HIGH VOLTAGE ELECTROPHORETIC DEPOSITION FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL ENERGY STORAGE AND OTHER APPLICATIONS

High voltage electrophoretic deposition (HVEPD) has been developed as a novel technique to obtain vertically aligned forests of one-dimensional nanomaterials for efficient energy storage. The ability to control and manipulate nanomaterials is critical for their effective usage in a variety of applications. Oriented structures of one-dimensional nanomaterials provide a unique opportunity to take full advantage of their excellent mechanical and electrochemical properties. However, it is still a significant challenge to obtain such oriented structures with great process flexibility, ease of processing under mild conditions and the capability to scale up, especially in context of efficient device fabrication and system packaging. This work presents HVEPD as a simple, versatile and generic technique to obtain vertically aligned forests of different one-dimensional nanomaterials on flexible, transparent and scalable substrates. Improvements on material chemistry and reduction of contact resistance have enabled the fabrication of high power supercapacitor electrodes using the HVEPD method. The investigations have also paved the way for further enhancements of performance by employing hybrid material systems and AC/DC pulsed deposition. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were used as the starting material to demonstrate the HVEPD technique. A comprehensive study of the key parameters was conducted to better understand the working mechanism of the HVEPD process. It has been confirmed that HVEPD was enabled by three key factors: high deposition voltage for alignment, low dispersion concentration to avoid aggregation and simultaneous formation of holding layer by electrodeposition for reinforcement of nanoforests. A set of suitable parameters were found to obtain vertically aligned forests of MWCNTs. Compared with their randomly oriented counterparts, the aligned MWCNT forests showed better electrochemical performance, lower electrical resistance and a capability to achieve superhydrophpbicity, indicating their potential in a broad range of applications. The versatile and generic nature of the HVEPD process has been demonstrated by achieving deposition on flexible and transparent substrates, as well as aligned forests of manganese dioxide (MnO2) nanorods. A continuous roll-printing HVEPD approach was then developed to obtain aligned MWCNT forest with low contact resistance on large, flexible substrates. Such large-scale electrodes showed no deterioration in electrochemical performance and paved the way for practical device fabrication. The effect of a holding layer on the contact resistance between aligned MWCNT forests and the substrate was studied to improve electrochemical performance of such electrodes. It was found that a suitable precursor salt like nickel chloride could be used to achieve a conductive holding layer which helped to significantly reduce the contact resistance. This in turn enhanced the electrochemical performance of the electrodes. High-power scalable redox capacitors were then prepared using HVEPD. Very high power/energy densities and excellent cyclability have been achieved by synergistically combining hydrothermally synthesized, highly crystalline α-MnO2 nanorods, vertically aligned forests and reduced contact resistance. To further improve the performance, hybrid electrodes have been prepared in the form of vertically aligned forest of MWCNTs with branches of α-MnO2 nanorods on them. Large- scale electrodes with such hybrid structures were manufactured using continuous HVEPD and characterized, showing further improved power and energy densities. The alignment quality and density of MWCNT forests were also improved by using an AC/DC pulsed deposition technique. In this case, AC voltage was first used to align the MWCNTs, followed by immediate DC voltage to deposit the aligned MWCNTs along with the conductive holding layer. Decoupling of alignment from deposition was proven to result in better alignment quality and higher electrochemical performance.

On the Problem of Balancing the DC Capacitor Voltage Divider in Back-to-Back Multilevel Converters

This paper presents a new generalized solution for DC bus capacitors voltage balancing in back-to-back m level diode-clamped multilevel converters connecting AC networks. The solution is based on the DC bus average power flow and exploits the switching configuration redundancies. The proposed balancing solution is particularized for the back-to-back multilevel structure with m=5 levels. This back-to-back converter is studied working with bidirectional power flow, connecting an induction machine to the power grid.

