Pub Date : 2026-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.seta.2026.104815
Yang Tian , Kaikai Mao , Juan Yang , Langxuan Pan
Energy structure transformation of power generation enterprises is the key to achieving power low-carbon transformation. Renewable portfolio standard (RPS) is widely used to promote energy structure transformation. However, the mechanisms by which RPS affect energy structure transformation, and the optimal design of RPS have not been thoroughly explored yet. To address this gap, this study aims to explore the regulatory effects of fixed quotas and dynamic quotas on the energy structure transformation of power generation enterprises. Results indicate that both types of quotas can effectively promote the energy structure transformation of power generation enterprises with low proportion of renewable energy electricity. However, for power generation enterprises with high proportion of renewable energy electricity, fixed quotas may lose incremental effectiveness, and dynamic quotas may alleviate this specific effect. The research results provide policy implications for optimizing RPS policy and promoting enterprise energy transformation.
{"title":"Research on the effectiveness of renewable portfolio standard policy in promoting energy structure transformation of power generation enterprises","authors":"Yang Tian , Kaikai Mao , Juan Yang , Langxuan Pan","doi":"10.1016/j.seta.2026.104815","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.seta.2026.104815","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Energy structure transformation of power generation enterprises is the key to achieving power low-carbon transformation. Renewable portfolio standard (RPS) is widely used to promote energy structure transformation. However, the mechanisms by which RPS affect energy structure transformation, and the optimal design of RPS have not been thoroughly explored yet. To address this gap, this study aims to explore the regulatory effects of fixed quotas and dynamic quotas on the energy structure transformation of power generation enterprises. Results indicate that both types of quotas can effectively promote the energy structure transformation of power generation enterprises with low proportion of renewable energy electricity. However, for power generation enterprises with high proportion of renewable energy electricity, fixed quotas may lose incremental effectiveness, and dynamic quotas may alleviate this specific effect. The research results provide policy implications for optimizing RPS policy and promoting enterprise energy transformation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56019,"journal":{"name":"Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments","volume":"86 ","pages":"Article 104815"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146079920","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.seta.2026.104861
Sunila Arshid Mohammed Kassim, Di Zhang
Reliable and scalable photovoltaic (PV) fault monitoring ensures high energy efficiency and low operational costs of large-scale solar farms. This paper proposes a new two-step deep learning-based architecture which combines the attention-based YOLOv12 detector with a small custom CNN to classify fine-grained PV defects. In contrast to the current single stage designs, the proposed design does not depend on fault localization and severity to classify faults. This enhances the ability of the design to resist small and visually insignificant faults like micro-cracks, dust, and hotspots without compromising edge placement capability. It is shown that the framework has good generalization and practical viability as indicated by the cross-dataset evaluation, ablation studies, and edge-device benchmarking. Experimental evidence demonstrates that it has high detection rates with an [email protected] of 98.7%, recall of 98.8%, and real time inference on embedded devices.
