. In recent years, power system operators are quite concerned with voltage instability due to the appearance of deregulated and competitive power markets. The continuation power flow calculation plays an important role to understand the load characteristics in a sense of static voltage instability. In this paper, a new continuation power flow with a variable-step variable-order (VSVO) nonlinear predictor is proposed. The proposed method evaluates optimal predicted points confirming with the feature of P-V curves. The proposed method is successfully applied to IEEE 118-bus and IEEE 300-bus systems.

[Transparent evolution of the energy/matter interactions on earth: from gas whirlwind to technogenic civilization].

PubMed

Pechurkin, N S; Shuvaev, A N

2015-01-01

The paper presents the idea of transparent evolution through the long-term reaction of the planet Earth on the external flow of radiant energy from the Sun. Due to limitations of matter on Earth, as well as on any other planet, the continuous pumping flow of radiant energy was shown to lead to cyclization and transport of substance on emerging gradients. The evolution of energy-matter interaction follows the path of capturing and transferring more energy by the fewer matter, i.e., the path of growth of the amount of energy used by each unit mass. For this indicator, the least effective mass transfer is a simple mass transfer as vortices of gases, in the gradients of temperature and pressure, which occurred on the primary surface of the planet. A long-term natural selection related to the accumulation of water on the planet has played a special role in developing the interaction of energy and matter. Phase transformations (ice, water, vapor) and mechanical transfers are the most common energy-matter processes. Based on water cycles, cyclic transports and transformations, chemical transformation of substances became possible developing over time into a biological transformation. This kind of the interaction of energy and matter is most efficient. In particular, during photosynthesis the energy of our star "is captured and utilized" in the most active part of the spectrum of its radiation. In the process of biological evolution of heterotrophs, a rise (by a factor of hundreds) in the coefficient that characterizes the intensity of energy exchange from protozoa to mammals is most illustratory. The development and the current dominance of humans as the most energy-using active species in capturing the energy and meaningful organization of its new flows especially on the basis of organic debris of former biospheres is admirable, but quite natural from the energy positions. In the course of technological evolution of humankind, the measure of the intensity of energy for homoeothermic (warm-blooded) animals has increased 20 times, based on the process energy used by the "average" inhabitant of the world. Thus, the victory of our species in planetary evolution is easy to fit into the mainstream of evolution through energy-matter interactions: multiple growth of star energy was used to transform the matter on the surface of the irradiated planet.

Performance investigation and comparison of different turbulator shapes in solar water heating collector system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khargotra, Rohit; Dhingra, Sunil; Chauhan, Ranchan; Singh, Tej

2018-05-01

The effective use of solar energy is hindered by the intermittent nature of its availability, limiting its use and effectiveness in domestic and industrial applications especially in water heating. In the present paper, the performance of different turbulator shapes in solar water heating collector system has been studied experimentally and comparison on the output performance has been carried out. Effects of insertion of coil-spring turbulator on heat transfer rate, mass flow rate, heat gain by the fluid etc. is studied by disturbing the flow inside the absorber tubes in a solar flat plate collector. The coil-spring used as a turbulator is placed inside the absorber tube which creates a continuous swirling flow along the tube wall. The results of the heat transfer have been compared well with the available results. The heat transfer rate in the collector has been found to be increased by 18% to 70%. Solar water heater having inserts in the flow tubes perform better than the conventional plain ones. It has been observed that heat losses are reduced consequently increasing the thermal performance to about 70% over the plain water heater under same operating conditions. The coil-spring used as a turbulator is placed inside the riser tube while the twisted tape is inserted into the wire coil to create a continuous swirling flow along the tube wall. The results of the heat transfer have been compared with the available results. Solar water heater having inserts in the flow tubes perform better than the conventional plain ones.

Optimal Power Flow Pursuit

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dall'Anese, Emiliano; Simonetto, Andrea

This paper considers distribution networks featuring inverter-interfaced distributed energy resources, and develops distributed feedback controllers that continuously drive the inverter output powers to solutions of AC optimal power flow (OPF) problems. Particularly, the controllers update the power setpoints based on voltage measurements as well as given (time-varying) OPF targets, and entail elementary operations implementable onto low-cost microcontrollers that accompany power-electronics interfaces of gateways and inverters. The design of the control framework is based on suitable linear approximations of the AC power-flow equations as well as Lagrangian regularization methods. Convergence and OPF-target tracking capabilities of the controllers are analytically established. Overall,more » the proposed method allows to bypass traditional hierarchical setups where feedback control and optimization operate at distinct time scales, and to enable real-time optimization of distribution systems.« less

Energy Management for Automatic Monitoring Stations in Arctic Regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pimentel, Demian

Automatic weather monitoring stations deployed in arctic regions are usually installed in hard to reach locations. Most of the time they run unsupervised and they face severe environmental conditions: very low temperatures, ice riming, etc. It is usual practice to use a local energy source to power the equipment. There are three main ways to achieve this: (1) a generator whose fuel has to be transported to the location at regular intervals (2) a battery and (3) an energy harvesting generator that exploits a local energy source. Hybrid systems are very common. Polar nights and long winters are typical of arctic regions. Solar radiation reaching the ground during this season is very low or non-existent, depending on the geographical location. Therefore, solar power generation is not very effective. One straightforward, but expensive and inefficient solution is the use of a large bank of batteries that is recharged during sunny months and discharged during the winter. The main purpose of the monitoring stations is to collect meteorological data at regular intervals; interruptions due to a lack of electrical energy can be prevented with the use of an energy management subsystem. Keeping a balance between incoming and outgoing energy flows, while assuring the continuous operation of the station, is the delicate task of energy management strategies. This doctoral thesis explores alternate power generation solutions and intelligent energy management techniques for equipment deployed in the arctic. For instance, harvesting energy from the wind to complement solar generation is studied. Nevertheless, harvested energy is a scarce resource and needs to be used efficiently. Genetic algorithms, fuzzy logic, and common sense are used to efficiently manage energy flows within a simulated arctic weather station.

Impact of membrane characteristics on the performance and cycling of the Br-2-H-2 redox flow cell

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tucker, MC; Cho, KT; Spingler, FB

2015-06-15

The Br-2/H-2 redox flow cell shows promise as a high-power, low-cost energy storage device. In this paper, the effect of various aspects of material selection and processing of proton exchange membranes on the operation of the Br-2/H-2 redox flow cell is determined. Membrane properties have a significant impact on the performance and efficiency of the system. In particular, there is a tradeoff between conductivity and crossover, where conductivity limits system efficiency at high current density and crossover limits efficiency at low current density. The impact of thickness, pretreatment procedure, swelling state during cell assembly, equivalent weight, membrane reinforcement, and additionmore » of a microporous separator layer on this tradeoff is assessed. NR212 (50 mu m) pretreated by soaking in 70 degrees C water is found to be optimal for the studied operating conditions. For this case, an energy efficiency of greater than 75% is achieved for current density up to 400 mA cm(-2), with a maximum obtainable energy efficiency of 88%. A cell with this membrane was cycled continuously for 3164 h. Membrane transport properties, including conductivity and bromine and water crossover, were found to decrease moderately upon cycling but remained higher than those for the as-received membrane. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.« less

Energy transfer model and its applications of ultrasonic gas flow-meter under static and dynamic flow rates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Min; Xu, Ke-Jun; Zhu, Wen-Jiao; Shen, Zi-Wen

2016-01-01

Most of the ultrasonic gas flow-meters measure the gas flow rate by calculating the ultrasonic transmission time difference between the downstream and upstream. Ultrasonic energy attenuation occurs in the processes of the ultrasonic generation, conversion, transmission, and reception. Additionally, at the same time, the gas flow will also affect the ultrasonic propagation during the measurement, which results in the ultrasonic energy attenuation and the offset of ultrasonic propagation path. Thus, the ultrasonic energy received by the transducer is weaker. When the gas flow rate increases, this effect becomes more apparent. It leads to the measurement accuracy reduced, and the measurement range narrowed. An energy transfer model, where the ultrasonic gas flow-meter under without/with the gas flow, is established by adopting the statistical analysis and curve fitting based on a large amount of experimental data. The static sub model without the gas flow expresses the energy conversion efficiency of ultrasonic gas transducers, and the dynamic sub model with the gas flow reflects the energy attenuation pattern following the flow rate variations. The mathematical model can be used to determine the minimum energy of the excitation signal for meeting the requirement of specific measurement range, and predict the maximum measurable flow rate in the case of fixed energy of excitation signal. Based on the above studies, a method to enhance the excitation signal energy is proposed under the output power of the transmitting circuit being a finite value so as to extend the measurement rage of ultrasonic gas flow-meter.

Countermeasures to Microbiofouling in Simulated Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Heat Exchangers with Surface and Deep Ocean Waters in Hawaii

PubMed Central

Berger, Leslie Ralph; Berger, Joyce A.

1986-01-01

Countermeasures to biofouling in simulated ocean thermal energy conversion heat exchangers have been studied in single-pass flow systems, using cold deep and warm surface ocean waters off the island of Hawaii. Manual brushing of the loops after free fouling periods removed most of the biofouling material. However, over a 2-year period a tenacious film formed. Daily free passage of sponge rubber balls through the tubing only removed the loose surface biofouling layer and was inadequate as a countermeasure in both titanium and aluminum alloy tubes. Chlorination at 0.05, 0.07, and 0.10 mg liter-1 for 1 h day-1 lowered biofouling rates. Only at 0.10 mg liter-1 was chlorine adequate over a 1-year period to keep film formation and heat transfer resistance from rising above the maximum tolerated values. Lower chlorination regimens led to the buildup of uneven or patchy films which produced increased flow turbulence. The result was lower heat transfer resistance values which did not correlate with the amount of biofouling. Surfaces which were let foul and then treated with intermittent or continuous chlorination at 0.10 mg of chlorine or less per liter were only partially or unevenly cleaned, although heat transfer measurements did not indicate that fact. It took continuous chlorination at 0.25 mg liter-1 to bring the heat transfer resistance to zero and eliminate the fouling layer. Biofouling in deep cold seawater was much slower than in the warm surface waters. Tubing in one stainless-steel loop had a barely detectable fouling layer after 1 year in flow. With aluminum alloys sufficient corrosion and biofouling material accumulated to require that some fouling coutermeasure be used in long-term operation of an ocean thermal energy conversion plant. Images PMID:16347076

Undamped transverse oscillations of coronal loops as a self-oscillatory process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakariakov, V. M.; Anfinogentov, S. A.; Nisticò, G.; Lee, D.-H.

2016-06-01

Context. Standing transverse oscillations of coronal loops are observed to operate in two regimes: rapidly decaying, large amplitude oscillations and undamped small amplitude oscillations. In the latter regime the damping should be compensated by energy supply, which allows the loop to perform almost monochromatic oscillations with almost constant amplitude and phase. Different loops oscillate with different periods. The oscillation amplitude does not show dependence on the loop length or the oscillation period. Aims: We aim to develop a low-dimensional model explaining the undamped kink oscillations as a self-oscillatory process caused by the effect of negative friction. The source of energy is an external quasi-steady flow, for example, supergranulation motions near the loop footpoints or external flows in the corona. Methods: We demonstrate that the interaction of a quasi-steady flow with a loop can be described by a Rayleigh oscillator equation that is a non-linear ordinary differential equation, with the damping and resonant terms determined empirically. Results: Small-amplitude self-oscillatory solutions to the Rayleigh oscillator equation are harmonic signals of constant amplitude, which is consistent with the observed properties of undamped kink oscillations. The period of self-oscillations is determined by the frequency of the kink mode. The damping by dissipation and mode conversion is compensated by the continuous energy deposition at the frequency of the natural oscillation. Conclusions: We propose that undamped kink oscillations of coronal loops may be caused by the interaction of the loops with quasi-steady flows, and hence are self-oscillations, which is analogous to producing a tune by moving a bow across a violin string.

Heated, humidified high-flow nasal cannula therapy: yet another way to deliver continuous positive airway pressure?

PubMed

Kubicka, Zuzanna J; Limauro, Joseph; Darnall, Robert A

2008-01-01

The goal was to estimate the level of delivered continuous positive airway pressure by measuring oral cavity pressure with the mouth closed in infants of various weights and ages treated with heated, humidified high-flow nasal cannula at flow rates of 1-5 L/minute. We hypothesized that clinically relevant levels of continuous positive airway pressure would not be achieved if a nasal leak is maintained. After performing bench measurements and demonstrating that oral cavity pressure closely approximated levels of traditionally applied nasal continuous positive airway pressure, we successfully measured oral cavity pressure during heated, humidified, high-flow nasal cannula treatment in 27 infants. Small (outer diameter: 0.2 cm) cannulae were used for all infants, and flow rates were left as ordered by providers. Bench measurements showed that, for any given leak size, there was a nearly linear relationship between flow rate and pressure. The highest pressure achieved was 4.5 cmH2O (flow rate: 8 L/minute; leak: 3 mm). In our study infants (postmenstrual age: 29.1-44.7 weeks; weight: 835-3735 g; flow rate: 1-5 L/minute), no pressure was generated with the mouth open at any flow rate. With the mouth closed, the oral cavity pressure was related to both flow rate and weight. For infants of < or = 1500 g, there was a linear relationship between flow rate and oral cavity pressure. Oral cavity pressure can estimate the level of continuous positive airway pressure. Continuous positive airway pressure generated with heated, humidified, high-flow nasal cannula treatment depends on the flow rate and weight. Only in the smallest infants with the highest flow rates, with the mouth fully closed, can clinically significant but unpredictable levels of continuous positive airway pressure be achieved. We conclude that heated, humidified high-flow nasal cannula should not be used as a replacement for delivering continuous positive airway pressure.

An iodine hypersonic wind tunnel for the study of nonequilibrium reacting flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pham-Van-diep, G. C.; Muntz, E. P.; Weaver, D. P.; Dewitt, T. G.; Bradley, M. K.; Erwin, D. A.; Kunc, J. A.

1992-01-01

A pilot scale hypersonic wind tunnel operating on pure iodine vapor has been designed and tested. The wind tunnel operates intermittently with a run phase lasting approximately 20 minutes. Successful recirculation of the iodine used during the run phase has been achieved but can be improved. Relevant issues regarding the full scale facility's design and operation, and the use of iodine as a working gas are discussed. Continuous wave laser induced fluorescence was used to monitor number densities within the plume flowfield, while pulsed laser induced fluorescence was used in an initial attempt to measure vibrational energy state population distributions. Preliminary nozzle flow calculations based on finite rate chemistry are presented.

Wasted water pressure and potential energy generation. A feasibility study of the hydroelectric potential in part of the domestic water system of Boulder, Colorado. Draft final

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stern, P.S.; Kiel, J.; Fey, L.

1980-11-01

Colorado Project/Tip's study of the feasibility of using the City of Boulder's domestic water system for the generation of electricity was funded by an Appropriate Technology Grant from the Department of Energy, Region VIII. It has looked at how the extreme pressure being generated in this gravity water system can be used for a beneficial use rather than the current practice of simply venting or releasing it to the atmosphere. Turbines or pumps are studied as the means of converting the wasted pressure into energy. A review of the water system showed that five potential sites exist for installations ofmore » turbines or pumps: Silver Lake, Kossler, Sunshine, Orodell and 6th and Canyon. Data on water flows, elevation differences, pressures and operating procedures were integrated into an optimized flow control strategy for operating the water system while gaining maximum potential for the generation of electricity. Water from the mountain watersheds would continue to flow into the Betasso Water Treatment Plant as now. However, flows from the Silver Lake Line would be made constant as possible on a daily basis with the Kossler Line supplying additional needs. Flows of treated water from the Betasso Plant would be split 85/15 into the Sunshine/Orodell Lines rather than the current 60/40 split. Using the optimized flow control strategy, the power available for each site can be calculated from the pressures experienced, or elevation differences. Turbines can then be selected which would be appropriate for each site. Finally, the cost of the installed turbine plus auxiliary equipment to connect it to a load can be calculated and related to the minimum price which would be necessary to allow the project to break even.« less

21 CFR 862.2150 - Continuous flow sequential multiple chemistry analyzer for clinical use.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Continuous flow sequential multiple chemistry..., DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES CLINICAL CHEMISTRY AND CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY DEVICES Clinical Laboratory Instruments § 862.2150 Continuous flow sequential multiple chemistry...

An efficient and more sustainable one-step continuous-flow multicomponent synthesis approach to chromene derivatives

EPA Science Inventory

A simple and rapid one-step continuous-flow synthesis route has been developed for the preparation of chromene derivatives from the reaction of aromatic aldehydes, α-cyanomethylene compounds and naphthols. In this contribution, a one-step continuous-flow protocol in a continuous ...

21 CFR 862.2150 - Continuous flow sequential multiple chemistry analyzer for clinical use.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Continuous flow sequential multiple chemistry..., DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES CLINICAL CHEMISTRY AND CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY DEVICES Clinical Laboratory Instruments § 862.2150 Continuous flow sequential multiple chemistry...

21 CFR 862.2150 - Continuous flow sequential multiple chemistry analyzer for clinical use.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Continuous flow sequential multiple chemistry..., DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES CLINICAL CHEMISTRY AND CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY DEVICES Clinical Laboratory Instruments § 862.2150 Continuous flow sequential multiple chemistry...

21 CFR 862.2150 - Continuous flow sequential multiple chemistry analyzer for clinical use.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Continuous flow sequential multiple chemistry..., DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES CLINICAL CHEMISTRY AND CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY DEVICES Clinical Laboratory Instruments § 862.2150 Continuous flow sequential multiple chemistry...

21 CFR 862.2150 - Continuous flow sequential multiple chemistry analyzer for clinical use.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Continuous flow sequential multiple chemistry..., DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES CLINICAL CHEMISTRY AND CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY DEVICES Clinical Laboratory Instruments § 862.2150 Continuous flow sequential multiple chemistry...

Refinement of Fread s Method for improved tracking of stream discharges during unsteady flows

DOE PAGES

Lee, Kyutae; Muste, Marian

2017-02-07

There are a plethora of analytical approaches to account for the effect of unsteady flow (a.k.a. hysteretic behavior) on the conventionally-built steady rating curves (RCs) used to continuously estimate discharges in open channel flow. One of the most complete correction methods is Fread s method (Fread, 1975) which is based on fully dynamic one-dimensional wave equation. Proposed herein is a modified Fread s method which is adjusted to account for the actual geometry of the cross section. This method improves the accuracy associated with the estimation of conveyance factor and energy slope, so it is particularly useful for small tomore » mid-size streams/rivers where the original method s assumption does not properly hold. The modified Fread s method is tested for the sites in Clear Creek (Iowa, USA) and Ebro River (Spain) to illustrate the significance of its improvement in discharge estimation. While the degree of improvement is apparent for the conveyance factor because the hydraulic depth is replaced by hydraulic radius, that for the energy slope term specifically depends on the site and event conditions.« less

Refinement of Fread s Method for improved tracking of stream discharges during unsteady flows

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, Kyutae; Muste, Marian

There are a plethora of analytical approaches to account for the effect of unsteady flow (a.k.a. hysteretic behavior) on the conventionally-built steady rating curves (RCs) used to continuously estimate discharges in open channel flow. One of the most complete correction methods is Fread s method (Fread, 1975) which is based on fully dynamic one-dimensional wave equation. Proposed herein is a modified Fread s method which is adjusted to account for the actual geometry of the cross section. This method improves the accuracy associated with the estimation of conveyance factor and energy slope, so it is particularly useful for small tomore » mid-size streams/rivers where the original method s assumption does not properly hold. The modified Fread s method is tested for the sites in Clear Creek (Iowa, USA) and Ebro River (Spain) to illustrate the significance of its improvement in discharge estimation. While the degree of improvement is apparent for the conveyance factor because the hydraulic depth is replaced by hydraulic radius, that for the energy slope term specifically depends on the site and event conditions.« less

Numerical study of transition to supersonic flows in the edge plasma

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Goswami, Rajiv, E-mail: rajiv@ipr.res.in; Artaud, Jean-François; Imbeaux, Frédéric

The plasma scrape-off layer (SOL) in a tokamak is characterized by ion flow down a long narrow flux tube terminating on a solid surface. The ion flow velocity along a magnetic field line can be equal to or greater than sonic at the entrance of a Debye sheath or upstream in the presheath. This paper presents a numerical study of the transition between subsonic and supersonics flows. A quasineutral one-dimensional (1D) fluid code has been used for modeling of plasma transport in the SOL along magnetic field lines, both in steady state and under transient conditions. The model uses coupledmore » equations for continuity, momentum, and energy balance with ionization, radiation, charge exchange, and recombination processes. The recycled neutrals are described in the diffusion approximation. Standard Bohm sheath criterion is used as boundary conditions at the material surface. Three conditions conducive for the generation of supersonic flows in SOL plasmas have been explored. It is found that in steady state high (attached) and low (detached) divertor temperatures cases, the role of particle, momentum, and energy loss is critical. For attached case, the appearance of shock waves in the divertor region if the incoming plasma flow is supersonic and its effect on impurity retention is presented. In the third case, plasma expansion along the magnetic field can yield time-dependent supersonic solutions in the quasineutral rarefaction wave. Such situations can arise in the parallel transport of intermittent structures such as blobs and edge localized mode filaments along field lines.« less

Fluid dynamic analysis of a continuous stirred tank reactor for technical optimization of wastewater digestion.

PubMed

Hurtado, F J; Kaiser, A S; Zamora, B

2015-03-15

Continuous stirred tank reactors (CSTR) are widely used in wastewater treatment plants to reduce the organic matter and microorganism present in sludge by anaerobic digestion. The present study carries out a numerical analysis of the fluid dynamic behaviour of a CSTR in order to optimize the process energetically. The characterization of the sludge flow inside the digester tank, the residence time distribution and the active volume of the reactor under different criteria are determined. The effects of design and power of the mixing system on the active volume of the CSTR are analyzed. The numerical model is solved under non-steady conditions by examining the evolution of the flow during the stop and restart of the mixing system. An intermittent regime of the mixing system, which kept the active volume between 94% and 99%, is achieved. The results obtained can lead to the eventual energy optimization of the mixing system of the CSTR. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Polymer Fluid Dynamics: Continuum and Molecular Approaches.

PubMed

Bird, R B; Giacomin, A J

2016-06-07

To solve problems in polymer fluid dynamics, one needs the equations of continuity, motion, and energy. The last two equations contain the stress tensor and the heat-flux vector for the material. There are two ways to formulate the stress tensor: (a) One can write a continuum expression for the stress tensor in terms of kinematic tensors, or (b) one can select a molecular model that represents the polymer molecule and then develop an expression for the stress tensor from kinetic theory. The advantage of the kinetic theory approach is that one gets information about the relation between the molecular structure of the polymers and the rheological properties. We restrict the discussion primarily to the simplest stress tensor expressions or constitutive equations containing from two to four adjustable parameters, although we do indicate how these formulations may be extended to give more complicated expressions. We also explore how these simplest expressions are recovered as special cases of a more general framework, the Oldroyd 8-constant model. Studying the simplest models allows us to discover which types of empiricisms or molecular models seem to be worth investigating further. We also explore equivalences between continuum and molecular approaches. We restrict the discussion to several types of simple flows, such as shearing flows and extensional flows, which are of greatest importance in industrial operations. Furthermore, if these simple flows cannot be well described by continuum or molecular models, then it is not necessary to lavish time and energy to apply them to more complex flow problems.

Real-time 4D electrical resistivity imaging of tracer transport within an energically stimulated fracture zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, T. C.

2016-12-01

Hydraulic fracture stimulation is used extensively in the subsurface energy sector to improve access between energy bearing formations and production boreholes. However, large uncertainties exist concerning the location and extent of stimulated fractures, and concerning the behavior of flow within those fractures. This uncertainty often results in significant risks, including induced seismicity and contamination of potable groundwater aquifers. Time-lapse electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) is a proven method of imaging fluid flow within fracture networks, by imaging the change in bulk conductivity induced by the presence of an electrically anomalous tracer within the fracture. In this work we demonstrate characterization and flow monitoring of a stimulated fracture using real-time four-dimensional ERT imaging within an unsaturated rhyolite formation. After stimulation, a conductive tracer was injected into the fracture zone. ERT survey data were continuously and autonomously collected, pre-processed on site, submitted to an off-site high performance computing system for inversion, and returned to the field for inspection. Surveys were collected at approximately 12 minute intervals. Data transmission and inversion required approximately 2 minutes per survey. The time-lapse imaging results show the dominant flow-paths within the stimulated fracture zone, thereby revealing the location and extent of the fracture, and the behavior of tracer flow within the fracture. Ultimately real-time imaging will enable site operators to better understand stimulation operations, and control post-stimulation reservoir operations for optimal performance and environmental protection.

78 FR 65306 - Best Practices for Continuous Monitoring of Temperature and Flow in Wadeable Streams

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-10-31

... Practices for Continuous Monitoring of Temperature and Flow in Wadeable Streams AGENCY: Environmental... Monitoring of Temperature and Flow in Wadeable Streams'' (EPA/600/R-13/170). The EPA also is announcing that... Development. The report describes best practices for the deployment of continuous temperature and flow sensors...

Catchment organisation, free energy dynamics and network control on critical zone water flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zehe, E.; Ehret, U.; Kleidon, A.; Jackisch, C.; Scherer, U.; Blume, T.

2012-04-01

From a functional point of view the catchment system is compiled by patterns of permeable and less permeable textural elements - soils and mother rock. Theses textural elements provide a mechanical stabile matrix for growth of terrestrial biota and soil formation. They furthermore organize subsurface storage of water against gravity, dissolved nutrients and heat. Storage against gravity is only possible because water acts as wetting fluid and is thus attracted by capillary forces in the pores space. Capillarity increases non-linearly with decreasing pore size and is zero at local saturation. The pore size distribution of a soil is thus characteristic of its capability to store water against losses such as drainage, evaporation and root extraction and at the same time a fingerprint of the work that has been performed by physical, chemical and biological processes to weather solid mother rock and form a soil. A strong spatial covariance of soil hydraulic properties within the same soil type is due to a fingerprint of strong spatial organization at small scales. Spatial organization at the hillslope scale implies the existence of a typical soil catena i.e. that hillslopes exhibit the same/ downslope sequence of different soils types. Textural storage elements are separated by strikingly self-similar network like structures, we name them flow structures. These flow structures are created in a self-reinforcing manner by work performed either by biota like earth worms and plant roots or by dissipative processes such as soil cracking and water/fluvial erosion. Regardless of their different origin connected flow structures exhibit a highly similar functioning and similar characteristics: they allow for high mass flows at small driving potential gradients because specific flow resistance along the network is continuously very small. This implies temporal stability even during small extremes, due to the small amount of local momentum dissipation per unit mass flow, as well as that these flow structures organize and dominate flows of water, dissolved matter and sediments during rainfall driven conditions at various scales: - Surface connected vertical flow structures of anecic worm burrows or soil cracks organize and dominated vertical flows at the plot scale - this is usually referred to as preferential flow; - Rill networks at the soil surface organise and dominate hillslope scale overland flow response and sediment yields; - Subsurface pipe networks at the bedrock interface organize and dominate hillslope scale lateral subsurface water and tracer flows; - The river net organizes and dominates flows of water, dissolved matter and sediments to the catchment outlet and finally across continental gradients to the sea. Fundamental progress with respect to the parameterization of hydrological models, subscale flow networks and to understand the adaptation of hydro-geo ecosystems to change could be achieved by discovering principles that govern the organization of catchments flow networks in particular at least during steady state conditions. This insight has inspired various scientists to suggest principles for organization of ecosystems, landscapes and flow networks; as Bejans constructural law, Minimum Energy Expenditure , Maximum Entropy Production. In line with these studies we suggest that a thermodynamic/energetic treatment of the catchment is might be a key for understanding the underlying principles that govern organisation of flow and transport. Our approach is to employ a) physically based hydrological model that address at least all the relevant hydrological processes in the critical zone in a coupled way, behavioural representations of the observed organisation of flow structures and textural elements, that are consistent with observations in two well investigated research catchments and have been tested against distributed observations of soil moisture and catchment scale discharge; to simulate the full concert of hydrological processes using the behavioural system architecture and small perturbations and compare them with respect to their efficiency to dissipate free energy which is equivalent to produce entropy. The study will present the underlying theory and discuss simulation results with respect to the following core hypotheses: H1: A macro scale configuration of a hydro-geo-ecosystem, is in stationary non equilibrium closer to a functional optimum as other possible configurations, if it "dissipates" more of the available free energy to maintain the stationary cycles that redistribute and export mass and energy within/from the system. This implies (I1) that the system approaches faster a dynamic equilibrium state characterised by a minimum in free energy, and less free energy from persistent gradients is available to perform work in the system. H2: Macroscopically connected flow networks enhance redistribution of mass against macroscale gradients and thus dissipation of free energy, because they minimise local energy dissipation per unit mass flow along the flow path. This implies (I2) mechanic stability of the flow network, of the textural storage elements and thus of the entire system against frequent disturbances under stationary conditions.

Cinematic Characterization of Convected Coherent Structures Within an Continuous Flow Z-Pinch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Underwood, Thomas; Rodriguez, Jesse; Loebner, Keith; Cappelli, Mark

2017-10-01

In this study, two separate diagnostics are applied to a plasma jet produced from a coaxial accelerator with characteristic velocities exceeding 105 m/s and timescales of 10 μs. In the first of these, an ultra-high frame rate CMOS camera coupled to a Z-type laser Schlieren apparatus is used to obtain flow-field refractometry data for the continuous flow Z-pinch formed within the plasma deflagration jet. The 10 MHz frame rate for 256 consecutive frames provides high temporal resolution, enabling turbulent fluctuations and plasma instabilities to be visualized over the course of a single pulse. The unique advantage of this diagnostic is its ability to simultaneously resolve both structural and temporal evolution of instabilities and density gradients within the flow. To allow for a more meaningful statistical analysis of the resulting wave motion, a multiple B-dot probe array was constructed and calibrated to operate over a broadband frequency range up to 100 MHz. The resulting probe measurements are incorporated into a wavelet analysis to uncover the dispersion relation of recorded wave motion and furthermore uncover instability growth rates. Finally these results are compared with theoretical growth rate estimates to identify underlying physics. This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy Stewardship Science Academic Program in addition to the National Defense Science Engineering Graduate Fellowship.

Development and Application of a Low-Volume Flow System for Solution-State in Vivo NMR.

PubMed

Tabatabaei Anaraki, Maryam; Dutta Majumdar, Rudraksha; Wagner, Nicole; Soong, Ronald; Kovacevic, Vera; Reiner, Eric J; Bhavsar, Satyendra P; Ortiz Almirall, Xavier; Lane, Daniel; Simpson, Myrna J; Heumann, Hermann; Schmidt, Sebastian; Simpson, André J

2018-06-18

In vivo nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a particularly powerful technique, since it allows samples to be analyzed in their natural, unaltered state, criteria paramount for living organisms. In this study, a novel continuous low-volume flow system, suitable for in vivo NMR metabolomics studies, is demonstrated. The system allows improved locking, shimming, and water suppression, as well as allowing the use of trace amounts of expensive toxic contaminants or low volumes of precious natural environmental samples as stressors. The use of a double pump design with a sump slurry pump return allows algal food suspensions to be continually supplied without the need for filters, eliminating the possibility of clogging and leaks. Using the flow system, the living organism can be kept alive without stress indefinitely. To evaluate the feasibility and applicability of the flow system, changes in the metabolite profile of 13 C enriched Daphnia magna over a 24-h period are compared when feeding laboratory food vs exposing them to a natural algal bloom sample. Clear metabolic changes are observed over a range of metabolites including carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, and a nucleotide demonstrating in vivo NMR as a powerful tool to monitor environmental stress. The particular bloom used here was low in microcystins, and the metabolic stress impacts are consistent with the bloom being a poor food source forcing the Daphnia to utilize their own energy reserves.

Influence of Continuous Flow Microwave Pre-Treatment on Anaerobic Digestion of Secondary Thickened Sludge for Sustainable Energy Recovery in Sewage Treatment Plant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hephzibah, D.; Kumaran, P.; Saifuddin, N. M.

2016-03-01

This work elucidates the effects of pre-treatment of secondary thickened sludge (STS) for enhancement of biogas production that has great potential to generate energy for the utilization of the sewage treatment plant (STP) itself. Microwave pre-treatment has been adopted for this study. Experiment works have been designed and conducted to examine the effectiveness of continuous flow microwave pre-treatment on the solubility of STS, digestibility of STS and biogas production at a power level of 80 W for 5, 10 and 15 minutes. A few characteristics of the sewage sludge were monitored daily to identify the effect of pre-treatment on the sludge. The soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD)/total chemical oxygen demand (TCOD) ratio increased by 0.1, 1.0 and 1.8%, while the volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentration of the pre-treated sludge improved by 4.4, 5.1, 5.9% at the irradiation time of 5, 10 and 15 minutes, respectively at a microwave power level of 80 W. Besides that, the digestate also indicates that the pre-treated sludge undergoes efficient VS removal and TCOD removal after anaerobic digestion compared to the untreated sludge. Moreover, the biogas quantity increased by an average of 19.2, 24.1 and 32.2% in 5, 10 and 15 minutes irradiation time respectively compared to the untreated sludge. The additional quantity of biogas generated has shown a great potential for sustainable energy generation that can be utilized internally by the STP.

Suppression of turbulent energy cascade due to phase separation in homogenous binary mixture fluid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takagi, Youhei; Okamoto, Sachiya

2015-11-01

When a multi-component fluid mixture becomes themophysically unstable state by quenching from well-melting condition, phase separation due to spinodal decomposition occurs, and a self-organized structure is formed. During phase separation, free energy is consumed for the structure formation. In our previous report, the phase separation in homogenous turbulence was numerically simulated and the coarsening process of phase separation was discussed. In this study, we extended our numerical model to a high Schmidt number fluid corresponding to actual polymer solution. The governing equations were continuity, Navier-Stokes, and Chan-Hiliard equations as same as our previous report. The flow filed was an isotropic homogenous turbulence, and the dimensionless parameters in the Chan-Hilliard equation were estimated based on the thermophysical condition of binary mixture. From the numerical results, it was found that turbulent energy cascade was drastically suppressed in the inertial subrange by phase separation for the high Schmidt number flow. By using the identification of turbulent and phase separation structure, we discussed the relation between total energy balance and the structures formation processes. This study is financially supported by the Grand-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B) (No. T26820045) from the Ministry of Education, Cul-ture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan.