DC and AC side harmonics in CCC converters

The capacitor-commutated converter (CCC) has frequently been used in the conception of HVDC systems connected to busbars with low short circuit level. This alternative arrangement, in substitution to the conventional ones, guarantees less sensitive operational conditions to problems related with the commutation failure in the inverters besides supplying part of the reactive energy to be compensated. Studies related with its performance in steady and transient states have been presented in several works, however its behavior as harmonic source is still little explored. This work presents preliminary studies focusing the generation of characteristic harmonics by this type of converter. Subjects related with the amplification of the harmonic magnitudes are investigated and compared considering similar arrangements of conventional static converters (LCC) and CCC schemes. It is also analyzed the harmonic generation on the dc side of the installation and its influence on the ac side harmonics. The results are obtained from simulations in the time domain in PSpice environment and they clearly illustrate the operational differences between the L CC and the CCC schemes with regard to characteristic harmonic generation.

Uma aplicacao da celula de comutacao ZVS-PWM-GEPAE ao conversor DC-AC

This work presents the design and procedure of a DC-to-AC converter using a ZVS Commutation Cell developed by Barbi and Martins (1991) and applied to the family of DC-to-DC PWM converters. Firstly, we show the cell applied to buck converter. The stages of operation and the main current and voltage equations of the resonant devices are presented. Next, we adapt the converter to the regenerative operation mode. Hence, the full bridge converter at low frequency operation is conected on the DC-to-DC stage (at high frequency) output ends (Seixas, 1993). Commutation of zero voltage for all switches, PWM at constant frequency and neither overvoltage nor additional current stress are observed by digital simulation. The design example and experimental results obtained by prototype rated at 275 V, 1 kW and 40 kHz are also presented.

DC power line communication based on power/signal dual modulation in phase shift full bridge converters

For intelligent DC distributed power systems, data communication plays a vital role in system control and device monitoring. To achieve communication in a cost effective way, power/signal dual modulation (PSDM), a method that integrates data transmission with power conversion, can be utilized. In this paper, an improved PSDM method using phase shift full bridge (PSFB) converter is proposed. This method introduces a phase control based freedom in the conventional PSFB control loop to realize communication using the same power conversion circuit. In this way, decoupled data modulation and power conversion are realized without extra wiring and coupling units, and thus the system structure is simplified. More importantly, the signal intensity can be regulated by the proposed perturbation depth, and so this method can adapt to different operating conditions. Application of the proposed method to a DC distributed power system composed of several PSFB converters is discussed. A 2kW prototype system with an embedded 5kbps communication link has been implemented, and the effectiveness of the method is verified by experimental results.

Analysis of the E-J Curve of HTS Tapes Under DC and AC Magnetic Fields at 77 K

The evaluation of the electrical characteristics of technical HTS tapes are of the key importance in determining the design and operational features of superconducting power apparatuses as well as to understand the external factors which affect the superconducting performance. In this work we report the systematic measurements of the electric field versus current density, E-J relation of short samples for three commercial HTS tapes (BSCCO-2223 tapes, with and without steel reinforcement, and YBCO-coated conductor) at 77 K. In order to get sensitive and noiseless voltage signals the measurements were carried out with DC transport current and subjecting the broad surface tape to DC (0-300 mT) and AC (0-62 mT, 60 Hz) magnetic fields. The voltage is measured by a sensitive nanovoltmeter and the applied magnetic field is monitored by a Hall sensor placed on the tape broad surface. The comparison between the results obtained from the three tapes was done by fitting a power-law equation for currents in the vicinity of the critical current. For the current regime below the critical one a linear correlation of the electric field against the current density is observed. The BSCCO samples presented the same behavior, i.e., a decreasing of n-index with the increasing DC and AC magnetic field strength. Under AC field the decreasing slope of n-index is steeper as compared to DC field. The n-index curve for the YBCO tape showed similar behavior for AC field, however under DC field in the 0-390 mT range exhibited a slight decreasing of the n-index.

Comparison between DC(+) and Square Wave AC SAW Current Outputs to Weld AISI 304 for Low-Temperature Applications