{"title":"Smart solar panel diagnostics: Integrating YOLOv12 with custom CNN for fault detection and classification","authors":"Sunila Arshid Mohammed Kassim, Di Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.seta.2026.104861","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.seta.2026.104861","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Reliable and scalable photovoltaic (PV) fault monitoring ensures high energy efficiency and low operational costs of large-scale solar farms. This paper proposes a new two-step deep learning-based architecture which combines the attention-based YOLOv12 detector with a small custom CNN to classify fine-grained PV defects. In contrast to the current single stage designs, the proposed design does not depend on fault localization and severity to classify faults. This enhances the ability of the design to resist small and visually insignificant faults like micro-cracks, dust, and hotspots without compromising edge placement capability. It is shown that the framework has good generalization and practical viability as indicated by the cross-dataset evaluation, ablation studies, and edge-device benchmarking. Experimental evidence demonstrates that it has high detection rates with an [email protected] of 98.7%, recall of 98.8%, and real time inference on embedded devices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56019,"journal":{"name":"Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments","volume":"86 ","pages":"Article 104861"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146080010","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.seta.2026.104845
Peize Wu , Yingying Liu , Lantian Zhang , Sha Chen , Sumei Li , Hanbing Li , Ji Gao , Kejun Jiang
The regional energy transition under the goal of carbon neutrality confronts both constraints of energy water scarcities, with energy-water nexus critically shaping sustainable pathways. Climate change impacts must also be assessed when analyzing water resource constraints. This study established a method for evaluating energy-water synergy technologies in regional transition scenarios based on prospective life cycle assessment (PLCA), which used the data from Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP) scenario inventories linked with LCI parameters. Subsequently, this method was applied to evaluate five environmental impacts (ADP, EP, FAETP, GWP, TFU) of Polycrystalline silicon photovoltaic power generation technology, Onshore wind power generation technology, and Coal-fired power generation deployed nine different carbon capture technologies in Shaanxi Province from 2020 to 2060. The results showed that Onshore wind power generation technology exhibited minimal environmental impacts (EIs) in 2020, while deploying post-combustion membrane carbon capture will greatly reduce the impacts of coal-fired power generation. Renewable energy impacts are concentrated in material production, while over 90% of carbon capture system impacts occur during operation. Except for Onshore wind power generation technology, other energy-water synergy technologies reducing more than 20% EIs, driven by decarbonized material production for renewables and optimized adsorption efficiency in carbon capture systems. Considering the constraints and technological maturity of different development stages, Shaanxi should prioritize wind and photovoltaic power generation expansion before 2030, scale solar-wind hybrid systems during 2030–2060, and deploy physical adsorption-based post-combustion technologies for coal-fired power generation. This study provided decision support for similar regions choosing energy-water synergy technologies under energy transition.
{"title":"Dynamic analysis of energy -water synergy technologies for regional power generation with prospective LCA towards carbon neutrality","authors":"Peize Wu , Yingying Liu , Lantian Zhang , Sha Chen , Sumei Li , Hanbing Li , Ji Gao , Kejun Jiang","doi":"10.1016/j.seta.2026.104845","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.seta.2026.104845","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The regional energy transition under the goal of carbon neutrality confronts both constraints of energy water scarcities, with energy-water nexus critically shaping sustainable pathways. Climate change impacts must also be assessed when analyzing water resource constraints. This study established a method for evaluating energy-water synergy technologies in regional transition scenarios based on prospective life cycle assessment (PLCA), which used the data from Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP) scenario inventories linked with LCI parameters. Subsequently, this method was applied to evaluate five environmental impacts (ADP, EP, FAETP, GWP, TFU) of Polycrystalline silicon photovoltaic power generation technology, Onshore wind power generation technology, and Coal-fired power generation deployed nine different carbon capture technologies in Shaanxi Province from 2020 to 2060. The results showed that Onshore wind power generation technology exhibited minimal environmental impacts (EIs) in 2020, while deploying post-combustion membrane carbon capture will greatly reduce the impacts of coal-fired power generation. Renewable energy impacts are concentrated in material production, while over 90% of carbon capture system impacts occur during operation. Except for Onshore wind power generation technology, other energy-water synergy technologies reducing more than 20% EIs, driven by decarbonized material production for renewables and optimized adsorption efficiency in carbon capture systems. Considering the constraints and technological maturity of different development stages, Shaanxi should prioritize wind and photovoltaic power generation expansion before 2030, scale solar-wind hybrid systems during 2030–2060, and deploy physical adsorption-based post-combustion technologies for coal-fired power generation. This study provided decision support for similar regions choosing energy-water synergy technologies under energy transition.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56019,"journal":{"name":"Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments","volume":"86 ","pages":"Article 104845"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146080011","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.seta.2026.104844
Janusz Malesa, Błażej Chmielarz, Dominik Muszyński, Maciej Skrzypek
The transition to sustainable energy systems requires advanced nuclear technologies capable of providing high-temperature heat and hydrogen for industrial applications. High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactors (HTGRs) have emerged as a promising option for cogeneration, enabling flexible deployment across multiple scales and sectors. This study explores the potential path from technology demonstration to commercialisation of HTGRs, with particular emphasis on their application to industrial cogeneration. The paper describes the design philosophy and target applications, highlighting end-user requirements and technical configurations for both HTGR-POLA and the GEMINI+ reactor design. Safety aspects are examined to assess inherent and engineered features supporting deployment. A techno-economic evaluation, based on defined assumptions and modelling approaches, provides insights into cost, performance, and competitiveness relative to alternative energy systems. The findings demonstrate that HTGR-based cogeneration can meet diverse industrial needs while contributing to decarbonisation goals. However, successful commercialisation requires a stepwise approach from pilot-scale demonstrations to market entry, supported by favourable policies, regulatory alignment, and stakeholder engagement.
