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Search results for: CYCLES
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Strain sequence effect on fatigue life and fracture surface topography of 7075-T651 aluminium alloy
PublicationThe paper studies the effect of strain-loading sequence on fatigue lifetime and fracture surface topographies in 7075-T651 aluminum alloy specimens. Fatigue tests were performed in two ways: (i) constant-amplitude loading and (ii) two series of variable amplitude loading with non-zero mean strain values. The topography of the fatigue fractures was measured over their entire surfaces with the help of an optical confocal measurement...
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A dual-control strategy based on electrode material and electrolyte optimization to construct an asymmetric supercapacitor with high energy density
PublicationMetal-organic frames (MOFs) are regarded as excellent candidates for supercapacitors that have attracted much attention because of their diversity, adjustability and porosity. However, both poor structural stability in aqueous alkaline electrolytes and the low electrical conductivity of MOF materials constrain their practical implementation in supercapacitors. In this study, bimetallic CoNi-MOF were synthesized to enhance the electrical...
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Understanding the capacitance of thin composite films based on conducting polymer and carbon nanostructures in aqueous electrolytes
PublicationIn this work electrochemical performance of thin composite films consisted of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), graphene oxide (GOx) and oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (oxMWCNTs) is investigated in various sulphates (Li2SO4, Na2SO4, K2SO4, MgSO4) and acidic (H2SO4) electrolytes. Capacitance values, rate capability and cycling stability achieved for the composite layers are correlated with the electrolytes’ properties...
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The effect of multiaxial geocomposite reinforcement on fatigue performance and crack propagation delay in double-layered asphalt beams
PublicationThe presented study investigates the effect of a recently developed multiaxial geocomposite made of polypropylene geogrid and non-woven fabric on the delay of crack propagation, based on four-point bending tests of large asphalt concrete beams – both for reinforced and non-reinforced specimens. Several approaches are described in this study, including analysis of stiffness modulus decrease and analysis of crack propagation using...
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Effect of austempering temperature on microstructure and cyclic deformation behaviour of multiphase low-carbon steel
PublicationThis paper examined the cyclic deformation behaviour of multiphase low-carbon steel that was subjected to austempering heat treatments at four temperatures (190 °C, 230 °C, 275 °C, and 315 °C) below the martensite start temperature (Ms = 353 °C). The tests were conducted at room temperature, under fully reversed strain-controlled conditions, with strain amplitudes in the range 0.5–1.0%. The microstructure was observed by transmission...
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Quasistatic and fatigue behavior of an AISI H13 steel obtained by additive manufacturing and conventional method
PublicationThis work aims to compare the mechanical behavior of an AISI H13 steel obtained by additive manufacturing with that obtained by conventional manufacturing methods. The average values of the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and ductility obtained for the specimens produced by the conventional method were equal to 658 MPa and 18%, respectively, which compares with 503 MPa and 0.75% registered for the selective laser melting (SLM)...
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Multi-stage magnetic-fluid seals for operating in water - life test procedure, test stand and research results. Part II Results of life tests of multi-stage magnetic - fluid seal operating in water
PublicationThe edge criteria for magnetic-fluid seals durability research were described in previous article [24] and now the tests results are presented. The tests were made with three magnetic fluids using various magnets quantity in magnetic assemblies. If values obtained in the repeated test deviated by more than 10 % from results of the first test an additional control test was made for final characteristics. The characteristics are:...
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Ag/Pt-modified TiO2 nanoparticles for toluene photooxidation in the gas phase
PublicationAg/Pt-modified TiO2nanocomposites were synthesized using the sol–gel method. The effect of metal typeand amount as well as synthesis route on the photocatalytic activity in reaction of toluene removal, usedas a model volatile organic compound, was investigated. Toluene, at the concentration of about 200 ppm,was irradiated over modified TiO2using light-emitting diodes (LEDs, max= 415 nm). The results showedthat toluene could be...