Welded equipment for cryogenic applications is utilized in chemical, petrochemical, and metallurgical industries. One material suitable for cryogenic application is austenitic stainless steel, which usually doesn`t present ductile/brittle transition temperature, except in the weld metal, where the presence of ferrite and micro inclusions can promote a brittle failure, either by ferrite cleavage or dimple nucleation and growth, respectively. A 25-mm- (1-in.-) thick AISI 304 stainless steel base metal was welded with the SAW process using a 308L solid wire and two kinds of fluxes and constant voltage power sources with two types of electrical outputs: direct current electrode positive and balanced square wave alternating current. The welded joints were analyzed by chemical composition, microstructure characterization, room temperature mechanical properties, and CVN impact test at -100 degrees C (-73 degrees F). Results showed that an increase of chromium and nickel content was observed in all weld beads compared to base metal. The chromium and nickel equivalents ratio for the weld beads were always higher for welding with square wave AC for the two types of fluxes than for direct current. The modification in the Cr(eq)/Ni(eq) ratio changes the delta ferrite morphology and, consequently, modifies the weld bead toughness at lower temperatures. The oxygen content can also affect the toughness in the weld bead. The highest absorbed energy in a CVN impact test was obtained for the welding condition with square wave AC electrical output and neutral flux, followed by DC(+) electrical output and neutral flux, and square wave AC electrical output and alloyed flux.

The role of disorder on the AC and DC electrical conductivity of vapour grown carbon nanofibre/epoxy composites

Four dispersion methods were used for the preparation of vapour grown carbon nanofibre (VGCNF)/epoxy composites. It is shown that each method induces certain levels of VGCNF dispersion and distribution within the matrix, and that these have a strong influence on the composite electrical properties. A homogenous VGCNF dispersion does not necessarily imply higher electrical conductivity. In fact, it is concluded that the presence of well distributed clusters, rather than a fine dispersion, is more important for achieving larger conductivities for a given VGCNF concentration. It is also found that the conductivity can be described by a weak disorder regime.

Grid Integration of Offshore Wind Farms Using Modular Marx Multilevel Converters

This paper proposes the use of a Modular Marx Multilevel Converter, as a solution for energy integration between an offshore Wind Farm and the power grid network. The Marx modular multilevel converter is based on the Marx generator, and solves two typical problems in this type of multilevel topologies: modularity and dc capacitor voltage balancing. This paper details the strategy for dc capacitor voltage equalization. The dynamic models of the converter and power grid are presented in order to design the converter ac output voltages and the dc capacitor voltage controller. The average current control is presented and used for power flow control, harmonics and reactive power compensation. Simulation results are presented in order to show the effectiveness of the proposed (MC)-C-3 topology.

Fast optimum-predictive control and capacitor voltage balancing strategy for bipolar back-to-back NPC converters in high-voltage direct current transmission systems

Multilevel power converters have been introduced as the solution for high-power high-voltage switching applications where they have well-known advantages. Recently, full back-to-back connected multilevel neutral point diode clamped converters (NPC converter) have been used inhigh-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems. Bipolar-connected back-to-back NPC converters have advantages in long-distance HVDCtransmission systems over the full back-to-back connection, but greater difficulty to balance the dc capacitor voltage divider on both sending and receiving end NPC converters. This study shows that power flow control and dc capacitor voltage balancing are feasible using fast optimum-predictive-based controllers in HVDC systems using bipolar back-to-back-connected five-level NPC multilevel converters. For both converter sides, the control strategytakes in account active and reactive power, which establishes ac grid currents in both ends, and guarantees the balancing of dc bus capacitor voltages inboth NPC converters. Additionally, the semiconductor switching frequency is minimised to reduce switching losses. The performance and robustness of the new fast predictive control strategy, and its capability to solve the DC capacitor voltage balancing problem of bipolar-connected back-to-back NPCconverters are evaluated.

Caracterização e avaliação produtiva de uma população nativa de pimenta longa (Piper hispidinervum C.DC) no Seringal Cachoeira, AC, Brasil

A busca de alternativas econômicas ao extrativismo tradicional na Amazônia é importante e a exploração de populações naturais de plantas da família Piperaceae, abundantes no Acre, pode se constituir em uma atividade rentável. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar algumas características demográficas, ecológicas e produtivas da espécie pimenta longa (Piper hispidinervum C.DC) e avaliar a possibilidade de seu manejo para a produção de óleo essencial com alto teor de safrol. O estudo foi desenvolvido no Projeto de Assentamento Extrativista Chico Mendes, em Xapuri, AC, em uma área de capoeira com aproximadamente dez anos, onde a pimenta longa era dominante. A população foi avaliada por meio de amostragem aleatória simples, com intensidade de 12%, tendo como unidades amostrais parcelas de 10 χ 10 m. Constatou-se uma densidade média de 15 indivíduos/100 m2, variando de zero a 71 indivíduos. Esta população apresentou uma média de 92% de teor de safrol no óleo essencial, com CV de 2,38%. O rendimento médio de óleo da biomassa seca, foi de 3,5%, com CV de 28,57%. A produção de óleo foi estimada em 12,11 kg/ha, com um corte por ano, que representa apenas 15,1% da produtividade obtida em áreas de cultivo. Portanto, a viabilidade da exploração dessas populações depende do desenvolvimento de técnicas que permitam aumentar a densidade de indivíduos. Ademais, na escolha de populações para o manejo, deve-se considerar características como: tamanho, densidade e idade da população.