{"title":"Potential path from demonstration to commercialisation of high temperature gas-cooled reactors for cogeneration of heat and hydrogen","authors":"Janusz Malesa, Błażej Chmielarz, Dominik Muszyński, Maciej Skrzypek","doi":"10.1016/j.seta.2026.104844","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.seta.2026.104844","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The transition to sustainable energy systems requires advanced nuclear technologies capable of providing high-temperature heat and hydrogen for industrial applications. High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactors (HTGRs) have emerged as a promising option for cogeneration, enabling flexible deployment across multiple scales and sectors. This study explores the potential path from technology demonstration to commercialisation of HTGRs, with particular emphasis on their application to industrial cogeneration. The paper describes the design philosophy and target applications, highlighting end-user requirements and technical configurations for both HTGR-POLA and the GEMINI+ reactor design. Safety aspects are examined to assess inherent and engineered features supporting deployment. A techno-economic evaluation, based on defined assumptions and modelling approaches, provides insights into cost, performance, and competitiveness relative to alternative energy systems. The findings demonstrate that HTGR-based cogeneration can meet diverse industrial needs while contributing to decarbonisation goals. However, successful commercialisation requires a stepwise approach from pilot-scale demonstrations to market entry, supported by favourable policies, regulatory alignment, and stakeholder engagement.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56019,"journal":{"name":"Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments","volume":"86 ","pages":"Article 104844"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146079924","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Currently, wireless sensor nodes rely on battery power—with limited lifespan, cumbersome replacement, and environmental pollution. Harnessing ambient energy such as road vibrations provides them with continuous green power, cutting maintenance costs and boosting reliability. Yet significant limitations remain in harvesting road-generated low-frequency vibrations. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a piezoelectric-electromagnetic hybrid energy harvester that employs a lever-gear frequency up-conversion mechanism (L-PEH). It innovatively integrates a lever amplification mechanism and a gear transmission system. Through the synergistic effects of displacement amplification, motion transfer, and rotational speed conversion, this device effectively improves the energy harvesting efficiency and output power for low-frequency vibration. Experimental results demonstrate that under 3 Hz excitation frequency and optimal parameters (a lever length of 20 mm, a magnetic gap of 8 mm), the piezoelectric unit achieves a peak voltage of 29.65 V. The entire device delivers a maximum output power of 5.54 mW under a 300 kΩ load, successfully charging a 470 μF capacitor and driving 32 LEDs. This device not only demonstrates superior energy harvesting and power output capabilities within the low-frequency range but also provides a viable self-powered solution for wireless sensor nodes and low-power monitoring devices for smart roads.