Impact behavior of a high viscosity magnetorheological fluid-based energy absorber with a radial flow mode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Benyuan; Liao, Changrong; Li, Zhuqiang; Xie, Lei; Zhang, Peng; Jian, Xiaochun

2017-02-01

High viscosity linear polysiloxane magnetorheological fluid (HVLP MRF) was demonstrated with excellent suspension stability. Such material is suitable for application in the magnetorheological energy absorbers (MREAs) under axial impact loading conditions. On this basis, a new energy absorber incorporating a radial valve with high magnetic field utilization and a corrugated tube is proposed. In energy absorption applications where the MREA is rarely if ever used, our MREA takes the ultra-stable HVLP MRF as controlled medium in order for a long-term stability. For MREA performing at very high shear rates where the minor losses are important contributing factors to damping, a nonlinear analytical model, based on the Herschel-Bulkley flow model (HB model), is developed taking into account the effects of minor losses (called HBM model). The HB model parameters are determined by rheological experiments with a commercial shear rheometer. Then, continuity equation and governing differential equation of the HVLP MRF in radial flow are established. Based on the HB model, the expressions of radial velocity distribution are deduced. The influences of minor losses on pressure drop are analyzed with mean fluid velocities. Further, mechanical behavior of the corrugated tube is investigated via drop test. In order to verify the theoretical methodology, a MREA is fabricated and tested using a high-speed drop tower facility with a 600 kg mass at different drop heights and in various magnetic fields. The experiment results show that the HBM model is capable of well predicting the impact behavior of the proposed MREA.

Chaos in the Music of the Spheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buchler, J. Robert; Kolláth, Zoltan; Cadmus, Robert

2002-07-01

The light curves (time series of the radiated energy) of most large amplitude, pulsating stars such as the well known Cepheid stars are regular. However, a smaller group of variable stars that are located next to them in the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram undergoes irregular light variations and exhibits irregular radial velocities as well. The mechanism behind this irregular behavior was a long standing mystery. A flow reconstruction technique based on the observed lightcurves of six separate stars shows that their underlying dynamics is chaotic and low dimensional (d = 4). Furthermore, we present evidence that the physical mechanism behind the behavior is the nonlinear interaction of just two pulsation eigenmodes. In a generalized Shil'nikov scenario, the pulsation energy alternates continuously, but irregularly between a lower frequency mode that is linearly unstable and thus growing, and a stable overtone that gets entrained through a low order resonance (2:1), but that wants to decay. The flow reconstruction from the stellar light curve thus yields interesting physical insight into the pulsation mechanism.

Formation of a bifurcated current layer by the collision of supersonic magnetized plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suttle, Lee; Hare, Jack; Lebedev, Sergey; Ciardi, Andrea; Loureiro, Nuno; Burdiak, Guy; Chittenden, Jerry; Clayson, Thomas; Ma, Jiming; Niasse, Nicolas; Robinson, Timothy; Smith, Roland; Stuart, Nicolas; Suzuki-Vidal, Francisco

2016-10-01

We present detailed experimental data showing the formation and structure of a current layer produced by the collision of two supersonic and well magnetized plasma flows. The pulsed-power driven setup provides two steady and continuous flows, whose embedded magnetic fields mutually annihilate inside the interaction region giving rise to the current layer. Spatially resolved measurements with Faraday rotation polarimetry, Thomson scattering and laser interferometry diagnostics show the detailed distribution of the magnetic field and other plasma parameters throughout the system. We show that the pile-up of magnetic field ahead of the annihilation gives rise to the multi-layered / bi-directional nature of the current sheet, and we discuss pressure balance and energy exchange mechanisms within the system. This work was supported in part by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Grant No. EP/G001324/1, and by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Awards No. DE-F03-02NA00057 and No. DE-SC-0001063.

Redox flow cell energy storage systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thaller, L. H.

1979-01-01

NASA-Redox systems are electrochemical storage devices that use two fully soluble Redox couples, anode and cathode fluids, as active electrode materials separated by a highly selective ion exchange membrane. The reactants are contained in large storage tanks and pumped through a stack of Redox flow cells where the electrochemical reactions (reduction and oxidation) take place at porous carbon felt electrodes. A string or stack of these power producing cells is connected in series in a bipolar manner. Redox energy storage systems promise to be inexpensive and possess many features that provide for flexible design, long life, high reliability and minimal operation and maintenance costs. These features include independent sizing of power and storage capacity requirements and inclusion within the cell stack of a cell that monitors the state of charge of the system as a whole, and a rebalance cell which permits continuous correction to be made for minor side reactions that would tend to result in the anode fluid and cathode fluids becoming electrochemically out of balance. These system features are described and discussed.

Attractors for non-dissipative irrotational von Karman plates with boundary damping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bociu, Lorena; Toundykov, Daniel

Long-time behavior of solutions to a von Karman plate equation is considered. The system has an unrestricted first-order perturbation and a nonlinear damping acting through free boundary conditions only. This model differs from those previously considered (e.g. in the extensive treatise (Chueshov and Lasiecka, 2010 [11])) because the semi-flow may be of a non-gradient type: the unique continuation property is not known to hold, and there is no strict Lyapunov function on the natural finite-energy space. Consequently, global bounds on the energy, let alone the existence of an absorbing ball, cannot be a priori inferred. Moreover, the free boundary conditions are not recognized by weak solutions and some helpful estimates available for clamped, hinged or simply-supported plates cannot be invoked. It is shown that this non-monotone flow can converge to a global compact attractor with the help of viscous boundary damping and appropriately structured restoring forces acting only on the boundary or its collar.

Assessing Fan Flutter Stability in the Presence of Inlet Distortion Using One-way and Two-way Coupled Methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Herrick, Gregory P.

2014-01-01

Concerns regarding noise, propulsive efficiency, and fuel burn are inspiring aircraft designs wherein the propulsive turbomachines are partially (or fully) embedded within the airframe; such designs present serious concerns with regard to aerodynamic and aeromechanic performance of the compression system in response to inlet distortion. Previously, a preliminary design of a forward-swept high-speed fan exhibited flutter concerns in cleaninlet flows, and the present author then studied this fan further in the presence of off-design distorted in-flows. Continuing this research, a three-dimensional, unsteady, Navier-Stokes computational fluid dynamics code is again applied to analyze and corroborate fan performance with clean inlet flow and now with a simplified, sinusoidal distortion of total pressure at the aerodynamic interface plane. This code, already validated in its application to assess aerodynamic damping of vibrating blades at various flow conditions using a one-way coupled energy-exchange approach, is modified to include a two-way coupled time-marching aeroelastic simulation capability. The two coupling methods are compared in their evaluation of flutter stability in the presence of distorted in-flows.

Assessing Fan Flutter Stability in Presence of Inlet Distortion Using One-Way and Two-Way Coupled Methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Herrick, Gregory P.

2014-01-01

Concerns regarding noise, propulsive efficiency, and fuel burn are inspiring aircraft designs wherein the propulsive turbomachines are partially (or fully) embedded within the airframe; such designs present serious concerns with regard to aerodynamic and aeromechanic performance of the compression system in response to inlet distortion. Previously, a preliminary design of a forward-swept high-speed fan exhibited flutter concerns in clean-inlet flows, and the present author then studied this fan further in the presence of off-design distorted in-flows. Continuing this research, a three-dimensional, unsteady, Navier-Stokes computational fluid dynamics code is again applied to analyze and corroborate fan performance with clean inlet flow and now with a simplified, sinusoidal distortion of total pressure at the aerodynamic interface plane. This code, already validated in its application to assess aerodynamic damping of vibrating blades at various flow conditions using a one-way coupled energy-exchange approach, is modified to include a two-way coupled timemarching aeroelastic simulation capability. The two coupling methods are compared in their evaluation of flutter stability in the presence of distorted in-flows.

Simulation of Flow Through Porous Anode in Mfc at Higher Power Density

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, W. W.; Xu, Y. S.; Yan, W. W.; Liu, Y.

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a new environmental friendly energy device which has received greatly attention due to its technology for producing electricity directly from organic or inorganic matter using bacteria as catalyst. To date, many studies have been carried out on advective flow through porous anode in a continuous flow MFC. However, the precise mechanical mechanism of flow through porous anode and the quantified relationship between porous media and MFC performance are not yet clearly understood. It has been found experimentally the power density can be increased apparently at certain spacing configuration. Based on these available experimental data, we studied the effect of spacing between electrodes and the Darcy number of porous anode on the power generation performance of MFC using lattice Boltzmann method. The simulation results indicated that the spacing between electrodes significantly influence the flow velocity profile and residence time in the MFC. Moreover, it was found that the Darcy number of porous anode could regulate the output efficiency of MFC. Our results would be helpful to optimize MFC design.

Continuous Flow Science in an Undergraduate Teaching Laboratory: Photocatalytic Thiol-Ene Reaction Using Visible Light

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Santandrea, Jeffrey; Kairouz, Vanessa; Collins, Shawn K.

2018-01-01

An undergraduate teaching laboratory experiment involving a continuous flow, photocatalytic thiol-ene reaction using visible-light irradiation is described that allows students to explore concepts of green chemistry, photochemistry, photocatalysis, and continuous flow chemistry.

Free surface profiles in river flows: Can standard energy-based gradually-varied flow computations be pursued?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cantero, Francisco; Castro-Orgaz, Oscar; Garcia-Marín, Amanda; Ayuso, José Luis; Dey, Subhasish

2015-10-01

Is the energy equation for gradually-varied flow the best approximation for the free surface profile computations in river flows? Determination of flood inundation in rivers and natural waterways is based on the hydraulic computation of flow profiles. This is usually done using energy-based gradually-varied flow models, like HEC-RAS, that adopts a vertical division method for discharge prediction in compound channel sections. However, this discharge prediction method is not so accurate in the context of advancements over the last three decades. This paper firstly presents a study of the impact of discharge prediction on the gradually-varied flow computations by comparing thirteen different methods for compound channels, where both energy and momentum equations are applied. The discharge, velocity distribution coefficients, specific energy, momentum and flow profiles are determined. After the study of gradually-varied flow predictions, a new theory is developed to produce higher-order energy and momentum equations for rapidly-varied flow in compound channels. These generalized equations enable to describe the flow profiles with more generality than the gradually-varied flow computations. As an outcome, results of gradually-varied flow provide realistic conclusions for computations of flow in compound channels, showing that momentum-based models are in general more accurate; whereas the new theory developed for rapidly-varied flow opens a new research direction, so far not investigated in flows through compound channels.

Development of GEM gas detectors for X-ray crystal spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chernyshova, M.; Czarski, T.; Dominik, W.; Jakubowska, K.; Rzadkiewicz, J.; Scholz, M.; Pozniak, K.; Kasprowicz, G.; Zabolotny, W.

2014-03-01

Two Triple Gas Electron Multiplier (Triple-GEM) detectors were developed for high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy measurements for tokamak plasma to serve as plasma evolution monitoring in soft X-ray region (SXR). They provide energy resolved fast dynamic plasma radiation imaging in the SXR with 0.1 kHz frequency. Detectors were designed and constructed for continuous data-flow precise energy and position measurement of plasma radiation emitted by metal impurities, W46+ and Ni26+ ions, at 2.4 keV and 7.8 keV photon energies, respectively. High counting rate capability of the detecting units has been achieved with good position resolution. This article presents results of the laboratory and tokamak experiments together with the system performance under irradiation by photon flux from the plasma core.

Free radical propulsion concept

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hawkins, C. E.; Nakanishi, S.

1981-01-01

A free radical propulsion concept utilizing the recombination energy of dissociated low molecular weight gases to produce thrust was examined. The concept offered promise of a propulsion system operating at a theoretical impulse, with hydrogen, as high as 2200 seconds at high thrust to power ratio, thus filling the gas existing between chemical and electrostatic propulsion capabilities. Microwave energy used to dissociate a continuously flowing gas was transferred to the propellant via three body recombination for conversion to propellant kinetic energy. Power absorption by the microwave plasma discharge was in excess of 90 percent over a broad range of pressures. Gas temperatures inferred from gas dynamic equations showed much higher temperatures from microwave heating than from electrothermal heating. Spectroscopic analysis appeared to corroborate the inferred temperatures of one of the gases tested.

Liquid Metals as Plasma-facing Materials for Fusion Energy Systems: From Atoms to Tokamaks

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stone, Howard A.; Koel, Bruce E.; Bernasek, Steven L.

The objective of our studies was to advance our fundamental understanding of liquid metals as plasma-facing materials for fusion energy systems, with a broad scope: from atoms to tokamaks. The flow of liquid metals offers solutions to significant problems of the plasma-facing materials for fusion energy systems. Candidate metals include lithium, tin, gallium, and their eutectic combinations. However, such liquid metal solutions can only be designed efficiently if a range of scientific and engineering issues are resolved that require advances in fundamental fluid dynamics, materials science and surface science. In our research we investigated a range of significant and timelymore » problems relevant to current and proposed engineering designs for fusion reactors, including high-heat flux configurations that are being considered by leading fusion energy groups world-wide. Using experimental and theoretical tools spanning atomistic to continuum descriptions of liquid metals, and bridging surface chemistry, wetting/dewetting and flow, our research has advanced the science and engineering of fusion energy materials and systems. Specifically, we developed a combined experimental and theoretical program to investigate flows of liquid metals in fusion-relevant geometries, including equilibrium and stability of thin-film flows, e.g. wetting and dewetting, effects of electromagnetic and thermocapillary fields on liquid metal thin-film flows, and how chemical interactions and the properties of the surface are influenced by impurities and in turn affect the surface wetting characteristics, the surface tension, and its gradients. Because high-heat flux configurations produce evaporation and sputtering, which forces rearrangement of the liquid, and any dewetting exposes the substrate to damage from the plasma, our studies addressed such evaporatively driven liquid flows and measured and simulated properties of the different bulk phases and material interfaces. The range of our studies included (i) quantum mechanical calculations that allow inclusion of many thousands of atoms for the characterization of the interface of liquid metals exposed to continuous bombardment by deuterium and tritium as expected in fusion, (ii) molecular dynamics studies of the phase behavior of liquid metals, which (a) utilize thermodynamic properties computed using our quantum mechanical calculations and (b) establish material and wetting properties of the liquid metals, including relevant eutectics, (iii) experimental investigations of the surface science of liquid metals, interacting both with the solid substrate as well as gaseous species, and (iv) fluid dynamical studies that incorporate the material and surface science results of (ii) and (iii) in order to characterize flow in capillary porous materials and the thin-film flow along curved boundaries, both of which are potentially major components of plasma-facing materials. The outcome of these integrated studies was new understanding that enables developing design rules useful for future developments of the plasma-facing components critical to the success of fusion energy systems.« less

The macroecology of sustainability

USGS Publications Warehouse

Burger, Joseph R.; Allen, Craig D.; Brown, James H.; Burnside, William R.; Davidson, Ana D.; Fristoe, Trevor S.; Hamilton, Marcus J.; Mercado-Silva, Norman; Nekola, Jeffrey C.; Okie, Jordan G.; Zuo, Wenyun

2012-01-01

The discipline of sustainability science has emerged in response to concerns of natural and social scientists, policymakers, and lay people about whether the Earth can continue to support human population growth and economic prosperity. Yet, sustainability science has developed largely independently from and with little reference to key ecological principles that govern life on Earth. A macroecological perspective highlights three principles that should be integral to sustainability science: 1) physical conservation laws govern the flows of energy and materials between human systems and the environment, 2) smaller systems are connected by these flows to larger systems in which they are embedded, and 3) global constraints ultimately limit flows at smaller scales. Over the past few decades, decreasing per capita rates of consumption of petroleum, phosphate, agricultural land, fresh water, fish, and wood indicate that the growing human population has surpassed the capacity of the Earth to supply enough of these essential resources to sustain even the current population and level of socioeconomic development.

Preferred modes in jets: comparison between different measures of the receptivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garnaud, Xavier; Lesshafft, Lutz; Schmid, Peter J.; Huerre, Patrick

2012-11-01

The response of jets to frequency forcing is usually measured experimentally in terms of the maximum amplitude of velocity fluctuations reached along the axis (Crow & Champagne (1971)). In the present work, the preferred mode of isothermal jets is discussed in terms of the linear flow response to time-harmonic forcing (Trefethen et al. (1993)). The optimal frequency response is computed for different choices of the objective functional: the usual energy (L2) norm and the maximum amplitude over the entire domain (L∞ norm). The relevance and limitations of the different objective functionals are critically analyzed. Although the dominant flow structures are robustly identified in all cases, the measure of the flow response in terms of the maximum amplitude does not suffer from the continually slow axial growth of low frequency perturbations. The financial support of the EADS Foundation is gratefully acknowledged.

Spray and High-Pressure Flow Computations in the National Combustion Code (NCC) Improved

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raju, Manthena S.

2002-01-01

Sprays occur in a wide variety of industrial and power applications and in materials processing. A liquid spray is a two-phase flow with a gas as the continuous phase and a liquid as the dispersed phase in the form of droplets or ligaments. The interactions between the two phases--which are coupled through exchanges of mass, momentum, and energy--can occur in different ways at disparate time and length scales involving various thermal, mass, and fluid dynamic factors. An understanding of the flow, combustion, and thermal properties of a rapidly vaporizing spray requires careful modeling of the ratecontrolling processes associated with turbulent transport, mixing, chemical kinetics, evaporation, and spreading rates of the spray, among many other factors. With the aim of developing an efficient solution procedure for use in multidimensional combustor modeling, researchers at the NASA Glenn Research Center have advanced the state-of-the-art in spray computations in several important ways.

Microgravity

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-11-01

The goal of the ELF investigation is to improve our fundamental understanding of the effects of the flow environment on flame stability. The flame's stability refers to the position of its base and ultimately its continued existence. Combustion research focuses on understanding the important hidden processes of ignitions, flame spreading, and flame extinction. Understanding these processes will directly affect the efficiency of combustion operations in converting chemical energy to heat and will create a more balanced ecology and healthy environment by reducing pollutants emitted during combustion.

[Effects of land use structure change on regional ecological health--taking Shapingba County as an example].

PubMed

Wang, Cheng; Wei, Chaofu; Gao, Ming; Luo, Guanglian; Jiang, Wei

2005-12-01

Land resource is the carrier for the exchange of matter, energy and information flows, while the change velocity and the intensity of land use has strong effects on the ecological processes such as matter circulation, energy flow, and biologic diversity. Land use structure change will alter the type, area, and spatial distribution of ecosystem, and in the meantime, result in the changes of regional ecological health. Employing the principles and methods of landscape ecology, and through endowing relative ecological value to land use type, this paper analyzed the charaeteristics of recent 10 years land use change in Shapingba County of Chongqing, and discussed the effects of land use change on regional ecological health, aimed to provide scientific references for land use planning and sustainable land resource utilization. The results indicated that transformation often occurred among different land use types, and the land use structure in each transformation phase differed quite obviously. Under different land use structure, there was a great disparity in relative ecological value of sub-ecosystems, which played various roles in regional ecological health. In general, the regional relative ecological value embodied both increase and decrease. In the future, the relative ecological value of sub-ecosystem would represent three tendencies, i.e., increase first and decrease then, continuous decrease, and continuous increase. The situation of regional ecological health would gradually become better.

Solvent Effects on the Photothermal Regeneration of CO 2 in Monoethanolamine Nanofluids

DOE PAGES

Nguyen, Du; Stolaroff, Joshuah; Esser-Kahn, Aaron

2015-11-02

We present that a potential approach to reduce energy costs associated with carbon capture is to use external and renewable energy sources. The photothermal release of CO 2 from monoethanolamine mediated by nanoparticles is a unique solution to this problem. When combined with light-absorbing nanoparticles, vapor bubbles form inside the capture solution and release the CO 2 without heating the bulk solvent. The mechanism by which CO 2 is released remained unclear, and understanding this process would improve the efficiency of photothermal CO 2 release. Here we report the use of different cosolvents to improve or reduce the photothermal regenerationmore » of CO 2 captured by monoethanolamine. We found that properties that reduce the residence time of the gas bubbles (viscosity, boiling point, and convection direction) can enhance the regeneration efficiencies. The reduction of bubble residence times minimizes the reabsorption of CO 2 back into the capture solvent where bulk temperatures remain lower than the localized area surrounding the nanoparticle. These properties shed light on the mechanism of release and indicated methods for improving the efficiency of the process. We used this knowledge to develop an improved photothermal CO 2 regeneration system in a continuously flowing setup. Finally, using techniques to reduce residence time in the continuously flowing setup, such as alternative cosolvents and smaller fluid volumes, resulted in regeneration efficiency enhancements of over 200%.« less

Solvent Effects on the Photothermal Regeneration of CO 2 in Monoethanolamine Nanofluids

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nguyen, Du; Stolaroff, Joshuah; Esser-Kahn, Aaron

We present that a potential approach to reduce energy costs associated with carbon capture is to use external and renewable energy sources. The photothermal release of CO 2 from monoethanolamine mediated by nanoparticles is a unique solution to this problem. When combined with light-absorbing nanoparticles, vapor bubbles form inside the capture solution and release the CO 2 without heating the bulk solvent. The mechanism by which CO 2 is released remained unclear, and understanding this process would improve the efficiency of photothermal CO 2 release. Here we report the use of different cosolvents to improve or reduce the photothermal regenerationmore » of CO 2 captured by monoethanolamine. We found that properties that reduce the residence time of the gas bubbles (viscosity, boiling point, and convection direction) can enhance the regeneration efficiencies. The reduction of bubble residence times minimizes the reabsorption of CO 2 back into the capture solvent where bulk temperatures remain lower than the localized area surrounding the nanoparticle. These properties shed light on the mechanism of release and indicated methods for improving the efficiency of the process. We used this knowledge to develop an improved photothermal CO 2 regeneration system in a continuously flowing setup. Finally, using techniques to reduce residence time in the continuously flowing setup, such as alternative cosolvents and smaller fluid volumes, resulted in regeneration efficiency enhancements of over 200%.« less

The effect of energy accumulation and boundary slip on laminar flow between rotating plates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Zhenpeng; Zeng, Liangcai; Chen, Keying; Jin, Xiaohong; Wu, Shiqian

2018-02-01

The poor operating conditions of fluid lubrication equipment during the start-up process are due to the resistance of the high-viscosity lubricating liquid. Moreover, the excessive reduction in fluid viscosity due to the elevated temperature resulting from power consumption during prolonged operation is not conducive to the generation of dynamic pressure. In this study, we examine the effect of energy accumulation and boundary slip on the laminar flow of a liquid between a pair of rotating plates. The experiments are conducted using a rotary rheometer, with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) as the thermal insulation material and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as the slip drag reduction material, and a three-dimensional simulation model is established. This model is derived by combining the energy equation including the slip length and the heat conduction equation. Thus, the temperature changes over time are predicted by this model, and the model accuracy is verified by experiments. The results reveal the following points: 1) boundary slips function as a drag reduction mechanism for short-time continuous operation; 2) under prolonged operation, the slip reduces the extent of the oil viscosity decrease and clear control of the elevated temperature by the boundary slip is observed.

Momentum and Heat Flux Measurements in the Exhaust of VASIMR Using Helium Propellant

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chavers, D. Gregory

2002-01-01

Electromagnetic thrusters typically use electric and magnetic fields to accelerate and exhaust plasma through interactions with the charged particles in the plasma. The energy required to create the plasma, i.e. ionization energy, is potential energy between the electron and ion. This potential energy is typically lost since it is not recovered as the plasma is exhausted and is known as frozen flow loss. If the frozen flow energy is a small fraction of the total plasma energy, this frozen flow loss may be negligible. However, if the frozen flow energy is a major fraction of the total plasma energy, this loss can severely reduce the energy efficiency of the thruster. Recovery and utilization of this frozen flow energy can improve the energy efficiency of a thruster during low specific impulse operating regimes when the ionization energy is a large fraction of the total plasma energy. This paper quantifies the recovery of the frozen flow energy, i.e. recombination energy, via the process of surface recombination for helium. To accomplish this task the momentum flux and heat flux of the plasma flow were measured and compared to calculated values from electrostatic probe data. This information was used to deduce the contribution of recombination energy to the total heat flux on a flat plate as well as to characterize the plasma conditions. Helium propellant was investigated initially due to its high ionization potential and hence available recombination energy.

Forces and energetics of intermittent swimming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Floryan, Daniel; Van Buren, Tyler; Smits, Alexander J.

2017-08-01

Experiments are reported on intermittent swimming motions. Water tunnel experiments on a nominally two-dimensional pitching foil show that the mean thrust and power scale linearly with the duty cycle, from a value of 0.2 all the way up to continuous motions, indicating that individual bursts of activity in intermittent motions are independent of each other. This conclusion is corroborated by particle image velocimetry (PIV) flow visualizations, which show that the main vortical structures in the wake do not change with duty cycle. The experimental data also demonstrate that intermittent motions are generally energetically advantageous over continuous motions. When metabolic energy losses are taken into account, this conclusion is maintained for metabolic power fractions less than 1.

Design, Construction and Testing of Annular Diffusers for High Speed Civil Transportation Combustor Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Okhio, Cyril B.

1996-01-01

A theoretical and an experimental design study of subsonic flow through curved-wall annular diffusers has been initiated under this award in order to establish the most pertinent design parameters and hence performance characteristics for such devices, an the implications of their application in the design of engine components in the aerospace industries. The diffusers under this study are expected to contain appreciable regions of stall and the effects of swirl on their performance are being studied. The experimental work involves the application of Computer Aided Design software tool to the development of a suitable annular diffuse geometry and the subsequent downloading of such data to a CNC machine at Central State University (CSU). Two experimental run segments have been completed so far during FY-95 involving flow visualization and diffuser performance evaluation based on Kinetic Energy Dissipation. The method of calculation of the performance of diffusers based on pressure recovery coefficient has been shown to have some shortcomings and so the kinetic energy dissipation approach has been introduced in the run segment two with some success. The application of the discretized, full Navier Stokes and Continuity equations to the numerical study of the problem described above for the time-mean flow is expected to follow. Various models of turbulence are being evaluated for adoption throughout the study and comparisons would be made with experimental data where they exist. Assessment of diffuser performance based on the dissipated mechanical energy would also be made. The result of the investigations are expected to indicate that more cost effective component design of such devices as diffusers which normally contain complex flows can still be achieved.

Flux flow induced microwave absorption in high temperature superconductor Bi 2-XPb XSr 2Ca N-1Cu NO 4+2N

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Owens, F. J.

1990-12-01

Direct measurements of microwave absorption without use of rf H field modulation in granular composites of the 115 K superconductor Bi 2-XPb XSr 2Ca N-1Cu NO 4+2N as a function of magnetic field above 0.1 T reveal a continuing increase of absorption of microwave energy increasing magnetic field. The temperature and magnetic field dependence of the absorption are very different from the low magnetic field (<0.01 T) absorption arising from weak links in the material. The magnetic field and temperature dependence are consistent with the behavior of thermally activated flux flow resistance suggesting the absorption is due to flux creep.

Parameterizing Coefficients of a POD-Based Dynamical System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kalb, Virginia L.

2010-01-01

A method of parameterizing the coefficients of a dynamical system based of a proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) representing the flow dynamics of a viscous fluid has been introduced. (A brief description of POD is presented in the immediately preceding article.) The present parameterization method is intended to enable construction of the dynamical system to accurately represent the temporal evolution of the flow dynamics over a range of Reynolds numbers. The need for this or a similar method arises as follows: A procedure that includes direct numerical simulation followed by POD, followed by Galerkin projection to a dynamical system has been proven to enable representation of flow dynamics by a low-dimensional model at the Reynolds number of the simulation. However, a more difficult task is to obtain models that are valid over a range of Reynolds numbers. Extrapolation of low-dimensional models by use of straightforward Reynolds-number-based parameter continuation has proven to be inadequate for successful prediction of flows. A key part of the problem of constructing a dynamical system to accurately represent the temporal evolution of the flow dynamics over a range of Reynolds numbers is the problem of understanding and providing for the variation of the coefficients of the dynamical system with the Reynolds number. Prior methods do not enable capture of temporal dynamics over ranges of Reynolds numbers in low-dimensional models, and are not even satisfactory when large numbers of modes are used. The basic idea of the present method is to solve the problem through a suitable parameterization of the coefficients of the dynamical system. The parameterization computations involve utilization of the transfer of kinetic energy between modes as a function of Reynolds number. The thus-parameterized dynamical system accurately predicts the flow dynamics and is applicable to a range of flow problems in the dynamical regime around the Hopf bifurcation. Parameter-continuation software can be used on the parameterized dynamical system to derive a bifurcation diagram that accurately predicts the temporal flow behavior.

Sustainable-energy managment practices in an energy economy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Darkwa, K.

2001-10-01

The economic survival of any nation depends upon its ability to produce and manage sufficient supplies of low-cost safe energy. The world's consumption of fossil fuel resources currently increasing at 3% per annum is found to be unsustainable. Projections of this trend show that mankind will exhaust all known reserves in the second half of the coming century. Governments, industrialists, commercial organizations, public sector departments and the general public have now become aware of the urgent requirements for the efficient management of resources and energy-consuming activities. Most organizations in the materials, manufacturing and retail sectors and in the service industries have also created energy management departments, or have employed consultants, to monitor energy consumption and to reduce wastage. Conversely, any sustained attempt to reduce rates of energy consumption even by as little as 0.1% per annum ensures relatively an eternal future supply as well as reduction on environmental and ecological effect. Thus, there is no long- term solution to energy flow problem other than systematic and effective energy management and the continuous application of the techniques of energy management. Essential energy management strategies in support of a sustainable energy- economy are discussed.

Verification of a computational cardiovascular system model comparing the hemodynamics of a continuous flow to a synchronous valveless pulsatile flow left ventricular assist device.

PubMed

Gohean, Jeffrey R; George, Mitchell J; Pate, Thomas D; Kurusz, Mark; Longoria, Raul G; Smalling, Richard W

2013-01-01

The purpose of this investigation is to use a computational model to compare a synchronized valveless pulsatile left ventricular assist device with continuous flow left ventricular assist devices at the same level of device flow, and to verify the model with in vivo porcine data. A dynamic system model of the human cardiovascular system was developed to simulate the support of a healthy or failing native heart from a continuous flow left ventricular assist device or a synchronous pulsatile valveless dual-piston positive displacement pump. These results were compared with measurements made during in vivo porcine experiments. Results from the simulation model and from the in vivo counterpart show that the pulsatile pump provides higher cardiac output, left ventricular unloading, cardiac pulsatility, and aortic valve flow as compared with the continuous flow model at the same level of support. The dynamic system model developed for this investigation can effectively simulate human cardiovascular support by a synchronous pulsatile or continuous flow ventricular assist device.

Verification of a computational cardiovascular system model comparing the hemodynamics of a continuous flow to a synchronous valveless pulsatile flow left ventricular assist device

PubMed Central

Gohean, Jeffrey R.; George, Mitchell J.; Pate, Thomas D.; Kurusz, Mark; Longoria, Raul G.; Smalling, Richard W.

2012-01-01

The purpose of this investigation is to utilize a computational model to compare a synchronized valveless pulsatile left ventricular assist device to continuous flow left ventricular assist devices at the same level of device flow, and to verify the model with in vivo porcine data. A dynamic system model of the human cardiovascular system was developed to simulate support of a healthy or failing native heart from a continuous flow left ventricular assist device or a synchronous, pulsatile, valveless, dual piston positive displacement pump. These results were compared to measurements made during in vivo porcine experiments. Results from the simulation model and from the in vivo counterpart show that the pulsatile pump provides higher cardiac output, left ventricular unloading, cardiac pulsatility, and aortic valve flow as compared to the continuous flow model at the same level of support. The dynamic system model developed for this investigation can effectively simulate human cardiovascular support by a synchronous pulsatile or continuous flow ventricular assist device. PMID:23438771

Aquantis C-Plane Ocean Current Turbine Project

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fleming, Alex

The Aquantis 2.5 MW Ocean Current Generation Device technology developed by Dehlsen Associates, LLC (DA) is a derivation of wind power generating technology (a means of harnessing a slow moving fluid) adapted to the ocean environment. The Aquantis Project provides an opportunity for accelerated technological development and early commercialization, since it involves the joining of two mature disciplines: ocean engineering and wind turbine design. The Aquantis Current Plane (C-Plane) technology is an ocean current turbine designed to extract kinetic energy from a current flow. The technology is capable of achieving competitively priced, continuous, base-load, and reliable power generation from amore » source of renewable energy not before possible in this scale or form.« less

Energy structure of MHD flow coupling with outer resistance circuit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Z. Y.; Liu, Y. J.; Chen, Y. Q.; Peng, Z. L.

2015-08-01

Energy structure of MHD flow coupling with outer resistance circuit is studied to illuminate qualitatively and quantitatively the energy relation of this basic MHD flow system with energy input and output. Energy structure are analytically derived based on the Navier-Stocks equations for two-dimensional fully-developed flow and generalized Ohm's Law. The influences of applied magnetic field, Hall parameter and conductivity on energy structure are discussed based on the analytical results. Associated energies in MHD flow are deduced and validated by energy conservation. These results reveal that energy structure consists of two sub structures: electrical energy structure and internal energy structure. Energy structure and its sub structures provide an integrated theoretical energy path of the MHD system. Applied magnetic field and conductivity decrease the input energy, dissipation by fluid viscosity and internal energy but increase the ratio of electrical energy to input energy, while Hall parameter has the opposite effects. These are caused by their different effects on Bulk velocity, velocity profiles, voltage and current in outer circuit. Understanding energy structure helps MHD application designers to actively adjust the allocation of different parts of energy so that it is more reasonable and desirable.

Flow and evaporation cells for the detection of proteins on membranes with the peroxyoxalate chemiluminescent reaction in organic media.

PubMed

Castro-Hartmann, Pablo; Daban, Joan-Ramon

2004-08-01

The high-energy intermediates generated in the reaction of bis(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)oxalate (TCPO) with H2O2 can excite electronically different fluorophores with a high quantum yield in organic solvents. We have previously applied this peroxyoxalate chemiluminescent reaction to the detection of proteins labeled with the fluorescent dye 2-methoxy-2,4-diphenyl-3(2H)-furanone (MDPF) on polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membranes. In this work, we have investigated the possibility to enhance the sensitivity of this detection method using specially designed cells in which the reagents TCPO and H2O2 in acetone are continuously renewed. In the flow cell, two syringes are used to renew the reagents in the reaction chamber containing the PVDF membrane with blotted proteins labeled with MDPF. In the evaporation cell, a fresh solution of reagents continuously replaces the volume of acetone evaporated in the reaction chamber. Both cells show a low emission background but the observed elution of proteins from the membrane produced by the flow of reagents in acetone limits the maximum sensitivity attainable with these cells. The best result (detection of 1 ng of MDPF-labeled protein) has been obtained with the evaporation cell. Copyright 2004 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co.