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ENHANCED MASTER CYCLE - SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT OF STEAM RANKINE CYCLE
PublicationThe present paper focuses on an enhancement of the Master Cycle. In the first part, the paper presents a classical Master Cycle which is a modification of the double reheat Rankine cycle. This modification allows to slightly increase efficiency, resolves problems caused by superheated steam on bleeds and decreases mass flow rate of steam directed to reheat. These improvements include the implementation of a tuning turbine from...
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Development of banking sectors in Kosovo and Montenegro in the years 2000 - 2010
PublicationThe article presents main aspects of development of banking markets in two Balkan countries - Kosovo and Montenegro. Both of them are charaterised by similar recent history, both in political and economical fields. Their financial sectors have had to be built almost from scretch. The author describes stages of development of competition in the banking sectors, using the following ratios: performace, structure, liquidity. The data...
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Tin Oxide Encapsulated into Pyrolyzed Chitosan as a Negative Electrode for Lithium Ion Batteries
PublicationTin oxide is one of the most promising electrode materials as a negative electrode for lithium-ion batteries due to its higher theoretical specific capacity than graphite. However, it suffers lack of stability due to volume changes and low electrical conductivity while cycling. To overcome these issues, a new composite consisting of SnO2 and carbonaceous matrix was fabricated. Naturally abundant and renewable chitosan was chosen...
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Encapsulation of Cs3Bi2Br9 perovskite photocatalyst with polythiophene for prolonged activity in oxidizing and humid environment
PublicationDespite their growing popularity in modern technology, halide perovskites suffer from susceptibility to oxidation, limiting their applications. Our aim was to enhance Cs3Bi2Br9 perovskite's performance in humid environments through polythiophene encapsulation. This extended its lifespan while preserving photocatalytic abilities, as demonstrated in toluene decomposition experiments. We confirmed the stability of Cs3Bi2Br9 encapsulated...
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Preparation and Characterization of Nanomaterial Consisting of Silica Aerogel & Carbon Tested as an Electrode in Non-Aqueous Media Containing Lithium Salt.
PublicationSilica aerogel (SiO2ag) was combined with carbonaceous material in the pyrolysis process of hydrocarbons. The obtained nanocomposite SiO2ag/C was amorphous, partially preserving the porous structure of SiO2ag. The specific surface area changes from 445.6 m2/g for pure SiO2ag to 205.52 m2/g SiO2ag/C. The 29Si MAS-NMR shows a three-dimensional matrix with silicon atoms connected to other silicon atoms by four...
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Titania Nanotubes/Hydroxyapatite Nanocomposites Produced with the Use of the Atomic Layer Deposition Technique: Estimation of Bioactivity and Nanomechanical Properties
PublicationTitanium dioxide nanotubes/hydroxyapatite nanocomposites were produced on a titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V/TNT/HA) and studied as a biocompatible coating for an implant surface modification. As a novel approach for this type of nanocomposite fabrication, the atomic layer deposition (ALD) method with an extremely low number of cycles was used to enrich titania nanotubes (TNT) with a very thin hydroxyapatite coating. X-ray diffraction (XRD)...
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Buzz-based recognition of the honeybee colony circadian rhythm
PublicationHoneybees are one of the highly valued pollinators. Their work as individuals is appreciated for crops pollination and honey production. It is believed that work of an entire bee colony is intense and almost continuous. The goal of the work presented in this paper is identification of bees circadian rhythm with a use of sound-based analysis. In our research as a source of information on bee colony we use their buzz that have been...
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Cooperation of mono- and bi-articular muscles: human lower limb
PublicationObjectives: The aim of this study was to create and analyze a Pareto-optimal problem that would describe cooperation between mono- and bi-articulate lower limb muscles in sagittal plane. Methods: Equations describing the problem were derived and analyzed, additional constrains were introduced and experimental verification based on gait video analysis was performed. Results: Uncertainty of Pareto-optimal solution is shown for the...