{"title":"A piezoelectric-electromagnetic hybrid energy harvester achieves frequency up-conversion through an integrated lever and gear mechanism","authors":"Zhongyuan Miao, Yuchao Yang, Xinyu Fang, Mingbo Wang, Ziming Zhou, Lipeng He","doi":"10.1016/j.seta.2026.104852","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.seta.2026.104852","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Currently, wireless sensor nodes rely on battery power—with limited lifespan, cumbersome replacement, and environmental pollution. Harnessing ambient energy such as road vibrations provides them with continuous green power, cutting maintenance costs and boosting reliability. Yet significant limitations remain in harvesting road-generated low-frequency vibrations. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a piezoelectric-electromagnetic hybrid energy harvester that employs a lever-gear frequency up-conversion mechanism (L-PEH). It innovatively integrates a lever amplification mechanism and a gear transmission system. Through the synergistic effects of displacement amplification, motion transfer, and rotational speed conversion, this device effectively improves the energy harvesting efficiency and output power for low-frequency vibration. Experimental results demonstrate that under 3 Hz excitation frequency and optimal parameters (a lever length of 20 mm, a magnetic gap of 8 mm), the piezoelectric unit achieves a peak voltage of 29.65 V. The entire device delivers a maximum output power of 5.54 mW under a 300 kΩ load, successfully charging a 470 μF capacitor and driving 32 LEDs. This device not only demonstrates superior energy harvesting and power output capabilities within the low-frequency range but also provides a viable self-powered solution for wireless sensor nodes and low-power monitoring devices for smart roads.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56019,"journal":{"name":"Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments","volume":"86 ","pages":"Article 104852"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146080012","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-22DOI: 10.1016/j.seta.2026.104831
Haruna Adamu , Usman Bello , Usman Ibrahim Tafida , Zakariyya Uba Zango , Khuzaifa Yahuza Muhammad , Mohammad Qamar
A sustainable energy transition critically depends on the successful development and deployment of green hydrogen (G-H2). However, achieving this goal requires addressing a complex interplay of technological, economic, and policy-related challenges. This review explores the key factors influencing the production and adoption of G-H2, including materials and catalyst chemistries, and policy integration. Key discussions center on the global G-H2 projects implementation assessment, which reveals a critical need for technological advancements in materials and catalysts to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of G-H2 energy, while formulating an optimal strategic policy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions for climate action, including the most effective G-H2 strategy, is a difficult task. In addition, various decarbonization solutions exist, with their comparative costs and benefits persistently evolving due to the pace of innovation and technological development advancements. As a result, governments are tightened with difficult choices to make on which of the technology strategies best fit the energy future of their countries, while avoiding the risks of locking in less efficient or slower emissions reduction pathways. For this reason, setting clear policy priorities is an important component for successful G-H2 policy making towards integrating G-H2 into the global energy system for sustainable, climate-neutral energy transition.
{"title":"Review on the intersection of materials science and policy: a dual-track approach to realizing a green hydrogen economy for climate-neutral energy transition","authors":"Haruna Adamu , Usman Bello , Usman Ibrahim Tafida , Zakariyya Uba Zango , Khuzaifa Yahuza Muhammad , Mohammad Qamar","doi":"10.1016/j.seta.2026.104831","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.seta.2026.104831","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A sustainable energy transition critically depends on the successful development and deployment of green hydrogen (G-H<sub>2</sub>). However, achieving this goal requires addressing a complex interplay of technological, economic, and policy-related challenges. This review explores the key factors influencing the production and adoption of G-H<sub>2</sub>, including materials and catalyst chemistries, and policy integration. Key discussions center on the global G-H<sub>2</sub> projects implementation assessment, which reveals a critical need for technological advancements in materials and catalysts to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of G-H<sub>2</sub> energy, while formulating an optimal strategic policy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions for climate action, including the most effective G-H<sub>2</sub> strategy, is a difficult task. In addition, various decarbonization solutions exist, with their comparative costs and benefits persistently evolving due to the pace of innovation and technological development advancements. As a result, governments are tightened with difficult choices to make on which of the technology strategies best fit the energy future of their countries, while avoiding the risks of locking in less efficient or slower emissions reduction pathways. For this reason, setting clear policy priorities is an important component for successful G-H<sub>2</sub> policy making towards integrating G-H<sub>2</sub> into the global energy system for sustainable, climate-neutral energy transition.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56019,"journal":{"name":"Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments","volume":"86 ","pages":"Article 104831"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146025009","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-22DOI: 10.1016/j.seta.2026.104839
Putta Venu Gopal , P.V. Elumalai , A. Saravanan
Growing clean energy and freshwater needs have driven attention toward hybrid PV/T systems with combined electrical and thermal output. Solar concentrators are widely used in PV/T systems to increase energy production by directing incident solar radiation onto the receiver. The performance of a concentrator integrated with PV/T systems is mainly dependent on the concentrator type, concentration ratio, cooling technique, tracking and application type. This review is an in-depth assessment of the application-based non-imaging and imaging solar concentrators integrated with hybrid PV/T systems. The non-imaging concentrators consist of V-troughs, compound parabolic concentrators (CPCs), and asymmetric CPCs are reviewed for low and medium-temperature applications such as water heating, solar drying, space heating, and domestic-scale desalination systems. Imaging concentrators such as Fresnel lenses and parabolic trough collectors are used in high-temperature and large-scale applications. In addition, the review highlights key challenges such as non-uniform flux distribution and hotspot formation and overcoming strategies using optical homogenizers, secondary reflectors, bifacial receivers, and different cooling methods. The study compares different types of passive and active cooling methods, along with tracking technologies, based on concentration level and system requirements. The study concluded with a clear road map for selecting suitable concentrator-cooling tracking combinations for specific applications.