Unified approach for incompressible flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Tyne-Hsien

1993-12-01

An unified approach for solving both compressible and incompressible flows was investigated in this study. The difference in CFD code development between incompressible and compressible flows is due to the mathematical characteristics. However, if one can modify the continuity equation for incompressible flows by introducing pseudocompressibility, the governing equations for incompressible flows would have the same mathematical characters as compressible flows. The application of a compressible flow code to solve incompressible flows becomes feasible. Among numerical algorithms developed for compressible flows, the Centered Total Variation Diminishing (CTVD) schemes possess better mathematical properties to damp out the spurious oscillations while providing high-order accuracy for high speed flows. It leads us to believe that CTVD schemes can equally well solve incompressible flows. In this study, the governing equations for incompressible flows include the continuity equation and momentum equations. The continuity equation is modified by adding a time-derivative of the pressure term containing the artificial compressibility. The modified continuity equation together with the unsteady momentum equations forms a hyperbolic-parabolic type of time-dependent system of equations. The continuity equation is modified by adding a time-derivative of the pressure term containing the artificial compressibility. The modified continuity equation together with the unsteady momentum equations forms a hyperbolic-parabolic type of time-dependent system of equations. Thus, the CTVD schemes can be implemented. In addition, the boundary conditions including physical and numerical boundary conditions must be properly specified to obtain accurate solution. The CFD code for this research is currently in progress. Flow past a circular cylinder will be used for numerical experiments to determine the accuracy and efficiency of the code before applying this code to more specific applications.

Continuous Flow Science in an Undergraduate Teaching Laboratory: Bleach-Mediated Oxidation in a Biphasic System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kairouz, Vanessa; Collins, Shawn K.

2018-01-01

An undergraduate teaching laboratory experiment involving a continuous flow, bleach-mediated oxidation of aldehydes under biphasic conditions was developed that allowed students to explore concepts of mixing or mass transport, solvent sustainability, biphasic reactions, phase transfer catalysis, and continuous flow chemistry.

Low Dimensional Study of a Supersonic Multi-Stream Jet Flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tenney, Andrew; Berry, Matthew; Aycock-Rizzo, Halley; Glauser, Mark; Lewalle, Jacques

2017-11-01

In this study, the near field of a two stream supersonic jet flow is examined using low dimensional tools. The flow issues from a multi-stream nozzle as described in A near-field investigation of a supersonic, multi-stream jet: locating turbulence mechanisms through velocity and density measurements by Magstadt et al., with the bulk flow Mach number, M1, being 1.6, and the second stream Mach number, M2, reaching the sonic condition. The flow field is visualized using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), with frames captured at a rate of 4Hz. Time-resolved pressure measurements are made just aft of the nozzle exit, as well as in the far-field, 86.6 nozzle hydraulic diameters away from the exit plane. The methodologies used in the analysis of this flow include Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD), and the continuous wavelet transform. The results from this ``no deck'' case are then compared to those found in the study conducted by Berry et al. From this comparison, we draw conclusions about the effects of the presence of an aft deck on the low dimensional flow description, and near field spectral content. Supported by AFOSR Grant FA9550-15-1-0435, and AFRL, through an SBIR Grant with Spectral Energies, LLC.

A Review of Flow Analysis Methods for Determination of Radionuclides in Nuclear Wastes and Nuclear Reactor Coolants

DOE PAGES

Trojanowicz, Marek; Kolacinska, Kamila; Grate, Jay W.

2018-02-13

Here, the safety and security of nuclear power plant operations depend on the application of the most appropriate techniques and methods of chemical analysis, where modern flow analysis methods prevail. Nevertheless, the current status of the development of these methods is more limited than it might be expected based on their genuine advantages. The main aim of this paper is to review the automated flow analysis procedures developed with various detection methods for the nuclear energy industry. The flow analysis methods for the determination of radionuclides, that have been reported to date, are primarily focused on their environmental applications. Themore » benefits of the application of flow methods in both monitoring of the nuclear wastes and process analysis of the primary circuit coolants of light water nuclear reactors will also be discussed. The application of either continuous flow methods (CFA) or injection methods (FIA, SIA) of the flow analysis with the β–radiometric detection shortens the analysis time and improves the precision of determination due to mechanization of certain time-consuming operations of the sample processing. Compared to the radiometric detection, the mass spectrometry (MS) detection enables one to perform multicomponent analyses as well as the determination of transuranic isotopes with much better limits of detection.« less

A Review of Flow Analysis Methods for Determination of Radionuclides in Nuclear Wastes and Nuclear Reactor Coolants

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Trojanowicz, Marek; Kolacinska, Kamila; Grate, Jay W.

Here, the safety and security of nuclear power plant operations depend on the application of the most appropriate techniques and methods of chemical analysis, where modern flow analysis methods prevail. Nevertheless, the current status of the development of these methods is more limited than it might be expected based on their genuine advantages. The main aim of this paper is to review the automated flow analysis procedures developed with various detection methods for the nuclear energy industry. The flow analysis methods for the determination of radionuclides, that have been reported to date, are primarily focused on their environmental applications. Themore » benefits of the application of flow methods in both monitoring of the nuclear wastes and process analysis of the primary circuit coolants of light water nuclear reactors will also be discussed. The application of either continuous flow methods (CFA) or injection methods (FIA, SIA) of the flow analysis with the β–radiometric detection shortens the analysis time and improves the precision of determination due to mechanization of certain time-consuming operations of the sample processing. Compared to the radiometric detection, the mass spectrometry (MS) detection enables one to perform multicomponent analyses as well as the determination of transuranic isotopes with much better limits of detection.« less

A review of flow analysis methods for determination of radionuclides in nuclear wastes and nuclear reactor coolants.

PubMed

Trojanowicz, Marek; Kołacińska, Kamila; Grate, Jay W

2018-06-01

The safety and security of nuclear power plant operations depend on the application of the most appropriate techniques and methods of chemical analysis, where modern flow analysis methods prevail. Nevertheless, the current status of the development of these methods is more limited than it might be expected based on their genuine advantages. The main aim of this paper is to review the automated flow analysis procedures developed with various detection methods for the nuclear energy industry. The flow analysis methods for the determination of radionuclides, that have been reported to date, are primarily focused on their environmental applications. The benefits of the application of flow methods in both monitoring of the nuclear wastes and process analysis of the primary circuit coolants of light water nuclear reactors will also be discussed. The application of either continuous flow methods (CFA) or injection methods (FIA, SIA) of the flow analysis with the β-radiometric detection shortens the analysis time and improves the precision of determination due to mechanization of certain time-consuming operations of the sample processing. Compared to the radiometric detection, the mass spectrometry (MS) detection enables one to perform multicomponent analyses as well as the determination of transuranic isotopes with much better limits of detection. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Applications of Continuous-Flow Photochemistry in Organic Synthesis, Material Science, and Water Treatment.

PubMed

Cambié, Dario; Bottecchia, Cecilia; Straathof, Natan J W; Hessel, Volker; Noël, Timothy

2016-09-14

Continuous-flow photochemistry in microreactors receives a lot of attention from researchers in academia and industry as this technology provides reduced reaction times, higher selectivities, straightforward scalability, and the possibility to safely use hazardous intermediates and gaseous reactants. In this review, an up-to-date overview is given of photochemical transformations in continuous-flow reactors, including applications in organic synthesis, material science, and water treatment. In addition, the advantages of continuous-flow photochemistry are pointed out and a thorough comparison with batch processing is presented.

The Initial Flow of Classical Gluon Fields in Heavy Ion Collisions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fries, Rainer J.; Chen, Guangyao

2015-03-01

Using analytic solutions of the Yang-Mills equations we calculate the initial flow of energy of the classical gluon field created in collisions of large nuclei at high energies. We find radial and elliptic flow which follows gradients in the initial energy density, similar to a simple hydrodynamic behavior. In addition we find a rapidity-odd transverse flow field which implies the presence of angular momentum and should lead to directed flow in final particle spectra. We trace those energy flow terms to transverse fields from the non-abelian generalization of Gauss' Law and Ampere's and Faraday's Laws.

Methods used to compute low-flow frequency characteristics for continuous-record streamflow stations in Minnesota, 2006

USGS Publications Warehouse

Winterstein, Thomas A.; Arntson, Allan D.; Mitton, Gregory B.

2007-01-01

The 1-, 7-, and 30-day low-flow series were determined for 120 continuous-record streamflow stations in Minnesota having at least 20 years of continuous record. The 2-, 5-, 10-, 50-, and 100-year statistics were determined for each series by fitting a log Pearson type III distribution to the data. The methods used to determine the low-flow statistics and to construct the plots of the low-flow frequency curves are described. The low-flow series and the low-flow statistics are presented in tables and graphs.

Continuous directional water transport on the peristome surface of Nepenthes alata

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Huawei; Zhang, Pengfei; Zhang, Liwen; Liu, Hongliang; Jiang, Ying; Zhang, Deyuan; Han, Zhiwu; Jiang, Lei

2016-04-01

Numerous natural systems contain surfaces or threads that enable directional water transport. This behaviour is usually ascribed to hierarchical structural features at the microscale and nanoscale, with gradients in surface energy and gradients in Laplace pressure thought to be the main driving forces. Here we study the prey-trapping pitcher organs of the carnivorous plant Nepenthes alata. We find that continuous, directional water transport occurs on the surface of the ‘peristome’—the rim of the pitcher—because of its multiscale structure, which optimizes and enhances capillary rise in the transport direction, and prevents backflow by pinning in place any water front that is moving in the reverse direction. This results not only in unidirectional flow despite the absence of any surface-energy gradient, but also in a transport speed that is much higher than previously thought. We anticipate that the basic ‘design’ principles underlying this behaviour could be used to develop artificial fluid-transport systems with practical applications.

A new method of efficient heat transfer and storage at very high temperatures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shaw, D.; Bruckner, A. P.; Hertzberg, A.

1980-01-01

A unique, high temperature (1000-2000 K) continuously operating capacitive heat exchanger system is described. The system transfers heat from a combustion or solar furnace to a working gas by means of a circulating high temperature molten refractory. A uniform aggregate of beads of a glass-like refractory is injected into the furnace volume. The aggregate is melted and piped to a heat exchanger where it is sprayed through a counter-flowing, high pressure working gas. The refractory droplets transfer their heat to the gas, undergoing a phase change into the solid bead state. The resulting high temperature gas is used to drive a suitable high efficiency heat engine. The solidified refractory beads are delivered back to the furnace and melted to continue the cycle. This approach avoids the important temperature limitations of conventional tube-type heat exchangers, giving rise to the potential of converting heat energy into useful work at considerably higher efficiencies than currently attainable and of storing energy at high thermodynamic potential.

Specific features of the flow structure in a reactive type turbine stage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chernikov, V. A.; Semakina, E. Yu.

2017-04-01

The results of experimental studies of the gas dynamics for a reactive type turbine stage are presented. The objective of the studies is the measurement of the 3D flow fields in reference cross sections, experimental determination of the stage characteristics, and analysis of the flow structure for detecting the sources of kinetic energy losses. The integral characteristics of the studied stage are obtained by averaging the results of traversing the 3D flow over the area of the reference cross sections before and behind the stage. The averaging is performed using the conservation equations for mass, total energy flux, angular momentum with respect to the axis z of the turbine, entropy flow, and the radial projection of the momentum flux equation. The flow parameter distributions along the channel height behind the stage are obtained in the same way. More thorough analysis of the flow structure is performed after interpolation of the experimentally measured point parameter values and 3D flow velocities behind the stage. The obtained continuous velocity distributions in the absolute and relative coordinate systems are presented in the form of vector fields. The coordinates of the centers and the vectors of secondary vortices are determined using the results of point measurements of velocity vectors in the cross section behind the turbine stage and their subsequent interpolation. The approach to analysis of experimental data on aerodynamics of the turbine stage applied in this study allows one to find the detailed space structure of the working medium flow, including secondary coherent vortices at the root and peripheral regions of the air-gas part of the stage. The measured 3D flow parameter fields and their interpolation, on the one hand, point to possible sources of increased power losses, and, on the other hand, may serve as the basis for detailed testing of CFD models of the flow using both integral and local characteristics. The comparison of the numerical and experimental results, as regards local characteristics, using statistical methods yields the quantitative estimate of their agreement.

Design of an Airlift Bioreactor

DOE Data Explorer

Jiao, Yongqin; Park, Dan; Ho, Lewis

2017-03-13

An important consideration for the process design is cell immobilization-enabled flow-through operation. Large-scale biosorption relies on cells that are immobilized on a supporting substrate and used to 'attract' metal ions. Cell immobilization allows easy separation of the feed solution and REEs that are attached to the cell surface. It also allows continuous operation without the need of energy-intensive centrifugation or filtration. Lightweight, high surface area, low cost (~$200/m3) high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic disks are used as cell carriers for biofilm formation.

Industry turns its attention south

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Marhefka, D.

1997-08-01

The paper discusses the outlook for the gas and oil industries in the Former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. Significant foreign investment continues to elude Russia`s oil and gas industry, so the Caspian nations of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are picking up the slack, welcoming the flow of foreign capital to their energy projects. Separate evaluations are given for Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Moldova, Tajikstan, Uzbekistan, Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Serbia.

Convective heat transfer measurements in a vapour-liquid-liquid three-phase direct contact heat exchanger

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahood, Hameed B.; Campbell, A. N.; Baqir, Ali Sh.; Sharif, A. O.; Thorpe, R. B.

2018-06-01

Energy usage is increasing around the world due to the continued development of technology, and population growth. Solar energy is a promising low-grade energy resource that can be harvested and utilised in different applications, such solar heater systems, which are used in both domestic and industrial settings. However, the implementation of an efficient energy conversion system or heat exchanger would enhance such low-grade energy processes. The direct contact heat exchanger could be the right choice due to its ability to efficiently transfer significant amounts of heat, simple design, and low cost. In this work, the heat transfer associated with the direct contact condensation of pentane vapour bubbles in a three-phase direct contact condenser is investigated experimentally. Such a condenser could be used in a cycle with a solar water heater and heat recovery systems. The experiments on the steady state operation of the three-phase direct contact condenser were carried out using a short Perspex tube of 70 cm in total height and an internal diameter of 4 cm. Only a height of 48 cm was active as the direct contact condenser. Pentane vapour, (the dispersed phase) with three different initial temperatures (40° C, 43.5° C and 47.5° C) was directly contacted with water (the continuous phase) at 19° C. The experimental results showed that the total heat transfer rate per unit volume along the direct contact condenser gradually decreased upon moving higher up the condenser. Additionally, the heat transfer rate increases with increasing mass flow rate ratio, but no significant effect on the heat transfer rate of varying the initial temperature of the dispersed phase was seen. Furthermore, both the outlet temperature of the continuous phase and the void fraction were positively correlated with the total heat transfer rate per unit volume, with no considerable effect of the initial temperature difference between the dispersed and continuous phases.

Convective heat transfer measurements in a vapour-liquid-liquid three-phase direct contact heat exchanger

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahood, Hameed B.; Campbell, A. N.; Baqir, Ali Sh.; Sharif, A. O.; Thorpe, R. B.

2017-12-01

Energy usage is increasing around the world due to the continued development of technology, and population growth. Solar energy is a promising low-grade energy resource that can be harvested and utilised in different applications, such solar heater systems, which are used in both domestic and industrial settings. However, the implementation of an efficient energy conversion system or heat exchanger would enhance such low-grade energy processes. The direct contact heat exchanger could be the right choice due to its ability to efficiently transfer significant amounts of heat, simple design, and low cost. In this work, the heat transfer associated with the direct contact condensation of pentane vapour bubbles in a three-phase direct contact condenser is investigated experimentally. Such a condenser could be used in a cycle with a solar water heater and heat recovery systems. The experiments on the steady state operation of the three-phase direct contact condenser were carried out using a short Perspex tube of 70 cm in total height and an internal diameter of 4 cm. Only a height of 48 cm was active as the direct contact condenser. Pentane vapour, (the dispersed phase) with three different initial temperatures (40° C, 43.5° C and 47.5° C) was directly contacted with water (the continuous phase) at 19° C. The experimental results showed that the total heat transfer rate per unit volume along the direct contact condenser gradually decreased upon moving higher up the condenser. Additionally, the heat transfer rate increases with increasing mass flow rate ratio, but no significant effect on the heat transfer rate of varying the initial temperature of the dispersed phase was seen. Furthermore, both the outlet temperature of the continuous phase and the void fraction were positively correlated with the total heat transfer rate per unit volume, with no considerable effect of the initial temperature difference between the dispersed and continuous phases.

Vibrational Power Flow Analysis of Rods and Beams

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wohlever, James Christopher; Bernhard, R. J.

1988-01-01

A new method to model vibrational power flow and predict the resulting energy density levels in uniform rods and beams is investigated. This method models the flow of vibrational power in a manner analogous to the flow of thermal power in a heat conduction problem. The classical displacement solutions for harmonically excited, hysteretically damped rods and beams are used to derive expressions for the vibrational power flow and energy density in the rod and beam. Under certain conditions, the power flow in these two structural elements will be shown to be proportional to the energy density gradient. Using the relationship between power flow and energy density, an energy balance on differential control volumes in the rod and beam leads to a Poisson's equation which models the energy density distribution in the rod and beam. Coupling the energy density and power flow solutions for rods and beams is also discussed. It is shown that the resonant behavior of finite structures complicates the coupling of solutions, especially when the excitations are single frequency inputs. Two coupling formulations are discussed, the first based on the receptance method, and the second on the travelling wave approach used in Statistical Energy Analysis. The receptance method is the more computationally intensive but is capable of analyzing single frequency excitation cases. The traveling wave approach gives a good approximation of the frequency average of energy density and power flow in coupled systems, and thus, is an efficient technique for use with broadband frequency excitation.

Aiding Design of Wave Energy Converters via Computational Simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jebeli Aqdam, Hejar; Ahmadi, Babak; Raessi, Mehdi; Tootkaboni, Mazdak

2015-11-01

With the increasing interest in renewable energy sources, wave energy converters will continue to gain attention as a viable alternative to current electricity production methods. It is therefore crucial to develop computational tools for the design and analysis of wave energy converters. A successful design requires balance between the design performance and cost. Here an analytical solution is used for the approximate analysis of interactions between a flap-type wave energy converter (WEC) and waves. The method is verified using other flow solvers and experimental test cases. Then the model is used in conjunction with a powerful heuristic optimization engine, Charged System Search (CSS) to explore the WEC design space. CSS is inspired by charged particles behavior. It searches the design space by considering candidate answers as charged particles and moving them based on the Coulomb's laws of electrostatics and Newton's laws of motion to find the global optimum. Finally the impacts of changes in different design parameters on the power takeout of the superior WEC designs are investigated. National Science Foundation, CBET-1236462.

Effect of the load size on the efficiency of microwave heating under stop flow and continuous flow conditions.

PubMed

Patil, Narendra G; Rebrov, Evgeny V; Eränen, Kari; Benaskar, Faysal; Meuldijk, Jan; Mikkola, Jyri-Pekka; Hessel, Volker; Hulshof, Lumbertus A; Murzin, Dmitry Yu; Schouten, Jaap C

2012-01-01

A novel heating efficiency analysis of the microwave heated stop-flow (i.e. stagnant liquid) and continuous-flow reactors has been presented. The thermal losses to the surrounding air by natural convection have been taken into account for heating efficiency calculation of the microwave heating process. The effect of the load diameter in the range of 4-29 mm on the heating efficiency of ethylene glycol was studied in a single mode microwave cavity under continuous flow and stop-flow conditions. The variation of the microwave absorbing properties of the load with temperature was estimated. Under stop-flow conditions, the heating efficiency depends on the load diameter. The highest heating efficiency has been observed at the load diameter close to the half wavelength of the electromagnetic field in the corresponding medium. Under continuous-flow conditions, the heating efficiency increased linearly. However, microwave leakage above the propagation diameter restricted further experimentation at higher load diameters. Contrary to the stop-flow conditions, the load temperature did not raise monotonously from the inlet to outlet under continuous-flow conditions. This was due to the combined effect of lagging convective heat fluxes in comparison to volumetric heating. This severely disturbs the uniformity of the electromagnetic field in the axial direction and creates areas of high and low field intensity along the load Length decreasing the heating efficiency as compared to stop-flow conditions.

Resting energy expenditure per lean body mass determined by indirect calorimetry and bioelectrical impedance analysis in cats.

PubMed

Center, S A; Warner, K L; Randolph, J F; Wakshlag, J J; Sunvold, G D

2011-01-01

Resting energy expenditure (REE) approximates ≥60% of daily energy expenditure (DEE). Accurate REE determination could facilitate sequential comparisons among patients and diseases if normalized against lean body mass (LBM). (1) Validate open-flow indirect calorimetry (IC) system and multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MF-BIA) to determine REE and LBM, respectively, in healthy nonsedated cats of varied body conditions; (2) normalize REE against LBM. Fifty-seven adult neutered domestic short-haired cats with stable BW. Continuous (45-min) IC-measurements determined least observed metabolism REE. Cage gas flow regulated with mass flow controllers was verified using nitrogen dilution; span gases calibrated gas measurements. Respiratory quotient accuracy was verified using alcohol combustion. IC-REE was compared to DEE, determined using doubly labeled water. MF-BIA LBM was validated against criterion references (deuterium, sodium bromide). Intra- and interassay variation was determined for IC and MF-BIA. Mean IC-REE (175 ± 38.7 kcal; 1.5-14% intra- and interassay CV%) represented 61 ± 14.3% of DEE. Best MF-BIA measurements were collected in sternal recumbency and with electrodes in neck-tail configuration. MF-BIA LBM was not significantly different from criterion references and generated LBM interassay CV% of 6.6-10.1%. Over- and underconditioned cats had significantly (P ≤ .05) lower and higher IC-REE (kcal/kg) respectively, compared with normal-conditioned cats. However, differences resolved with REE/LBM (approximating 53 ± 10.3 kcal/LBM [kg]). IC and MF-BIA validated herein reasonably estimate REE and LBM in cats. REE/LBM(kg) may permit comparison of energy utilization in sequential studies or among different cats. Copyright © 2011 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

Hydrodynamic Instabilities in High-Energy-Density Settings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smalyuk, Vladimir

2016-10-01

Our understanding of hydrodynamic instabilities, such as the Rayleigh-Taylor (RT), Richtmyer-Meshkov (RM), and Kelvin-Helmholtz (KH) instabilities, in high-energy-density (HED) settings over past two decades has progressed enormously. The range of conditions where hydrodynamic instabilities are experimentally observed now includes direct and indirect drive inertial confinement fusion (ICF) where surprises continue to emerge, linear and nonlinear regimes, classical interfaces vs. stabilized ablation fronts, tenuous ideal plasmas vs. high density Fermi degenerate plasmas, bulk fluid interpenetration vs. mixing down to the atomic level, in the presence of magnetic fields and/or intense radiation, and in solid state plastic flow at high pressures and strain rates. Regimes in ICF can involve extreme conditions of matter with temperatures up to kilovolts, densities of a thousand times solid densities, and time scales of nanoseconds. On the other hand, scaled conditions can be generated that map to exploding stars (supernovae) with length and time scales of millions of kilometers and hours to days or even years of instability evolution, planetary formation dynamics involving solid-state plastic flow which severely modifies the RT growth and continues to challenge reliable theoretical descriptions. This review will look broadly at progress in probing and understanding hydrodynamic instabilities in these very diverse HED settings, and then will examine a few cases in more depth to illustrate the detailed science involved. Experimental results on large-scale HED facilities such as the Omega, Nike, Gekko, and Shenguang lasers will be reviewed and the latest developments at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) and Z machine will be covered. Finally, current overarching questions and challenges will be summarized to motivate research directions for future. This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by LLNL under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.

Solar energy conversion.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Crabtree, G. W.; Lewis, N. S.; Materials Science Division

2007-03-01

The Sun provides Earth with a staggering amount of energy - enough to power the great oceanic and atmospheric currents, the cycle of evaporation and condensation that brings fresh water inland and drives river flow, and the typhoons, hurricanes, and tornadoes that so easily destroy the natural and built landscape. The San Francisco earthquake of 1906, with magnitude 7.8, released an estimated 10{sup 17} joules of energy, the amount the Sun delivers to Earth in one second. Earth's ultimate recoverable resource of oil, estimated at 3 trillion barrels, contains 1.7 x 10{sup 22} joules of energy, which the Sun suppliesmore » to Earth in 1.5 days. The amount of energy humans use annually, about 4.6 x 10{sup 20} joules, is delivered to Earth by the Sun in one hour. The enormous power that the Sun continuously delivers to Earth, 1.2 x 10{sup 5} terawatts, dwarfs every other energy source, renewable or nonrenewable. It dramatically exceeds the rate at which human civilization produces and uses energy, currently about 13 TW.« less

Polyvinylpyrrolidone-based semi-interpenetrating polymer networks as highly selective and chemically stable membranes for all vanadium redox flow batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeng, L.; Zhao, T. S.; Wei, L.; Zeng, Y. K.; Zhang, Z. H.

2016-09-01

Vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) with their high flexibility in configuration and operation, as well as long cycle life are competent for the requirement of future energy storage systems. Nevertheless, due to the application of perfluorinated membranes, VRFBs are plagued by not only the severe migration issue of vanadium ions, but also their high cost. Herein, we fabricate semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (SIPNs), consisting of cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polysulfone (PSF), as alternative membranes for VRFBs. It is demonstrated that the PVP-based SIPNs exhibit extremely low vanadium permeabilities, which contribute to the well-established hydrophilic/hydrophobic microstructures and the Donnan exclusion effect. As a result, the coulombic efficiencies of VRFBs with PVP-based SIPNs reach almost 100% at 40 mA cm-2 to 100 mA cm-2; the energy efficiencies are more than 3% higher than those of VRFBs with Nafion 212. More importantly, the PVP-based SIPNs exhibit a superior chemical stability, as demonstrated both by an ex situ immersion test and continuously cycling test. Hence, all the characterizations and performance tests reported here suggest that PVP-based SIPNs are a promising alternative membrane for redox flow batteries to achieve superior cell performance and excellent cycling stability at the fraction of the cost of perfluorinated membranes.

Response to ‘comment on recent modeling studies of astrocyte–neuron metabolic interactions': much ado about nothing

PubMed Central

Mangia, Silvia; DiNuzzo, Mauro; Giove, Federico; Carruthers, Anthony; Simpson, Ian A; Vannucci, Susan J

2011-01-01

For many years, a tenet of cerebral metabolism held that glucose was the obligate energy substrate of the mammalian brain and that neuronal oxidative metabolism represented the majority of this glucose utilization. In 1994, Pellerin and Magistretti formulated the astrocyte–neuron lactate shuttle (ANLS) hypothesis, in which astrocytes, not neurons, metabolized glucose, with subsequent transport of the glycolytically derived lactate to fuel the energy needs of the neuron during neurotransmission. By considering the concentrations and kinetic characteristics of the nutrient transporter proteins, Simpson et al later supported the opposite view, in which lactate flows from neurons to astrocytes, thus leading to the neuron–astrocyte lactate shuttle (NALS). Most recently, a commentary was published in this journal attempting to discredit the NALS. This challenge has stimulated the present response in which we detail the inaccuracies of the commentary and further model several different possibilities. Although our simulations continue to support the predominance of neuronal glucose utilization during activation and neuronal to astrocytic lactate flow, the most important result is that, regardless of the direction of the flow, the overall contribution of lactate to cerebral glucose metabolism is found to be so small as to make this ongoing debate ‘much ado about nothing'. PMID:21427731

Growth mechanisms of perturbations in boundary layers over a compliant wall

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malik, M.; Skote, Martin; Bouffanais, Roland

2018-01-01

The temporal modal and nonmodal growth of three-dimensional perturbations in the boundary layer flow over an infinite compliant flat wall is considered. Using a wall-normal velocity and wall-normal vorticity formalism, the dynamic boundary condition at the compliant wall admits a linear dependence on the eigenvalue parameter, as compared to a quadratic one in the canonical formulation of the problem. As a consequence, the continuous spectrum is accurately obtained. This enables us to effectively filter the pseudospectra, which is a prerequisite to the transient growth analysis. An energy-budget analysis for the least-decaying hydroelastic (static divergence, traveling wave flutter, and near-stationary transitional) and Tollmien-Schlichting modes in the parameter space reveals the primary routes of energy flow. Moreover, the maximum transient growth rate increases more slowly with the Reynolds number than for the solid wall case. The slowdown is due to a complex dependence of the wall-boundary condition with the Reynolds number, which translates into a transition of the fluid-solid interaction from a two-way to a one-way coupling. Unlike the solid-wall case, viscosity plays a pivotal role in the transient growth. The initial and optimal perturbations are compared with the boundary layer flow over a solid wall; differences and similarities are discussed.

An Exploration of the Relationship between Improvements in Energy Efficiency and Life-Cycle Energy and Carbon Emissions using the BIRDS Low-Energy Residential Database.

PubMed

Kneifel, Joshua; O'Rear, Eric; Webb, David; O'Fallon, Cheyney

2018-02-01

To conduct a more complete analysis of low-energy and net-zero energy buildings that considers both the operating and embodied energy/emissions, members of the building community look to life-cycle assessment (LCA) methods. This paper examines differences in the relative impacts of cost-optimal energy efficiency measure combinations depicting residential buildings up to and beyond net-zero energy consumption on operating and embodied flows using data from the Building Industry Reporting and Design for Sustainability (BIRDS) Low-Energy Residential Database. Results indicate that net-zero performance leads to a large increase in embodied flows (over 40%) that offsets some of the reductions in operational flows, but overall life-cycle flows are still reduced by over 60% relative to the state energy code. Overall, building designs beyond net-zero performance can partially offset embodied flows with negative operational flows by replacing traditional electricity generation with solar production, but would require an additional 8.34 kW (18.54 kW in total) of due south facing solar PV to reach net-zero total life-cycle flows. Such a system would meet over 239% of operational consumption of the most energy efficient design considered in this study and over 116% of a state code-compliant building design in its initial year of operation.

40 CFR Table 5 to Subpart Hhhhhhh... - Operating Parameters, Operating Limits and Data Monitoring, Recording and Compliance Frequencies...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... conductivity Continuous Every 15 minutes 3-hour block average. Regenerative Adsorber Regeneration stream flow. Minimum total flow per regeneration cycle Continuous N/A Total flow for each regeneration cycle. Adsorber bed temperature. Maximum temperature Continuously after regeneration and within 15 minutes of...

40 CFR Table 5 to Subpart Hhhhhhh... - Operating Parameters, Operating Limits and Data Monitoring, Recording and Compliance Frequencies...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... conductivity Continuous Every 15 minutes 3-hour block average. Regenerative Adsorber Regeneration stream flow. Minimum total flow per regeneration cycle Continuous N/A Total flow for each regeneration cycle. Adsorber bed temperature. Maximum temperature Continuously after regeneration and within 15 minutes of...

Reconnecting flux-rope dynamo.

PubMed

Baggaley, Andrew W; Barenghi, Carlo F; Shukurov, Anvar; Subramanian, Kandaswamy

2009-11-01

We develop a model of the fluctuation dynamo in which the magnetic field is confined to thin flux ropes advected by a multiscale model of turbulence. Magnetic dissipation occurs only via reconnection of the flux ropes. This model can be viewed as an implementation of the asymptotic limit R_{m}-->infinity for a continuous magnetic field, where magnetic dissipation is strongly localized to small regions of strong-field gradients. We investigate the kinetic-energy release into heat mediated by the dynamo action, both in our model and by solving the induction equation with the same flow. We find that a flux-rope dynamo is an order of magnitude more efficient at converting mechanical energy into heat. The probability density of the magnetic energy release in reconnections has a power-law form with the slope -3 , consistent with the solar corona heating by nanoflares.

Coupling desalination and energy storage with redox flow electrodes.

PubMed

Hou, Xianhua; Liang, Qian; Hu, Xiaoqiao; Zhou, Yu; Ru, Qiang; Chen, Fuming; Hu, Shejun

2018-06-26

Both freshwater shortage and energy crisis are global issues. Herein, we present a double-function system of faradaic desalination and a redox flow battery consisting of VCl3|NaI redox flow electrodes and a feed stream. The system has a nominal cell potential (E0 = +0.79 V). During the discharge process, the salt ions in the feed are extracted by the redox reaction of the flow electrodes, which is indicated by salt removal. Stable and reversible salt removal capacity and electricity can be achieved up to 30 cycles. The energy consumption is as low as 10.27 kJ mol-1 salt. The energy efficiency is as high as 50% in the current aqueous redox flow battery. With energy recovery, the desalination energy consumption decreases greatly to 5.38 kJ mol-1; this is the lowest reported value to date. This "redox flow battery desalination generator" can be operated in a voltage range of 0.3-1.1 V. Our research provides a novel method for obtaining energy-saving desalination and redox flow batteries.

Reversible chemical delithiation/lithiation of LiFePO4: towards a redox flow lithium-ion battery.

PubMed

Huang, Qizhao; Li, Hong; Grätzel, Michael; Wang, Qing

2013-02-14

Reversible chemical delithiation/lithiation of LiFePO(4) was successfully demonstrated using ferrocene derivatives, based on which a novel energy storage system--the redox flow lithium-ion battery (RFLB), was devised by integrating the operation flexibility of a redox flow battery and high energy density of a lithium-ion battery. Distinct from the recent semi-solid lithium rechargeable flow battery, the energy storage materials of RFLB stored in separate energy tanks remain stationary upon operation, giving us a fresh perspective on building large-scale energy storage systems with higher energy density and improved safety.

Asymmetric reactions in continuous flow

PubMed Central

Mak, Xiao Yin; Laurino, Paola

2009-01-01

Summary An overview of asymmetric synthesis in continuous flow and microreactors is presented in this review. Applications of homogeneous and heterogeneous asymmetric catalysis as well as biocatalysis in flow are discussed. PMID:19478913

Wave Intensity Analysis of Right Ventricular Function during Pulsed Operation of Rotary Left Ventricular Assist Devices.

PubMed

Bouwmeester, J Christopher; Park, Jiheum; Valdovinos, John; Bonde, Pramod

2018-05-29

Changing the speed of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) cyclically may be useful to restore aortic pulsatility; however, the effects of this pulsation on right ventricular (RV) function are unknown. This study investigates the effects of direct ventricular interaction by quantifying the amount of wave energy created by RV contraction when axial and centrifugal LVADs are used to assist the left ventricle. In 4 anesthetized pigs, pressure and flow were measured in the main pulmonary artery and wave intensity analysis was used to identify and quantify the energy of waves created by the RV. The axial pump depressed the intensity of waves created by RV contraction compared with the centrifugal pump. In both pump designs, there were only minor and variable differences between the continuous and pulsed operation on RV function. The axial pump causes the RV to contract with less energy compared with a centrifugal design. Diminishing the ability of the RV to produce less energy translates to less pressure and flow produced, which may lead to LVAD-induced RV failure. The effects of pulsed LVAD operation on the RV appear to be minimal during acute observation of healthy hearts. Further study is necessary to uncover the effects of other modes of speed modulation with healthy and unhealthy hearts to determine if pulsed operation will benefit patients by reducing LVAD complications.

Material design and engineering of next-generation flow-battery technologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Minjoon; Ryu, Jaechan; Wang, Wei; Cho, Jaephil

2017-01-01

Spatial separation of the electrolyte and electrode is the main characteristic of flow-battery technologies, which liberates them from the constraints of overall energy content and the energy/power ratio. The concept of a flowing electrolyte not only presents a cost-effective approach for large-scale energy storage, but has also recently been used to develop a wide range of new hybrid energy storage and conversion systems. The advent of flow-based lithium-ion, organic redox-active materials, metal-air cells and photoelectrochemical batteries promises new opportunities for advanced electrical energy-storage technologies. In this Review, we present a critical overview of recent progress in conventional aqueous redox-flow batteries and next-generation flow batteries, highlighting the latest innovative alternative materials. We outline their technical feasibility for use in long-term and large-scale electrical energy-storage devices, as well as the limitations that need to be overcome, providing our view of promising future research directions in the field of redox-flow batteries.