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On the Hat Problem on the Cycle C7
PublicationThe topic is the hat problem in which each of n players is randomly fitted with a blue or red hat. Then everybody can try to guess simultaneously his own hat color by looking at the hat colors of the other players. The team wins if at least one player guesses his hat color correctly, and no one guesses his hat color wrong; otherwise the team loses. The aim is to maximize the probability of a win. In this version every player can...
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Mn-Co spinel coatings on Crofer 22 APU by electrophoretic deposition: Up scaling, performance in SOFC stack at 850 °C and compositional modifications
PublicationCeramic coatings for metallic interconnects play a key role in limiting corrosion and chromium evaporation in solid oxide cells. This study presents the upscaling of the electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technique to process Mn-Co spinels on real-dimension Crofer 22 APU interconnects and the test in a SOFC stack. Area specific resistance of long-term test conducted for 5000 h at 850 °C demonstrated that two-steps sintering has a...
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The valance state of vanadium-key factor in the flexibility of potassium vanadates structure as cathode materials in Li-ion batteries
PublicationPotassium hexavanadate (K2V6O16·nH2O) nanobelts have been synthesized by the LPE-IonEx method, which is dedicated to synthesis of transition metal oxide bronzes with controlled morphology and structure. The electrochemical performance of K2V6O16·nH2O as a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries has been evaluated. The KVO nanobelts demonstrated a high discharge capacity of 260 mAh g−1, and long-term cyclic stability up to 100...
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Investigating COVID-19 active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) degradation using Peroxydisulfate/FeMnOx binary metal oxide/Ultrasound System
PublicationDegradation of Favipiravir using a hybrid system of peroxydisulfate, FeMnOx binary metal oxide, and ultrasound irradiation was studied. A novel catalyst was synthesized with deep eutectic solvent (DES). The effects of DES type on catalytic performance was evaluated and the catalysts were characterized using XRD, SEM, BET, XPS, and EDS. DES-based catalysts exhibited higher efficiency due to structure change, surface area enhancement...
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Exergy Losses in the Szewalski Binary Vapor Cycle
PublicationIn this publication, we present an energy and exergy analysis of the Szewalski binary vapor cycle based on a model of a supercritical steam power plant. We used energy analysis to conduct a preliminary optimization of the cycle. Exergy loss analysis was employed to perform a comparison of heat-transfer processes, which are essential for hierarchical cycles. The Szewalski binary vapor cycle consists of a steam cycle bottomed with...
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Entangled rendezvous: a possible application of Bell non-locality for mobile agents on networks
PublicationRendezvous is an old problem of assuring that two or more parties, initially separated, not knowing the position of each other, and not allowed to communicate, are striving to meet without pre-agreement on the meeting point. This problem has been extensively studied in classical computer science and has vivid importance to modern and future applications. Quantum non-locality, like Bell inequality violation, has shown that in many...
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Design analysis of ORC micro-turbines making use of thermal energy of oceans
PublicationThe article presents the results of the analysis of energy conversion cycles making use of thermal energy of oceans. The objects of analysis were two cases of closed Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) power plants, which were: the cycle in which the vapour of the working medium was produced by warm oceanic water in the circum-equatorial zone, and the so-called “arctic” cycle in which this vapour was produced by non-frozen water in the circumpolar...
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Ordered TiO2 nanotubes: the effect of preparation parameters on the photocatalytic activity in air purification process
PublicationVertically ordered TiO2 nanotube arrays were synthesized by anodic oxidation of titanium foil in glycerol, ethylene glycol and water-based electrolytes. The effect of electrolyte composition, anodization voltage, ultrasonic treatment and calcination time on the morphology of the resulting thin films, as well as on their photocatalytic activity in toluene removal, used as a model volatile organic compound, was investigated. Toluene,...
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Comparison of different techniques for extracting Polychlorinated Biphenyls from bottom sediment samples using Isotope Dilution Mass Spectrometry
PublicationIn this work, problems that may occur during determination of trace levels of polychlorinated biphenyls in sediment samples are described. The main error sources are connected with extraction of analytes prior to final determination. During model studies, polychlorinated biphenyls have been extracted from sediment reference material (METRANAL 2) with the use of different solvents (dichloromethane, hexane, and toluene); the process...