{"title":"Comparative review of imaging and non-imaging solar concentrators for hybrid photovoltaic–thermal applications","authors":"Putta Venu Gopal , P.V. Elumalai , A. Saravanan","doi":"10.1016/j.seta.2026.104839","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.seta.2026.104839","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Growing clean energy and freshwater needs have driven attention toward hybrid PV/T systems with combined electrical and thermal output. Solar concentrators are widely used in PV/T systems to increase energy production by directing incident solar radiation onto the receiver. The performance of a concentrator integrated with PV/T systems is mainly dependent on the concentrator type, concentration ratio, cooling technique, tracking and application type. This review is an in-depth assessment of the application-based non-imaging and imaging solar concentrators integrated with hybrid PV/T systems. The non-imaging concentrators consist of V-troughs, compound parabolic concentrators (CPCs), and asymmetric CPCs are reviewed for low and medium-temperature applications such as water heating, solar drying, space heating, and domestic-scale desalination systems. Imaging concentrators such as Fresnel lenses and parabolic trough collectors are used in high-temperature and large-scale applications. In addition, the review highlights key challenges such as non-uniform flux distribution and hotspot formation and overcoming strategies using optical homogenizers, secondary reflectors, bifacial receivers, and different cooling methods. The study compares different types of passive and active cooling methods, along with tracking technologies, based on concentration level and system requirements. The study concluded with a clear road map for selecting suitable concentrator-cooling tracking combinations for specific applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56019,"journal":{"name":"Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments","volume":"86 ","pages":"Article 104839"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146025141","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-22DOI: 10.1016/j.seta.2026.104843
Huawei Chang, Pengcheng Yue, Zhijie Huang, Zhengkai Tu
Air-cooled proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) offer advantages such as simple structure and low parasitic power. However, excessive air at the cathode can lead to water imbalance in the PEM and low performance of the stack. Moreover, most existing cathode flow field (CFF) designs concentrate on heat dissipation rather than water management. Therefore, a novel CFF with secondary cooling channels was designed in this work. The water and gas transport, temperature distribution, and output performance of the air-cooled PEMFC were numerically analysed. Comparative analysis with a traditional CFF demonstrated that the novel design enhanced the gas disturbance and improved the mass transfer. At a typical cell voltage of 0.6 V, the oxygen fraction on the surface of the cathode catalyst layer increased by 5.42 %. Meanwhile, the novel CFF reduced the cathode gas flow rate in the reactant channels, thereby decreasing the water carried away by the excessive air at the cathode and improving the water retention capacity. When the cell voltage is 0.6 V, the average membrane water activity increased by 12.03 %, and the output performance of the stack can be improved by 5.40 %. Additionally, the modification of the CFF has minimal impact on the thermal management performance.