Development of an Outdoor Temperature-Based Control Algorithm for Residential Mechanical Ventilation Control

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Less, Brennan; Walker, Iain; Tang, Yihuan

2014-06-01

Smart ventilation systems use controls to ventilate more during those periods that provide either an energy or IAQ advantage (or both) and less during periods that provide a dis advantage. Using detailed building simulations, this study addresses one of the simplest and lowest cost types of smart controllers —outdoor temperature- based control. If the outdoor temperature falls below a certain cut- off, the fan is simply turned off. T he main principle of smart ventilation used in this study is to shift ventilation from time periods with large indoor -outdoor temperature differences, to periods where these differences are smaller, andmore » their energy impacts are expected to be less. Energy and IAQ performance are assessed relative to a base case of a continuously operated ventilation fan sized to comply with ASHRAE 62.2-2013 whole house ventilation requirements. In order to satisfy 62.2-2013, annual pollutant exposure must be equivalent between the temperature controlled and continuous fan cases. This requires ventilation to be greater than 62.2 requirements when the ventilation system operates. This is achieved by increasing the mechanical ventilation system air flow rates.« less

High-energy redox-flow batteries with hybrid metal foam electrodes.

PubMed

Park, Min-Sik; Lee, Nam-Jin; Lee, Seung-Wook; Kim, Ki Jae; Oh, Duk-Jin; Kim, Young-Jun

2014-07-09

A nonaqueous redox-flow battery employing [Co(bpy)3](+/2+) and [Fe(bpy)3](2+/3+) redox couples is proposed for use in large-scale energy-storage applications. We successfully demonstrate a redox-flow battery with a practical operating voltage of over 2.1 V and an energy efficiency of 85% through a rational cell design. By utilizing carbon-coated Ni-FeCrAl and Cu metal foam electrodes, the electrochemical reactivity and stability of the nonaqueous redox-flow battery can be considerably enhanced. Our approach intoduces a more efficient conversion of chemical energy into electrical energy and enhances long-term cell durability. The cell exhibits an outstanding cyclic performance of more than 300 cycles without any significant loss of energy efficiency. Considering the increasing demands for efficient energy storage, our achievement provides insight into a possible development pathway for nonaqueous redox-flow batteries with high energy densities.

Investigating the dynamics of Vulcanian explosions using scaled laboratory experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clarke, A. B.; Phillips, J. C.; Chojnicki, K. N.

2005-12-01

Laboratory experiments were conducted to investigate the dynamics of Vulcanian eruptions. A reservoir containing a mixture of water and methanol plus solid particles was pressurized and suddenly released via a rapid-release valve into a 2 ft by 2 ft by 4 ft plexiglass tank containing fresh water. Water and methanol created a light interstitial fluid to simulate buoyant volcanic gases in erupted mixtures. The duration of the subsequent experiments was not pre-determined, but instead was limited by the potential energy associated with the pressurized fluid, rather than by the volume of available fluid. Suspending liquid density was varied between 960 and 1000 kg m-3 by changing methanol concentrations from 5 to 20%. Particle size (4 & 45 microns) and concentration (1 to 5 vol%) were varied in order to change particle settling characteristics and control bulk mixture density. Variations in reservoir pressure and vent size allowed exploration of the controlling source parameters, buoyancy flux (Bo) and momentum flux (Mo). The velocity-height relationship of each experiment was documented by high-speed video, permitting classification of the laboratory flows, which ranged from long continuously accelerating jets, to starting plumes, to low-energy thermals, to collapsing fountains generating density currents. Field-documented Vulcanian explosions exhibit this same wide range of behavior (Self et al. 1979, Nature 277; Sparks & Wilson 1982, Geophys. J. R. astr. Soc. 69; Druitt et al. 2002, Geol. Soc. London, 21), demonstrating that flows obtained in the laboratory are relevant to natural systems. A generalized framework of results was defined as follows. Increasing Mo/Bo for small particles (4 microns; settling time > experiment duration) pushes the system from low-energy thermals toward high-energy, continuously accelerating jets; increasing Mo/Bo for large particles (>45 microns; settling time < experiment duration) pushes the system from a low collapsing fountain to a high collapsing fountain; and increasing particle size for collapsing fountains decreases runout distance of gravity currents and increases production of current-generated rising plumes.

High–energy density nonaqueous all redox flow lithium battery enabled with a polymeric membrane

PubMed Central

Jia, Chuankun; Pan, Feng; Zhu, Yun Guang; Huang, Qizhao; Lu, Li; Wang, Qing

2015-01-01

Redox flow batteries (RFBs) are considered one of the most promising large-scale energy storage technologies. However, conventional RFBs suffer from low energy density due to the low solubility of the active materials in electrolyte. On the basis of the redox targeting reactions of battery materials, the redox flow lithium battery (RFLB) demonstrated in this report presents a disruptive approach to drastically enhancing the energy density of flow batteries. With LiFePO4 and TiO2 as the cathodic and anodic Li storage materials, respectively, the tank energy density of RFLB could reach ~500 watt-hours per liter (50% porosity), which is 10 times higher than that of a vanadium redox flow battery. The cell exhibits good electrochemical performance under a prolonged cycling test. Our prototype RFLB full cell paves the way toward the development of a new generation of flow batteries for large-scale energy storage. PMID:26702440

A chemistry and material perspective on lithium redox flow batteries towards high-density electrical energy storage.

PubMed

Zhao, Yu; Ding, Yu; Li, Yutao; Peng, Lele; Byon, Hye Ryung; Goodenough, John B; Yu, Guihua

2015-11-21

Electrical energy storage system such as secondary batteries is the principle power source for portable electronics, electric vehicles and stationary energy storage. As an emerging battery technology, Li-redox flow batteries inherit the advantageous features of modular design of conventional redox flow batteries and high voltage and energy efficiency of Li-ion batteries, showing great promise as efficient electrical energy storage system in transportation, commercial, and residential applications. The chemistry of lithium redox flow batteries with aqueous or non-aqueous electrolyte enables widened electrochemical potential window thus may provide much greater energy density and efficiency than conventional redox flow batteries based on proton chemistry. This Review summarizes the design rationale, fundamentals and characterization of Li-redox flow batteries from a chemistry and material perspective, with particular emphasis on the new chemistries and materials. The latest advances and associated challenges/opportunities are comprehensively discussed.

High-energy density nonaqueous all redox flow lithium battery enabled with a polymeric membrane.

PubMed

Jia, Chuankun; Pan, Feng; Zhu, Yun Guang; Huang, Qizhao; Lu, Li; Wang, Qing

2015-11-01

Redox flow batteries (RFBs) are considered one of the most promising large-scale energy storage technologies. However, conventional RFBs suffer from low energy density due to the low solubility of the active materials in electrolyte. On the basis of the redox targeting reactions of battery materials, the redox flow lithium battery (RFLB) demonstrated in this report presents a disruptive approach to drastically enhancing the energy density of flow batteries. With LiFePO4 and TiO2 as the cathodic and anodic Li storage materials, respectively, the tank energy density of RFLB could reach ~500 watt-hours per liter (50% porosity), which is 10 times higher than that of a vanadium redox flow battery. The cell exhibits good electrochemical performance under a prolonged cycling test. Our prototype RFLB full cell paves the way toward the development of a new generation of flow batteries for large-scale energy storage.

Global regularizing flows with topology preservation for active contours and polygons.

PubMed

Sundaramoorthi, Ganesh; Yezzi, Anthony

2007-03-01

Active contour and active polygon models have been used widely for image segmentation. In some applications, the topology of the object(s) to be detected from an image is known a priori, despite a complex unknown geometry, and it is important that the active contour or polygon maintain the desired topology. In this work, we construct a novel geometric flow that can be added to image-based evolutions of active contours and polygons in order to preserve the topology of the initial contour or polygon. We emphasize that, unlike other methods for topology preservation, the proposed geometric flow continually adjusts the geometry of the original evolution in a gradual and graceful manner so as to prevent a topology change long before the curve or polygon becomes close to topology change. The flow also serves as a global regularity term for the evolving contour, and has smoothness properties similar to curvature flow. These properties of gradually adjusting the original flow and global regularization prevent geometrical inaccuracies common with simple discrete topology preservation schemes. The proposed topology preserving geometric flow is the gradient flow arising from an energy that is based on electrostatic principles. The evolution of a single point on the contour depends on all other points of the contour, which is different from traditional curve evolutions in the computer vision literature.

Applications of immobilized catalysts in continuous flow processes.

PubMed

Kirschning, Andreas; Jas, Gerhard

2004-01-01

As part of the dramatic changes associated with automation in pharmaceutical and agrochemical research laboratories, the search for new technologies has become a major topic in the chemical community. Commonly, high-throughput chemistry is still carried out in batches whereas flow-through processes are rather restricted to production processes, despite the fact that the latter concept allows facile automation, reproducibility, safety, and process reliability. Indeed, methods and technologies are missing that allow rapid transfer from the research level to process development. Continuous flow processes are considered as a universal lever to overcome these restrictions and only recently, joint efforts between synthetic and polymer chemists and chemical engineers have resulted in the first continuous flow devices and microreactors which allow rapid preparation of compounds with minimum workup. Importantly, more and more developments combine the use of immobilized reagents and catalysts with the concept of structured continuous flow reactors. Consequently, the present article focuses on this new research field, which is located at the interface of continuous flow processes and solid-phase-bound catalysts.

Energy Harvesting from Fluid Flow in Water Pipelines for Smart Metering Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoffmann, D.; Willmann, A.; Göpfert, R.; Becker, P.; Folkmer, B.; Manoli, Y.

2013-12-01

In this paper a rotational, radial-flux energy harvester incorporating a three-phase generation principle is presented for converting energy from water flow in domestic water pipelines. The energy harvester together with a power management circuit and energy storage is used to power a smart metering system installed underground making it independent from external power supplies or depleting batteries. The design of the radial-flux energy harvester is adapted to the housing of a conventional mechanical water flow meter enabling the use of standard components such as housing and impeller. The energy harvester is able to generate up to 720 mW when using a flow rate of 20 l/min (fully opened water tab). A minimum flow rate of 3 l/min is required to get the harvester started. In this case a power output of 2 mW is achievable. By further design optimization of the mechanical structure including the impeller and magnetic circuit the threshold flow rate can be further reduced.

Brittle to Semibrittle Transition in Quartz Sandstone: Energetics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanaya, Taka; Hirth, Greg

2018-01-01

Triaxial compression experiments were conducted on a quartz sandstone at effective pressures up to 175 MPa and temperatures up to 900°C. Our experiments show a transition from brittle faulting to semibrittle faulting with an increase in both pressure and temperature. The yield behavior of samples deformed in the semibrittle regime follows a compactant elliptical cap at low strain, but evolves to a dilatant Mohr-Coulomb relationship with continued compaction. Optical microscopy indicates that semibrittle deformation involves cataclastic flow through shear-enhanced compaction and grain crushing; however, transmission electron microscopy shows evidence for dislocation glide in limited portions of samples. To constrain the relative contribution of brittle and crystal plastic mechanisms, we estimate the partitioning of the inelastic work into the dissipation energy for microcracking, intergranular frictional slip, and dislocation glide. We conclude that semibrittle deformation is accommodated primarily by cataclastic mechanisms, with only a limited contribution from crystal plasticity. Mechanical data, acoustic emission records, and analysis of surface energy all indicate the activation of subcritical cracking at elevated temperature. Hence, we infer that the enhancement of subcritical cracking is responsible for the transition to semibrittle flow through promoting distributed grain-scale fractures and millimeter-scale shear bands. Subcritical cracking promotes the nucleation of microfractures at lower stresses, and the resulting decrease in flow stress retards the propagation of transgranular microfractures. Our study illuminates the important role of temperature on the micromechanics of the transition from brittle faulting to cataclastic flow in the Earth.

Ion conducting membranes for aqueous flow battery systems.

PubMed

Yuan, Zhizhang; Zhang, Huamin; Li, Xianfeng

2018-06-07

Flow batteries, aqueous flow batteries in particular, are the most promising candidates for stationary energy storage to realize the wide utilization of renewable energy sources. To meet the requirement of large-scale energy storage, there has been a growing interest in aqueous flow batteries, especially in novel redox couples and flow-type systems. However, the development of aqueous flow battery technologies is at an early stage and their performance can be further improved. As a key component of a flow battery, the membrane has a significant effect on battery performance. Currently, the membranes used in aqueous flow battery technologies are very limited. In this feature article, we first cover the application of porous membranes in vanadium flow battery technology, and then the membranes in most recently reported aqueous flow battery systems. Meanwhile, we hope that this feature article will inspire more efforts to design and prepare membranes with outstanding performance and stability, and then accelerate the development of flow batteries for large scale energy storage applications.

Complete nitrogen removal from municipal wastewater via partial nitrification by appropriately alternating anoxic/aerobic conditions in a continuous plug-flow step feed process.

PubMed

Ge, Shijian; Peng, Yongzhen; Qiu, Shuang; Zhu, Ao; Ren, Nanqi

2014-05-15

This study assessed the technical feasibility of removing nitrogen from municipal wastewater by partial nitrification (nitritation) in a continuous plug-flow step feed process. Nitrite in the effluent accumulated to over 81.5  ± 9.2% but disappeared with the transition of process operation from anoxic/oxic mode to the anaerobic/anoxic/oxic mode. Batch tests showed obvious ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) stimulation (advanced ammonia oxidation rate) and nitrite (NOB) oxidizing bacteria inhibition (reduced nitrite oxidation rate) under transient anoxic conditions. Two main factors contributed to nitritation in this continuous plug-flow process: One was the alternating anoxic and oxic operational condition; the step feed strategy guaranteed timely denitrification in anoxic zones, allowing a reduction in energy supply (nitrite) to NOB. Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis indicated that NOB population gradually decreased to 1.0  ± 0.1% of the total bacterial population (dominant Nitrospira spp., 1.55 × 10(9) copies/L) while AOB increased approximately two-fold (7.4  ± 0.9%, 1.25 × 10(10) copies/L) during the above anoxic to anaerobic transition. Most importantly, without addition of external carbon sources, the above wastewater treatment process reached 86.0  ± 4.2% of total nitrogen (TN) removal with only 7.23 ± 2.31 mg/L of TN in the effluent, which met the discharge requirements. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mixed Convective Condensation in Enclosures with Noncondensable Gases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fox, Richard John

1994-01-01

A transient, two-dimensional, numerical model was developed in order to study the laminar flow, heat, and mass transfer in a vertical reflux condenser loaded with vapor and noncondensable gas. The simplified model treats the two-component (gas/vapor), two-phase (vapor/liquid) mixture as a continuum by making use of conservation equations for mass continuity, momentum, species, and energy. The liquid mist phase is formed in such a way as to obey one of three conditions: thermodynamic equilibrium, complete nonequilibrium (no mist formation), or partial equilibrium (partial supersaturation). In developing the model, special attention was paid to the formulation of the boundary conditions, global continuity, and numerical efficiency. Two different mixture combinations were used in order to create stable and unstable systems. Steam-helium mixtures (Mv, = 18, Mg = 4) were found to exhibit stable flows with the lighter helium trapped in the upper portion of the condenser, shutting off condensation in that region. Steam-air mixtures (M_ {v}, = 18, Mg = 28) were found to exhibit varying degrees of instability, depending on the noncondensable gas and heat load, owing to the accumulation of the heavy gas near the condensing surface. Under low gas loading cases (Pg = 0.031 kg/m^3) the natural convective fluctuations were found to be weak and the flow was more easily dominated by the forced convective inlet flow and wall suction. At such low gas loadings, stable, asymmetric flow patterns persisted up to high powers. Large gas loadings (Pg = 0.196 kg/m^3) showed much stronger natural convective effects. Regions of counterflowing vapor and gas were found to promote stronger mixing as the power was increased. Regions of noncondensing gas were found to blanket the condenser walls as the suction velocity increased, resulting in a strong resistance to heat and mass transfer and consequent increase in system pressure. Moderate gas loadings (Pg = 0.065 kg/m ^3) were found to exhibit intermediate behavior between the low and high gas loading cases. For the moderate gas loading cases, a bifurcation was found to occur when Re was increased beyond a critical value, forcing the system into one of two stable, distinct flow patterns. Each branch of the bifurcation was found to correspond to the flows that occur in either the low or high gas loading cases, and radically different heat transfer performance was encountered for the same system parameters. The model was also used to simulate experiments conducted in a vertical reflux thermosyphon using steam -air mixtures. The qualitative aspects of the flow were in reasonable agreement between the model and experiment and trends in the local heat transfer were similar. By converting latent heat energy into sensible heat energy, mist formation was found to increase the system temperature and, as a consequence, the overall heat transfer coefficient was lowered. However, the total heat transfer rate was not sensitive to mist formation since the reduction in the latent heat transfer was accompanied by a corresponding increase in the sensible heat transfer, altering the mode but not the magnitude of the total heat transfer.

Dark energy in the environments of the Local Group, the M 81 group, and the CenA group: the normalized Hubble diagram

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teerikorpi, P.; Chernin, A. D.; Karachentsev, I. D.; Valtonen, M. J.

2008-05-01

Context: Type Ia supernova observations on scales of thousands of Mpc show that the global expansion of the universe is accelerated by antigravity produced by the enigmatic dark energy contributing 3/4 of the total energy of the universe. Aims: Does antigravity act on small scales as well as large? As a continuation of our efforts to answer this crucial question we combine high accuracy observations of the galaxy flows around the Local Group and the nearby M 81 and CenA groups to observe the effect of the dark energy density on local scales of a few Mpc. Methods: We use an analytical model to describe non-uniform static space-time regions around galaxy groups. In this context it is useful to present the Hubble flow in a normalized Hubble diagram V/Hv Rv vs. r/R_v, where the vacuum Hubble constant Hv depends only on the cosmological vacuum density and the zero-gravity distance Rv depends on the vacuum density and on the mass of the galaxy group. We have prepared the normalized Hubble diagrams for the LG, M 81 and CenA group environments for different values of the assumed vacuum energy density, using a total of about 150 galaxies, for almost all of which the distances have been measured by the HST. Results: The normalized Hubble diagram, where we identify dynamically different regions, is in agreement with the standard vacuum density (Ωv = 0.77~h_70-2), the out-flow of galaxies clearly being controlled by the minimum energy condition imposed by the central mass plus the vacuum density. A high vacuum density 1.6~h_70-2 violates the minimum energy limit, while a low density 0.1~h_70-2 leaves the start of the Hubble flow around 1-2 Mpc with the slope close to the global value obscure. We also consider the subtle relation of the zero-gravity radius Rv to the zero-velocity distance R0 appearing in the usual retarded expansion around a mass M: in a vacuum-dominated flat universe R0 ≈ 0.76 R_v. Conclusions: The normalized Hubble diagram appears to be a good way to present and analyze physically different regions around mass clumps embedded in cosmological vacuum. The most natural interpretation of the diagram is that the local density of the dark energy is approximately equal to the density known from studies on global scales.

Targeted energy transfer in laminar vortex-induced vibration of a sprung cylinder with a nonlinear dissipative rotator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blanchard, Antoine; Bergman, Lawrence A.; Vakakis, Alexander F.

2017-07-01

We computationally investigate the dynamics of a linearly-sprung circular cylinder immersed in an incompressible flow and undergoing transverse vortex-induced vibration (VIV), to which is attached a rotational nonlinear energy sink (NES) consisting of a mass that freely rotates at constant radius about the cylinder axis, and whose motion is restrained by a rotational linear viscous damper. The inertial coupling between the rotational motion of the attached mass and the rectilinear motion of the cylinder is ;essentially nonlinear;, which, in conjunction with dissipation, allows for one-way, nearly irreversible targeted energy transfer (TET) from the oscillating cylinder to the nonlinear dissipative attachment. At the intermediate Reynolds number Re = 100, the NES-equipped sprung cylinder undergoes repetitive cycles of slowly decaying oscillations punctuated by intervals of chaotic instabilities. During the slowly decaying portion of each cycle, the dynamics of the cylinder is regular and, for large enough values of the ratio ε of the NES mass to the total mass (i.e., NES mass plus cylinder mass), can lead to significant vortex street elongation with partial stabilization of the wake. As ε approaches zero, no such vortex elongation is observed and the wake patterns appear similar to that for a sprung cylinder with no NES. We apply proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) to the velocity flow field during a slowly decaying portion of the solution and show that, in situations where vortex elongation occurs, the NES, though not in direct contact with the surrounding fluid, has a drastic effect on the underlying flow structures, imparting significant and continuous passive redistribution of energy among POD modes. We construct a POD-based reduced-order model for the lift coefficient to characterize energy transactions between the fluid and the cylinder throughout the slowly decaying cycle. We introduce a quantitative signed measure of the work done by the fluid on the cylinder over one quasi-period of the slowly decaying response and find that vortex elongation is associated with a sign change of that measure, indicating that a reversal of the direction of energy transfer, with the cylinder ;leaking energy back; to the flow, is responsible for partial stabilization and elongation of the wake. We interpret these findings in terms of the spatial structure and energy distribution of the POD modes, and relate them to the mechanism of transient resonance capture into a slow invariant manifold of the fluid-structure interaction dynamics.

Numerical investigation of thermal-hydraulic performance of channel with protrusions by turbulent cross flow jet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahu, M. K.; Pandey, K. M.; Chatterjee, S.

2018-05-01

In this two dimensional numerical investigation, small rectangular channel with right angled triangular protrusions in the bottom wall of test section is considered. A slot nozzle is placed at the middle of top wall of channel which impinges air normal to the protruded surface. A duct flow and nozzle flow combined to form cross flow which is investigated for heat transfer enhancement of protruded channel. The governing equations for continuity, momentum, energy along with SST k-ω turbulence model are solved with finite volume based Computational fluid dynamics code ANSYS FLUENT 14.0. The range of duct Reynolds number considered for this analysis is 8357 to 51760. The ratios of pitch of protrusion to height of duct considered are 0.5, 0.64 and 0.82. The ratios of height of protrusion to height of duct considered are 0.14, 0.23 and 0.29. The effect of duct Reynolds number, pitch and height of protrusion on thermal-hydraulic performance is studied under cross flow condition. It is found that heat transfer rate is more at relatively larger pitch and small pressure drop is found in case of low height of protrusion.

Wettability control on fluid-fluid displacements in patterned microfluidics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Benzhong; MacMinn, Christopher; Juanes, Ruben

2015-11-01

Two-phase flow in porous media is important in many natural and industrial processes. While it is well known the wetting properties of porous media can vary drastically depending on the media and the pore fluids, their effect continues to challenge our microscopic and macroscopic descriptions. We conduct experiments via radial displacement of silicone oil by water in microfluidic devices patterned with vertical posts. These devices allow for flow visualization in a complex but well-defined microstructure. Additionally, the surface energy of the devices can be tuned over a wide range of contact angles. We perform injection experiments with highly unfavorable mobility contrast at rates over four orders of magnitude. We focus on three wetting conditions: drainage θ = 120°, weak imbibition θ = 60°, and strong imbibition θ = 7°. In drainage, we see a transition from viscous fingering at high capillary numbers to a morphology that differs from capillary fingering. In weak imbibition, we observe stabilization of flow due to cooperative invasion at the pore scale. In strong imbibition, we find the flow is heavily influenced by a precursor front that emanates from the main imbibition front. Our work shows the important, yet intricate, impact of wettability on immiscible flow in porous media.

Development of flow separation control system to reduce the vibration of wind turbine blades

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Ho-Young; Kim, Ho-Hyun; Han, Jong-Seob; Han, Jae-Hung

2017-04-01

The size of wind turbine blade has been continuously increased. Large-scale wind turbine blades induce loud noise, vibration; and maintenance difficulty is also increased. It causes the eventual increases of the cost of energy. The vibration of wind turbine blade is caused by several reasons such as a blade rotation, tower shadow, wind shear, and flow separation of a wind turbine blade. This wind speed variation changes in local angle of attack of the blades and create the vibration. The variation of local angle of attack influences the lift coefficient and causes the large change of the lift. In this study, we focus on the lift coefficient control using a flow control device to reduce the vibration. DU35-A15 airfoil was employed as baseline model. A plasma actuator was installed to generate the upwind jet in order to control the lift coefficient. Wind tunnel experiment was performed to demonstrate of the performance of the plasma actuator. The results show the plasma actuator can induce the flow separation compared with the baseline model. In addition, the actuator can delay the flow separation depending on the input AC frequency with the same actuator configuration.

Osborne Reynolds pipe flow: direct numerical simulation from laminar to fully-developed turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adrian, R. J.; Wu, X.; Moin, P.; Baltzer, J. R.

2014-11-01

Osborne Reynolds' pipe experiment marked the onset of modern viscous flow research, yet the detailed mechanism carrying the laminar state to fully-developed turbulence has been quite elusive, despite notable progress related to dynamic edge-state theory. Here, we continue our direct numerical simulation study on this problem using a 250R long, spatially-developing pipe configuration with various Reynolds numbers, inflow disturbances, and inlet base flow states. For the inlet base flow, both fully-developed laminar profile and the uniform plug profile are considered. Inlet disturbances consist of rings of turbulence of different width and radial location. In all the six cases examined so far, energy norms show exponential growth with axial distance until transition after an initial decay near the inlet. Skin-friction overshoots the Moody's correlation in most, but not all, the cases. Another common theme is that lambda vortices amplified out of susceptible elements in the inlet disturbances trigger rapidly growing hairpin packets at random locations and times, after which infant turbulent spots appear. Mature turbulent spots in the pipe transition are actually tight concentrations of hairpin packets looking like a hairpin forest. The plug flow inlet profile requires much stronger disturbances to transition than the parabolic profile.

Bernoulli's Principle Applied to Brain Fluids: Intracranial Pressure Does Not Drive Cerebral Perfusion or CSF Flow.

PubMed

Schmidt, Eric; Ros, Maxime; Moyse, Emmanuel; Lorthois, Sylvie; Swider, Pascal

2016-01-01

In line with the first law of thermodynamics, Bernoulli's principle states that the total energy in a fluid is the same at all points. We applied Bernoulli's principle to understand the relationship between intracranial pressure (ICP) and intracranial fluids. We analyzed simple fluid physics along a tube to describe the interplay between pressure and velocity. Bernoulli's equation demonstrates that a fluid does not flow along a gradient of pressure or velocity; a fluid flows along a gradient of energy from a high-energy region to a low-energy region. A fluid can even flow against a pressure gradient or a velocity gradient. Pressure and velocity represent part of the total energy. Cerebral blood perfusion is not driven by pressure but by energy: the blood flows from high-energy to lower-energy regions. Hydrocephalus is related to increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) resistance (i.e., energy transfer) at various points. Identification of the energy transfer within the CSF circuit is important in understanding and treating CSF-related disorders. Bernoulli's principle is not an abstract concept far from clinical practice. We should be aware that pressure is easy to measure, but it does not induce resumption of fluid flow. Even at the bedside, energy is the key to understanding ICP and fluid dynamics.

Numerical research of parameters of interaction of the gas flow with rotary valve of the gas pipeline

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boldyrev, A. V.; Karelin, D. L.; Muljukin, V. L.

2016-11-01

Conducted numerical research of static characteristics of the rotary gate valve at different angles of its deviation. for this purpose were set different values of pressure differential on the valve depending on which, was determined the mass flow and torque on valve axes. The mathematical model is provided by continuity equations, average on Reynolds, Navier-Stokes and energy, the equation of the perfect gas, the equations of two-layer k-e of model of turbulence. When calculating the current near walls are used Wolfstein's model and the hybrid wall functions of Reichardt for the speed and temperature. The task is solved in three-dimensional statement with use of conditions of symmetry. The structure of the current is analyzed: zones of acceleration and flow separation, whirlwinds, etc. Noted growth of hydraulic resistance of the valve with reduction of slope angle of the valve and with the increase in mass flow. Established increase of torque with reduction of the deviation angle of the valve and with increase in the mass expense.

The effect of magnetohydrodynamic nano fluid flow through porous cylinder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Widodo, Basuki; Arif, Didik Khusnul; Aryany, Deviana; Asiyah, Nur; Widjajati, Farida Agustini; Kamiran

2017-08-01

This paper concerns about the analysis of the effect of magnetohydrodynamic nano fluid flow through horizontal porous cylinder on steady and incompressible condition. Fluid flow is assumed opposite gravity and induced by magnet field. Porous cylinder is assumed had the same depth of porous and was not absorptive. The First thing to do in this research is to build the model of fluid flow to obtain dimentional governing equations. The dimentional governing equations are consist of continuity equation, momentum equation, and energy equation. Furthermore, the dimensional governing equations are converted to non-dimensional governing equation by using non-dimensional parameters and variables. Then, the non-dimensional governing equations are transformed into similarity equations using stream function and solved using Keller-Box method. The result of numerical solution further is obtained by taking variation of magnetic parameter, Prandtl number, porosity parameter, and volume fraction. The numerical results show that velocity profiles increase and temperature profiles decrease when both of the magnetic and the porosity parameter increase. However, the velocity profiles decrease and the temperature profiles increase when both of the magnetic and the porosity parameter increase.

Comparison of superhydrophobic drag reduction between turbulent pipe and channel flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Im, Hyung Jae; Lee, Jae Hwa

2017-09-01

It has been known over several decades that canonical wall-bounded internal flows of a pipe and channel share flow similarities, in particular, close to the wall due to the negligible curvature effect. In the present study, direct numerical simulations of fully developed turbulent pipe and channel flows are performed to investigate the influence of the superhydrophobic surfaces (SHSs) on the turbulence dynamics and the resultant drag reduction (DR) of the flows under similar conditions. SHSs at the wall are modeled in spanwise-alternating longitudinal regions with a boundary with no-slip and shear-free conditions, and the two parameters of the spanwise periodicity (P/δ) and SHS fraction (GF) within a pitch are considered. It is shown, in agreement with previous investigations in channels, that the turbulent drag for the pipe and channel flows over SHSs is continuously decreased with increases in P/δ and GF. However, the DR rate in the pipe flows is greater than that in the channel flows with an accompanying reduction of the Reynolds stress. The enhanced performance of the DR for the pipe flow is attributed to the increased streamwise slip and weakened Reynolds shear stress contributions. In addition, a mathematical analysis of the spanwise mean vorticity equation suggests that the presence of a strong secondary flow due to the increased spanwise slip of the pipe flows makes a greater negative contribution of advective vorticity transport than the channel flows, resulting in a higher DR value. Finally, an inspection of the origin of the mean secondary flow in turbulent flows over SHSs based on the spatial gradients of the turbulent kinetic energy demonstrates that the secondary flow is both driven and sustained by spatial gradients in the Reynolds stress components, i.e., Prandtl's secondary flow of the second kind.

Character of energy flow in air shower core

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mizushima, K.; Asakimori, K.; Maeda, T.; Kameda, T.; Misaki, Y.

1985-01-01

Energy per charged particle near the core of air showers was measured by 9 energy flow detectors, which were the combination of Cerenkov counters and scintillators. Energy per particle of each detector was normalized to energy at 2m from the core. The following results were obtained as to the energy flow: (1) integral frequency distribution of mean energy per particle (averaged over 9 detectors) is composed of two groups separated distinctly; and (2) showers contained in one group show an anisotropy of arrival direction.

Integrative measurements focusing on carbon, energy and water fluxes at the forest site 'Hohes Holz' and the grassland 'Grosses Bruch'

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rebmann, Corinna; Claudia, Schütze; Sara, Marañón-Jiménez; Sebastian, Gimper; Matthias, Zink; Luis, Samaniego; Matthias, Cuntz

2017-04-01

The reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the optimization of Carbon sequestration by ecosystems have become priority objectives for current climate change policies. In this context, the long term research project TERENO and the research infrastructure ICOS have been established. The eddy covariance technique allows obtaining an integrative estimate of the ecosystem carbon, water and energy balances at the ecosystem level. The relative contributions of evaporation and transpiration as well as carbon sources and sinks need, however, to be determined separately for thorough process understanding. Two different ecosystem observatories have recently been established in the Magdeburger Börde: a deciduous forest (Hohes Holz) and a meadow (Grosses Bruch). A comprehensive system of instrumentation provides continuous data for the evaluation of energy, water and carbon fluxes at the 1500 ha large forest site, including a 50 m high eddy covariance (EC) tower for micrometeorological investigations in different heights above and below canopy, throughfall and stem flow sensors, a soil moisture and temperature sensor network, soil respiration chambers, sap flow sensors, and ancillary analysis of trees such a dendrometer and leaf area index measurements. Eddy covariance measurements allow the assessment of the carbon (Net Ecosystem Exchange, NEE) and water balance at the ecosystem scale. To better understand the contributing processes we partition water und carbon fluxes of the forest ecosystem by different methods. Tower-based data of NEE are therefore complemented and validated by continuous automatic and manual campaign measurements of soil effluxes and their drivers. Water fluxes into the ecosystem are partitioned by stem flow and throughfall measurements and a distributed soil moisture network. Gap fraction in the forest has a strong influence on the distribution on the water fluxes and is therefore determined on a regular basis. Since the establishment of the flux sites, two abnormally dry years (2015 and 2016) occurred. Fluxes from these years are evaluated in detail here. These data are additionally used to evaluate the drought assessment of the German Drought Monitor (www.ufz.de/droughtmonitor).

Interactions between land use, climate and hydropower in Scotland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sample, James

2015-04-01

To promote the transition towards a low carbon economy, the Scottish Government has adopted ambitious energy targets, including generating all electricity from renewable sources by 2020. To achieve this, continued investment will be required across a range of sustainable technologies. Hydropower has a long history in Scotland and the present-day operational capacity of ~1.5 GW makes a substantial contribution to the national energy budget. In addition, there remains potential for ~500 MW of further development, mostly in the form of small to medium size run-of-river schemes. Climate change is expected to lead to an intensification of the global hydrological cycle, leading to changes in both the magnitude and seasonality of river flows. There may also be indirect effects, such as changing land use, enhanced evapotranspiration rates and an increased demand for irrigation, all of which could affect the water available for energy generation. Preliminary assessments of hydropower commonly use flow duration curves (FDCs) to estimate the power generation potential at proposed new sites. In this study, we use spatially distributed modelling to generate daily and monthly FDCs on a 1 km by 1 km grid across Scotland, using a variety of future land use and climate change scenarios. Parameter-related uncertainty in the model has been constrained using Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) techniques to derive posterior probability distributions for key model parameters. Our results give an indication of the sensitivity and vulnerability of Scotland's run-of-river hydropower resources to possible changes in climate and land use. The effects are spatially variable and the range of uncertainty is sometimes large, but consistent patterns do emerge. For example, many locations are predicted to experience enhanced seasonality, with significantly lower power generation potential in the summer months and greater potential during the autumn and winter. Some sites may require infrastructural changes in order to continue operating at optimum efficiency. We discuss the implications and limitations of our results, and highlight design and adaptation options for maximising the resilience of hydropower installations under changing future flow patterns.

