71 research outputs found
Prediction of Catalyst Bed Density and Simulation of Glycerol Steam Reformer for Hydrogen Production
The work focuses on mimicking the loading of the catalyst pellets into a reactor in a realistic manner and proposing a simple method to predict catalyst bed density using Blender 3D Software, a free and open-source 3D creation suite. The catalyst freely falling into a container was animated. The void fraction of loose and close-packing catalyst bed was compared. The effects of different catalyst shapes (sphere and cylinder) and sizes (2â5 mm) on the catalyst bed density in different reactor sizes (18-50 mm) were investigated. It could well predict the values with the error ranging from 0.36 to 6.59%. The obtained information from Blender was employed in a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model for simulating hydrogen production in a glycerol steam reformer packed with Co-Ni/Al2O3 catalyst
Using e-learning to support international students' dissertation preparation
Purpose: A research paper on the design and implementation of an e-learning resource responding to the globalisation of education. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the challenges presented in learning and teaching on how to support international postgraduate (PG) students undertaking the specific task of a dissertation.
Design/methodology/approach: Using findings from 250 PG students, 40 supervisors and two module tutors the research identified the content and language issues faced by students and recognised the need to design an enabler supporting the latter as independent learners and the academic staff delivering support.
Findings: The e-learning tool provides an independent learning tool which addresses student concerns relating to the process and content of structuring a dissertation and the function of language. Initial responses have been positive from both staff and students in respect to providing a source of student support and feedback.
Originality/value: The research shows how the Dissertation Game Model (DGM), evolved into an e-learning resource supporting student understanding of the content, structure, planning and writing of a dissertation. The e-learning tool focuses on helping international students understand what the generic contents of each chapter of a dissertation should contain and supports them in engaging in research as a transferable skill
Low-temperature co-sintering for fabrication of zirconia/ceria bi-layer electrolyte via tape casting using a Fe2O3 sintering aid
Bilayer electrolytes have potential in solid oxide cells to improve ionic conduction whilst blocking electronic
conduction. GDC/YSZ bilayer electrolyte processinghas provenproblematic due to thermochemical
instability at high sintering temperatures. We first match the shrinkage profile of the two bulk materials
using a Fe2O3 sintering additive. Additions of 5 mol% of Fe2O3 in the GDC layer and 2 mol% of Fe2O3 in
the YSZ layer prevents delamination during co-sintering. The addition of Fe2O3 promotes densification,
enabling achievement of a dense bilayer at a reduced sintering temperature of 1300 âŠC; âŒ150 âŠC below
conventional sintering temperatures. Elemental analysis showed the compositional distribution curves
across the bilayer interface to be asymmetric when Fe2O3 is employed. The Fe2O3 increases the total
conductivity of the bilayer electrolyte by an order of magnitude; this is explained by the effect of Fe2O3
on reducing the resistive solid solution interlayer at YSZ/GDC interface from âŒ15 to âŒ5 m
Redox dynamics of sulphur with Ni/GDC anode during SOFC operation at mid- and low-range temperatures: An operando SÂ K-edge XANES study
Effect of impurity on thermally self-sustained double reactor coupling hydrogen production from glycerol reforming and methanol production from carbon dioxide and hydrogen
Thermally self-sustained double reactor (TSSDR) operating without external heat source consists of dual channels for endothermic and exothermic reactions. Hydrogen (H2) is produced from wasted glycerol by aqueous-phase glycerol reforming (APGR) at 200-250 ÂșC and 20-25 bar while carbon dioxide (CO2) is a by-product. Produced H2 and CO2 are used as raw materials for methanol synthesis (MS) at 200-250 ÂșC and 50-80 bar. Methanol synthesis and glycerol reforming occur at inner and outer channels of TSSDR, respectively. The TSSDR is fully packed with catalyst. Generated heat of exothermic reaction is sufficient for endothermic reaction. Main products of glycerol reforming in gas phase are H2 and CO2 while CO and CH4 are by-products. All products in gas phase are totally recycled as a feed stream for exothermic channel. CO and CH4 in feed reduce CO2 conversion and methanol yield in MS. The effect of impurities in glycerol feed stream also influences with hydrogen production in APGR. Especially, methanol, which is an impurity in glycerol feed obtained from biodiesel production, significantly reduces glycerol conversion in TSSDR
Long-term durability of La0.75Sr0.25Cr0.5Mn0.5Oâ3 as a fuel electrode of solid oxide electrolysis cells for co-electrolysis
Effect of CuO as Sintering Additive in Scandium Cerium and Gadolinium-Doped Zirconia-Based Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell for Steam Electrolysis
The effect of CuO as a sintering additive on the electrolyte of solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) was investigated. 0.5 wt% CuO was added into Sc0.1Ce0.05Gd0.05Zr0.89O2 (SCGZ) electrolyte as a sintering additive. An electrolyte-supported cell (Pt/SCGZ/Pt) was fabricated. Phase formation, relative density, and electrical conductivity were investigated. The cells were sintered at 1373 K to 1673 K for 4 h. The CuO significantly affected the sinterability of SCGZ. The SCGZ with 0.5 wt% CuO achieved 95% relative density at 1573 K while the SCGZ without CuO could not be densified even at 1673 K. Phase transformation and impurity after CuO addition were not detected from XRD patterns. Electrochemical performance was evaluated at the operating temperature from 873 K to 1173 K under steam to hydrogen ratio at 70:30. Adding 0.5 wt% CuO insignificantly affected the electrochemical performance of the cell. Activation energy of conduction (Ea) was 72.34 kJ mol−1 and 74.93 kJ mol−1 for SCGZ and SCGZ with CuO, respectively
Low-temperature preparation of BaCeO3 through ultrasonic-assisted precipitation for application in solid oxide electrolysis cell
Catalytic Steam and Autothermal Reforming of Used Lubricating Oil (ULO) over Rh- and Ni-Based Catalysts
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