{"title":"Design and numerical analysis of a novel cathode flow field with secondary cooling channels for air-cooled PEMFCs","authors":"Huawei Chang, Pengcheng Yue, Zhijie Huang, Zhengkai Tu","doi":"10.1016/j.seta.2026.104843","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.seta.2026.104843","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Air-cooled proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) offer advantages such as simple structure and low parasitic power. However, excessive air at the cathode can lead to water imbalance in the PEM and low performance of the stack. Moreover, most existing cathode flow field (CFF) designs concentrate on heat dissipation rather than water management. Therefore, a novel CFF with secondary cooling channels was designed in this work. The water and gas transport, temperature distribution, and output performance of the air-cooled PEMFC were numerically analysed. Comparative analysis with a traditional CFF demonstrated that the novel design enhanced the gas disturbance and improved the mass transfer. At a typical cell voltage of 0.6 V, the oxygen fraction on the surface of the cathode catalyst layer increased by 5.42 %. Meanwhile, the novel CFF reduced the cathode gas flow rate in the reactant channels, thereby decreasing the water carried away by the excessive air at the cathode and improving the water retention capacity. When the cell voltage is 0.6 V, the average membrane water activity increased by 12.03 %, and the output performance of the stack can be improved by 5.40 %. Additionally, the modification of the CFF has minimal impact on the thermal management performance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56019,"journal":{"name":"Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments","volume":"86 ","pages":"Article 104843"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146025140","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-21DOI: 10.1016/j.seta.2026.104840
Jian Liang , Yinglei Wu , Sirui Wang , Zhongyi He
This article presents a systematic review of ion conduction mechanisms and optimization strategies for polymer electrolytes in solid-state lithium-ion batteries. It begins by examining the physicochemical foundations of ion transport, including the Vogel–Tammann–Fulcher (VTF) equation, Arrhenius-type behavior, and coupled transport models, with emphasis on how temperature, polymer architecture (such as crystallinity and glass transition temperature), and filler characteristics influence ionic conductivity and Li+ transference number. Key polymer electrolyte systems, including polyethers (e.g., PEO), polycarbonates (PPC/PEC), polynitriles (PAN/PMMA), and single-ion conductors, are critically compared in terms of their structural features, electrochemical performance, and inherent challenges. The review then summarizes multi-scale strategies to enhance electrolyte performance, encompassing polymer matrix design (e.g., copolymerization and cross-linking to reduce crystallinity), lithium salt and additive engineering (e.g., high-concentration and dual-salt systems), hybridization techniques (e.g., incorporation of inorganic fillers, organic blending, and three-dimensional (3D) scaffold infusion), and interface engineering approaches such as artificial solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layers and in situ polymerization. Collectively, these strategies aim to simultaneously improve ionic conductivity, increase the Li+ transference number, enhance interfacial stability, and suppress lithium dendrite growth—key prerequisites for the practical realization of safe and high-energy solid-state batteries.
{"title":"Highly conductive polymer electrolytes for solid-state lithium batteries: From mechanisms to applications","authors":"Jian Liang , Yinglei Wu , Sirui Wang , Zhongyi He","doi":"10.1016/j.seta.2026.104840","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.seta.2026.104840","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This article presents a systematic review of ion conduction mechanisms and optimization strategies for polymer electrolytes in solid-state lithium-ion batteries. It begins by examining the physicochemical foundations of ion transport, including the Vogel–Tammann–Fulcher (VTF) equation, Arrhenius-type behavior, and coupled transport models, with emphasis on how temperature, polymer architecture (such as crystallinity and glass transition temperature), and filler characteristics influence ionic conductivity and Li<sup>+</sup> transference number. Key polymer electrolyte systems, including polyethers (e.g., PEO), polycarbonates (PPC/PEC), polynitriles (PAN/PMMA), and single-ion conductors, are critically compared in terms of their structural features, electrochemical performance, and inherent challenges. The review then summarizes multi-scale strategies to enhance electrolyte performance, encompassing polymer matrix design (e.g., copolymerization and cross-linking to reduce crystallinity), lithium salt and additive engineering (e.g., high-concentration and dual-salt systems), hybridization techniques (e.g., incorporation of inorganic fillers, organic blending, and three-dimensional (3D) scaffold infusion), and interface engineering approaches such as artificial solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layers and in situ polymerization. Collectively, these strategies aim to simultaneously improve ionic conductivity, increase the Li<sup>+</sup> transference number, enhance interfacial stability, and suppress lithium dendrite growth—key prerequisites for the practical realization of safe and high-energy solid-state batteries.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56019,"journal":{"name":"Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments","volume":"86 ","pages":"Article 104840"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146025008","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-20DOI: 10.1016/j.seta.2026.104830
