A Review of Materials used for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell

Abstract: To have the benefits of clean electric power with out engines, solar panels and wind farms which are familiar sources of alternative energy were a dream of the engineers and environmentalists. Even though they are effective sources of electric energy, there are problems with the stability of their energy sources at all times. Extracting electricity from a device called as "solid electrolyte fuel cell" were demonstrated by the scientists and since then there has been an intense research and development effort on alternative energy technology known as fuel cells. Now, as energy issues are at the forefront of current events, fuel cell technology is ripening and on the verge of being ready for large scale commercial implementation. This paper briefly reviews materials currently used in the solid oxide fuel cells ,merits and demerits of the various materials used in SOFC such as Electrolytes, Anode, Cathode and Interconnects are discussed and in addition various fabrication processes and structural supports are reviewed. Materials are to be developed for all components of SOFC, in order to reduce operating temperature and overall cost

A Study on Consumer Behaviour: Transition from Traditional Shopping to Online Shopping During the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study aims to investigate Malaysian and Indian consumers’ preferred ways of shopping, the reasons behind their choices, and problems of transactions they faced during the pandemic. Data were primarily collected through a survey distributed to 200 respondents. The study concluded that it is unlikely for online shopping to replace traditional shopping as many consumers remain value physical examination of the products prior to purchase. However, many have opted for online shopping for its various advantages. Regardless of which method of shopping, respondents face similar problems in their transactions. The findings of this study may serve as a guideline for businesses to integrate into online shopping platforms for potential future development

Coconut-growing soils of Kerala: 2. Assessment of fertility and soil related constraints to coconut production

Growth, productivity and health of coconut plantations in humid tropics are influenced by soil qualities. Fertility of coconut-growing soils of Kerala was assessed by analysing samples drawn from the distinct agro-ecological regions of the state: Central and Eastern Palakkad, Northern Kerala, Central Kerala and Southern Kerala, Onattukara sandy plain and coastal sandy plain. The strongly acid soils of Northern and Central Kerala and Onattukara sandy plain are unfavorable for plant nutrient availability and microbial processes. Surface and sub-soils of Central Kerala and sandy plains have low levels of organic carbon. Available phosphorus was high in soils of Southern Kerala and Onattukara sandy plain. Plant available potassium was not adequate in these coconut-growing soils. The nutrient levels in soils of Central Kerala and sandy plain were extremely low. The same pattern was true for secondary nutrients calcium and magnesium. Soils of all regions have adequate levels of available sulphur, iron and manganese. Copper and zinc deficiency was recorded for laterite soils of central region and sandy soils of Onattukara and coastal plain. Plant available boron was deficient in all regions except for the soils of Southern Kerala. Molybdenum levels were marginal in coconut growing soils, except for the soils of Palakkad. Overhead climate and soil moisture availability does not constrain the palm in the state except for Eastern Palakkad where irrigation during dry period is an absolute necessity. The extensive areas of midland laterites and Onattukara sandy plain with strong acid reaction and aluminium in soil solution severely constrain coconut. The acid soils also suffer from deficiencies of potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc and boron. These soil related constraints affect coconut production significantly and alleviation of the same through liming and adequate application of deficient nutrients can ensure satisfactory yields from the palm

Experience in Long Term Operation of Sodium Loop for Creep Experiments in Dynamic Sodium at High Temperature

AbstractThe Creep loop of In-Sodium Test Facility (INSOT) has been operated for conducting four creep experiments in dynamic sodium simultaneously at high temperature of 873K on SS316L(N) base metal at two different stress levels of 215MPa and 225MPa with the test durations of 7160, 7810, 8800 and 9612hours. The creep experiment with duration of 9612hours at 873K is the longest test campaign in the creep loop history. This was made possible by adopting several pre- checks, conducting periodic loop surveillance and implementing a few innovative solutions to ensure the safe, trouble free, uninterrupted loop operation. The sodium system as well as test parameters were closely monitored by PLC/PC SCADA control system and maintained for the in-sodium creep experiments. The purity of sodium was monitored periodically by plugging meter and maintained by continuous on line operation of cold trap. Oxygen level in sodium was maintai ed less than 2ppm. The temperature of sodium was maintained at 873K±1K during the experiments. The sodium velocity surrounding the test specimen was maintained at 2.5 ms-1 in the test chambers. Sodium sampling was done to assess the impurity content in the loop and carbon activity assessment was conducted by nickel foil equilibration method. This paper presents measures adopted and the experience gained for successfully conducting the creep experiments in dynamic sodium at high temperature for very long duration

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Not AvailableRice grows mostly in tropical and subtropical regions, but it’s very sensitive to higher temperature during reproductive stage especially flowering anthesis. It is necessary to identify genetic donors for heat stress from high temperature rice growing environments. Temperature stress effects at reproductive stage by adopting three different planting dates with 15 days interval each in Environment-1 (e1), Environment-2 (e2) and Environment-3 (E3) with forty-three rice genotypes was studied. The temperature regimes were 35.60C (E1) to 39.2 (E3) at reproductive stage. From the results of AMMI analysis, the environment (E2) was found to be ideal for better identification of genotypes for heat tolerance with desirable traits. The elevated temperature at the time of flowering and maturity determines the yield per se of the genotypes. The hybrids adapted better than parental lines, showing the buffering nature and heterosis for stress tolerance. Under high temperature stress, the response of genotypes depended on developmental stage, but highest sensitivity was recorded at reproductive stage. The time of sowing, days to flowering (duration group), heat escape (early morning flowering) and inbuilt tolerance were the crucial factors in determining the performance of genotypes to varying temperature. Hence, it is necessary to select genotypes by keeping in view the above factors for different temperature stress within and across the environment.Not Availabl