40 CFR 89.416 - Raw exhaust gas flow.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 20 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Raw exhaust gas flow. 89.416 Section 89.416 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED... Procedures § 89.416 Raw exhaust gas flow. The exhaust gas flow shall be determined by one of the methods...

40 CFR 89.416 - Raw exhaust gas flow.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 20 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Raw exhaust gas flow. 89.416 Section 89.416 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED... Procedures § 89.416 Raw exhaust gas flow. The exhaust gas flow shall be determined by one of the methods...

Microwave and continuous flow technologies in drug discovery.

PubMed

Sadler, Sara; Moeller, Alexander R; Jones, Graham B

2012-12-01

Microwave and continuous flow microreactors have become mainstream heating sources in contemporary pharmaceutical company laboratories. Such technologies will continue to benefit from design and engineering improvements, and now play a key role in the drug discovery process. The authors review the applications of flow- and microwave-mediated heating in library, combinatorial, solid-phase, metal-assisted, and protein chemistries. Additionally, the authors provide a description of the combination of microwave and continuous flow platforms, with applications in the preparation of radiopharmaceuticals and in drug candidate development. Literature reviewed is chiefly 2000 - 2012, plus key citations from earlier reports. With the advent of microwave irradiation, reactions that normally took days to complete can now be performed in a matter of minutes. Coupled with the introduction of continuous flow microreactors, pharmaceutical companies have an easy way to improve the greenness and efficiency of many synthetic operations. The combined force of these technologies offers the potential to revolutionize discovery and manufacturing processes.

Integrated and spectral energy flows of the GLAS GCM

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tennebaum, J.

1981-01-01

Methods to analyze the generation, transport, and dissipation of energy to study geophysical fluid flows are discussed. Energetics analyses are pursued in several directions: (1) the longitudinal and time dependence on the energy flow to the stratosphere was examined as a function of geographical sector; (2) strong and weak energy flows were correlated by medium range forecasts; (3) the one dimensional spectral results (Fourier services around latitude circles) were extended to spherical harmonics over a global domain; (4) the validity of vertical velocities derived from mass convergence was examined for their effect on the conversion of eddy available potential energy to eddy kinetic energy.

Energy flow analysis during the tennis serve: comparison between injured and noninjured tennis players.

PubMed

Martin, Caroline; Bideau, Benoit; Bideau, Nicolas; Nicolas, Guillaume; Delamarche, Paul; Kulpa, Richard

2014-11-01

Energy flow has been hypothesized to be one of the most critical biomechanical concepts related to tennis performance and overuse injuries. However, the relationships among energy flow during the tennis serve, ball velocity, and overuse injuries have not been assessed. To investigate the relationships among the quality and magnitude of energy flow, the ball velocity, and the peaks of upper limb joint kinetics and to compare the energy flow during the serve between injured and noninjured tennis players. Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. The serves of expert tennis players were recorded with an optoelectronic motion capture system. The forces and torques of the upper limb joints were calculated from the motion captures by use of inverse dynamics. The amount of mechanical energy generated, absorbed, and transferred was determined by use of a joint power analysis. Then the players were followed during 2 seasons to identify upper limb overuse injuries with a questionnaire. Finally, players were classified into 2 groups according to the questionnaire results: injured or noninjured. Ball velocity increased and upper limb joint kinetics decreased with the quality of energy flow from the trunk to the hand + racket segment. Injured players showed a lower quality of energy flow through the upper limb kinetic chain, a lower ball velocity, and higher rates of energy absorbed by the shoulder and elbow compared with noninjured players. The findings of this study imply that improper energy flow during the tennis serve can decrease ball velocity, increase upper limb joint kinetics, and thus increase overuse injuries of the upper limb joints. © 2014 The Author(s).

High effective heterogeneous plasma vortex reactor for production of heat energy and hydrogen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belov, N. K.; Zavershinskii, I. P.; Klimov, A. I.; Molevich, N. E.; Porfiriev, D. P.; Tolkunov, B. N.

2018-03-01

This work is a continuation of our previous studies [1-10] of physical parameters and properties of a long-lived heterogeneous plasmoid (plasma formation with erosive nanoclusters) created by combined discharge in a high-speed swirl flow. Here interaction of metal nanoclusters with hydrogen atoms is studied in a plasma vortex reactor (PVR) with argon-water steam mixture. Metal nanoclusters were created by nickel cathode’s erosion at combined discharge on. Dissociated hydrogen atoms and ions were obtained in water steam by electric discharge. These hydrogen atoms and ions interacted with metal nanoclusters, which resulted in the creation of a stable plasmoid in a swirl gas flow. This plasmoid has been found to create intensive soft X-ray radiation. Plasma parameters of this plasmoid were measured by optical spectroscopy method. It has been obtained that there is a high non-equilibrium plasmoid: Te > TV >> TR. The measured coefficient of energy performance of this plasmoid is about COP = 2÷10. This extra power release in plasmoid is supposed to be connected with internal excited electrons. The obtained experimental results have proved our suggestion.

Characteristics of a DC-Driven Atmospheric Pressure Air Microplasma Jet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Jaegu; Matsuo, Keita; Yoshida, Hidekazu; Namihira, Takao; Katsuki, Sunao; Akiyama, Hidenori

2008-08-01

A dc-driven atmospheric pressure air plasma jet has been investigated for some applications, such as local dental treatment, the inner surface treatment of capillaries, stimuli for microorganisms, and the local cleaning of semiconductor devices. The main experimental results are as follows. The discharge in the pulsed mode occurs repetitively despite of the dc input, and the pulsed mode transfers to the continuous mode as the current exceeds a threshold. The measured emission spectrum from the arc column of the air discharge reveals that most energy of activated electrons is used for the excitation of N2 (second positive system bands) and part of the energy for the dissociation of O2. The length of the plasma torch depends on the tube length, inner gap distance, and flow rate. The maximum torch length of about 40 mm is obtained under certain conditions. The spatial distributions of plasma gas temperature are measured and confirmed by the visualization of the gas flow using Schlieren images. Furthermore, surface treatment and decolorization using the generated plasma torch are carried out, focusing on industrial applications.

Observation of Vibrational Relaxation Dynamics in X(sup 3)Sigma(sup -)(sub g) Oxygen Following Stimulated Raman Excitation to the v=1 Level: Implications for the RELIEF Flow Tagging Technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Diskin, Glenn S.; Lempert, Walter R.; Miles, Richard B.

1996-01-01

The vibrational relaxation of ground-state molecular oxygen (O2, X(sup 3)Sigma(sup -)(sub g)) has been observed, following stimulated Raman excitation to the first excited vibrational level (v=1). Time delayed laser-induced fluorescence probing of the ro-vibrational population distribution was used to examine the temporal relaxation behavior. In the presence of water vapor, the relaxation process is rapid, and is dominated by near-resonant vibrational energy exchange between the v=1 level of O2 and the n2 bending mode of H2O. In the absence of H2O, reequilibration proceeds via homogeneous vibrational energy transfer, in which a collision between two v=1 O2 molecules leaves one molecule in the v=2 state and the other in the v=0 state. Subsequent collisions between molecules in v=1 and v>1 result in continued transfer of population up the vibrational ladder. The implications of these results for the RELIEF flow tagging technique are discussed.

Gas-phase optical fiber photocatalytic reactors for indoor air application: a preliminary study on performance indicators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palmiste, Ü.; Voll, H.

2017-10-01

The development of advanced air cleaning technologies aims to reduce building energy consumption by reduction of outdoor air flow rates while keeping the indoor air quality at an acceptable level by air cleaning. Photocatalytic oxidation is an emerging technology for gas-phase air cleaning that can be applied in a standalone unit or a subsystem of a building mechanical ventilation system. Quantitative information on photocatalytic reactor performance is required to evaluate the technical and economic viability of the advanced air cleaning by PCO technology as an energy conservation measure in a building air conditioning system. Photocatalytic reactors applying optical fibers as light guide or photocatalyst coating support have been reported as an approach to address the current light utilization problems and thus, improve the overall efficiency. The aim of the paper is to present a preliminary evaluation on continuous flow optical fiber photocatalytic reactors based on performance indicators commonly applied for air cleaners. Based on experimental data, monolith-type optical fiber reactor performance surpasses annular-type optical fiber reactors in single-pass removal efficiency, clean air delivery rate and operating cost efficiency.

Water in the world

USGS Publications Warehouse

Leopold, Luna Bergere

1964-01-01

The earth, Including Its oceans and atmosphere, ls a giant distillation system whose operation brings about the distribution of fresh water throughout the world, from the frozen wastes of polar regions to the burning equatorial deserts. Stated in the simplest terms, distillation, condensation and liquid flow are the elemental processes which, on a grand scale, distribute and circulate throughout the world the water which ls essential for all life.Water in liquid form absorbs heat energy, chiefly from the sun, and the absorbed energy changes the water from liquid to gaseous form. Transported in the atmosphere, the vapour later meets cooler conditions and condenses as precipitation, some of which replenishes the water in land areas.Because water is continually being transformed from liquid to vapour and back to liquid again, the whole sequence of events ends where It began. That ls, the condensed moisture in the form of precipitation runs Into or off the surface of the earth, and a part of It collects in rivers which flow to the ocean. The events together form what is called the hydrological cycle.

Hybrid heating systems optimization of residential environment to have thermal comfort conditions by numerical simulation.

PubMed

Jahantigh, Nabi; Keshavarz, Ali; Mirzaei, Masoud

2015-01-01

The aim of this study is to determine optimum hybrid heating systems parameters, such as temperature, surface area of a radiant heater and vent area to have thermal comfort conditions. DOE, Factorial design method is used to determine the optimum values for input parameters. A 3D model of a virtual standing thermal manikin with real dimensions is considered in this study. Continuity, momentum, energy, species equations for turbulent flow and physiological equation for thermal comfort are numerically solved to study heat, moisture and flow field. K - ɛRNG Model is used for turbulence modeling and DO method is used for radiation effects. Numerical results have a good agreement with the experimental data reported in the literature. The effect of various combinations of inlet parameters on thermal comfort is considered. According to Pareto graph, some of these combinations that have significant effect on the thermal comfort require no more energy can be used as useful tools. A better symmetrical velocity distribution around the manikin is also presented in the hybrid system.

Plasma Evolution within an Erupting Coronal Cavity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Long, David M.; Harra, Louise K.; Matthews, Sarah A.; Warren, Harry P.; Lee, Kyoung-Sun; Doschek, George A.; Hara, Hirohisa; Jenkins, Jack M.

2018-03-01

Coronal cavities have previously been observed to be associated with long-lived quiescent filaments and are thought to correspond to the associated magnetic flux rope. Although the standard flare model predicts a coronal cavity corresponding to the erupting flux rope, these have only been observed using broadband imaging data, restricting an analysis to the plane-of-sky. We present a unique set of spectroscopic observations of an active region filament seen erupting at the solar limb in the extreme ultraviolet. The cavity erupted and expanded rapidly, with the change in rise phase contemporaneous with an increase in nonthermal electron energy flux of the associated flare. Hot and cool filamentary material was observed to rise with the erupting flux rope, disappearing suddenly as the cavity appeared. Although strongly blueshifted plasma continued to be observed flowing from the apex of the erupting flux rope, this outflow soon ceased. These results indicate that the sudden injection of energy from the flare beneath forced the rapid eruption and expansion of the flux rope, driving strong plasma flows, which resulted in the eruption of an under-dense filamentary flux rope.

Compression Shocks in Two-Dimensional Gas Flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Busemann, A.

1949-01-01

The following are arguments on the compression shocks in gas flow start with a simplified representation of the results of the study made by Th. Meyer as published in the Forschungsheft 62 of the VDI, supplemented by several amplifications for the application.In the treatment of compression shocks, the equation of energy, the equation of continuity, the momentum equation, the equation of state of the particular gas, as well as the condition Of the second law of thermodynamics that no decrease of entropy is possible in an isolated system, must be taken into consideration. The result is that, in those cases where the sudden change of state according to the second law of thermodynamics is possible, there always occurs a compression of the gas which is uniquely determined by the other conditions.

Energy cost and game flow of 5 exer-games in trained players.

PubMed

Bronner, Shaw; Pinsker, Russell; Noah, J Adam

2013-05-01

To determine energy expenditure and player experience in exer-games designed for novel platforms. Energy cost of 7 trained players was measured in 5 music-based exer-games. Participants answered a questionnaire about "game flow," experience of enjoyment, and immersion in game play. Energy expenditure during game play ranged from moderate to vigorous intensity (4 - 9 MET). Participant achieved highest MET levels and game flow while playing StepMania and lowest MET levels and game flow when playing Wii Just Dance 3(®) and Kinect Dance Central™. Game flow scores positively correlated with MET levels. Physiological measurement and game flow testing during game development may help to optimize exer-game player activity and experience.

System to continuously produce carbon fiber via microwave assisted plasma processing

DOEpatents

White, Terry L; Paulauskas, Felix L; Bigelow, Timothy S

2014-03-25

A method for continuously processing carbon fiber including establishing a microwave plasma in a selected atmosphere contained in an elongated chamber having a microwave power gradient along its length defined by a lower microwave power at one end and a higher microwave power at the opposite end of the elongated chamber. The elongated chamber having an opening in each of the ends of the chamber that are adapted to allow the passage of the fiber tow while limiting incidental gas flow into or out of said chamber. A continuous fiber tow is introduced into the end of the chamber having the lower microwave power. The fiber tow is withdrawn from the opposite end of the chamber having the higher microwave power. The fiber to is subjected to progressively higher microwave energy as the fiber is being traversed through the elongated chamber.

An Integrated Instrumentation System for Velocity, Concentration and Mass Flow Rate Measurement of Solid Particles Based on Electrostatic and Capacitance Sensors.

PubMed

Li, Jian; Kong, Ming; Xu, Chuanlong; Wang, Shimin; Fan, Ying

2015-12-10

The online and continuous measurement of velocity, concentration and mass flow rate of pneumatically conveyed solid particles for the high-efficiency utilization of energy and raw materials has become increasingly significant. In this paper, an integrated instrumentation system for the velocity, concentration and mass flow rate measurement of dense phase pneumatically conveyed solid particles based on electrostatic and capacitance sensorsis developed. The electrostatic sensors are used for particle mean velocity measurement in combination with the cross-correlation technique, while the capacitance sensor with helical surface-plate electrodes, which has relatively homogeneous sensitivity distribution, is employed for the measurement of particle concentration and its capacitance is measured by an electrostatic-immune AC-based circuit. The solid mass flow rate can be further calculated from the measured velocity and concentration. The developed instrumentation system for velocity and concentration measurement is verified and calibrated on a pulley rig and through static experiments, respectively. Finally the system is evaluated with glass beads on a gravity-fed rig. The experimental results demonstrate that the system is capable of the accurate solid mass flow rate measurement, and the relative error is within -3%-8% for glass bead mass flow rates ranging from 0.13 kg/s to 0.9 kg/s.

Reconstructing Deep-Marine Sediment Gravity Flow Dynamics from Ancient Rocks: an Example from Skoorsteenberg Fm. Tanqua Karoo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kane, I. A.; Pontén, A. S. M.; Hodgson, D.; Vangdal, B.

2015-12-01

The processes which create deep-marine lobes are challenging to study, owing to the depth of the lobes beneath the sea surface and the destructive nature of the sediment gravity flows which transport the sediment that builds them. One approach is to reconstruct paleohydraulics using detailed outcrop observations which can be used to build a theoretical framework for flow behavior. The Skoorsteenberg Fm., Tanqua Karoo, offers an excellent opportunity to study fine-grained deep-marine lobes in near continuous quasi-3D exposure. The spatial and stratigraphic distribution of the various facies of Fan 3 (one of the Skoorsteenberg Fm. lobe complexes) are presented. The turbidites which dominate the proximal and medial lobe areas, pass down-dip into very muddy sandstones which are here attributed to a type of transitional flow state. The model developed here suggests that turbidity currents exiting channels were large and turbulent enough to erode and entrain their substrate, increasing their concentration and clay content. As the flows decelerated they became increasingly stratified, characterised by an increasing bulk Richardson (Ri). Sand and silt particles settled together with flocculated clay, forming a cohesive, low yield-strength layer. This layer flowed in a laminar manner but settling of sand grains continued due to the low yield strength. The rising yield strength of the lower layer progressively inhibited the efficiency of vertical mixing, characterised by an increasing flux Richardson number, which, when it exceeded a critical value , led to a catastrophic collapse of the turbulent energy field and en-masse transformation of the upper part of the flow, ultimately resulting in a highly argillaceous sandstone (debrite) division. This transformation was possible due to the narrow grain size range, dominantly silt-vf sand with abundant flocculated clay, which behaved as a single phase. This model of flow evolution accounts for the presence of such beds without invoking external controls or large-scale flow partitioning, and also explains the abrupt pinchout of all divisions of these sandstones following catastrophic loss of turbulence.

Energy saving system with high effluent quality for municipal sewage treatment by UASB-DHS.

PubMed

Tanaka, H; Takahashi, M; Yoneyama, Y; Syutsubo, K; Kato, K; Nagano, A; Yamaguchi, T; Harada, H

2012-01-01

An up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) - down-flow hanging sponge (DHS) was applied to Japanese municipal sewage treatment, and its treatability, energy consumption, and sludge production were evaluated. The designed sewage load was 50 m(3)/d. The sewage typically had a chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 402 mg/L, a suspended solids (SS) content of 167 mg/L, and a temperature of 17-29 °C. The UASB and DHS exhibited theoretical hydraulic retention times of 9.7 and 2.5 h, respectively. The entire system was operated without temperature control. Operation was started with mesophilic anaerobic digested sludge for the UASB and various sponge media for the DHS. Continuous operational data suggest that although the cellulose decomposition and methanogenic process in the UASB are temperature sensitive, stable operation can be obtained by maintaining a satisfactory sludge volume index and sludge concentration. For the DHS, the cube-type medium G3-2 offers superior filling rates, biological preservation and operational execution. The SS derived from the DHS contaminated the effluent but could be removed by optional sand filtration. A comparison with conventional activated sludge (CAS) treatment confirmed that this system is adequate for municipal sewage treatment, with an estimated energy requirement and excess sludge production approximately 75 and 85% less than those of CAS, respectively.

Low energy consumption vortex wave flow membrane bioreactor.

PubMed

Wang, Zhiqiang; Dong, Weilong; Hu, Xiaohong; Sun, Tianyu; Wang, Tao; Sun, Youshan

2017-11-01

In order to reduce the energy consumption and membrane fouling of the conventional membrane bioreactor (MBR), a kind of low energy consumption vortex wave flow MBR was exploited based on the combination of biofilm process and membrane filtration process, as well as the vortex wave flow technique. The experimental results showed that the vortex wave flow state in the membrane module could be formed when the Reynolds number (Re) of liquid was adjusted between 450 and 1,050, and the membrane flux declined more slowly in the vortex wave flow state than those in the laminar flow state and turbulent flow state. The MBR system was used to treat domestic wastewater under the condition of vortex wave flow state for 30 days. The results showed that the removal efficiency for CODcr and NH 3 -N was 82% and 98% respectively, and the permeate quality met the requirement of 'Water quality standard for urban miscellaneous water consumption (GB/T 18920-2002)'. Analysis of the energy consumption of the MBR showed that the average energy consumption was 1.90 ± 0.55 kWh/m 3 (permeate), which was only two thirds of conventional MBR energy consumption.

Water transport and energy.

PubMed

Fricke, Wieland

2017-06-01

Water transport in plants occurs along various paths and is driven by gradients in its free energy. It is generally considered that the mode of transport, being either diffusion or bulk flow, is a passive process, although energy may be required to sustain the forces driving water flow. This review aims at putting water flow at the various organisational levels (cell, organ, plant) in the context of the energy that is required to maintain these flows. In addition, the question is addressed (1) whether water can be transported against a difference in its chemical free energy, 'water potential' (Ψ), through, directly or indirectly, active processes; and (2) whether the energy released when water is flowing down a gradient in its energy, for example during day-time transpiration and cell expansive growth, is significant compared to the energy budget of plant and cell. The overall aim of review is not so much to provide a definite 'Yes' and 'No' to these questions, but rather to stimulate discussion and raise awareness that water transport in plants has its real, associated, energy costs and potential energy gains. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Magnetic energy flow in the solar wind.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Modisette, J. L.

1972-01-01

Discussion of the effect of rotation (tangential flow) of the solar wind on the conclusions of Whang (1971) suggesting an increase in the solar wind velocity due to the conversion of magnetic energy to kinetic energy. It is shown that the effect of the rotation of the sun on the magnetic energy flow results in most of the magnetic energy being transported by magnetic shear stress near the sun.

Compressing turbulence and sudden viscous dissipation with compression-dependent ionization state

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Davidovits, Seth; Fisch, Nathaniel J.

Turbulent plasma flow, amplified by rapid three-dimensional compression, can be suddenly dissipated under continuing compression. Furthermore, this effect relies on the sensitivity of the plasma viscosity to the temperature, μ ~ T 5 / 2 . The plasma viscosity is also sensitive to the plasma ionization state. Here, we show that the sudden dissipation phenomenon may be prevented when the plasma ionization state increases during compression, and we demonstrate the regime of net viscosity dependence on compression where sudden dissipation is guaranteed. In addition, it is shown that, compared to cases with no ionization, ionization during compression is associated withmore » larger increases in turbulent energy and can make the difference between growing and decreasing turbulent energy.« less

Compressing turbulence and sudden viscous dissipation with compression-dependent ionization state

DOE PAGES

Davidovits, Seth; Fisch, Nathaniel J.

2016-11-14

Turbulent plasma flow, amplified by rapid three-dimensional compression, can be suddenly dissipated under continuing compression. Furthermore, this effect relies on the sensitivity of the plasma viscosity to the temperature, μ ~ T 5 / 2 . The plasma viscosity is also sensitive to the plasma ionization state. Here, we show that the sudden dissipation phenomenon may be prevented when the plasma ionization state increases during compression, and we demonstrate the regime of net viscosity dependence on compression where sudden dissipation is guaranteed. In addition, it is shown that, compared to cases with no ionization, ionization during compression is associated withmore » larger increases in turbulent energy and can make the difference between growing and decreasing turbulent energy.« less

A fully coupled variable properties thermohydraulic model for a cryogenic hydrostatic journal bearing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Braun, M. J.; Wheeler, R. L., III; Hendricks, R. C.

1986-01-01

The goal set forth here is to continue the work started by Braun et al. (1984-1985) and present an integrated analysis of the behavior of the two row, 20 staggered pockets, hydrostatic cryogenic bearing used by the turbopumps of the Space Shuttle main engine. The variable properties Reynolds equation is fully coupled with the two-dimensional fluid film energy equation. The three-dimensional equations of the shaft and bushing model the boundary conditions of the fluid film energy equation. The effects of shaft eccentricity, angular velocity, and inertia pressure drops at pocket edge are incorporated in the model. Their effects on the bearing fluid properties, load carrying capacity, mass flow, pressure, velocity, and temperature form the ultimate object of this paper.

Mechanical energy and power flow of the upper extremity in manual wheelchair propulsion.

PubMed

Guo, Lan-Yuen; Su, Fong-Chin; Wu, Hong-Wen; An, Kai-Nan

2003-02-01

To investigate the characteristics of mechanical energy and power flow of the upper limb during wheelchair propulsion. Mechanical energy and power flow of segments were calculated. Very few studies have taken into account the mechanical energy and power flow of the musculoskeletal system during wheelchair propulsion. Mechanical energy and power flow have proven to be useful tools for investigating locomotion disorders during human gait. Twelve healthy male adults (mean age, 23.5 years) were recruited for this study. Three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic data of the upper extremity were collected during wheelchair propulsion using a Hi-Res Expert Vision system and an instrumented wheel, respectively. During the initiation of the propulsion phase, joint power is generated in the upper arm or is transferred from the trunk downward to the forearm and hand to propel the wheel forward. During terminal propulsion, joint power is transferred upward to the trunk from the forearm and upper arm. The rate of change of mechanical energy and power flow for the forearm and hand have similar patterns, but the upper arm values differ. Joint power plays an important role in energy transfer as well as the energy generated and absorbed by muscles spanning the joints during wheelchair propulsion. Energy and power flow information during wheelchair propulsion allows us to gain a better understanding of the coordination of the movement by the musculoskeletal system.

Energy distributions in rods and beams

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wohlever, J. C.; Bernhard, R. J.

1989-01-01

A hypothesis proposed by Nefske and Sung (1987) that the mechanical energy flow in acoustic/structural systems can be modeled using a thermal energy flow analogy was tested for both longitudinal vibration in rods and transverse flexural vibrations in beams. It was found that the rod behaves according to the energy flow analogy. However, the beam solutions behaved significantly differently than predicted by the thermal analogy, unless spatially averaged energy and power flow were considered. Otherwise, the beam analysis is restricted to frequencies where the near-field terms in the displacement solution are negligible over most of the beam.

Mechanical energy flow models of rods and beams

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wohlever, J. C.; Bernhard, R. J.

1992-01-01

It has been proposed that the flow of mechanical energy through a structural/acoustic system may be modeled in a manner similar to that of flow of thermal energy/in a heat conduction problem. If this hypothesis is true, it would result in relatively efficient numerical models of structure-borne energy in large built-up structures. Fewer parameters are required to approximate the energy solution than are required to model the characteristic wave behavior of structural vibration by using traditional displacement formulations. The energy flow hypothesis is tested in this investigation for both longitudinal vibration in rods and transverse flexural vibrations of beams. The rod is shown to behave approximately according to the thermal energy flow analogy. However, the beam solutions behave significantly differently than predicted by the thermal analogy unless locally-space-averaged energy and power are considered. Several techniques for coupling dissimilar rods and beams are also discussed. Illustrations of the solution accuracy of the methods are included.

76 FR 41669 - Airworthiness Directives; B/E Aerospace, Continuous Flow Passenger Oxygen Mask Assembly, Part...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-15

... Airworthiness Directives; B/E Aerospace, Continuous Flow Passenger Oxygen Mask Assembly, Part Numbers 174006... to prevent the in-line flow indicators of the oxygen mask assembly from fracturing and separating, which could inhibit oxygen flow to the masks. This condition could consequently result in occupants...

Experimental and theoretical investigation of the stability of stepwise pH gradients in continuous flow electrophoresis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kuhn, Reinhard; Wagner, Horst; Mosher, Richard A.; Thormann, Wolfgang

1987-01-01

Isoelectric focusing in the continuous flow mode can be more quickly and economically performed by admitting a stepwise pH gradient composed of simple buffers instead of uniform mixtures of synthetic carrier ampholytes. The time-consuming formation of the pH gradient by the electric field is thereby omitted. The stability of a three-step system with arginine - morpholinoethanesulfonic acid/glycylglycine - aspartic acid is analyzed theoretically by one-dimensional computer simulation as well as experimentally at various flow rates in a continuous flow apparatus. Excellent agreement between experimental and theoretical data was obtained. This metastable configuration was found to be suitable for focusing of proteins under continuous flow conditions. The influence of various combinations of electrolytes and membranes between electrophoresis chamber and electrode compartments is also discussed.

High-bandwidth continuous-flow arc furnace

DOEpatents

Hardt, David E.; Lee, Steven G.

1996-01-01

A high-bandwidth continuous-flow arc furnace for stream welding applications includes a metal mass contained in a crucible having an orifice. A power source charges an electrode for generating an arc between the electrode and the mass. The arc heats the metal mass to a molten state. A pressurized gas source propels the molten metal mass through the crucible orifice in a continuous stream. As the metal is ejected, a metal feeder replenishes the molten metal bath. A control system regulates the electrode current, shielding gas pressure, and metal source to provide a continuous flow of molten metal at the crucible orifice. Independent control over the electrode current and shield gas pressure decouples the metal flow temperature and the molten metal flow rate, improving control over resultant weld characteristics.

High-bandwidth continuous-flow arc furnace

DOEpatents

Hardt, D.E.; Lee, S.G.

1996-08-06

A high-bandwidth continuous-flow arc furnace for stream welding applications includes a metal mass contained in a crucible having an orifice. A power source charges an electrode for generating an arc between the electrode and the mass. The arc heats the metal mass to a molten state. A pressurized gas source propels the molten metal mass through the crucible orifice in a continuous stream. As the metal is ejected, a metal feeder replenishes the molten metal bath. A control system regulates the electrode current, shielding gas pressure, and metal source to provide a continuous flow of molten metal at the crucible orifice. Independent control over the electrode current and shield gas pressure decouples the metal flow temperature and the molten metal flow rate, improving control over resultant weld characteristics. 4 figs.

Energy dissipation of slot-type flip buckets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Jian-hua; Li, Shu-fang; Ma, Fei

2018-03-01

The energy dissipation is a key index in the evaluation of energy dissipation elements. In the present work, a flip bucket with a slot, called the slot-type flip bucket, is theoretically and experimentally investigated by the method of estimating the energy dissipation. The theoretical analysis shows that, in order to have the energy dissipation, it is necessary to determine the sequent flow depth h 1 and the flow speed V 1 at the corresponding position through the flow depth h 2 after the hydraulic jump. The relative flow depth h 2 / h 。 is a function of the approach flow Froude number Fr 。, the relative slot width b/B 。, and the relative slot angle θ/β. The expression for estimating the energy dissipation is developed, and the maximum error is not larger than 9.21%.

Energy dissipation of slot-type flip buckets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Jian-hua; Li, Shu-fang; Ma, Fei

2018-04-01

The energy dissipation is a key index in the evaluation of energy dissipation elements. In the present work, a flip bucket with a slot, called the slot-type flip bucket, is theoretically and experimentally investigated by the method of estimating the energy dissipation. The theoretical analysis shows that, in order to have the energy dissipation, it is necessary to determine the sequent flow depth h 1 and the flow speed V 1 at the corresponding position through the flow depth h 2 after the hydraulic jump. The relative flow depth h 2 / h o is a function of the approach flow Froude number Fr o, the relative slot width b/ B o, and the relative slot angle θ/ β. The expression for estimating the energy dissipation is developed, and the maximum error is not larger than 9.21%.

Light-field-characterization in a continuous hydrogen-producing photobioreactor by optical simulation and computational fluid dynamics.

PubMed

Krujatz, Felix; Illing, Rico; Krautwer, Tobias; Liao, Jing; Helbig, Karsten; Goy, Katharina; Opitz, Jörg; Cuniberti, Gianaurelio; Bley, Thomas; Weber, Jost

2015-12-01

Externally illuminated photobioreactors (PBRs) are widely used in studies on the use of phototrophic microorganisms as sources of bioenergy and other photobiotechnology research. In this work, straightforward simulation techniques were used to describe effects of varying fluid flow conditions in a continuous hydrogen-producing PBR on the rate of photofermentative hydrogen production (rH2 ) by Rhodobacter sphaeroides DSM 158. A ZEMAX optical ray tracing simulation was performed to quantify the illumination intensity reaching the interior of the cylindrical PBR vessel. 24.2% of the emitted energy was lost through optical effects, or did not reach the PBR surface. In a dense culture of continuously producing bacteria during chemostatic cultivation, the illumination intensity became completely attenuated within the first centimeter of the PBR radius as described by an empirical three-parametric model implemented in Mathcad. The bacterial movement in chemostatic steady-state conditions was influenced by varying the fluid Reynolds number. The "Computational Fluid Dynamics" and "Particle Tracing" tools of COMSOL Multiphysics were used to visualize the fluid flow pattern and cellular trajectories through well-illuminated zones near the PBR periphery and dark zones in the center of the PBR. A moderate turbulence (Reynolds number = 12,600) and fluctuating illumination of 1.5 Hz were found to yield the highest continuous rH2 by R. sphaeroides DSM 158 (170.5 mL L(-1) h(-1) ) in this study. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The Influence of Slope Breaks on Lava Flow Surface Disruption

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glaze, Lori S.; Baloga, Stephen M.; Fagents, Sarah A.; Wright, Robert

2014-01-01

Changes in the underlying slope of a lava flow impart a significant fraction of rotational energy beyond the slope break. The eddies, circulation and vortices caused by this rotational energy can disrupt the flow surface, having a significant impact on heat loss and thus the distance the flow can travel. A basic mechanics model is used to compute the rotational energy caused by a slope change. The gain in rotational energy is deposited into an eddy of radius R whose energy is dissipated as it travels downstream. A model of eddy friction with the ambient lava is used to compute the time-rate of energy dissipation. The key parameter of the dissipation rate is shown to be rho R(sup 2/)mu, where ? is the lava density and mu is the viscosity, which can vary by orders of magnitude for different flows. The potential spatial disruption of the lava flow surface is investigated by introducing steady-state models for the main flow beyond the steepening slope break. One model applies to slow-moving flows with both gravity and pressure as the driving forces. The other model applies to fast-moving, low-viscosity, turbulent flows. These models provide the flow velocity that establishes the downstream transport distance of disrupting eddies before they dissipate. The potential influence of slope breaks is discussed in connection with field studies of lava flows from the 1801 Hualalai and 1823 Keaiwa Kilauea, Hawaii, and 2004 Etna eruptions.

Regulation of the photosynthetic apparatus under fluctuating growth light.

PubMed

Tikkanen, Mikko; Grieco, Michele; Nurmi, Markus; Rantala, Marjaana; Suorsa, Marjaana; Aro, Eva-Mari

2012-12-19

Safe and efficient conversion of solar energy to metabolic energy by plants is based on tightly inter-regulated transfer of excitation energy, electrons and protons in the photosynthetic machinery according to the availability of light energy, as well as the needs and restrictions of metabolism itself. Plants have mechanisms to enhance the capture of energy when light is limited for growth and development. Also, when energy is in excess, the photosynthetic machinery slows down the electron transfer reactions in order to prevent the production of reactive oxygen species and the consequent damage of the photosynthetic machinery. In this opinion paper, we present a partially hypothetical scheme describing how the photosynthetic machinery controls the flow of energy and electrons in order to enable the maintenance of photosynthetic activity in nature under continual fluctuations in white light intensity. We discuss the roles of light-harvesting II protein phosphorylation, thermal dissipation of excess energy and the control of electron transfer by cytochrome b(6)f, and the role of dynamically regulated turnover of photosystem II in the maintenance of the photosynthetic machinery. We present a new hypothesis suggesting that most of the regulation in the thylakoid membrane occurs in order to prevent oxidative damage of photosystem I.