Syed Ezaz Haider Gilani , Muhammad Farooq , Rabia Nazar , Muhammad Younas , Umer Mehmood
Achieving environmentally sustainable power conversion efficiency (PCE) and long-term stability in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) requires concurrent optimization of both the photoanode and the electrolyte. In this study, a dual-strategy approach is adopted: (i) engineering an interdigitated nanostructured TiO2 photoanode to enhance light harvesting and charge transport, and (ii) developing a sustainable poly(ethylene oxide)–polyacrylonitrile (PEO–PAN) polymer blend gel electrolyte (PBGE) to ensure eco-friendly, stable, and efficient energy conversion. The TiO2 photoanode was synthesized via a solvothermal process and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), & transmission electron microscopy (TEM), revealing anatase crystallinity, porous morphology, and improved electron pathways. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were conducted to evaluate the miscibility, cohesive energy density, and Flory–Huggin’s interaction parameter of the PEO–PAN system, confirming thermodynamic compatibility and guiding blend selection. Experimental confirmation was carried out by synthesizing various PEO–PAN ratios and their characterization by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) & X-ray diffraction (XRD), which determined 40:60 PAN–PEO blend as being best with amorphous nature and homogeneous morphology. The composition of PBGE was then optimized by using Taguchi design of experiments (DoE) and salt optimization with a goal, achieving the highest ionic conductivity of 0.501 mS/cm. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) & cyclic voltammetry (CV) validated improved ionic mobility and redox reversibility. When incorporated into DSSCs, the optimized PBGE and TiO2 photoanode exhibited a PCE of 6.13 %, beating the conventional liquid electrolyte cell (5.38 %), TiO2-only cell (5.94 %), and PBGE-only cell (4.39 %). This material design strategy provides a scalable route to high-efficiency quasi-solid-state DSSCs with enhanced long-term stability.
{"title":"Sustainable integration of poly(ethylene oxide)–polyacrylonitrile (PEO–PAN) gel electrolytes with mesoporous TiO2 nanostructures for green energy dye-sensitized solar cells","authors":"Syed Ezaz Haider Gilani , Muhammad Farooq , Rabia Nazar , Muhammad Younas , Umer Mehmood","doi":"10.1016/j.seta.2026.104830","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.seta.2026.104830","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Achieving environmentally sustainable power conversion efficiency (PCE) and long-term stability in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) requires concurrent optimization of both the photoanode and the electrolyte. In this study, a dual-strategy approach is adopted: (i) engineering an interdigitated nanostructured TiO<sub>2</sub> photoanode to enhance light harvesting and charge transport, and (ii) developing a sustainable poly(ethylene oxide)–polyacrylonitrile (PEO–PAN) polymer blend gel electrolyte (PBGE) to ensure eco-friendly, stable, and efficient energy conversion. The TiO<sub>2</sub> photoanode was synthesized via a solvothermal process and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), & transmission electron microscopy (TEM), revealing anatase crystallinity, porous morphology, and improved electron pathways. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were conducted to evaluate the miscibility, cohesive energy density, and Flory–Huggin’s interaction parameter of the PEO–PAN system, confirming thermodynamic compatibility and guiding blend selection. Experimental confirmation was carried out by synthesizing various PEO–PAN ratios and their characterization by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) & X-ray diffraction (XRD), which determined 40:60 PAN–PEO blend as being best with amorphous nature and homogeneous morphology. The composition of PBGE was then optimized by using Taguchi design of experiments (DoE) and salt optimization with a goal, achieving the highest ionic conductivity of 0.501 mS/cm. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) & cyclic voltammetry (CV) validated improved ionic mobility and redox reversibility. When incorporated into DSSCs, the optimized PBGE and TiO<sub>2</sub> photoanode exhibited a PCE of 6.13 %, beating the conventional liquid electrolyte cell (5.38 %), TiO<sub>2</sub>-only cell (5.94 %), and PBGE-only cell (4.39 %). This material design strategy provides a scalable route to high-efficiency quasi-solid-state DSSCs with enhanced long-term stability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56019,"journal":{"name":"Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments","volume":"86 ","pages":"Article 104830"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146025055","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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