Journal of Selected Topics in Energy

Essentials of corrosion phenomena in lithium-ion batteries

Mohammad Sajjadnejad

Nowadays, lithium-ion batteries have been commercialized and extensive research is done on improving their properties. The things that are currently the major part of the research are reducing the price of the battery, increasing the energy density of the battery, increasing the lifespan and improving the safety of the battery. In military applications and aviation industries, special attention is paid to battery reliability and safety. The gradual degradation of the materials used in lithium-ion batteries over a long period of time has a negative effect on the electrical performance, lifespan and safety of the battery. This is through increasing the electrical resistance of the battery and even cutting the internal connection of the battery, producing corrosion products and creating passive films on the surface of the material, creating pollutants inside the battery that may react with active materials and leading to loss of uniformity in the material enters the battery and the electrolyte is destroyed. Most of the materials used in lithium-ion batteries were modified after identifying these problems in the battery structure. This article mainly deals with the phenomenon of corrosion in positive and negative current collectors in lithium-ion batteries.

A Review of the Design and Testing of Air Preheater Elements in Steam Power Plants

Majid Mirzaee

This paper provides a review based on the theories and complexities related to the design of air preheaters and the heat transfer surfaces used in them. Numerous articles have been conducted to understand how to design air preheaters and the performance parameters associated with them. Air preheaters (APH) are heat exchangers used to preheat air before any other processes take place. APH has widespread applications in power plants, vehicles, and all areas where air heating and fuel savings are required. A comprehensive review of the heating elements or surfaces used in air preheaters for heat transfer between cold and hot fluids is also conducted. Initially, various types of commonly used profiles are identified, followed by research to find ways to experimentally investigate heat transfer plates. Excerpts are also provided regarding the design of experimental setups for the same and the interdependence of various parameters.

Parabolic Trough Solar Collectors: A Systematic Review of Technology and Optimization

Hajar Moghadas

Solar energy conversion systems have been developed to convert solar energy into thermal energy, functioning at both small domestic and large industrial scales. The efficiency and performance of these systems depend on several factors, including the design of the parabolic light concentrator, the heat-absorbing tube, the detector system, and the surrounding environmental conditions. Numerous studies have explored how geometric parameters, surface coatings, and the optical and thermal properties of various components impact system performance, as well as the type of heat transfer fluid used. Optimizing these parameters can improve performance and significantly lower construction costs in relation to the useful thermal output. The incorporation of heat-absorbing salts allows for energy storage during periods without sunlight, enabling a continuous cycle of electricity production. The durability of the materials used in the system’s components is crucial for assessing the economic feasibility of these devices in practical applications. Given its impressive capability to produce clean energy across different scales, this system presents a viable long-term alternative to fossil fuels, particularly in regions with high solar radiation, such as Iran.

Evaluation of Energy Use Pattern and Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Sugarcane Production in Iran

Alireza Khoshroo

This study evaluates the indices of energy consumption and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in sugarcane production systems of seven agro-industrial units in Khuzestan Province, Iran. For this purpose, data on agricultural input consumption and sugarcane yield were collected from selected farms and analyzed using conventional energy analysis methods. The results showed that the total input energy consumption was 123,000 MJ ha⁻¹. Among the energy inputs, nitrogen fertilizer represented the highest share of input energy consumption (26% of total energy input), followed by irrigation water, electricity, diesel fuel, and sugarcane seed cuttings. Energy use efficiency, energy productivity, specific energy, and net energy in sugarcane production were calculated as 0.76, 0.63 kg MJ⁻¹, 1.57 MJ kg⁻¹, and −29,143.16 MJ ha⁻¹, respectively. In addition, the total greenhouse gas emission was estimated to be 4,081.65 kg CO₂ eq ha⁻¹. The results indicate that the high contribution of non-renewable energy sources in the energy input of sugarcane production presents serious challenges in terms of agricultural sustainability and environmental pollution. Therefore, the adoption of appropriate management strategies aimed at reducing non-renewable energy consumption, improving input use efficiency, and promoting the use of renewable energy sources is essential for enhancing agricultural sustainability and mitigating environmental impacts in sugarcane production systems.