Direct and inverse energy cascades in a forced rotating turbulence experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campagne, Antoine; Gallet, Basile; Moisy, Frédéric; Cortet, Pierre-Philippe

2014-11-01

Turbulence in a rotating frame provides a remarkable system where 2D and 3D properties may coexist, with a possible tuning between direct and inverse cascades. We present here experimental evidence for a double cascade of kinetic energy in a statistically stationary rotating turbulence experiment. Turbulence is generated by a set of vertical flaps which continuously injects velocity fluctuations towards the center of a rotating water tank. The energy transfers are evaluated from two-point third-order three-component velocity structure functions, which we measure using stereoscopic PIV in the rotating frame. Without global rotation, the energy is transferred from large to small scales, as in classical 3D turbulence. For nonzero rotation rates, the horizontal kinetic energy presents a double cascade: a direct cascade at small horizontal scales and an inverse cascade at large horizontal scales. By contrast, the vertical kinetic energy is always transferred from large to small horizontal scales, a behavior reminiscent of the dynamics of a passive scalar in 2D turbulence. At the largest rotation rate, the flow is nearly 2D and a pure inverse energy cascade is found for the horizontal energy.

Studies of the synthesis and deposition of Cu3BiS 3 for use in photovoltaic devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Epstein, Joshua A.

As the world's climate continues to change, alternative energy is being adopted more and more. Solar energy is one extremely promising candidate to supplement our ever increasing energy needs. In order for it to be a viable solution, more efficient and less expensive solar panels must be made. While silicon solar panels are the current market leader their high manufacturing energy input and cost warrant looking into alternatives. Many thin film solar materials are being investigated such as CdTe, CIGS and CZTS, but all come with their own drawbacks. With a near ideal band gap, low toxicity and earth abundant elemental make up copper bismuth sulfide, Cu3BiS3, is a promising candidate for use in future photovoltaic devices. The research presented here details multiple methods to synthesize and deposit this material with an effort to keep the methods low cost, energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Multiple low temperature solvothermal routes to synthesizing copper bismuth sulfide, CBS, have been developed. The resulting powders have been verified as pure Cu3BiS3 via XRD peak matching. The precursor reactants tested for use were copper and bismuth nitrates, acetates, chlorides and hydroxides. L-cystine, L-cysteine, thiourea and CS2 have all been tested for use as sulfur sources. Seven of these combinations produced pure CBS powders. Two custom built benchtop reactors have been designed and fabricated with the aim of studying the possibility of a continuous flow reactor as a way to utilize these precipitation chemistries for making thin films of CBS. Heat and liquid flow simulations were performed in COMSOL multiphysics to assist in the reactor design process. The second reactor was designed to promote uniform liquid flow across the fluorine doped, tin oxide coated, FTO, glass. This reactor was also built with a temperature gradient transverse to the liquid flow so that the optimal temperature for the deposition of CBS could be evaluated. This reactor was also used to evaluate the deposition of CdS, an n-type semiconductor often used in thin film solar panels, onto FTO glass. CBS thin films were also prepared via electrodeposition and thermal treatment. The solution used was a mixture of copper nitrate, sodium sulfite and sodium citrate tribasic dihydrate dissolved in DI H2O and bismuth nitrate dissolved in ethylene glycol. To get the best coating it was found that the electrodeposition should be done at 1.2 V and last 5 minutes. Thermal treatment carried out in a 450°C tube furnace for 90 min in forming gas (95% N2 with 5% H2) along with sulfur vapor was proved best. No further treatment was required to obtain phase pure CBS coatings. This was verified with XRD peak analysis. Optical absorption, microstructural, and photoconductivity data are reported for CBS materials made using the above techniques.

On the Coupling Mechanism of Equiaxed Crystal Generation with the Liquid Flow Driven by Natural Convection During Solidification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stefan-Kharicha, Mihaela; Kharicha, Abdellah; Wu, Menghuai; Ludwig, Andreas

2018-02-01

The influence of the melt flow on the solidification structure is bilateral. The flow plays an important role in the solidification pattern, via the heat transfer, grain distribution, and segregations. On the other hand, the crystal structure, columnar or equiaxed, impacts the flow, via the thermosolutal convection, the drag force applied by the crystals on the melt flow, etc. As the aim of this research was to further explore the solidification-flow interaction, experiments were conducted in a cast cell (95 * 95 * 30 mm3), in which an ammonium chloride-water solution (between 27 and 31 wt pct NH4Cl) was observed as it solidified. The kinetic energy (KE) of the flow and the average flow velocity were calculated throughout the process. Measurements of the volume extension of the mush in the cell and the velocity of the solid front were also taken during the solidification experiment. During the mainly columnar experiments (8 cm liquid height) the flow KE continuously decreased over time. However, during the later series of experiments at higher liquid height (9.5 cm), the flow KE evolution presented a strong peak shortly after the start of solidification. This increase in the total flow KE correlated with the presence of falling equiaxed crystals. Generally, a clear correlation between the strength of the flow and the occurrence of equiaxed crystals was evident. The analysis of the results strongly suggests a fragmentation origin of equiaxed crystals appearing in the melt. The transition from purely columnar growth to a strongly equiaxed rain (CET) was found to be triggered by (a) the magnitude of the coupling between the flow intensity driven by the equiaxed crystals, and (b) the release and transport of the fragments by the same flow recirculating within the mushy zone.

Energy behaviour of extraordinary waves in magnetized quantum plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moradi, Afshin

2018-05-01

We study the storage and flow of energy in a homogeneous magnetized quantum electron plasma that occurs when an elliptically polarized extraordinary electromagnetic wave propagates in the system. Expressions for the stored energy, energy flow, and energy velocity of extraordinary electromagnetic waves are derived by means of the quantum magnetohydrodynamics theory in conjunction with the Maxwell equations. Numerical results show that the energy flow of the high-frequency mode of extraordinary wave is modified only due to the Bohm potential in the short wavelength limit.

Ventricular Fibrillation Waveform Changes during Controlled Coronary Perfusion Using Extracorporeal Circulation in a Swine Model.

PubMed

Gazmuri, Raúl J; Kaufman, Christopher L; Baetiong, Alvin; Radhakrishnan, Jeejabai

2016-01-01

Several characteristics of the ventricular fibrillation (VF) waveform have been found predictive of successful defibrillation and hypothesized to reflect the myocardial energy state. In an open-chest swine model of VF, we modeled "average CPR" using extracorporeal circulation (ECC) and assessed the time course of coronary blood flow, myocardial metabolism, and myocardial structure in relation to the amplitude spectral area (AMSA) of the VF waveform without artifacts related to chest compression. VF was induced and left untreated for 8 minutes in 16 swine. ECC was then started adjusting its flow to maintain a coronary perfusion pressure of 10 mmHg for 10 minutes. AMSA was calculated in the frequency domain and analyzed continuously with a 2.1 s timeframe and a Tukey window that moved ahead every 0.5 s. AMSA progressively declined during untreated VF. With ECC, AMSA increased from 7.0 ± 1.9 mV·Hz (at minute 8) to 12.8 ± 3.3 mV·Hz (at minute 14) (p < 0.05) without subsequent increase and showing a modest correlation with coronary blood flow of borderline statistical significance (r = 0.489, p = 0.0547). Myocardial energy measurements showed marked reduction in phosphocreatine and moderate reduction in ATP with increases in ADP, AMP, and adenosine along with myocardial lactate, all indicative of ischemia. Yet, ischemia did not resolve during ECC despite a coronary blood flow of ~ 30% of baseline. AMSA increased upon return of coronary blood flow during ECC. However, the maximal level was reached after ~ 6 minutes without further change. The significance of the findings for determining the optimal timing for delivering an electrical shock during resuscitation from VF remains to be further explored.

Aramid Nanofiber Composites for Energy Storage Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tung, Siu on

Lithium ion batteries and non-aqueous redox flow batteries represent two of the most important energy storage technologies to efficient electric vehicles and power grid, which are essential to decreasing U.S. dependence on fossil fuels and sustainable economic growth. Many of the developmental roadblocks for these batteries are related to the separator, an electrically insulating layer between the cathode and anode. Lithium dendrite growth has limited the performance and threatened the safety of lithium ion batteries by piercing the separator and causing internal shorts. In non-aqueous redox flow batteries, active material crossover through microporous separators and the general lack of a suitable ion conducting membrane has led to low operating efficiencies and rapid capacity fade. Developing new separators for these batteries involve the combination of different and sometimes seemingly contradictory properties, such as high ionic conductivity, mechanical stability, thermal stability, chemical stability, and selective permeability. In this dissertation, I present work on composites made from Kevlar-drived aramid nanofibers (ANF) through rational design and fabrication techniques. For lithium ion batteries, a dendrite suppressing layer-by-layer composite of ANF and polyethylene oxide is present with goals of high ionic conductivity, improved safety and thermal stability. For non-aqueous redox flow batteries, a nanoporous ANF separator with surface polyelectrolyte modification is used to achieve high coulombic efficiencies and cycle life in practical flow cells. Finally, manufacturability of ANF based separators is addressed through a prototype machine for continuous ANF separator production and a novel separator coated on anode assembly. In combination, these studies serve as a foundation for addressing the challenges in separator engineering for lithium ion batteries and redox flow batteries.

Integrative energy-systems design: System structure from thermodynamic optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ordonez, Juan Carlos

This thesis deals with the application of thermodynamic optimization to find optimal structure and operation conditions of energy systems. Chapter 1 outlines the thermodynamic optimization of a combined power and refrigeration system subject to constraints. It is shown that the thermodynamic optimum is reached by distributing optimally the heat exchanger inventory. Chapter 2 considers the maximization of power extraction from a hot stream in the presence of phase change. It shows that when the receiving (cold) stream boils in a counterflow heat exchanger, the thermodynamic optimization consists of locating the optimal capacity rate of the cold stream. Chapter 3 shows that the main architectural features of a counterflow heat exchanger can be determined based on thermodynamic optimization subject to volume constraint. Chapter 4 addresses two basic issues in the thermodynamic optimization of environmental control systems (ECS) for aircraft: realistic limits for the minimal power requirement, and design features that facilitate operation at minimal power consumption. Several models of the ECS-Cabin interaction are considered and it is shown that in all the models the temperature of the air stream that the ECS delivers to the cabin can be optimized for operation at minimal power. In chapter 5 it is shown that the sizes (weights) of heat and fluid flow systems that function on board vehicles such as aircraft can be derived from the maximization of overall (system level) performance. Chapter 6 develops analytically the optimal sizes (hydraulic diameters) of parallel channels that penetrate and cool a volume with uniformly distributed internal heat generation and Chapter 7 shows analytically and numerically how an originally uniform flow structure transforms itself into a nonuniform one when the objective is to minimize global flow losses. It is shown that flow maldistribution and the abandonment of symmetry are necessary for the development of flow structures with minimal resistance. In the second part of the chapter, the flow medium is continuous and permeated by Darcy flow. As flow systems become smaller and more compact, the flow systems themselves become "designed porous media".

Magnetic flux pile-up and ion heating in a current sheet formed by colliding magnetized plasma flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suttle, L.; Hare, J.; Lebedev, S.; Ciardi, A.; Loureiro, N.; Niasse, N.; Burdiak, G.; Clayson, T.; Lane, T.; Robinson, T.; Smith, R.; Stuart, N.; Suzuki-Vidal, F.

2017-10-01

We present data from experiments carried out at the Magpie pulsed power facility, which show the detailed structure of the interaction of counter-streaming magnetized plasma flows. In our quasi-2D setup, continuous supersonic flows are produced with strong embedded magnetic fields of opposing directions. Their interaction leads to the formation of a dense and long-lasting current sheet, where we observe the pile-up of the magnetic flux at the sheet boundary, as well as the annihilation of field inside, accompanied by an increase in plasma temperature. Spatially resolved measurements with Faraday rotation polarimetry, B-dot probes, XUV imaging, Thomson scattering and laser interferometry diagnostics show the detailed distribution of the magnetic field and other plasma parameters throughout the system. This work was supported in part by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Grant No. EP/G001324/1, and by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Awards No. DE-F03-02NA00057 and No. DE-SC-0001063.

The Macroecology of Sustainability

PubMed Central

Burger, Joseph R.; Allen, Craig D.; Brown, James H.; Burnside, William R.; Davidson, Ana D.; Fristoe, Trevor S.; Hamilton, Marcus J.; Mercado-Silva, Norman; Nekola, Jeffrey C.; Okie, Jordan G.; Zuo, Wenyun

2012-01-01

The discipline of sustainability science has emerged in response to concerns of natural and social scientists, policymakers, and lay people about whether the Earth can continue to support human population growth and economic prosperity. Yet, sustainability science has developed largely independently from and with little reference to key ecological principles that govern life on Earth. A macroecological perspective highlights three principles that should be integral to sustainability science: 1) physical conservation laws govern the flows of energy and materials between human systems and the environment, 2) smaller systems are connected by these flows to larger systems in which they are embedded, and 3) global constraints ultimately limit flows at smaller scales. Over the past few decades, decreasing per capita rates of consumption of petroleum, phosphate, agricultural land, fresh water, fish, and wood indicate that the growing human population has surpassed the capacity of the Earth to supply enough of these essential resources to sustain even the current population and level of socioeconomic development. PMID:22723741

Propellant Feed Subsystem for a 26 kW flight arcjet propulsion system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vaughan, C. E.; Morris, J. P.

1993-06-01

The USAF arcjet ATTD program demanded the development of a low-cost ammonia Propellant Feed Subsystem (PFS). A flow rate of 240 +/- 5 mg/sec during a total of ten 15-min ammonia outflows was required for the flight mission. The precision of the flow tolerance required a departure from the design of previous ammonia propellant feed systems. Since a propellant management device was not used, thermocapillary forces were explored as a means to limit outflow of liquid phase ammonia. A high energy density feedline heater with an internal wick was developed to guarantee that only gas phase propellant would reach the arcjet. A digital control algorithm was developed to implement bang-bang control of mass flow rate metered by a sonic venturi. Development tests of this system have been completed. The system is capable of continuous gas phase outflows regardless of orientation. Integrated tests with the arcjet and power conditioning unit have also been successfully completed.

Numerical investigation of flow motion and performance of a horizontal axis tidal turbine subjected to a steady current

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Lin-juan; Zheng, Jin-hai; Peng, Yu-xuan; Zhang, Ji-sheng; Wu, Xiu-guang

2015-04-01

Horizontal axis tidal turbines have attracted more and more attentions nowadays, because of their convenience and low expense in construction and high efficiency in extracting tidal energy. The present study numerically investigates the flow motion and performance of a horizontal axis tidal turbine with a supporting vertical cylinder under steady current. In the numerical model, the continuous equation and incompressible Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations are solved, and the volume of fluid method is employed to track free surface motion. The RNG k- ɛ model is adopted to calculate turbulence transport while the fractional area/volume obstacle representation method is used to describe turbine characteristics and movement. The effects of installation elevation of tidal turbine and inlet velocity on the water elevation, and current velocity, rotating speed and resultant force on turbine are discussed. Based on the comparison of the numerical results, a better understanding of flow structure around horizontal axis tidal turbine and turbine performance is achieved.

Flow Cage Assemblies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bar-Cohen, Yoseph (Inventor); Sherrit, Stewart (Inventor); Badescu, Mircea (Inventor); Bao, Xiaoqi (Inventor)

2017-01-01

Apparatus, systems and methods for implementing flow cages and flow cage assemblies in association with high pressure fluid flows and fluid valves are provided. Flow cages and flow assemblies are provided to dissipate the energy of a fluid flow, such as by reducing fluid flow pressure and/or fluid flow velocity. In some embodiments the dissipation of the fluid flow energy is adapted to reduce erosion, such as from high-pressure jet flows, to reduce cavitation, such as by controllably increasing the flow area, and/or to reduce valve noise associated with pressure surge.

The streaming of 1.3 - 2.3 MeV cosmic-ray protons during periods between prompt solar particle events. Ph.D. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marshall, F. E.

1977-01-01

The anisotropy of 1.3 to 2.3 MeV protons in interplanetary space was measured using the Caltech electron/isotope spectrometer aboard IMP-7 for 317 6 hour periods from 72/273 to 74/2. Periods dominated by prompt solar particle events are not included. The convective and diffusive anisotropies were determined from the observed anisotropy using concurrent solar wind speed measurements and observed energy spectra. The diffusive flow of particles was found to be typically toward the sun, indicating a positive radial gradient in the particle density. This anisotropy was inconsistent with previously proposed sources of low energy proton increases seen at 1 AU which involve continual solar acceleration. The typical properties of this new component of low-energy cosmic rays were determined for this period which is near solar minimum.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chen, Chuchu, E-mail: chenchuchu@lsec.cc.ac.cn; Hong, Jialin, E-mail: hjl@lsec.cc.ac.cn; Zhang, Liying, E-mail: lyzhang@lsec.cc.ac.cn

Stochastic Maxwell equations with additive noise are a system of stochastic Hamiltonian partial differential equations intrinsically, possessing the stochastic multi-symplectic conservation law. It is shown that the averaged energy increases linearly with respect to the evolution of time and the flow of stochastic Maxwell equations with additive noise preserves the divergence in the sense of expectation. Moreover, we propose three novel stochastic multi-symplectic methods to discretize stochastic Maxwell equations in order to investigate the preservation of these properties numerically. We make theoretical discussions and comparisons on all of the three methods to observe that all of them preserve the correspondingmore » discrete version of the averaged divergence. Meanwhile, we obtain the corresponding dissipative property of the discrete averaged energy satisfied by each method. Especially, the evolution rates of the averaged energies for all of the three methods are derived which are in accordance with the continuous case. Numerical experiments are performed to verify our theoretical results.« less

Effects of high-energy particles on accretion flows onto a super massive black hole

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kimura, Shigeo

We study effects of high-energy particles on the accretion flow onto a supermassive black hole and luminosities of escaping particles such as protons, neutrons, gamma-rays, and neutrinos. We formulate a one-dimensional model of the two-component accretion flow consisting of thermal particles and high-energy particles, supposing that some fraction of viscous dissipation energy is converted to the acceleration of high-energy particles. The thermal component is governed by fluid dynamics while the high-energy particles obey the moment equations of the diffusion-convection equation. By solving the time evolution of these equations, we obtain advection dominated flows as steady state solutions. Effects of the high-energy particles on the flow structure turn out to be very small because the compressional heating is so effective that the thermal component always provides the major part of the pressure. We calculate luminosities of escaping particles for these steady solutions. For a broad range of mass accretion rates, escaping particles can extract the energy about one-thousandth of the accretion energy. We also discuss some implications on relativistic jet production by escaping particles.

Investigation of the continuous flow of the sample solution on the performance of electromembrane extraction: Comparison with conventional procedure.

PubMed

Nojavan, Saeed; Sirani, Mahsa; Asadi, Sakine

2017-10-01

In this study, electromembrane extraction from a flowing sample solution, termed as continuous-flow electromembrane extraction, was developed and compared with conventional procedures for the determination of four basic drugs in real samples. Experimental parameters affecting the extraction efficiency were further studied and optimized. Under optimum conditions, linearity of continuous-flow procedure was within 8.0-500 ng/mL, while it was wider for conventional procedures (2.0-500 ng/mL). Moreover, repeatability (percentage relative standard deviation) was found to range between 5.6 and 10.4% (n = 3) for the continuous-flow procedure, with a better repeatability than that of conventional procedures (2.3-5.5% (n = 3)). Also, for the continuous-flow procedure, the estimated detection limit (signal-to-noise ratio = 3) was less than 2.4 ng/mL and extraction recoveries were within 8-10%, while the corresponding figures for conventional procedures were less than 0.6 ng/mL and 42-60%, respectively. Thus, the results showed that both continuous flow and conventional procedures were applicable for the extraction of model compounds. However, the conventional procedure was more convenient to use, and thus it was applied to determine sample drugs in real urine and wastewater samples. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fachechi, Alessio; Mainetti, Luca; Palano, Laura

The continuously rising demand for electricity has prompted governments and industries to research more effective energy management systems. The Internet of Things paradigm is a valuable add-on for controlling and managing the energy appliances such as Plug-in Electrical Vehicles (PEV) charging stations. In this paper, we present a Demand Response implementation for PEV charging stations able to use Wireless Sensor Network technologies based on the Constrained Application Protocol (CoAP). We developed a self-service kiosk system by which the user can autonomously swipe his/her credit card and choose the charging station to enable. When a user plugs his/her vehicle to themore » station, s/he subscribes his availability to share a portion of its energy. When the grid requests a contribution from the PEVs, the kiosk sends a CoAP message to the available stations and the energy flow is inverted (Vehicle-to-Grid). At the end of the charging process, the user's credit card gets charged with a discounted bill.« less

Experimental investigation of a packed bed thermal energy storage system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cascetta, Mario; Cau, Giorgio; Puddu, Pierpaolo; Serra, Fabio

2015-11-01

In this work experimental investigations on a thermal energy storage system with a solid material as storage media and air as heat transfer fluid will be presented. The experimental test rig, installed at the DIMCM of the University of Cagliari, consists of a carbon steel tank filled with freely poured alumina beads that allows investigations of heat transfer phenomena in packed beds. The aim of this work is to show the influence of the operating conditions and physical parameters on thermocline formation and, in particular, the thermal behaviour of the thermal energy storage for repeated charging and discharging cycles. Better charging efficiency is obtained for lower values of mass flow rate and maximum air temperature and for increasing aspect ratio. A decreasing influence of the metal wall with continuous operation is also highlighted. In conclusion, the analysis focuses on the thermal hysteresis phenomenon, which causes degradation of the thermocline and the reduction of the energy that can be stored by the accumulator as the repeated number of cycles increases.

Exemplary Design Envelope Specification for Standard Modular Hydropower Technology

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Witt, Adam M.; Smith, Brennan T.; Tsakiris, Achilleas

Hydropower is an established, affordable renewable energy generation technology supplying nearly 18% of the electricity consumed globally. A hydropower facility interacts continuously with the surrounding water resource environment, causing alterations of varying magnitude in the natural flow of water, energy, fish, sediment, and recreation upstream and downstream. A universal challenge in facility design is balancing the extraction of useful energy and power system services from a stream with the need to maintain ecosystem processes and natural environmental function. On one hand, hydroelectric power is a carbon-free, renewable, and flexible asset to the power system. On the other, the disruption ofmore » longitudinal connectivity and the artificial barrier to aquatic movement created by hydraulic structures can produce negative impacts that stress fresh water environments. The growing need for carbon-free, reliable, efficient distributed energy sources suggests there is significant potential for hydropower projects that can deploy with low installed costs, enhanced ecosystem service offerings, and minimal disruptions of the stream environment.« less

Use of radars to monitor stream discharge by noncontact methods

USGS Publications Warehouse

Costa, J.E.; Cheng, R.T.; Haeni, F.P.; Melcher, N.; Spicer, K.R.; Hayes, E.; Plant, W.; Hayes, K.; Teague, C.; Barrick, D.

2006-01-01

Conventional measurements of river flows are costly, time‐consuming, and frequently dangerous. This report evaluates the use of a continuous wave microwave radar, a monostatic UHF Doppler radar, a pulsed Doppler microwave radar, and a ground‐penetrating radar to measure river flows continuously over long periods and without touching the water with any instruments. The experiments duplicate the flow records from conventional stream gauging stations on the San Joaquin River in California and the Cowlitz River in Washington. The purpose of the experiments was to directly measure the parameters necessary to compute flow: surface velocity (converted to mean velocity) and cross‐sectional area, thereby avoiding the uncertainty, complexity, and cost of maintaining rating curves. River channel cross sections were measured by ground‐penetrating radar suspended above the river. River surface water velocity was obtained by Bragg scattering of microwave and UHF Doppler radars, and the surface velocity data were converted to mean velocity on the basis of detailed velocity profiles measured by current meters and hydroacoustic instruments. Experiments using these radars to acquire a continuous record of flow were conducted for 4 weeks on the San Joaquin River and for 16 weeks on the Cowlitz River. At the San Joaquin River the radar noncontact measurements produced discharges more than 20% higher than the other independent measurements in the early part of the experiment. After the first 3 days, the noncontact radar discharge measurements were within 5% of the rating values. On the Cowlitz River at Castle Rock, correlation coefficients between the USGS stream gauging station rating curve discharge and discharge computed from three different Doppler radar systems and GPR data over the 16 week experiment were 0.883, 0.969, and 0.992. Noncontact radar results were within a few percent of discharge values obtained by gauging station, current meter, and hydroacoustic methods. Time series of surface velocity obtained by different radars in the Cowlitz River experiment also show small‐amplitude pulsations not found in stage records that reflect tidal energy at the gauging station. Noncontact discharge measurements made during a flood on 30 January 2004 agreed with the rated discharge to within 5%. Measurement at both field sites confirm that lognormal velocity profiles exist for a wide range of flows in these rivers, and mean velocity is approximately 0.85 times measured surface velocity. Noncontact methods of flow measurement appear to (1) be as accurate as conventional methods, (2) obtain data when standard contact methods are dangerous or cannot be obtained, and (3) provide insight into flow dynamics not available from detailed stage records alone.

A Depth-Averaged 2-D Simulation for Coastal Barrier Breaching Processes

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-05-01

including bed change and variable flow density in the flow continuity and momentum equations. The model adopts the HLL approximate Riemann solver to handle...flow density in the flow continuity and momentum equations. The model adopts the HLL approximate Riemann solver to handle the mixed-regime flows near...18 547 Keulegan equation or the Bernoulli equation, and the breach morphological change is determined using simplified sediment transport models

An investigation of the basic physics of irrigation in urology and the role of automated pump irrigation in cystoscopy.

PubMed

Chang, Dwayne; Manecksha, Rustom P; Syrrakos, Konstantinos; Lawrentschuk, Nathan

2012-01-01

To investigate the effects of height, external pressure, and bladder fullness on the flow rate in continuous, non-continuous cystoscopy and the automated irrigation fluid pumping system (AIFPS). Each experiment had two 2-litre 0.9% saline bags connected to a continuous, non-continuous cystoscope or AIFPS via irrigation tubing. Other equipment included height-adjustable drip poles, uroflowmetry devices, and model bladders. In Experiment 1, saline bags were elevated to measure the increment in flow rate. In Experiment 2, saline bags were placed under external pressures to evaluate the effect on flow rate. In Experiment 3, flow rate changes in response to variable bladder fullness were measured. Elevating saline bags caused an increase in flow rates, however the increment slowed down beyond a height of 80 cm. Increase in external pressure on saline bags elevated flow rates, but inconsistently. A fuller bladder led to a decrease in flow rates. In all experiments, the AIFPS posted consistent flow rates. Traditional irrigation systems were susceptible to changes in height of irrigation solution, external pressure application, and bladder fullness thus creating inconsistent flow rates. The AIFPS produced consistent flow rates and was not affected by any of the factors investigated in the study.

Synthesis of Biodiesel in Batch and Packed-Bed Reactors Using Powdered and Granular Sugar Catalyst

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Janaun, J.; Lim, P. M.; Balan, W. S.; Yaser, A. Z.; Chong, K. P.

2017-06-01

Increasing world production of palm oil warrants effective utilization of its waste. In particular, conversion of waste cooking oil into biodiesel has obtained global interest because of renewable energy need and reduction of CO2 emission. In this study, oleic acid used as a model compound for waste cooking oil conversion using esterification reaction catalysed by sugar catalyst (SC) in powdered (P-SC) and granular (G-SC) forms. The catalysts were synthesized via incomplete carbonization of D-glucose followed by functionalization with concentrated sulphuric acid. Catalysts characterizations were done for their physical and chemical properties using modern tools. Batch and packed-bed reactor systems were used to evaluate the reactivity of the catalysts. The results showed that G-SC had slightly higher total acidity and more porous than P-SC. The experimental conditions for batch reaction were temperature of 60°C, molar ratio of 1:20 (Oleic Acid:Methanol) and 2 wt. catalyst with respect to oleic acid. The results showed the maximum oleic acid conversion using G-SC and P-SC were 52 and 48, respectively. Whereas, the continuous reaction with varying feed flow rate as a function of retention time was studied by using 3 g of P-SC in 60 °C and 1:20 molar ratio in a packed-bed reactor. The results showed that a longer retention time which was 6.48 min and feed flow rate 1.38 ml/min, achieved higher average conversion of 9.9 and decreased with further increasing flow rate. G-SC showed a better average conversion of 10.8 at lowest feed flow rate of 1.38 ml/min in continuous reaction experiments. In a broader perspective, large scale continuous biodiesel production is feasible using granular over powdered catalyst mainly due to it lower pressure drop.

The enigmatic ultra-long run-out of seafloor density driven flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dorrell, R. M.

2017-12-01

Dilute, particulate-laden, density-driven flows - turbidity currents - are a predominant mechanism for transporting sediment from source to sink in deep marine environments. These flows sculpt channels on the seafloor and, as evidenced by a wealth of bathymetric data, can travel for >1000km, forming some of the largest sedimentary landforms on the planet. For turbidity currents to travel such large dsitances, sediment must be self-maintained in suspension, i.e., be in a state of autosuspension. It has been shown that such self-maintained sediment suspensions can only occur whilst inertial forces are greater than gravitational forces, entailing supercritical flow. This conclusion is paradoxical, as inertia dominated flows rapidly entrain fluid, thereby thickening and slowing to become subcritical. However, current theory can only truly be applied to the proximal upper slope regions of seafloor channels where incised flows are fully confined. This contrasts with the distal reaches of long run out turbidity current systems, where the flow is only partially confined through self-channelization. Here it is shown that overspill of partially confined flow has a significant effect on the hydro- and morphodynamics of turbidity current systems. A new model is derived that shows that channel overspill acts to negate the effects of ambient fluid entrainment: a dynamic balance that limits increases in flow depth and maintains supercritical flow throughout the channel. In the new model mass, momentum and energy conservation is modulated by flow overspill onto channel banks, necessarily requiring description of the vertical structure of the flow. Analysis of continuously stratified steady state flow dynamics shows that the integration of overspill and stratification is necessary to enable maintained autosuspension and thus predict the ultra-long run-out of turbidity currents.

Conservation laws of wave action and potential enstrophy for Rossby waves in a stratified atmosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Straus, D. M.

1983-01-01

The evolution of wave energy, enstrophy, and wave motion for atmospheric Rossby waves in a variable mean flow are discussed from a theoretical and pedagogic standpoint. In the absence of mean flow gradients, the wave energy density satisfies a local conservation law, with the appropriate flow velocity being the group velocity. In the presence of mean flow variations, wave energy is not conserved, but wave action is, provided the mean flow is independent of longitude. Wave enstrophy is conserved for arbitrary variations of the mean flow. Connections with Eiiassen-Palm flux are also discussed.

Conservation laws of wave action and potential enstrophy for Rossby waves in a stratified atmosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Straus, D. M.

1983-01-01

The evolution of wave energy, enstrophy, and wave motion for atmospheric Rossby waves in a variable mean flow are discussed from a theoretical and pedagogic standpoint. In the absence of mean flow gradients, the wave energy density satisfies a local conservation law, with the appropriate flow velocity being the group velocity. In the presence of mean flow variations, wave energy is not conserved, but wave action is, provided the mean flow is independent of longitude. Wave enstrophy is conserved for arbitrary variations of the mean flow. Connections with Eliassen-Palm flux are also discussed.

Low-flow characteristics of streams in Virginia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hayes, Donald C.

1991-01-01

Streamflow data were collected and low-flow characteristics computed for 715 gaged sites in Virginia Annual minimum average 7-consecutive-day flows range from 0 to 2,195 cubic feet per second for a 2-year recurrence interval and from 0 to 1,423 cubic feet per second for a 10-year recurrence interval. Drainage areas range from 0.17 to 7,320 square miles. Existing and discontinued gaged sites are separated into three types: long-term continuous-record sites, short-term continuous-record sites, and partial-record sites. Low-flow characteristics for long-term continuous-record sites are determined from frequency curves of annual minimum average 7-consecutive-day flows . Low-flow characteristics for short-term continuous-record sites are estimated by relating daily mean base-flow discharge values at a short-term site to concurrent daily mean discharge values at nearby long-term continuous-record sites having similar basin characteristics . Low-flow characteristics for partial-record sites are estimated by relating base-flow measurements to daily mean discharge values at long-term continuous-record sites. Information from the continuous-record sites and partial-record sites in Virginia are used to develop two techniques for estimating low-flow characteristics at ungaged sites. A flow-routing method is developed to estimate low-flow values at ungaged sites on gaged streams. Regional regression equations are developed for estimating low-flow values at ungaged sites on ungaged streams. The flow-routing method consists of transferring low-flow characteristics from a gaged site, either upstream or downstream, to a desired ungaged site. A simple drainage-area proration is used to transfer values when there are no major tributaries between the gaged and ungaged sites. Standard errors of estimate for108 test sites are 19 percent of the mean for estimates of low-flow characteristics having a 2-year recurrence interval and 52 percent of the mean for estimates of low-flow characteristics having a 10-year recurrence interval . A more complex transfer method must be used when major tributaries enter the stream between the gaged and ungaged sites. Twenty-four stream networks are analyzed, and predictions are made for 84 sites. Standard errors of estimate are 15 percent of the mean for estimates of low-flow characteristics having a 2-year recurrence interval and 22 percent of the mean for estimates of low-flow characteristics having a 10-year recurrence interval. Regional regression equations were developed for estimating low-flow values at ungaged sites on ungaged streams. The State was divided into eight regions on the basis of physiography and geographic grouping of the residuals computed in regression analyses . Basin characteristics that were significant in the regression analysis were drainage area, rock type, and strip-mined area. Standard errors of prediction range from 60 to139 percent for estimates of low-flow characteristics having a 2-year recurrence interval and 90 percent to 172 percent for estimates of low-flow characteristics having a 10-year recurrence interval.

Carbon Emission Flow in Networks

PubMed Central

Kang, Chongqing; Zhou, Tianrui; Chen, Qixin; Xu, Qianyao; Xia, Qing; Ji, Zhen

2012-01-01

As the human population increases and production expands, energy demand and anthropogenic carbon emission rates have been growing rapidly, and the need to decrease carbon emission levels has drawn increasing attention. The link between energy production and consumption has required the large-scale transport of energy within energy transmission networks. Within this energy flow, there is a virtual circulation of carbon emissions. To understand this circulation and account for the relationship between energy consumption and carbon emissions, this paper introduces the concept of “carbon emission flow in networks” and establishes a method to calculate carbon emission flow in networks. Using an actual analysis of China's energy pattern, the authors discuss the significance of this new concept, not only as a feasible approach but also as an innovative theoretical perspective. PMID:22761988

Stability of boundary layer flow based on energy gradient theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dou, Hua-Shu; Xu, Wenqian; Khoo, Boo Cheong

2018-05-01

The flow of the laminar boundary layer on a flat plate is studied with the simulation of Navier-Stokes equations. The mechanisms of flow instability at external edge of the boundary layer and near the wall are analyzed using the energy gradient theory. The simulation results show that there is an overshoot on the velocity profile at the external edge of the boundary layer. At this overshoot, the energy gradient function is very large which results in instability according to the energy gradient theory. It is found that the transverse gradient of the total mechanical energy is responsible for the instability at the external edge of the boundary layer, which induces the entrainment of external flow into the boundary layer. Within the boundary layer, there is a maximum of the energy gradient function near the wall, which leads to intensive flow instability near the wall and contributes to the generation of turbulence.