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Looking for a minimum exergy destruction in hierarchical cycle
PublicationThe paper presents results of energy analysis, complemented with an exergy balance, of hierarchical thermodynamic cycle. Proposed cycle is a binary vapour cycle based on a model of real supercritical steam power plant. Energy analysis is used to preliminary optimization of the cycle and the exergy losses analysis is proposed to perform optimization of heat transfer processes, which are essential for hierarchical cycles. Proposed...
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Criteria for selection of working fluid in low-temperature ORC
PublicationThe economics of an ORC system is strictly linked to thermodynamic properties of the working fluid. A bad choice of working fluid could lead to a less efficient and expensive plant/generation unit. Some selection criteria have been put forward by various authors, incorporating thermodynamic properties, provided in literature but these do not have a general character. In the paper a simple analysis has been carried out which resulted...
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3D Hierarchical Boron-Doped Diamond-Multilayered Graphene Nanowalls as an Efficient Supercapacitor Electrode
PublicationSynthesis of stable hybrid carbon nanostructure for high-performance supercapacitor electrode with long life-cycle for electronic and energy storage devices is a real challenge. Here, we present a one-step synthesis method to produce conductive boron-doped hybrid carbon nanowalls (HCNWs), where sp2-bonded graphene has been integrated with and over a three-dimensional curved wall-like network of sp3-bonded diamond. The spectroscopic...
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ZnO coated fiber optic microsphere sensor for the enhanced refractive index sensing
PublicationOptical fiber-based sensors are expected to become key components in the control of industrial processes,and the tuning and the enhancement of their sensing properties are crucial for the further developmentof this technology. Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), a vapor phase technique allowing for the deposition ofconformal thin films, is particularly suited for the deposition of controllable thin films on challenging sub-strates....
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Direct modulation for conventional matrix converters using analytical signals and barycentric coordinates
PublicationThis paper proposes the generalized direct modulation for Conventional Matrix Converters (CMC) using the concept of analytical signals and barycentric coordinates. The paper proposes a novel approach to the Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) duty cycle computing, which allows faster prototyping of direct control algorithms. The explanation of the new idea using analytical considerations demonstrating the principles of direct voltage...
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Comparison analysis of selected nuclear power plants supplied with helium from high-temperature gas-cooled reactor
PublicationThe article presents results of efficiency calculations for two 560 MW nuclear cycles with high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR). An assumption was made that systems of this type can be used in so-called marine nuclear power plants. The first analysed system is the nuclear steam power plant. For the steam cycle, the efficiency calculations were performed with the code DIAGAR, which is dedicated for analysing this type of systems....
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Silicon oxycarbide-tin nanocomposite derived from a UV crosslinked single source preceramic precursor as high-performance anode materials for Li-ion batteries
PublicationIn this work, we report an innovative and facile UV light-assisted synthesis of a nanocomposite based on silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) and tin nanoparticles. SiOC ceramic matrix, containing a conductive free carbon phase, participates in lithium-ion storage, and buffers the volume changes of Li-alloying/de-alloying material. The reported synthesis procedure through a polymer-derived ceramic route involves the preparation of a single-source...
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Free-standing TiO2 nanotubes decorated with spherical nickel nanoparticles as a cost-efficient electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction
PublicationHere, we report significant activity towards the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) of spherical nickel nanoparticles (NPs) electrodeposited onto free-standing TiO2 nanotubes (TNT) via cyclic voltammetry. It has been shown that simple manipulation of processing parameters, including scan rate and number of cycles, allows for formation of the NPs in various diameters and amounts. The polarization data with respect to transmission electron...
