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Review on Air Cathode in Li-Air Batteries
Pages 293-305
Zhaoru Zha, Cai Shen, Deyu Wang and Wei-Qiang Han

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-6002.2013.02.04.1

Published: 29 November 2013

Abstract: Lithium-air (Li-air) battery is a promising electrochemical system with unprecedented high energy density. However, many problems and challenges prevent its wide scale application and commercialization. Low oxygen diffusion rates and large voltage gap are two of the main problems in Li-air battery. These two problems are related to the materials used in the air cathode such as porous carbon materials and metallic catalysts. This review seeks to discuss various materials used in the air cathode for Li air batteries. Mechanism of reaction in air cathode will be elucidated and discussed.

Keywords: Carbon material, porosity, capacity, catalyst, round-trip efficiency.
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Interconnection of a Wind Driven DC Machine with the Power Utilities Grid
Pages 306-313
Maamar Taleb

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-6002.2013.02.04.2

Published: 29 November 2013

 

Abstract: A wind driven DC machine is interconnected with the power utilities grid. The wind driven DC machine is operated in the regenerative mode and that is to guaranty the extraction of the real power from the wind driven generator and inject it into the power grid. This is done through the use of a single phase full wave controlled converter operating in “ an inverter mode of operation”. At any pretended surrounding weather conditions, maximum extraction of power from the renewable energy source (ie. Wind energy source) is targeted. This is done through the realization of a self-adjusted firing angle controller responsible of triggering the semiconductor elements of the controlled converter. An active power filter is shunted with the proposed setup to guaranty the sinusoid quality of the power utilities line current. The overall performance of the proposed system has been simulated in MATLAB/SIMULINK environment. Quite satisfactory and encouraging results have been obtained.

Keywords: Integration of Renewable Energy Sources with Grid Systems, Wind Driven DC Machine, Maximum Power Point Tracker, Active Power Filter, MATLAB/SIMULINK Applications.
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The Impact of Gasfier Stoves Use on Socio-Economic and Environment in Tanzania: The Case of Arusha and Moshi Municipalities
Pages 314-326
Agnes Godfrey Mwakaje

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-6002.2013.02.04.3

Published: 29 November 2013

 

Abstract: This study examined the socio-economic and environmental impact of the adoption of gasfier stoves by households in Arusha and Moshi towns in Tanzania. A total of 55 respondents were selected purposely from the gasfier stoves. For comparative purposes another 55 charcoal users were selected randomly for interview making a total sample of 110. There were also focus group consultations and key informant interviews. Structured and semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data, which were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences.

The results show that the respondents who were using gasfier stoves had significant reduction (p=0.001) in the cost of energy for cooking compared to charcoal stove users by spending only T.shs 13,396 per month compared to T.shs 36,932 for charcoal users. The use of gasfier stoves also had a positive impact on the environment. Findings show that by using gasfier stoves 15.4 ha were saved from deforestation per annum and about 365.4.tonnes of carbon were saved for sequestration an act that reduces carbon emissions and global warming.

Nevertheless, despite the impressive performance of gasfier stoves for cooking, the rate of adoption has remained low. The main reason for this was reported to be the high price, poor quality of the pellets and unfriendly usability. The adoption of gasfier stoves could only be enhanced by addressing these constraining factors.

Keywords: Gasfier stoves, economic and environmental benefits, Tanzania, Sub-Saharan Africa.
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Modeling and Global Sensitivity Analysis of a Solar Powered Air Cooling System Using Liquid Desiccant
Pages 327-339
Hery Tiana Rakotondramiarana, Sambatra Hagatiana Andrianomena, Ando Ludovic Andriamamonjy and Minoson Sendrahasina Rakotomalala

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-6002.2013.02.04.4

Published: 29 November 2013

 

Abstract: Solar energy technology is an option for energy saving in building air conditioning. A theoretical investigation of an open cycle solar air cooling system using aqueous Lithium Chloride solution as liquid desiccant is presented in this paper. The purpose of this work is to analyze the influences of both internal loads and external forcing, on the studied system by developing a computational code related to its mathematical model. The simulation results justify the choice of the system design. Indeed, it was highlighted that the higher is the outdoor temperature; the better is the coefficient of performance (COP) of the system. Furthermore, a global sensitivity analysis of the system model, achieved using Fourier Amplitude Sensitivity Test method, allowed us to identify the most influential factors that were ranked in a decreasing order of their influence degree on the system COP. Hence, key factors to be controlled for improving the system overall performance are specified.

Keywords: Solar air conditioner, open cycle, lithium chloride, simulation, global sensitivity analysis, FAST method, complex system.
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