Small organic molecule based flow battery

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Huskinson, Brian; Marshak, Michael; Aziz, Michael J.

The invention provides an electrochemical cell based on a new chemistry for a flow battery for large scale, e.g., gridscale, electrical energy storage. Electrical energy is stored chemically at an electrochemical electrode by the protonation of small organic molecules called quinones to hydroquinones. The proton is provided by a complementary electrochemical reaction at the other electrode. These reactions are reversed to deliver electrical energy. A flow battery based on this concept can operate as a closed system. The flow battery architecture has scaling advantages over solid electrode batteries for large scale energy storage.

U.S. Geological Survey Groundwater Modeling Software: Making Sense of a Complex Natural Resource

USGS Publications Warehouse

Provost, Alden M.; Reilly, Thomas E.; Harbaugh, Arlen W.; Pollock, David W.

2009-01-01

Computer models of groundwater systems simulate the flow of groundwater, including water levels, and the transport of chemical constituents and thermal energy. Groundwater models afford hydrologists a framework on which to organize their knowledge and understanding of groundwater systems, and they provide insights water-resources managers need to plan effectively for future water demands. Building on decades of experience, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) continues to lead in the development and application of computer software that allows groundwater models to address scientific and management questions of increasing complexity.

Electrohydrodynamic effects in continuous flow electrophoresis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rhodes, P. H.; Snyder, R. S.; Roberts, G. O.; Baygents, J. C.

1991-01-01

We demonstrate experimentally and theoretically the importance of electrohydrodynamic (EHD) flows in continuous-flow electrophoresis (CFE) separations. These flows are associated with variations in the conductivity or dielectric constant, and are quadratic in the field strength. They appear to be the main cause of extraneous and undesired flows in CFE which have degraded separation performance and have until now not been explained. We discuss the importance of EHD flows relative to other effects. We also describe possible techniques for reducing the associated degradation of CFE separations.

Allosteric Ligand Binding and Anisotropic Energy Flow in Albumin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dyer, Brian

2014-03-01

Protein allostery usually involves propagation of local structural changes through the protein to a remote site. Coupling of structural changes at remote sites is thought to occur through anisotropic energy transport, but the nature of this process is poorly understood. We have studied the relationship between allosteric interactions of remote ligand binding sites of the protein and energy flow through the structure of bovine serum albumin (BSA). We applied ultrafast infrared spectroscopy to probe the flow of energy through the protein backbone following excitation of a heater dye, a metalloporphyrin or malachite green, bound to different binding sites in the protein. We observe ballistic flow through the protein structure following input of thermal energy into the flexible ligand binding sites. We also observe anisotropic heat flow through the structure, without local heating of the rigid helix bundles that connect these sites. We will discuss the implications of this efficient energy transport mechanism with regard to the allosteric propagation of binding energy through the connecting helix structures.

Ambipolar zinc-polyiodide electrolyte for a high-energy density aqueous redox flow battery

PubMed Central

Li, Bin; Nie, Zimin; Vijayakumar, M.; Li, Guosheng; Liu, Jun; Sprenkle, Vincent; Wang, Wei

2015-01-01

Redox flow batteries are receiving wide attention for electrochemical energy storage due to their unique architecture and advantages, but progress has so far been limited by their low energy density (~25 Wh l−1). Here we report a high-energy density aqueous zinc-polyiodide flow battery. Using the highly soluble iodide/triiodide redox couple, a discharge energy density of 167 Wh l−1 is demonstrated with a near-neutral 5.0 M ZnI2 electrolyte. Nuclear magnetic resonance study and density functional theory-based simulation along with flow test data indicate that the addition of an alcohol (ethanol) induces ligand formation between oxygen on the hydroxyl group and the zinc ions, which expands the stable electrolyte temperature window to from −20 to 50 °C, while ameliorating the zinc dendrite. With the high-energy density and its benign nature free from strong acids and corrosive components, zinc-polyiodide flow battery is a promising candidate for various energy storage applications. PMID:25709083

Ambipolar zinc-polyiodide electrolyte for a high-energy density aqueous redox flow battery.

PubMed

Li, Bin; Nie, Zimin; Vijayakumar, M; Li, Guosheng; Liu, Jun; Sprenkle, Vincent; Wang, Wei

2015-02-24

Redox flow batteries are receiving wide attention for electrochemical energy storage due to their unique architecture and advantages, but progress has so far been limited by their low energy density (~25 Wh l(-1)). Here we report a high-energy density aqueous zinc-polyiodide flow battery. Using the highly soluble iodide/triiodide redox couple, a discharge energy density of 167 Wh l(-1) is demonstrated with a near-neutral 5.0 M ZnI2 electrolyte. Nuclear magnetic resonance study and density functional theory-based simulation along with flow test data indicate that the addition of an alcohol (ethanol) induces ligand formation between oxygen on the hydroxyl group and the zinc ions, which expands the stable electrolyte temperature window to from -20 to 50 °C, while ameliorating the zinc dendrite. With the high-energy density and its benign nature free from strong acids and corrosive components, zinc-polyiodide flow battery is a promising candidate for various energy storage applications.

Computational Fluid Dynamic simulations of pipe elbow flow.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Homicz, Gregory Francis

2004-08-01

One problem facing today's nuclear power industry is flow-accelerated corrosion and erosion in pipe elbows. The Korean Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) is performing experiments in their Flow-Accelerated Corrosion (FAC) test loop to better characterize these phenomena, and develop advanced sensor technologies for the condition monitoring of critical elbows on a continuous basis. In parallel with these experiments, Sandia National Laboratories is performing Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) simulations of the flow in one elbow of the FAC test loop. The simulations are being performed using the FLUENT commercial software developed and marketed by Fluent, Inc. The model geometry and meshmore » were created using the GAMBIT software, also from Fluent, Inc. This report documents the results of the simulations that have been made to date; baseline results employing the RNG k-e turbulence model are presented. The predicted value for the diametrical pressure coefficient is in reasonably good agreement with published correlations. Plots of the velocities, pressure field, wall shear stress, and turbulent kinetic energy adjacent to the wall are shown within the elbow section. Somewhat to our surprise, these indicate that the maximum values of both wall shear stress and turbulent kinetic energy occur near the elbow entrance, on the inner radius of the bend. Additional simulations were performed for the same conditions, but with the RNG k-e model replaced by either the standard k-{var_epsilon}, or the realizable k-{var_epsilon} turbulence model. The predictions using the standard k-{var_epsilon} model are quite similar to those obtained in the baseline simulation. However, with the realizable k-{var_epsilon} model, more significant differences are evident. The maximums in both wall shear stress and turbulent kinetic energy now appear on the outer radius, near the elbow exit, and are {approx}11% and 14% greater, respectively, than those predicted in the baseline calculation; secondary maxima in both quantities still occur near the elbow entrance on the inner radius. Which set of results better reflects reality must await experimental corroboration. Additional calculations demonstrate that whether or not FLUENT's radial equilibrium pressure distribution option is used in the PRESSURE OUTLET boundary condition has no significant impact on the flowfield near the elbow. Simulations performed with and without the chemical sensor and associated support bracket that were present in the experiments demonstrate that the latter have a negligible influence on the flow in the vicinity of the elbow. The fact that the maxima in wall shear stress and turbulent kinetic energy occur on the inner radius is therefore not an artifact of having introduced the sensor into the flow.« less

Effects of episodic sediment supply on bedload transport rate in mountain rivers. Detecting debris flow activity using continuous monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uchida, Taro; Sakurai, Wataru; Iuchi, Takuma; Izumiyama, Hiroaki; Borgatti, Lisa; Marcato, Gianluca; Pasuto, Alessandro

2018-04-01

Monitoring of sediment transport from hillslopes to channel networks as a consequence of floods with suspended and bedload transport, hyperconcentrated flows, debris and mud flows is essential not only for scientific issues, but also for prevention and mitigation of natural disasters, i.e. for hazard assessment, land use planning and design of torrent control interventions. In steep, potentially unstable terrains, ground-based continuous monitoring of hillslope and hydrological processes is still highly localized and expensive, especially in terms of manpower. In recent years, new seismic and acoustic methods have been developed for continuous bedload monitoring in mountain rivers. Since downstream bedload transport rate is controlled by upstream sediment supply from tributary channels and bed-external sources, continuous bedload monitoring might be an effective tool for detecting the sediments mobilized by debris flow processes in the upper catchment and thus represent an indirect method to monitor slope instability processes at the catchment scale. However, there is poor information about the effects of episodic sediment supply from upstream bed-external sources on downstream bedload transport rate at a single flood time scale. We have examined the effects of sediment supply due to upstream debris flow events on downstream bedload transport rate along the Yotagiri River, central Japan. To do this, we have conducted continuous bedload observations using a hydrophone (Japanese pipe microphone) located 6.4 km downstream the lower end of a tributary affected by debris flows. Two debris flows occurred during the two-years-long observation period. As expected, bedload transport rate for a given flow depth showed to be larger after storms triggering debris flows. That is, although the magnitude of sediment supply from debris flows is not large, their effect on bedload is propagating >6 km downstream at a single flood time scale. This indicates that continuous bedload observations could be effective for detecting sediment supply as a consequence of debris flow events.

Streamflow characteristics and trends in New Jersey, water years 1897-2003

USGS Publications Warehouse

Watson, Kara M.; Reiser, Robert G.; Nieswand, Steven P.; Schopp, Robert D.

2005-01-01

Streamflow statistics were computed for 111 continuous-record streamflow-gaging stations with 20 or more years of continuous record and for 500 low-flow partial-record stations, including 66 gaging stations with less than 20 years of continuous record. Daily mean streamflow data from water year 1897 through water year 2001 were used for the computations at the gaging stations. (The water year is the 12-month period, October 1 through September 30, designated by the calendar year in which it ends). The characteristics presented for the long-term continuous-record stations are daily streamflow, harmonic mean flow, flow frequency, daily flow durations, trend analysis, and streamflow variability. Low-flow statistics for gaging stations with less than 20 years of record and for partial-record stations were estimated by correlating base-flow measurements with daily mean flows at long-term (more than 20 years) continuous-record stations. Instantaneous streamflow measurements through water year 2003 were used to estimate low-flow statistics at the partial-record stations. The characteristics presented for partial-record stations are mean annual flow; harmonic mean flow; and annual and winter low-flow frequency. The annual 1-, 7-, and 30-day low- and high-flow data sets were tested for trends. The results of trend tests for high flows indicate relations between upward trends for high flows and stream regulation, and high flows and development in the basin. The relation between development and low-flow trends does not appear to be as strong as for development and high-flow trends. Monthly, seasonal, and annual precipitation data for selected long-term meteorological stations also were tested for trends to analyze the effects of climate. A significant upward trend in precipitation in northern New Jersey, Climate Division 1 was identified. For Climate Division 2, no general increase in average precipitation was observed. Trend test results indicate that high flows at undeveloped, unregulated sites have not been affected by the increase in average precipitation. The ratio of instantaneous peak flow to 3-day mean flow, ratios of flow duration, ratios of high-flow/low-flow frequency, and coefficient of variation were used to define streamflow variability. Streamflow variability was significantly greater among the group of gaging stations located outside the Coastal Plain than among the group of gaging stations located in the Coastal Plain.

Sequential continuous flow processes for the oxidation of amines and azides by using HOF·MeCN.

PubMed

McPake, Christopher B; Murray, Christopher B; Sandford, Graham

2012-02-13

The generation and use of the highly potent oxidising agent HOF·MeCN in a controlled single continuous flow process is described. Oxidations of amines and azides to corresponding nitrated systems by using fluorine gas, water and acetonitrile by sequential gas-liquid/liquid-liquid continuous flow procedures are reported. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

42 CFR 84.162 - Man test for gases and vapors; Type C respirators, continuous-flow class and Type CE supplied-air...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Man test for gases and vapors; Type C respirators, continuous-flow class and Type CE supplied-air respirators; test requirements. 84.162 Section 84.162 Public....162 Man test for gases and vapors; Type C respirators, continuous-flow class and Type CE supplied-air...

42 CFR 84.162 - Man test for gases and vapors; Type C respirators, continuous-flow class and Type CE supplied-air...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 42 Public Health 1 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Man test for gases and vapors; Type C respirators, continuous-flow class and Type CE supplied-air respirators; test requirements. 84.162 Section 84.162 Public....162 Man test for gases and vapors; Type C respirators, continuous-flow class and Type CE supplied-air...

42 CFR 84.162 - Man test for gases and vapors; Type C respirators, continuous-flow class and Type CE supplied-air...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 42 Public Health 1 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Man test for gases and vapors; Type C respirators, continuous-flow class and Type CE supplied-air respirators; test requirements. 84.162 Section 84.162 Public....162 Man test for gases and vapors; Type C respirators, continuous-flow class and Type CE supplied-air...

42 CFR 84.162 - Man test for gases and vapors; Type C respirators, continuous-flow class and Type CE supplied-air...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 42 Public Health 1 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Man test for gases and vapors; Type C respirators, continuous-flow class and Type CE supplied-air respirators; test requirements. 84.162 Section 84.162 Public....162 Man test for gases and vapors; Type C respirators, continuous-flow class and Type CE supplied-air...

Optimal energy growth in a stably stratified shear flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jose, Sharath; Roy, Anubhab; Bale, Rahul; Iyer, Krithika; Govindarajan, Rama

2018-02-01

Transient growth of perturbations by a linear non-modal evolution is studied here in a stably stratified bounded Couette flow. The density stratification is linear. Classical inviscid stability theory states that a parallel shear flow is stable to exponentially growing disturbances if the Richardson number (Ri) is greater than 1/4 everywhere in the flow. Experiments and numerical simulations at higher Ri show however that algebraically growing disturbances can lead to transient amplification. The complexity of a stably stratified shear flow stems from its ability to combine this transient amplification with propagating internal gravity waves (IGWs). The optimal perturbations associated with maximum energy amplification are numerically obtained at intermediate Reynolds numbers. It is shown that in this wall-bounded flow, the three-dimensional optimal perturbations are oblique, unlike in unstratified flow. A partitioning of energy into kinetic and potential helps in understanding the exchange of energies and how it modifies the transient growth. We show that the apportionment between potential and kinetic energy depends, in an interesting manner, on the Richardson number, and on time, as the transient growth proceeds from an optimal perturbation. The oft-quoted stabilizing role of stratification is also probed in the non-diffusive limit in the context of disturbance energy amplification.

Smart material screening machines using smart materials and controls

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allaei, Daryoush; Corradi, Gary; Waigand, Al

2002-07-01

The objective of this product is to address the specific need for improvements in the efficiency and effectiveness in physical separation technologies in the screening areas. Currently, the mining industry uses approximately 33 billion kW-hr per year, costing 1.65 billion dollars at 0.05 cents per kW-hr, of electrical energy for physical separations. Even though screening and size separations are not the single most energy intensive process in the mining industry, they are often the major bottleneck in the whole process. Improvements to this area offer tremendous potential in both energy savings and production improvements. Additionally, the vibrating screens used in the mining processing plants are the most costly areas from maintenance and worker health and safety point of views. The goal of this product is to reduce energy use in the screening and total processing areas. This goal is accomplished by developing an innovative screening machine based on smart materials and smart actuators, namely smart screen that uses advanced sensory system to continuously monitor the screening process and make appropriate adjustments to improve production. The theory behind the development of Smart Screen technology is based on two key technologies, namely smart actuators and smart Energy Flow ControlT (EFCT) strategies, developed initially for military applications. Smart Screen technology controls the flow of vibration energy and confines it to the screen rather than shaking much of the mass that makes up the conventional vibratory screening machine. Consequently, Smart Screens eliminates and downsizes many of the structural components associated with conventional vibratory screening machines. As a result, the surface area of the screen increases for a given envelope. This increase in usable screening surface area extends the life of the screens, reduces required maintenance by reducing the frequency of screen change-outs and improves throughput or productivity.

Influence of the nuclear symmetry energy on the collective flows of charged pions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Yuan; Yong, Gao-Chan; Zhang, Lei; Zuo, Wei

2018-01-01

Based on the isospin-dependent Boltzmann-Uehling-Uhlenbeck (IBUU) transport model, we studied charged pion transverse and elliptic flows in semicentral 197Au+197Au collisions at 600 MeV/nucleon. It is found that π+-π- differential transverse flow and the difference of π+ and π- transverse flows almost show no effects of the symmetry energy. Their corresponding elliptic flows are largely affected by the symmetry energy, especially at high transverse momenta. The isospin-dependent pion elliptic flow at high transverse momenta thus provides a promising way to probe the high-density behavior of the symmetry energy in heavy-ion collisions at the Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research (FAIR) at GSI, Darmstadt or at the Cooling Storage Ring (CSR) at HIRFL, Lanzhou.

Sheathless focusing and separation of microparticles using tilted angle travelling surface acoustic waves.

PubMed

Ahmed, Husnain; Destgeer, Ghulam; Park, Jinsoo; Afzal, Muhammad; Sung, Hyung Jin

2018-06-18

The sheathless focusing and separation of microparticles is an important pre-processing step in various biochemical assays in which enriched sample isolation is critical. Most previous microfluidic particle separation techniques have used a sheath flow to achieve efficient sample focusing. The sheath flow diluted the analyte, and required additional microchannels and accurate flow control. We demonstrated a tilted angle travelling surface acoustic wave (taTSAW)-based sheathless focusing and separation of particles in a continuous flow. The proposed device consisted of a piezoelectric substrate with a pair of interdigitated transducers (IDTs) deposited at two different angles relative to the flow direction. A Y-shaped polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microchannel having one inlet and two outlet ports was positioned on top of the IDTs such that the acoustic energy coupling into the fluid was maximized and wave attenuation by the PDMS walls was minimized. The two IDTs independently produced high-frequency taTSAWs, which propagated at ±30° with respect to the flow direction and imparted a direct acoustic radiation force onto the target particles. A sample mixture containing 4.8 and 3.2 µm particles was focused and then separated by the actuation of the IDTs at 194 and 136 MHz frequencies, respectively, without using an additional sheath flow. The proposed taTSAW-based particle separation device offered a high purity > 99% at the both outlets over a wide range of flow speeds (up to 83.3 mm/s).

Measurements of energy distribution and thrust for microwave plasma coupling of electrical energy to hydrogen for propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morin, T.; Chapman, R.; Filpus, J.; Hawley, M.; Kerber, R.; Asmussen, J.; Nakanishi, S.

1982-01-01

A microwave plasma system for transfer of electrical energy to hydrogen flowing through the system has potential application for coupling energy to a flowing gas in the electrothermal propulsion concept. Experimental systems have been designed and built for determination of the energy inputs and outputs and thrust for the microwave coupling of energy to hydrogen. Results for experiments with pressure in the range 100 microns-6 torr, hydrogen flow rate up to 1000 micronmoles/s, and total absorbed power to 700 w are presented.

Autoignition characteristics of aircraft-type fuels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spadaccini, L. J.; Tevelde, J. A.

1980-01-01

The ignition delay characteristics of Jet A, JP 4, no. 2 diesel, cetane and an experimental referee broad specification (ERBS) fuel in air at inlet temperatures up to 1000 K, pressures of 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 atm, and fuel air equivalence ratios of 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 1.0 were mapped. Ignition delay times in the range of 1 to 50 msec at freestream flow velocities ranging from 20 to 100 m/sec were obtained using a continuous flow test apparatus which permitted independent variation and evaluation of the effect of temperature, pressure, flow rate, and fuel/air ratio. The ignition delay times for all fuels tested appeared to correlate with the inverse of pressure and the inverse exponent of temperature. With the exception of pure cetane, which had the shortest ignition delay times, the differences between the fuels tested did not appear to be significant. The apparent global activation energies for the typical gas turbine fuels ranged from 38 to 40 kcal/mole, while the activation energy determined for cetane was 50 kcal/mole. In addition, the data indicate that for lean mixtures, ignition delay times decrease with increasing equivalence ratio. It was also noted that physical (apparatus dependent) phenomena, such as mixing (i.e., length and number of injection sites) and airstream cooling (due to fuel heating, vaporization and convective heat loss) can have an important effect on the ignition delay.

Parallelization of TWOPORFLOW, a Cartesian Grid based Two-phase Porous Media Code for Transient Thermo-hydraulic Simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trost, Nico; Jiménez, Javier; Imke, Uwe; Sanchez, Victor

2014-06-01

TWOPORFLOW is a thermo-hydraulic code based on a porous media approach to simulate single- and two-phase flow including boiling. It is under development at the Institute for Neutron Physics and Reactor Technology (INR) at KIT. The code features a 3D transient solution of the mass, momentum and energy conservation equations for two inter-penetrating fluids with a semi-implicit continuous Eulerian type solver. The application domain of TWOPORFLOW includes the flow in standard porous media and in structured porous media such as micro-channels and cores of nuclear power plants. In the latter case, the fluid domain is coupled to a fuel rod model, describing the heat flow inside the solid structure. In this work, detailed profiling tools have been utilized to determine the optimization potential of TWOPORFLOW. As a result, bottle-necks were identified and reduced in the most feasible way, leading for instance to an optimization of the water-steam property computation. Furthermore, an OpenMP implementation addressing the routines in charge of inter-phase momentum-, energy- and mass-coupling delivered good performance together with a high scalability on shared memory architectures. In contrast to that, the approach for distributed memory systems was to solve sub-problems resulting by the decomposition of the initial Cartesian geometry. Thread communication for the sub-problem boundary updates was accomplished by the Message Passing Interface (MPI) standard.

A unified view of energetic efficiency in active drag reduction, thrust generation and self-propulsion through a loss coefficient with some applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arakeri, Jaywant H.; Shukla, Ratnesh K.

2013-08-01

An analysis of the energy budget for the general case of a body translating in a stationary fluid under the action of an external force is used to define a power loss coefficient. This universal definition of power loss coefficient gives a measure of the energy lost in the wake of the translating body and, in general, is applicable to a variety of flow configurations including active drag reduction, self-propulsion and thrust generation. The utility of the power loss coefficient is demonstrated on a model bluff body flow problem concerning a two-dimensional elliptical cylinder in a uniform cross-flow. The upper and lower boundaries of the elliptic cylinder undergo continuous motion due to a prescribed reflectionally symmetric constant tangential surface velocity. It is shown that a decrease in drag resulting from an increase in the strength of tangential surface velocity leads to an initial reduction and eventual rise in the power loss coefficient. A maximum in energetic efficiency is attained for a drag reducing tangential surface velocity which minimizes the power loss coefficient. The effect of the tangential surface velocity on drag reduction and self-propulsion of both bluff and streamlined bodies is explored through a variation in the thickness ratio (ratio of the minor and major axes) of the elliptical cylinders.

On the Single-Layer Hydraulics Model for Flows and Ventilation over Unban Areas in Stable Stratification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, C. H.

2015-12-01

Atmospheric stability has substantial effects on the flows and heat/mass transport processes. While extensive studies have been conducted for neutral and unstable stabilities, rather limited studies have been devoted to stable stratification. Major technical reason is the demanding spatio-temporal resolution required to solve the small scales in stratified turbulent flows. Instead of continuous density variation, we use the single-layer hydraulics model (analogous to shallow water equations for global dynamics), to simulate the stratified flows and turbulence structure over hypothetical urban areas. An array of identical ribs in cross flows is used to model an idealized urban surface and the aerodynamic resistance is controlled by the separation among the ribs. Two immiscible fluids (water and air) with a large density difference (three order of magnitude) are used to simulate the stratification. The key assumption is that the density in the (lower) single layer is uniform. As a result, the stratification is measured by the Froude number Fr (= U/(gH)1/2; where U is the flow speed, g the gravitational acceleration and H the single-layer depth). One of the characteristics of single-layer hydraulics model is hydraulic jump which occurs when the flows are slowing down from Fr > 1 (high-speed flows over smoother surfaces) to Fr < 1 (lower-speed flows over rougher surfaces). It is noteworthy that kinetic energy does not conserve across hydraulic jump that, unavoidably, cascades to turbulent kinetic energy (TKE). We thus hypotheses that the elevated TKE could modify the street-level ventilation mechanism in the stratified flows across an abrupt change in surface roughness entering urban areas. Large-eddy simulation and laboratory-scale water channel experiments are sought to improve our understanding of the occurrence of hydraulic jump and the associated street-level ventilation mechanism in the stratified flows over urban areas. Preliminary results, by comparing the dynamics at Fr = 2.4 and Fr = 2.8, demonstrate the notable changes in ventilation performance in the first several rows of ribs of urban areas. Substantial changes in the mean and fluctuating velocities are observed that contribute to the different street-level ventilation mechanism. Detailed results will be reported in the upcoming AGU fall meeting.

Low-Flow Characteristics and Regionalization of Low-Flow Characteristics for Selected Streams in Arkansas

USGS Publications Warehouse

Funkhouser, Jaysson E.; Eng, Ken; Moix, Matthew W.

2008-01-01

Water use in Arkansas has increased dramatically in recent years. Since 1990, the use of water for all purposes except power generation has increased 53 percent (4,004 cubic feet per second in 1990 to 6,113 cubic feet per second in 2005). The biggest users are agriculture (90 percent), municipal water supply (4 percent) and industrial supply (2 percent). As the population of the State continues to grow, so does the demand for the State's water resources. The low-flow characteristics of a stream ultimately affect its utilization by humans. Specific information on the low-flow characteristics of streams is essential to State water-management agencies such as the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission when dealing with problems related to irrigation, municipal and industrial water supplies, fish and wildlife conservation, and dilution of waste. Low-flow frequency data are of particular value to management agencies responsible for the development and management of the State's water resources. This report contains the low-flow characteristics for 70 active continuous-streamflow record gaging stations, 59 inactive continuous-streamflow record stations, and 101 partial-record gaging stations. These characteristics are the annual 7-day, 10-year low flow and the annual 7-day, 2-year low flow, and the seasonal, bimonthly, and monthly 7-day, 10-year low flow for the 129 active and inactive continuous-streamflow record and 101 partial-record gaging stations. Low-flow characteristics were computed on the basis of streamflow data for the period of record through September 2005 for the continuous-streamflow record and partial-record streamflow gaging stations. The low-flow characteristics of these continuous- and partial-record streamflow gaging stations were utilized in a regional regression analysis to produce equations for estimating the annual, seasonal, bimonthly, and monthly (November through April) 7-day, 10-year low flows and the annual 7-day, 2-year low flow for ungaged streams in the western two-thirds of Arkansas.

Blood flow dynamic improvement with aneurysm repair detected by a patient-specific model of multiple aortic aneurysms.

PubMed

Sughimoto, Koichi; Takahara, Yoshiharu; Mogi, Kenji; Yamazaki, Kenji; Tsubota, Ken'ichi; Liang, Fuyou; Liu, Hao

2014-05-01

Aortic aneurysms may cause the turbulence of blood flow and result in the energy loss of the blood flow, while grafting of the dilated aorta may ameliorate these hemodynamic disturbances, contributing to the alleviation of the energy efficiency of blood flow delivery. However, evaluating of the energy efficiency of blood flow in an aortic aneurysm has been technically difficult to estimate and not comprehensively understood yet. We devised a multiscale computational biomechanical model, introducing novel flow indices, to investigate a single male patient with multiple aortic aneurysms. Preoperative levels of wall shear stress and oscillatory shear index (OSI) were elevated but declined after staged grafting procedures: OSI decreased from 0.280 to 0.257 (first operation) and 0.221 (second operation). Graftings may strategically counter the loss of efficient blood delivery to improve hemodynamics of the aorta. The energy efficiency of blood flow also improved postoperatively. Novel indices of pulsatile pressure index (PPI) and pulsatile energy loss index (PELI) were evaluated to characterize and quantify energy loss of pulsatile blood flow. Mean PPI decreased from 0.445 to 0.423 (first operation) and 0.359 (second operation), respectively; while the preoperative PELI of 0.986 dropped to 0.820 and 0.831. Graftings contributed not only to ameliorate wall shear stress or oscillatory shear index but also to improve efficient blood flow. This patient-specific modeling will help in analyzing the mechanism of aortic aneurysm formation and may play an important role in quantifying the energy efficiency or loss in blood delivery.

Model of continual metabolism species for estimating stability of CELSS and natural ecosystems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bartsev, S. I.

Estimation of stability range of natural and man-made ecosystems is necessary for effective control of them However traditional ecological models usually underestimate stability of real ecosystems It takes place due to the usage of fixed stoichiometry model of metabolism The objective is in creating theoretical and mathematical models for adequate description of both man-made and natural ecological systems A concept of genetically fixed but metabolically flexible species is considered in the paper According to the concept the total flow of matter through ecological system is supported at almost constant level depending on energy income by flexibility of metabolic organization of genetic species It is shown introducing continual metabolism species extends the range of stability making its estimation more adequate to real ecological systems

Maximum work extraction and implementation costs for nonequilibrium Maxwell's demons.

PubMed

Sandberg, Henrik; Delvenne, Jean-Charles; Newton, Nigel J; Mitter, Sanjoy K

2014-10-01

We determine the maximum amount of work extractable in finite time by a demon performing continuous measurements on a quadratic Hamiltonian system subjected to thermal fluctuations, in terms of the information extracted from the system. The maximum work demon is found to apply a high-gain continuous feedback involving a Kalman-Bucy estimate of the system state and operates in nonequilibrium. A simple and concrete electrical implementation of the feedback protocol is proposed, which allows for analytic expressions of the flows of energy, entropy, and information inside the demon. This let us show that any implementation of the demon must necessarily include an external power source, which we prove both from classical thermodynamics arguments and from a version of Landauer's memory erasure argument extended to nonequilibrium linear systems.

Using a tracer technique to identify the extent of non-ideal flows in the continuous mixing of non-Newtonian fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patel, D.; Ein-Mozaffari, F.; Mehrvar, M.

2013-05-01

The identification of non-ideal flows in a continuous-flow mixing of non-Newtonian fluids is a challenging task for various chemical industries: plastic manufacturing, water and wastewater treatment, and pulp and paper manufacturing. Non-ideal flows such as channelling, recirculation, and dead zones significantly affect the performance of continuous-flow mixing systems. Therefore, the main objective of this paper was to develop an identification protocol to measure non-ideal flows in the continuous-flow mixing system. The extent of non-ideal flows was quantified using a dynamic model that incorporated channelling, recirculation, and dead volume in the mixing vessel. To estimate the dynamic model parameters, the system was excited using a frequency-modulated random binary input by injecting the saline solution (as a tracer) into the fresh feed stream prior to being pumped into the mixing vessel. The injection of the tracer was controlled by a computer-controlled on-off solenoid valve. Using the trace technique, the extent of channelling and the effective mixed volume were successfully determined and used as mixing quality criteria. Such identification procedures can be applied at various areas of chemical engineering in order to improve the mixing quality.

Utilization of Stop-flow Micro-tubing Reactors for the Development of Organic Transformations.

PubMed

Toh, Ren Wei; Li, Jie Sheng; Wu, Jie

2018-01-04

A new reaction screening technology for organic synthesis was recently demonstrated by combining elements from both continuous micro-flow and conventional batch reactors, coined stop-flow micro-tubing (SFMT) reactors. In SFMT, chemical reactions that require high pressure can be screened in parallel through a safer and convenient way. Cross-contamination, which is a common problem in reaction screening for continuous flow reactors, is avoided in SFMT. Moreover, the commercially available light-permeable micro-tubing can be incorporated into SFMT, serving as an excellent choice for light-mediated reactions due to a more effective uniform light exposure, compared to batch reactors. Overall, the SFMT reactor system is similar to continuous flow reactors and more superior than batch reactors for reactions that incorporate gas reagents and/or require light-illumination, which enables a simple but highly efficient reaction screening system. Furthermore, any successfully developed reaction in the SFMT reactor system can be conveniently translated to continuous-flow synthesis for large scale production.

Mathematical models of continuous flow electrophoresis: Electrophoresis technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saville, Dudley A.

1986-01-01

Two aspects of continuous flow electrophoresis were studied: (1) the structure of the flow field in continuous flow devices; and (2) the electrokinetic properties of suspended particles relevant to electrophoretic separations. Mathematical models were developed to describe flow structure and stability, with particular emphasis on effects due to buoyancy. To describe the fractionation of an arbitrary particulate sample by continuous flow electrophoresis, a general mathematical model was constructed. In this model, chamber dimensions, field strength, buffer composition, and other design variables can be altered at will to study their effects on resolution and throughput. All these mathematical models were implemented on a digital computer and the codes are available for general use. Experimental and theoretical work with particulate samples probed how particle mobility is related to buffer composition. It was found that ions on the surface of small particles are mobile, contrary to the widely accepted view. This influences particle mobility and suspension conductivity. A novel technique was used to measure the mobility of particles in concentrated suspensions.

Development of Elasto-Acoustic Integral Equation Based Solver to Assess/Simulate Sound Conducting Mechanisms in Human Head

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-09

indicates energy flowing into and out of the bone. (b) The average energy flux density through the surface of the cochlear cavity (relative to the incident...simulation tool capable of handling a variety of aspects of wave propagation and the resulting energy flow in a human head subject to an incident...small amounts of energy transferred from air to a dense inhomogeneous object: such small energy flows are relevant only because of the exceedingly high

Anisotropic energy flow and allosteric ligand binding in albumin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Guifeng; Magana, Donny; Dyer, R. Brian

2014-01-01

Allosteric interactions in proteins generally involve propagation of local structural changes through the protein to a remote site. Anisotropic energy transport is thought to couple the remote sites, but the nature of this process is poorly understood. Here, we report the relationship between energy flow through the structure of bovine serum albumin and allosteric interactions between remote ligand binding sites of the protein. Ultrafast infrared spectroscopy is used to probe the flow of energy through the protein backbone following excitation of a heater dye, a metalloporphyrin or malachite green, bound to different binding sites in the protein. We observe ballistic and anisotropic energy flow through the protein structure following input of thermal energy into the flexible ligand binding sites, without local heating of the rigid helix bundles that connect these sites. This efficient energy transport mechanism enables the allosteric propagation of binding energy through the connecting helix structures.

Anisotropic energy flow and allosteric ligand binding in albumin.

PubMed

Li, Guifeng; Magana, Donny; Dyer, R Brian

2014-01-01

Allosteric interactions in proteins generally involve propagation of local structural changes through the protein to a remote site. Anisotropic energy transport is thought to couple the remote sites, but the nature of this process is poorly understood. Here, we report the relationship between energy flow through the structure of bovine serum albumin and allosteric interactions between remote ligand binding sites of the protein. Ultrafast infrared spectroscopy is used to probe the flow of energy through the protein backbone following excitation of a heater dye, a metalloporphyrin or malachite green, bound to different binding sites in the protein. We observe ballistic and anisotropic energy flow through the protein structure following input of thermal energy into the flexible ligand binding sites, without local heating of the rigid helix bundles that connect these sites. This efficient energy transport mechanism enables the allosteric propagation of binding energy through the connecting helix structures.

Anisotropic energy flow and allosteric ligand binding in albumin

PubMed Central

Li, Guifeng; Magana, Donny; Dyer, R. Brian

2014-01-01

Allosteric interactions in proteins generally involve propagation of local structural changes through the protein to a remote site. Anisotropic energy transport is thought to couple the remote sites, but the nature of this process is poorly understood. Here, we report the relationship between energy flow through the structure of bovine serum albumin and allosteric interactions between remote ligand binding sites of the protein. Ultrafast infrared spectroscopy is used to probe the flow of energy through the protein backbone following excitation of a heater dye, a metalloporphyrin or malachite green, bound to different binding sites in the protein. We observe ballistic and anisotropic energy flow through the protein structure following input of thermal energy into the flexible ligand binding sites, without local heating of the rigid helix bundles that connect these sites. This efficient energy transport mechanism enables the allosteric propagation of binding energy through the connecting helix structures. PMID:24445265

Experimental investigation of interfacial energy transport in an evaporating sessile droplet for evaporative cooling applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahmud, Md. Almostasim; MacDonald, Brendan D.

2017-01-01

In this paper we experimentally examine evaporation flux distributions and modes of interfacial energy transport for continuously fed evaporating spherical sessile water droplets in a regime that is relevant for applications, particularly for evaporative cooling systems. The contribution of the thermal conduction through the vapor phase was found to be insignificant compared to the thermal conduction through the liquid phase for the conditions we investigated. The local evaporation flux distributions associated with thermal conduction were found to vary along the surface of the droplet. Thermal conduction provided a majority of the energy required for evaporation but did not account for all of the energy transport, contributing 64 ±3 % , 77 ±3 % , and 77 ±4 % of the energy required for the three cases we examined. Based on the temperature profiles measured along the interface we found that thermocapillary flow was predicted to occur in our experiments, and two convection cells were consistent with the temperature distributions for higher substrate temperatures while a single convection cell was consistent with the temperature distributions for a lower substrate temperature.

A projection gradient method for computing ground state of spin-2 Bose–Einstein condensates

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Hanquan, E-mail: hanquan.wang@gmail.com; Yunnan Tongchang Scientific Computing and Data Mining Research Center, Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650221

In this paper, a projection gradient method is presented for computing ground state of spin-2 Bose–Einstein condensates (BEC). We first propose the general projection gradient method for solving energy functional minimization problem under multiple constraints, in which the energy functional takes real functions as independent variables. We next extend the method to solve a similar problem, where the energy functional now takes complex functions as independent variables. We finally employ the method into finding the ground state of spin-2 BEC. The key of our method is: by constructing continuous gradient flows (CGFs), the ground state of spin-2 BEC can bemore » computed as the steady state solution of such CGFs. We discretized the CGFs by a conservative finite difference method along with a proper way to deal with the nonlinear terms. We show that the numerical discretization is normalization and magnetization conservative and energy diminishing. Numerical results of the ground state and their energy of spin-2 BEC are reported to demonstrate the effectiveness of the numerical method.« less

Using a Ventilation Controller to Optimize Residential Passive Ventilation For Energy and Indoor Air Quality

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Turner, William; Walker, Iain

One way to reduce the energy impact of providing residential ventilation is to use passive and hybrid systems. However, these passive and hybrid (sometimes called mixed-mode) systems must still meet chronic and acute health standards for ventilation. This study uses a computer simulation approach to examine the energy and indoor air quality (IAQ) implications of passive and hybrid ventilation systems, in 16 California climate zones. Both uncontrolled and flow controlled passive stacks are assessed. A new hybrid ventilation system is outlined that uses an intelligent ventilation controller to minimise energy use, while ensuring chronic and acute IAQ standards are met.more » ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2010 – the United States standard for residential ventilation - is used as the chronic standard, and exposure limits for PM 2.5, formaldehyde and NO 2 are used as the acute standards.The results show that controlled passive ventilation and hybrid ventilation can be used in homes to provide equivalent IAQ to continuous mechanical ventilation, for less use of energy.« less

Laser excitation dynamics of argon metastables generated in atmospheric pressure flows by microwave frequency microplasma arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rawlins, W. T.; Galbally-Kinney, K. L.; Davis, S. J.; Hoskinson, A. R.; Hopwood, J. A.

2014-03-01

The optically pumped rare-gas metastable laser is a chemically inert analogue to diode-pumped alkali (DPAL) and alkali-exciplex (XPAL) laser systems. Scaling of these devices requires efficient generation of electronically excited metastable atoms in a continuous-wave electric discharge in flowing gas mixtures at atmospheric pressure. This paper describes initial investigations of the use of linear microwave micro-discharge arrays to generate metastable rare-gas atoms at atmospheric pressure in optical pump-and-probe experiments for laser development. Power requirements to ignite and sustain the plasma at 1 atm are low, <30 W. We report on the laser excitation dynamics of argon metastables, Ar (4s, 1s5) (Paschen notation), generated in flowing mixtures of Ar and He at 1 atm. Tunable diode laser absorption measurements indicate Ar(1s5) concentrations near 3 × 1012 cm-3 at 1 atm. The metastables are optically pumped by absorption of a focused beam from a continuous-wave Ti:S laser, and spectrally selected fluorescence is observed with an InGaAs camera and an InGaAs array spectrometer. We observe the optical excitation of the 1s5-->2p9 transition at 811.5 nm and the corresponding laser-induced fluorescence on the 2p10-->1s5 transition at 912.3 nm; the 2p10 state is efficiently populated by collisional energy transfer from 2p9. Using tunable diode laser absorption/gain spectroscopy, we observe small-signal gains of ~1 cm-1 over a 1.9 cm path. We also observe stable, continuous-wave laser oscillation at 912.3 nm, with preliminary optical efficiency ~55%. These results are consistent with efficient collisional coupling within the Ar(4s) manifold.

Isotope ratio mass spectrometry in nutrition research

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Luke, A.H.

Many of the biochemical pathways and processes that form the foundation of modern nutrition research was elucidated using stable isotopes as physiological tracers. Since the discovery of stable isotopes, improvements and innovations in mass spectrometry and chromatography have led to greatly expanded applications. This research project was designed to evaluate gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS) as a tool for isotopic tracer studies and to delineate the operational parameters for the analysis of {sup 13}C-labeled cholesterol, leucine and {alpha}-ketoisocaproate. The same isotope ratio mass spectrometer was then used as the base instrument for the ratio mass spectrometer was then usedmore » as the base instrument for the development of two additional inlet systems: a continuous-flow inlet for the analyses of {sup 13}C and {sup 18}O as CO{sub 2} and a filament inlet for on-line combustion and isotopic analysis of non-volatile organic compounds. Each of these three inlets was evaluated and their utility in nutrition research illustrated. GC/C/IRMS was used to analyze cholesterol, leucine and {alpha}-ketoisocaproate with good accuracy, precision and little isotopic memory. For all three compounds the detection limits achieved well surpassed currently used technologies. For compounds that can be well separated by GC, GC/C/IRMS is a valuable analytical tool. The continuous-flow inlet provided good accuracy and precision for measurements of {sup 13}CO{sub 2} from breath tests and {sup 18}O as CO{sub 2} from total energy expenditure tests. Most importantly, the continuous-flow inlet increased sample throughput by at least a factor of three over conventional analytical techniques. The filament inlet provided accurate and precise {sup 13}C ratio measurements of both natural abundance and enriched standards of non-volatile organic compounds of physiological interest.« less

In vitro evaluation of flow patterns and turbulent kinetic energy in trans-catheter aortic valve prostheses.

PubMed

Giese, Daniel; Weiss, Kilian; Baeßler, Bettina; Madershahian, Navid; Choi, Yeong-Hoon; Maintz, David; Bunck, Alexander C

2018-02-01

The objective of the current work was to evaluate flow and turbulent kinetic energy in different transcatheter aortic valve implants using highly undersampled time-resolved multi-point 3-directional phase-contrast measurements (4D Flow MRI) in an in vitro setup. A pulsatile flow setup was used with a compliant tubing mimicking a stiff left ventricular outflow tract and ascending aorta. Five different implants were measured using a highly undersampled multi-point 4D Flow MRI sequence. Velocities and turbulent kinetic energy values were analysed and compared. Strong variations of turbulent kinetic energy distributions between the valves were observed. Maximum turbulent kinetic energy values ranged from 100 to over 500 J/m 3 while through-plane velocities were similar between all valves. Highly accelerated 4D Flow MRI for the measurement of velocities and turbulent kinetic energy values allowed for the assessment of hemodynamic parameters in five different implant models. The presented setup, measurement protocol and analysis methods provides an efficient approach to compare different valve implants and could aid future novel valve designs.

Low-flow-frequency characteristics for continuous-record streamflow stations in Minnesota

USGS Publications Warehouse

Arntson, A.D.; Lorenz, D.L.

1987-01-01

Annual and summer (May 1 to September 30) low-flow frequency curves are presented for 175 continuous-record streamflow stations in Minnesota. The curves were developed for all stations with 10 or more years of continuous record. The 1-, 7-, and 30-day low-flow discharges at selected recurrence intervals obtained from these curves are listed. Low-flow characteristics can and will vary for a station depending upon the number of years of record and the period gaged. When comparing low-flow characteristics between two or more stations, it should be remembered that no provisions were made to use concurrent periods of record for stations along the same stream.

NiCo as catalyst for magnetically induced dry reforming of methane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varsano, F.; Bellusci, M.; Provino, A.; Petrecca, M.

2018-03-01

In this paper we report the activation of the dry reforming reaction by induction heating of a NiCo alloy. The catalyst plays a double role, serving both as a promoter for the reforming reaction and producing the heat induced by dissipation of the electromagnetic energy. The elevated temperatures imposed by the reforming reaction suggest the choice of an alloy with a Curie temperature >800°C. In this respect Ni:Co ratio 60:40 was chosen. Alloy active sites for CH4and CO2activation are created by a mechanochemical treatment of the alloy that increases solid-state defects. The catalyst has been successfully tested in a continuous-flow reactor working under atmospheric pressure. Methane conversion and hydrogen production yields have been measured as a function of the applied magnetic field, reactant flow rate and time on stream.

Stabilization of active matter by flow-vortex lattices and defect ordering

PubMed Central

Doostmohammadi, Amin; Adamer, Michael F.; Thampi, Sumesh P.; Yeomans, Julia M.

2016-01-01

Active systems, from bacterial suspensions to cellular monolayers, are continuously driven out of equilibrium by local injection of energy from their constituent elements and exhibit turbulent-like and chaotic patterns. Here we demonstrate both theoretically and through numerical simulations, that the crossover between wet active systems, whose behaviour is dominated by hydrodynamics, and dry active matter where any flow is screened, can be achieved by using friction as a control parameter. Moreover, we discover unexpected vortex ordering at this wet–dry crossover. We show that the self organization of vortices into lattices is accompanied by the spatial ordering of topological defects leading to active crystal-like structures. The emergence of vortex lattices, which leads to the positional ordering of topological defects, suggests potential applications in the design and control of active materials. PMID:26837846

Modeling and Simulation of Metallurgical Process Based on Hybrid Petri Net

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Yujuan; Bao, Hong

2016-11-01

In order to achieve the goals of energy saving and emission reduction of iron and steel enterprises, an increasing number of modeling and simulation technologies are used to research and analyse metallurgical production process. In this paper, the basic principle of Hybrid Petri net is used to model and analyse the Metallurgical Process. Firstly, the definition of Hybrid Petri Net System of Metallurgical Process (MPHPNS) and its modeling theory are proposed. Secondly, the model of MPHPNS based on material flow is constructed. The dynamic flow of materials and the real-time change of each technological state in metallurgical process are simulated vividly by using this model. The simulation process can implement interaction between the continuous event dynamic system and the discrete event dynamic system at the same level, and play a positive role in the production decision.

76 FR 20971 - Free Flow Power Corporation; Notice of Intent To File License Application, Filing of Pre...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-14

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Project No. P-13346-001] Free Flow...: February 18, 2011. d. Submitted By: Free Flow Power Corporation (Free Flow Power), on behalf of its... Officer, Free Flow Power Corporation, 239 Causeway Street, Boston, MA 02114-2130; or at (978) 283-2822. i...

Component-cost and performance based comparison of flow and static batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hopkins, Brandon J.; Smith, Kyle C.; Slocum, Alexander H.; Chiang, Yet-Ming

2015-10-01

Flow batteries are a promising grid-storage technology that is scalable, inherently flexible in power/energy ratio, and potentially low cost in comparison to conventional or ;static; battery architectures. Recent advances in flow chemistries are enabling significantly higher energy density flow electrodes. When the same battery chemistry can arguably be used in either a flow or static electrode design, the relative merits of either design choice become of interest. Here, we analyze the costs of the electrochemically active stack for both architectures under the constraint of constant energy efficiency and charge and discharge rates, using as case studies the aqueous vanadium-redox chemistry, widely used in conventional flow batteries, and aqueous lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP)/lithium-titanium-phosphate (LTP) suspensions, an example of a higher energy density suspension-based electrode. It is found that although flow batteries always have a cost advantage (kWh-1) at the stack level modeled, the advantage is a strong function of flow electrode energy density. For the LFP/LTP case, the cost advantages decreases from ∼50% to ∼10% over experimentally reasonable ranges of suspension loading. Such results are important input for design choices when both battery architectures are viable options.

High-flow nasal prong oxygen therapy or nasopharyngeal continuous positive airway pressure for children with moderate-to-severe respiratory distress?*.

PubMed

ten Brink, Fia; Duke, Trevor; Evans, Janine

2013-09-01

The aim of this study was to compare the use of high-flow nasal prong oxygen therapy to nasopharyngeal continuous positive airway pressure in a PICU at a tertiary hospital; to understand the safety and effectiveness of high-flow nasal prong therapy; in particular, what proportion of children require escalation of therapy, whether any bedside monitoring data predict stability or need for escalation, and complications of the therapies. This was a prospective observational study of the first 6 months after the introduction of high-flow nasal prong oxygen therapy at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne. Data were collected on all children who were managed with either high-flow nasal prong oxygen therapy or nasopharyngeal continuous positive airway pressure. The mode of respiratory support was determined by the treating medical staff. Data were collected on each patient before the use of high-flow nasal prong or nasopharyngeal continuous positive airway pressure, at 2 hours after starting the therapy, and the children were monitored and data collected until discharge from the ICU. Therapy was considered to be escalated if children on high-flow nasal prong required a more invasive form or higher level of respiratory support, including nasopharyngeal continuous positive airway pressure or mask bilevel positive airway pressure or endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. Therapy was considered to be escalated if children on nasopharyngeal continuous positive airway pressure required bilevel positive airway pressure or intubation and mechanical ventilation. As the first mode of respiratory support, 72 children received high-flow nasal prong therapy and 37 received nasopharyngeal continuous positive airway pressure. Forty-four patients (61%) who received high-flow nasal prong first were weaned to low-flow oxygen or to room air and 21 (29%) required escalation of respiratory support, compared with children on nasopharyngeal continuous positive airway pressure: 21 (57%) weaned successfully and 9 (24%) required escalation. Repeated treatment and crossover were common in this cohort. Throughout the study duration, escalation to a higher level of respiratory support was needed in 26 of 100 high-flow nasal prong treatment episodes (26%) and in 10 of 55 continuous positive airway pressure episodes (18%; p = 0.27). The need for escalation could be predicted by two of failure of normalization of heart rate and respiratory rate, and if the FIO2 did not fall to lower than 0.5, 2 hours after starting high-flow nasal prong therapy. Nasopharyngeal continuous positive airway pressure was required for significantly longer periods than high-flow nasal prong (median 48 and 18 hours, respectively; p ≤ 0.001). High-flow nasal prong therapy is a safe form of respiratory support for children with moderate-to-severe respiratory distress, across a large range of diagnoses, whose increased work of breathing or hypoxemia is not relieved by standard oxygen therapy. About one quarter of all children will require escalation to another form of respiratory support. This can be predicted by simple bedside observations.

Pulsating electrolyte flow in a full vanadium redox battery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ling, C. Y.; Cao, H.; Chng, M. L.; Han, M.; Birgersson, E.

2015-10-01

Proper management of electrolyte flow in a vanadium redox battery (VRB) is crucial to achieve high overall system efficiency. On one hand, constant flow reduces concentration polarization and by extension, energy efficiency; on the other hand, it results in higher auxiliary pumping costs, which can consume around 10% of the discharge power. This work seeks to reduce the pumping cost by adopting a novel pulsing electrolyte flow strategy while retaining high energy efficiency. The results indicate that adopting a short flow period, followed by a long flow termination period, results in high energy efficiencies of 80.5% with a pumping cost reduction of over 50%.

Direct observation of vibrational energy flow in cytochrome c.

PubMed

Fujii, Naoki; Mizuno, Misao; Mizutani, Yasuhisa

2011-11-10

Vibrational energy flow in ferric cytochrome c has been examined by picosecond time-resolved anti-Stokes ultraviolet resonance Raman (UVRR) measurements. By taking advantage of the extremely short nonradiative excited state lifetime of heme in the protein (< ps), excess vibrational energy of 20000-25000 cm(-1) was optically deposited selectively at the heme site. Subsequent energy relaxation in the protein moiety was investigated by monitoring the anti-Stokes UVRR intensities of the Trp59 residue, which is a single tryptophan residue involved in the protein that is located close to the heme group. It was found from temporal changes of the anti-Stokes UVRR intensities that the energy flow from the heme to Trp59 and the energy release from Trp59 took place with the time constants of 1-3 and ~8 ps, respectively. These data are consistent with the time constants for the vibrational relaxation of the heme and heating of water reported for hemeproteins. The kinetics of the energy flow were not affected by the amount of excess energy deposited at the heme group. These results demonstrate that the present technique is a powerful tool for studying the vibrational energy flow in proteins.

Electroviscous effect and electrokinetic energy conversion in time periodic pressure-driven flow through a parallel-plate nanochannel with surface charge-dependent slip

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buren, Mandula; Jian, Yongjun; Zhao, Yingchun; Chang, Long

2018-05-01

In this paper we analytically investigate the electroviscous effect and electrokinetic energy conversion in the time periodic pressure-driven flow of an incompressible viscous Newtonian liquid through a parallel-plate nanochannel with surface charge-dependent slip. Analytical and semi-analytical solutions for electric potential, velocity and streaming electric field are obtained and are utilized to compute electrokinetic energy conversion efficiency. The results show that velocity amplitude and energy conversion efficiency are reduced when the effect of surface charge on slip length is considered. The surface charge effect increases with zeta potential and ionic concentration. In addition, the energy conversion efficiency is large when the ratio of channel half-height to the electric double layer thickness is small. The boundary slip results in a large increase in energy conversion. Higher values of the frequency of pressure pulsation lead to higher values of the energy conversion efficiency. We also obtain the energy conversion efficiency in constant pressure-driven flow and find that the energy conversion efficiency in periodical pressure-driven flow becomes larger than that in constant pressure-driven flow when the frequency is large enough.

The new method to send energy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shin, Philip

2012-03-01

I feel the electricity as radar. We can send the energy from antenna to another antenna, and it is moving easy and better than an electrical wire and safe. As a result, the transistor radio is more accurate and move stronger than the digital radio by the fact that electricity flows as a substance. To explain how the energy flows, the trees do not move by itself to hurt man(it is to be.). So the energy flow from antenna to another antenna safely and possibly without hurt as a sword. I understand that energy, the electricity is existing as radar and it proves the fact that how it flows from one place to another.

Electron Heating by the Ion Cyclotron Instability in Collisionless Accretion Flows. I. Compression-driven Instabilities and the Electron Heating Mechanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sironi, Lorenzo; Narayan, Ramesh

2015-02-01

In systems accreting well below the Eddington rate, such as the central black hole in the Milky Way (Sgr A*), the plasma in the innermost regions of the disk is believed to be collisionless and have two temperatures, with the ions substantially hotter than the electrons. However, whether a collisionless faster-than-Coulomb energy transfer mechanism exists in two-temperature accretion flows is still an open question. We study the physics of electron heating during the growth of ion velocity-space instabilities by means of multidimensional, fully kinetic, particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations. A background large-scale compression—embedded in a novel form of the PIC equations—continuously amplifies the field. This constantly drives a pressure anisotropy P > P ∥ because of the adiabatic invariance of the particle magnetic moments. We find that, for ion plasma beta values β0i ~ 5-30 appropriate for the midplane of low-luminosity accretion flows (here, β0i is the ratio of ion thermal pressure to magnetic pressure), mirror modes dominate if the electron-to-proton temperature ratio is T 0e /T 0i >~ 0.2, whereas for T 0e /T 0i <~ 0.2 the ion cyclotron instability triggers the growth of strong Alfvén-like waves, which pitch-angle scatter the ions to maintain marginal stability. We develop an analytical model of electron heating during the growth of the ion cyclotron instability, which we validate with PIC simulations. We find that for cold electrons (β0e <~ 2 me /mi , where β0e is the ratio of electron thermal pressure to magnetic pressure), the electron energy gain is controlled by the magnitude of the E-cross-B velocity induced by the ion cyclotron waves. This term is independent of the initial electron temperature, so it provides a solid energy floor even for electrons starting with extremely low temperatures. On the other hand, the electron energy gain for β0e >~ 2 me /mi —governed by the conservation of the particle magnetic moment in the growing fields of the instability—is proportional to the initial electron temperature, and it scales with the magnetic energy of ion cyclotron waves. Our results have implications for two-temperature accretion flows as well as for solar wind and intracluster plasmas.

Flow Regime Study in a High Density Circulating Fluidized Bed Riser with an Abrupt Exit

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mei, J.S.; Shadle, L.J.; Yue, P.C.

2007-01-01

Flow regime study was conducted in a 0.3 m diameter, 15.5 m height circulating fluidized bed (CFB) riser with an abrupt exit at the National Energy Technology Laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy. Local particle velocities were measured at various radial positions and riser heights using an optical fiber probe. On-line measurement of solid circulating rate was continuously recorded by the Spiral. Glass beads of mean diameter 61 μm and particle density of 2,500 kg/m3 were used as bed material. The CFB riser was operated at various superficial gas velocities ranging from 3 to 7.6 m/s and solid massmore » flux from 20 to 550 kg/m2-s. At a constant riser gas velocity, transition from fast fluidization to dense suspension upflow (DSU) regime started at the bottom of the riser with increasing solid flux. Except at comparatively low riser gas velocity and solid flux, the apparent solid holdup at the top exit region was higher than the middle section of the riser. The solid fraction at this top region could be much higher than 7% under high riser gas velocity and solid mass flux. The local particle velocity showed downward flow near the wall at the top of the riser due to its abrupt exit. This abrupt geometry reflected the solids and, therefore, caused solid particles traveling downward along the wall. However, at location below, but near, the top of the riser the local particle velocities were observed flowing upward at the wall. Therefore, DSU was identified in the upper region of the riser with an abrupt exit while the fully developed region, lower in the riser, was still exhibiting core-annular flow structure. Our data were compared with the flow regime boundaries proposed by Kim et al. [1] for distinguishing the dilute pneumatic transport, fast fluidization, and DSU.« less

LavaSIM: the effect of heat transfer in 3D on lava flow characteristics (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fujita, E.

2013-12-01

Characteristics of lava flow are governed by many parameters like lava viscosity, effusion rate, ground topography, etc. The accuracy and applicability of lava flow simulation code is evaluated whether the numerical simulation can reproduce these features quantitatively, which is important from both strategic and scientific points of views. Many lava flow simulation codes are so far proposed, and they are classified into two categories, i.e., the deterministic and the probabilistic models. LavaSIM is one of the former category models, and has a disadvantage of time consuming. But LavaSIM can solves the equations of continuity, motion, energy by step and has an advantage in the calculation of three-dimensional analysis with solid-liquid two phase flow, including the heat transfer between lava, solidified crust, air, water and ground, and three-dimensional convection in liquid lava. In other word, we can check the detailed structure of lava flow by LavaSIM. Therefore, this code can produce both channeled and fan-dispersive flows. The margin of the flow is solidified by cooling and these solidified crusts control the behavior of successive lava flow. In case of a channel flow, the solidified margin supports the stable central main flow and elongates the lava flow distance. The cross section of lava flow shows that the liquid lava flows between solidified crusts. As for the lava extrusion flow rate, LavaSIM can include the time function as well as the location of the vents. In some cases, some parts of the solidified wall may be broken by the pressure of successive flow and/or re-melting. These mechanisms could characterize complex features of the observed lava flows at many volcanoes in the world. To apply LavaSIM to the benchmark tests organized by V-hub is important to improve the lava flow evaluation technique.

Continuous flow nitration in miniaturized devices

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Summary This review highlights the state of the art in the field of continuous flow nitration with miniaturized devices. Although nitration has been one of the oldest and most important unit reactions, the advent of miniaturized devices has paved the way for new opportunities to reconsider the conventional approach for exothermic and selectivity sensitive nitration reactions. Four different approaches to flow nitration with microreactors are presented herein and discussed in view of their advantages, limitations and applicability of the information towards scale-up. Selected recent patents that disclose scale-up methodologies for continuous flow nitration are also briefly reviewed. PMID:24605161

The quantification of instream flow rights to water

USGS Publications Warehouse

Milhous, Robert T.

1990-01-01

Energy development of all types continues to grow in the Rocky Mountain Region of the western United States. Federal resource managers increasingly need to balance energy demands, their effects on the natural and human landscape, and public perceptions towards these issues. The Western Energy Citation Clearinghouse (WECC v.1.0), part of a suite of data and information management tools developed and managed by the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative (WLCI), provides resource managers with a searchable online database of citations that covers a broad spectrum of energy and landscape related topics relevant to resource managers, such as energy sources, natural and human landscape effects, and new research, methods and models. Based on the 2011 USGS Open-file Report "Abbreviated bibliography on energy development" (Montag, et al. 2011), WECC is an extensive collection of energy-related citations, as well as categorized lists of additional online resources related to oil and gas development, best practices, energy companies and Federal agencies. WECC incorporates the powerful web services of Sciencebase 2.0, the enterprise data and information platform for USGS scientists and partners, to provide secure, role-based data management features. For example, public/unauthenticated WECC users have full search and read access to the entire energy citation collection, while authenticated WLCI data stewards can manage WECC's citation collection using Sciencebase data management forms.

Large-scale structures in turbulent Couette flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Jung Hoon; Lee, Jae Hwa

2016-11-01

Direct numerical simulation of fully developed turbulent Couette flow is performed with a large computational domain in the streamwise and spanwise directions (40 πh and 6 πh) to investigate streamwise-scale growth mechanism of the streamwise velocity fluctuating structures in the core region, where h is the channel half height. It is shown that long streamwise-scale structures (> 3 h) are highly energetic and they contribute to more than 80% of the turbulent kinetic energy and Reynolds shear stress, compared to previous studies in canonical Poiseuille flows. Instantaneous and statistical analysis show that negative-u' structures on the bottom wall in the Couette flow continuously grow in the streamwise direction due to mean shear, and they penetrate to the opposite moving wall. The geometric center of the log layer is observed in the centerline with a dominant outer peak in streamwise spectrum, and the maximum streamwise extent for structure is found in the centerline, similar to previous observation in turbulent Poiseuille flows at high Reynolds number. Further inspection of time-evolving instantaneous fields clearly exhibits that adjacent long structures combine to form a longer structure in the centerline. This research was supported by Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education (NRF-2014R1A1A2057031).

Flow Cells for Scalable Energy Conversion and Storage

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mukundan, Rangachary

2017-10-26

This project is a response to current flow systems that are V-aqueous and not cost effective. It will hopefully enable high energy/ power density flow cells through rational materials and system design.

Electrodialyse inverse. Etude de l'energie electrique obtenue a partir de deux solutions de salinites differentes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Audinos, R.

It is possible to obtain, in the form of electric power, the energy of mixing of two solutions of different salinity by reverse electrodialysis. The laboratory electrodialyzer used was fitted in turn with two different pairs of permselective membranes, AMV-CMV and ARP-CRP. Solutions of ZnSO 4 (216/18.8, 201/34.6, 110/40.2 and 127/14.2 g/l) and of NACl (245/13 and 250/1 g/l) were used in batch recirculation. Only NACl solutions (294/1, 295/1 and 150/1 g/l) were used in continuous flow operation. Results show the influence of type of membrane, composition and concentration of solutions and type of electrode. The maximum power obtained is 400 mW/m 2.

Jet mixing in low gravity - Results of the Tank Pressure Control Experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bentz, M. D.; Meserole, J. S.; Knoll, R. H.

1992-01-01

The Tank Pressure Control Experiment (TPCE) is discussed with attention given to the results for controlling storage-tank pressures by forced-convective mixing in microgravitational environments. The fluid dynamics of cryogenic fluids in space is simulated with freon-113 during axial-jet-induced mixing. The experimental flow-pattern data are found to confirm previous data as well as existing mixing correlations. Thermal nonuniformities and tank pressure can be reduced by employing low-energy mixing jets which are useful for enhancing heat/mass transfer between phases. It is found that space cryogenic systems based on the principle of active mixing can be more reliable and predictable than other methods, and continuous or periodic mixing can be accomplished with only minor energy addition to the fluid.

Unified approach for incompressible flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Tyne-Hsien

1995-07-01

A unified approach for solving incompressible flows has been investigated in this study. The numerical CTVD (Centered Total Variation Diminishing) scheme used in this study was successfully developed by Sanders and Li for compressible flows, especially for the high speed. The CTVD scheme possesses better mathematical properties to damp out the spurious oscillations while providing high-order accuracy for high speed flows. It leads us to believe that the CTVD scheme can equally well apply to solve incompressible flows. Because of the mathematical difference between the governing equations for incompressible and compressible flows, the scheme can not directly apply to the incompressible flows. However, if one can modify the continuity equation for incompressible flows by introducing pseudo-compressibility, the governing equations for incompressible flows would have the same mathematical characters as compressible flows. The application of the algorithm to incompressible flows thus becomes feasible. In this study, the governing equations for incompressible flows comprise continuity equation and momentum equations. The continuity equation is modified by adding a time-derivative of the pressure term containing the artificial compressibility. The modified continuity equation together with the unsteady momentum equations forms a hyperbolic-parabolic type of time-dependent system of equations. Thus, the CTVD schemes can be implemented. In addition, the physical and numerical boundary conditions are properly implemented by the characteristic boundary conditions. Accordingly, a CFD code has been developed for this research and is currently under testing. Flow past a circular cylinder was chosen for numerical experiments to determine the accuracy and efficiency of the code. The code has shown some promising results.

Unified approach for incompressible flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chang, Tyne-Hsien

1995-01-01

A unified approach for solving incompressible flows has been investigated in this study. The numerical CTVD (Centered Total Variation Diminishing) scheme used in this study was successfully developed by Sanders and Li for compressible flows, especially for the high speed. The CTVD scheme possesses better mathematical properties to damp out the spurious oscillations while providing high-order accuracy for high speed flows. It leads us to believe that the CTVD scheme can equally well apply to solve incompressible flows. Because of the mathematical difference between the governing equations for incompressible and compressible flows, the scheme can not directly apply to the incompressible flows. However, if one can modify the continuity equation for incompressible flows by introducing pseudo-compressibility, the governing equations for incompressible flows would have the same mathematical characters as compressible flows. The application of the algorithm to incompressible flows thus becomes feasible. In this study, the governing equations for incompressible flows comprise continuity equation and momentum equations. The continuity equation is modified by adding a time-derivative of the pressure term containing the artificial compressibility. The modified continuity equation together with the unsteady momentum equations forms a hyperbolic-parabolic type of time-dependent system of equations. Thus, the CTVD schemes can be implemented. In addition, the physical and numerical boundary conditions are properly implemented by the characteristic boundary conditions. Accordingly, a CFD code has been developed for this research and is currently under testing. Flow past a circular cylinder was chosen for numerical experiments to determine the accuracy and efficiency of the code. The code has shown some promising results.

Low-flow characteristics of Virginia streams

USGS Publications Warehouse

Austin, Samuel H.; Krstolic, Jennifer L.; Wiegand, Ute

2011-01-01

Low-flow annual non-exceedance probabilities (ANEP), called probability-percent chance (P-percent chance) flow estimates, regional regression equations, and transfer methods are provided describing the low-flow characteristics of Virginia streams. Statistical methods are used to evaluate streamflow data. Analysis of Virginia streamflow data collected from 1895 through 2007 is summarized. Methods are provided for estimating low-flow characteristics of gaged and ungaged streams. The 1-, 4-, 7-, and 30-day average streamgaging station low-flow characteristics for 290 long-term, continuous-record, streamgaging stations are determined, adjusted for instances of zero flow using a conditional probability adjustment method, and presented for non-exceedance probabilities of 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, 0.05, 0.02, 0.01, and 0.005. Stream basin characteristics computed using spatial data and a geographic information system are used as explanatory variables in regional regression equations to estimate annual non-exceedance probabilities at gaged and ungaged sites and are summarized for 290 long-term, continuous-record streamgaging stations, 136 short-term, continuous-record streamgaging stations, and 613 partial-record streamgaging stations. Regional regression equations for six physiographic regions use basin characteristics to estimate 1-, 4-, 7-, and 30-day average low-flow annual non-exceedance probabilities at gaged and ungaged sites. Weighted low-flow values that combine computed streamgaging station low-flow characteristics and annual non-exceedance probabilities from regional regression equations provide improved low-flow estimates. Regression equations developed using the Maintenance of Variance with Extension (MOVE.1) method describe the line of organic correlation (LOC) with an appropriate index site for low-flow characteristics at 136 short-term, continuous-record streamgaging stations and 613 partial-record streamgaging stations. Monthly streamflow statistics computed on the individual daily mean streamflows of selected continuous-record streamgaging stations and curves describing flow-duration are presented. Text, figures, and lists are provided summarizing low-flow estimates, selected low-flow sites, delineated physiographic regions, basin characteristics, regression equations, error estimates, definitions, and data sources. This study supersedes previous studies of low flows in Virginia.

Electrohydrodynamics and other hydrodynamic phenomena in continuous flow electrophoresis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saville, D. A.

1982-01-01

The process known as continuous flow electrophoresis employs an electric field to separate the constituents of particulate samples suspended in a liquid. Complications arise because the electric field generates temperature gradients due to Joule heating and derives an electrohydrodynamic crossflow. Several aspects of the flow are discussed including entrance effects, hydrodynamic stability and a flow restructuring due to the combined effects of buoyancy and the crossflow.

TEMPO-based catholyte for high-energy density nonaqueous redox flow batteries.

PubMed

Wei, Xiaoliang; Xu, Wu; Vijayakumar, Murugesan; Cosimbescu, Lelia; Liu, Tianbiao; Sprenkle, Vincent; Wang, Wei

2014-12-03

A TEMPO-based non-aqueous electrolyte with the TEMPO concentration as high as 2.0 m is demonstrated as a high-energy-density catholyte for redox flow battery applications. With a hybrid anode, Li|TEMPO flow cells using this electrolyte deliver an energy efficiency of ca. 70% and an impressively high energy density of 126 W h L(-1) . © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.