Determining adsorbate configuration on alumina surfaces with 13C nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation time analysis

Relative strengths of surface interaction for individual carbon atoms in acyclic and cyclic hydrocarbons adsorbed on alumina surfaces are determined using chemically resolved 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) T1 relaxation times. The ratio of relaxation times for the adsorbed atoms T1,ads to the bulk liquid relaxation time T1,bulk provides an indication of the mobility of the atom. Hence a low T1,ads/T1,bulk ratio indicates a stronger surface interaction. The carbon atoms associated with unsaturated bonds in the molecules are seen to exhibit a larger reduction in T1 on adsorption relative to the aliphatic carbons, consistent with adsorption occurring through the carbon-carbon multiple bonds. The relaxation data are interpreted in terms of proximity of individual carbon atoms to the alumina surface and adsorption conformations are inferred. Furthermore, variations of interaction strength and molecular configuration have been explored as a function of adsorbate coverage, temperature, surface pre-treatment, and in the presence of co-adsorbates. This relaxation time analysis is appropriate for studying the behaviour of hydrocarbons adsorbed on a wide range of catalyst support and supported-metal catalyst surfaces, and offers the potential to explore such systems under realistic operating conditions when multiple chemical components are present at the surface

A Modal Study on the Estimation of Daily Global Solar Radiation from Sunshine Duration

Building solar plants with suitable placement in the correct geographic areas by utilizing information of solar radiation is the starting point of an investment projects of a solar energy facility. In these premises, several solar radiation models have been improved in order to estimate the solar radiation at a given location, all around the world. Complete and accurate solar radiation data at a specific region are quite important for the solar energy related researches. A number of formulas and models have been developed to estimate solar radiation for the locations, where measured values are not available. Thus, several empirical correlations have been developed in the literature. In this study, models such as the Angström equation, which is reviewed in literature, are used to estimate global solar radiation from sunshine duration in Turkey. In addition, the solar radiation models were examined at the identified solar radiation regions. This study investigates either the correctness of the model itself or the correctness of the estimation of global solar radiation, based on a set of statistical parameters such as R², RMSE, MBE, MABE, MPE and MAPE

Experimental study of degradation modes and their effects on reliability of photovoltaic modules after 12 years of field operation in the steppe region

This paper presents an evaluation of the performance degradation of photovoltaic modules after twelve operation years in a steppe region environment in Algeria. The objective is to understand the different degradation modes of the photovoltaic modules and associated factors and their impact on the electrical properties (V_{oc}, I_{sc}, V_{max}, I_{max}, P_{max} and FF) using the degradation tests of IEC 61215 qualification standard and the electroluminescence test. The experimental results show that yearly degradation rates of the maximum power output P_{max} present the highest possible loss, ranging from 2.08% to 5.2%. Additionally, the results show that the short-circuit current I_{sc} comes second with yearly degradation rates spanning from 2.75% to 2.84%. Finally the open-circuit voltage V_{oc} is the least affected, with yearly degradation occurring from 0.01% to 4.25%

On-line losses minimization of induction motor vector control

Conventional field-orientated Induction motor drives operate at rated flux even at low load. To improve the efficiency of the existing motor it is important to regulate the flux of the motor in the desired operating range. In this paper a loss model controller (LMC) based on the real coded genetic algorithm is proposed, it has the straightforward goal of maximizing the efficiency for each given load torque. In order to give more accuracy to the motor model and the LMC a series model of the motor which consider the iron losses as a resistance connected in series with the mutual inductance is considered. Digital computer simulation demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm and also simulation results have confirmed that this algorithm yields the optimal efficiency

Transmission probability and energy distribution of electrons impinging on indium thin film targets

International audienceBased on a home‐made Monte Carlo simulation, the electron backscattering coefficient, mean penetration depth, transmission probability, and transmission energy distribution of 1–5 keV electron normally incident penetrating in indium thin film targets have been computed. The trend of all features of interest as a function of the indium film thickness at both nanometric scale region and bulk material region has been examined and discussed. The present predictions may be seen as the first investigation regarding 1–5 keV electrons impinging on indium thin film targets. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.</jats:p

Positron backscattering from solid targets: Modeling of scattering processes via various approaches

Monte Carlo simulation of 1-4 keV positron backscattering from semi-infinite solid targets ranging from Be (z = 4) to Au (z = 79) with normal angle of incidence is here reported. In our study, the elastic and inelastic scattering cross sections are modeled by using various approaches based on either a classical or a quantum mechanical treatment. Calculations of positron backscattering coefficient are then reported for the solid targets of interest. The results obtained show a fairly good agreement with the data available in the literature. The dependence of the positron backscattering coefficient versus the atomic number of the solid target of interest has been investigated. In this respect, polynomial functions are proposed which does not require any recourse to Monte Carlo calculations