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Laser Beam as a Precision Tool to Increase Fatigue Resistance in an Eyelet of Undercarriage Drag Strut
PublicationThe article contains the results of tests on a laser-processed eyelet of undercarriage drag strut to increase its fatigue strength. Laser processing concentrated on both sides around the hole of eye for connecting the undercarriage drag strut caused that the material in this area withstood more than twice the number of load cycles established for this material. In order to determine the reasons for the increase in fatigue strength,...
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Highly stable CsFAPbIBr perovskite solar cells with dominant bulk recombination at real operating temperatures
PublicationMixed-cation mixed-halide perovskite solar cells have been characterized in DC at different temperatures (from −20 °C up to 50 °C) and the time evolution of the device efficiency has been assessed using different degradation protocols (indoors and outdoors). The completely planar p–i–n structure is ITO/CuNiOx/PTAA/CsFAPbIBr/PCBM/PEI/Ag. Pristine current–voltage characteristics barely show hysteresis, at any temperature. Open circuit...
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Durability of Asphalt Concrete Subjected to Deteriorating Effects of Water and Frost
PublicationThe paper presents testing of the detrimental effects of water and frost on asphalt pavements. It included laboratory testing of 5 fatigue life of asphalt concrete that was subjected to action of water and frost and field testing of damages caused by water and frost on 6 existing asphalt pavements, such as stripping, raveling, and potholes. Laboratory simulation of water and frost action was based on the 7 original AASHTO T283...
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Anaerobic consortia mediate Mn(IV)-dependent anaerobic oxidation of methane
PublicationManganese-dependent anaerobic oxidation of methane (Mn-AOM) is a major methane sink and vital to mitigating global warming. However, it is difficult for microorganisms to mediate electron transfer between the hardly dissolved CH4 and insoluble Mn(IV) minerals, leading to poor understanding of species mediating Mn-AOM. This study successfully enriched an anaerobic consortium mediating AOM driven by Mn-dependent respiratory growth,...
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An air-assisted dispersive liquid phase microextraction method based on a hydrophobic magnetic deep eutectic solvent for the extraction and preconcentration of melamine from milk and milk-based products
PublicationIn the current research, a fast and sustainable air-assisted hydrophobic magnetic deep eutectic solvent-based dispersive liquid phase microextraction followed by UV–Vis spectrophotometry measurements was optimized for the extraction and determination of melamine in milk and milk-based products. The central composite design was applied for the optimization of factors affecting the recovery of melamine. Quantitative extraction of...
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New insights on lithium storage in silicon oxycarbide/carbon composites: Impact of microstructure on electrochemical properties
PublicationIn this work, we study the impact of the preceramic precursor vinyltriethoxysilane (VTES) on the electrochemical performance of silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) glass/graphite composites. We apply an innovative approach based on high-power ultrasounds in order to obtain highly homogenous composites with a uniform distribution of small graphitic flakes. This procedure enhances gelation and drying of VTES-based preceramic polymer/graphite...
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Cu-Doped Layered Double Hydroxide Constructs the Performance-Enhanced Supercapacitor Via Band Gap Reduction and Defect Triggering
PublicationLayered double hydroxides (LDHs) are regarded as the excellent electrode materials for supercapacitors because of their high theoretical capacitance and abundance. However, the poor conductivity and limited reaction kinetics of LDHs restrict their practical application severely. Herein, Cu is chosen from groups VIII/IB/IIB as dopants for Co-based LDH (CuCo-LDH). The designed metal–organic framework-derived hierarchical CuCo-LDH...
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A simple modification of PCR thermal profile applied to evade persisting contamination
PublicationThe polymerase chain reaction (PCR), one of the most commonly applied methods of diagnostics and molecular biology has a frustrating downside known as the false positive signal or contamination. Several solutions to avoid and to eliminate PCR contaminations have been worked out to date but the implementation of these solutions to laboratory practice may be laborious and time consuming. A simple approach to circumvent the problem...