Pràctiques i rituals funeraris a Tàrraco i el seu ager (segles II aC-III/IV dC)

L’objectiu d’aquest projecte ha estat identificar i analitzar els rituals funeraris a celebrats als suburbis de Tàrraco i el seu territorium. Per tal d’assolir-lo hem revisat col•leccions de museus, arxius i informes arqueològics arribant a documentar 721 enterraments. A través de la recerca, hem estudiat les peculiaritats i els elements d’aixovar que les tombes presenten amb el suport de les fonts escrites. Hem detectat pràctiques rituals com ara libacions, sacrificis i objectes relacionats amb ofrenes funeràries a l’exterior de les tombes. Hem documentat certa una uniformitat general i repetiva pel que fa a la selecció dels aixovars funerari. No obstant això, hi ha algunes diferències sobretot en aixovars que provenen de les tombes d’individus morts prematurament (individus no casats, infants). També s’ha constatat una diferència sexual entre dones i homes pel que fa als objectes d’aixovar. Hem utilitzat l’evidència arqueològica i literària per tal de trobar el significat d’aquests artefactes quotidians que canvien de significat quan entren en contacte amb els morts. En revisar la informació procedent d’excavacions hem identificat espais rituals específics dins de la necròpolis com jardins funeraris i ustrina. Aquest estudi ha explorat la manera com l’arqueologia ens permeten identificar les pràctiques rituals dins les àrees funeràries. L’estudi de materials arqueològics documentats als estrats de freqüentació de les necròpolis ens ha permès detectar l’evidència material de la ritualitat.

La dona a Roma (del segle IV aC al segle III dC)

Estudi interdisciplinari de la dona romana entre els segles IV aC i III dC. El treball s'ha basat en estudis monogràfics, justificats i comprovats mitjançant la lectura i l'examen de fonts de l'època.

L'Àmbit urbà i periurbà de Rhode entre el 195 aC i el segle II dC

Aquest projecte de recerca es planteja, com a objectiu principal, elaborar una contextualització de Rhode entre el 195 aC i mitjan segle II dC. Es tracta d’assolir noves hipòtesis sobre el final relativament sobtat que pateix la fundació massaliota, quin són els motius del seu abandonament, si aquest es produeix totalment, quins fets porten a la recuperació d’aquest espai i quin paper pot jugar l'àmbit periurbà de Rhode durant tot aquest període. Alhora, es cerca posar en relació els esdeveniments que passen a Rhode amb el procés de romanització que pateix el territori

Les Imitacions de vaixella fina importada a la Hispania Citerior (segles I aC-I dC)

Aquesta obra és fruit de la taula rodona «Imitatio Vasaria. Les imitacions de vaixella fina a la Hispània Citerior en època tardorepublicana i altimperial: producció i comercialització», que va reunir durant tres dies representants de tretze grups de recerca per reflexionar sobre les imitacions de les ceràmiques fines d’importació d’època romana tardorepublicana i altimperial. Com a resultat d’aquestes xerrades es van redactar 14 articles que presenten els estats de la qüestió que cada grup de recerca va portar a terme en el seu àmbit geogràfic i en els jaciments on van desenvolupar el seu treball de camp: diverses zones de la Hispània Citerior des de les universitats de Girona, Barcelona, Autònoma de Barcelona, València, Alacant i Valladolid, així com des dels Museus d’Arqueologia de Catalunya-Empúries, Mataró i Badalona, i de l’ICAC. Dos articles del llibre, però, se centren en un altre punt de la Mediterrània occidental, el Llenguadoc, aportat per un grup del Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS).