Proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells are being developed for both automotive (motive and/or auxiliary) and stationary (residential) power applications. Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) also are being pursued for a number of power generation applications, including stationary (residential and utility), and automotive (auxiliary) power sources. For both of these types of fuel cells, the use of...

The versatility of gold for electrode manufacture suggests that it could be an ideal material for some microbial fuel cell applications. However, previous studies have suggested that microorganisms that readily transfer electrons to graphite do not transfer electrons to gold. Investigations with Geobacter sulfurreducens demonstrated that it could grow on gold anodes producing current nearly as ...

Reports of disappearing glaciers, shrinking arctic ice, rising sea levels, stronger hurricanes, and unprecedented European heat waves combined with an inexorable buildup in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels is increasing pressure on governments to respond with new greenhouse gas initiatives. California and other states are providing policy leadership in the United States. Of particular interest...

Homogenous charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustion is spontaneous multi-site combustion of a nominally premixed air/fuel mixture that exhibits high rate of pressure rise and short combustion duration. To avoid excessive pressure rise rate and knocking, HCCI engines are fueled with highly diluted mixture using a combination of excess air and/or EGR. HCCI combustion is attractive due to ...

Nowadays, the major challenge of diesel engines development is simultaneous nitrogen oxides and soot emissions reduction without the thermal efficiency drop. Hence, different combustion concepts should be investigated to reach optimum emission and performance conditions in diesel engines without expensive aftertreatment systems. This paper presents the results of a study on a dual fuel (DF) eng...

Tarapur Atomic Power Station is a twin unit Boiling Water Reactors. The rated initial capacity of each unit was for 210 MWe. Subsequently due to Secondary Steam Generator tube leak problem, the units were de-rated to 160 MWe in the year 198485. The station has completed 36 years of successful commercial operation. TAPS reactor fuel channels are made of Zircaloy -4, material. These are used alon...

It is well known that hydrogen addition to spark-ignited (SI) engines can reduce exhaust emissions and increase efficiency. Micro plasmatron fuel converters can be used for onboard generation of hydrogen-rich gas by partial oxidation of a wide range of fuels. These plasma boosted microreformers are compact, rugged, and provide rapid response. With hydrogen supplement to the main fuel, SI engine...

This feasibility study is a response to the increasing of interest in coal seam gas (CSG) in Australia and due to the demands for alternative fuels by high fuel-consumption industries such as agriculture. A technical analysis of LNG as an alternative fuel to diesel in agriculture was conducted. A comparison of different conversion methods (dual-fuel and mono-gas systems) is undertaken. Data was...