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The new silica-based coated SPME fiber as universal support for the confinement of ionic liquid as an extraction medium
PublicationThe new silica-based SPME fiber coating is reported for the first time as universal support purposed to confinement of ionic liquid as an extraction medium. Fiber coating was prepared by the sol-gel process, using potassium silicate (K2SiO3) as a precursor and dimethylformamide (DMF) as a pore-forming medium. The concept of synthesis assumes obtaining a solid porous material on the surface of the glass rod and, being characterized...
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Analytical chemistry in technical approaches: immobilization of biosorbent waste containing heavy metals in cemented materials
PublicationAn ecologically safe and economically justified method of stabilization of the used biosorbents was developed. Sorbent contaminated with heavy metals has been successfully solidified/stabilized using a hydraulic binder. The test results indicated that up to 1% of the biosorbent residue used could be added without compromising the compressive strength of the mortar. The compressive strength of the modified mortars did not change...
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Enhanced supercapacitor materials from pyrolyzed algae and graphene composites
PublicationThis study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of supercapacitor materials derived from pyrolyzed natural compounds. Four compounds were investigated: methylcellulose with lysine (ML), methylcellulose with lysine-graphene composite (MLG), algae (A), and algae-graphene composite (AG). The pyrolysis process was utilized to convert these natural compounds into carbon-based materials suitable for supercapacitor applications....
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New ceramic materials derived from pyrolyzed poly(1,2-dimethylsilazane) and starch as a potential anode for Li-ion batteries
PublicationNewmaterialswere obtained by pyrolysis of starch (S) and poly(1,2-dimethylsilazane) (PSN) (weight ratio: PSN/S 30/70) at temperature a) 500 °C, b) 700 °C and c) 900 °C. Ceramic materials were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, TGA, Raman spectroscopy and SEM. New Si\O and shifted Si\C stretching vibration modes emerged confirming direct interaction between silicon originating fromsilazane and oxygen coming fromstarch. The...
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Preparation and characterization of asphaltene based adsorbents for gas-solid adsorption systems
PublicationThe dissertation presents results of the experimental research on asphaltene-based adsorbents (support coated with asphaltene layer) for gas-solid adsorption systems, with special reference to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) removal from gas streams. Analysis of gas adsorption properties revealed that asphaltenes isolated from oxidized bitumen have strong affinity toward VOCs. Interactions with target gas molecules, and selectivity...
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Design analysis of combined gas-vapour micro power plant with 30 kW air turbine
PublicationThe article presents basic results of the design analysis of a combined gas-vapour micro power plant with a waste-heat boiler without exhaust reheat, working in the vapour section in the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) system. The analysis concerned working media most frequently used in those types of power plants and planned to be used in future. The object of the analysis was a micro power plant with a 30 kW gas (air) turbine for...
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Utilisation of waste heat from the power plant by use of the ORC aided with bleed steam and extra source of heat
PublicationUtilization of waste heat recovered from the exhaust gases of the power generation unit by means of ORC (organic Rankine cycles) installation is considered. The waste heat is available in the form of a stream of hot water having temperature of 90 stC in the amount of 200 MWt. To increase evaporation temperaturę of ORC working fluid the heat of steam from the extraction points from the low-pressure part of steam turbine is used....
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Design analysis of combined gas-vapour micro power plant with 30 kW air turbine
PublicationThe article presents basic results of the design analysis of a combined gas-vapour micro power plant with a waste-heat boiler without exhaust reheat, working in the vapour section in the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) system. The analysis concerned working media most frequently used in those types of power plants and planned to be used in future. The object of the analysis was a micro power plant with a 30 kW gas (air) turbine for...
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Thermodynamic Cycle Concepts for High-Efficiency Power Plants. Part B: Prosumer and Distributed Power Industry
PublicationAn analysis was carried out for different thermodynamic cycles of power plants with air turbines. A new modification of a gas turbine cycle with the combustion chamber at the turbine outlet has been described in the paper. A special air by-pass system of the combustor was applied, and in this way, the efficiency of the turbine cycle was increased by a few points. The proposed cycle equipped with an effective heat exchanger could...