Shanghai Electric (China)

The paper proposes the concepts of integrators for sinusoidal signals. A proportional-integral (PI) current controller using stationary-frame generalized integrators is applied for current control of active power filters. Zero steady-state error for the concerned current harmonics is realized, with reduced computation, under unbalanced utility or load conditions. Designing of the PI constants, digital realization of the generalized integrators, as well as compensation of the computation delay are studied. Extensive test results from a 10-kW prototype are demonstrated.

The triple phase shift (TPS) modulation scheme, which provides three control freedoms, is of great importance for the optimized operation of a dual active bridge (DAB) isolated bidirectional dc/dc converter. First of all, this paper introduces an accurate, universal model to describe the analytic expressions of the DAB converter under TPS control. Based on this, six operating modes of the DAB converter are further discussed. Afterwards, the concept of global optimal condition (GOC) equations is proposed to derive the closed form of analytic expressions of an optimal modulation scheme that makes the DAB converter operate with minimized root-mean-square (rms) current during whole power range with different operating modes. According to the GOC equations, the physical explanation of the proposed modulation scheme is further given in details, and the complex interaction among the control variables, the transferred power, and rms current is revealed. The real-time optimization process of the proposed method is also specified. Finally, the proposed methods are applied to a laboratory prototype. The experimental results confirm the theoretical analysis and practical feasibility of the proposed strategies.

The voltage source converter (VSC) station is playing a more important role in modern power systems, but the dynamic behavior of the VSC station is quite different from that of the synchronous generator. This paper presents the synchronous generator emulation control (SGEC) strategy for the VSC-HVDC station. The SGEC strategy is divided into the inner control loop and the outer control loop. The inner controller is developed for fast current and voltage regulations. An inertia element is introduced into the frequency-power droop to determine the command reference of the frequency, and the inertia response and the primary frequency regulation are emulated. In addition, the secondary frequency regulation can be achieved by modulating the scheduled power in the SGEC strategy. The time-domain simulation results demonstrate the VSC station with the proposed control strategy can provide desired frequency support to a low-inertia grid. Therefore, the SGEC strategy provides a simple and practical solution for the VSC station to emulate the behavior of a synchronous generator.

Abstract Lithium ion batteries (LIBs) continuously prove themselves to be the main power source in consumer electronics and electric vehicles. To ensure environmental sustainability, LIBs must be capable of performing well at extreme temperatures, that is, between −40 and 60 °C. In this review, the recent important progress and advances in the subzero and elevated temperature operations of LIBs is comprehensively summarized from a materials perspective. In the scenario of subzero temperatures, limitations, electrolytes, anodes, and solid electrolyte interphase (SEI); cathodes and cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI); and binders are thoroughly discussed to explore the fundamentals and basics that underlie the decay in electrochemical performance and how the chemistry, physics, and electrochemistry are correlated with the materials and components that interact with each other. In the case of high temperatures limitations, the thermal stability of the key materials and components are reviewed, and then the reaction thermodynamics and kinetics of the anodes, cathodes, electrolytes, and their interactions are described using the highest occupied molecular orbit (HOMO)/lowest unoccupied molecular orbit (LUMO), and are extensively discussed. The prospect of combining the extreme temperature poles in a single cell by introducing appropriate electrolytes and additives is discussed.

Power converters may lose synchronization with the remaining network when integrated in a weak power grid. Such an instability phenomenon [known as grid-synchronization instability (GSI)] features the frequency divergence of phase-locked loop (PLL) and oscillations of the converter's power output. In this paper, we focus on the influences of reactive power control (RPC) methods on GSI. We develop a single-input-single-output model to explicitly reveal how the PLL interacts with the other parts of the converter system in terms of grid synchronization. Then, after deriving the open-loop transfer function and sensitivity function of the entire converter system, we compare the stability margins for different RPC methods. Furthermore, we elaborate on the interactions among RPC, PLL, and voltage feedforward (VFF), and then demonstrate that different design methods of RPC and VFF will lead to different stability margins. The subsequent stability analysis provides insightful guidelines for coordinating the design of multiple control loops, i.e., RPC, VFF and PLL. In particular, we demonstrate how the loop shaping of PLL takes effect in increasing the stability margin and eventually preventing the converter from GSI. The validity of the stability analysis is verified through simulations in MATLAB/Simulink.

Abstract The 2050 carbon‐neutral vision spawns a novel energy structure revolution, and the construction of the future energy structure is based on equipment innovation. Insulating material, as the core of electrical power equipment and electrified transportation asset, faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities. The goal of carbon neutral and the urgent need for innovation in electric power equipment and electrification assets are first discussed. The engineering challenges constrained by the insulation system in future electric power equipment/devices and electrified transportation assets are investigated. Insulating materials, including intelligent insulating material, high thermal conductivity insulating material, high energy storage density insulating material, extreme environment resistant insulating material, and environmental‐friendly insulating material, are categorised with their scientific issues, opportunities and challenges under the goal of carbon neutrality being discussed. In the context of carbon neutrality, not only improves the understanding of the insulation problems from a macro level, that is, electrical power equipment and electrified transportation asset, but also offers opportunities, remaining issues and challenges from the insulating material level. It is hoped that this paper envisions the challenges regarding design and reliability of insulations in electrical equipment and electric vehicles in the context of policies towards carbon neutrality rules. The authors also hope that this paper can be helpful in future development and research of novel insulating materials, which promote the realisation of the carbon‐neutral vision.

This paper proposes a novel short-term wind power forecasting approach by mining the bad data of numerical weather prediction (NWP). Today's short-term wind power forecast (WPF) highly depends on the NWP, which contributes the most in the WPF error. This paper first introduces a bad data analyzer to fully study the relationship between the WPF error with several new extracted features from the raw NWP. Second, a hierarchical structure is proposed, which is composed of a K-means clustering-based bad data detection module and a neural network (NN)-based forecasting module. In the NN module, the WPF is fully adjusted based on the output of the bad data analyzer. Simulations are performed comparing with two other different methods. It proves that the proposed approach can improve the short-term wind power forecasting by effectively identifying and adjusting the errors from NWP.

It has been demonstrated theoretically and experimentally that the Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) enabled electric vehicle (EV) charger is of a reactive power compensation ability with a battery or capacitor connected. To exploit the aggregated reactive power V2G abilities of massively dispersed EV chargers, a distributed model predictive control (DMPC) strategy applying to both balanced and unbalanced distribution networks (DNs) is proposed to integrate them into real-time DN voltage regulation. Firstly, based on the instantaneous power theory and voltage sensitivity matrices, a voltage regulation model considering the reactive response of EV chargers is established without violating the normal EV active charging demands. Then, a completely distributed framework is achieved by DMPC, in which prediction information and calculation results are shared in a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) way to realize the asynchronous broadcast. The proposed model and techniques are validated by numerical results obtained from the IEEE European low voltage test feeder system. The case studies indicate that the proposed DMPC is robust to communication latency (CML) and works effectively in both balanced and unbalanced DNs without any control center, which is a significant advantage for the promotion of real-time reactive power V2G in DNs with irregular user integration and relatively poor communication infrastructure.

A voltage balancer that transfers unipolar dc bus configuration to bipolar dc bus configuration has been widely employed in dc microgrid. Fortunately, unbalanced power flow between positive and negative dc buses can be eliminated through a well-designed voltage balancer. Based on the analysis of a Buck/Boost-type voltage balancer, a deduction method for a series of voltage balancers is proposed in this paper, and is further investigated by applying to other existing voltage balancers. Consequently, several new topologies are proposed for various purpose of improvement with respect to the characters of existing topologies. Furthermore, four new topologies, i.e., Cuk-type, Super-Sepic/Zeta-type, and interleaved Buck/Boost-type voltage balancers have been proposed, which are compared with existing ones in terms of key characters. Finally, the interleaved Buck/Boost topology has been selected as an example for verification and a laboratory prototype is therefore built. The experimental results show a promising effect of current sharing and a good dynamic characteristic of the proposed interleaved average current control strategy based on interleaved sampling while maintaining a balanced power flow between the two dc buses.

Wireless power transfer (WPT) has attracted a lot of attention these years due to its convenience, safety, reliability, and weather proof features. First and foremost, the consistency of mutual model and T model of loosely coupled transformer (LCT) was deduced. The application scenarios of these two models were then concluded so as to choose suitable model in circuit analysis. Then, a new WPT compensation topology, which is referred to as LC /S compensation topology and consists of one inductor and two capacitors, is proposed. The constant-current-output (CCOut) characteristic of the newly proposed topology is analyzed in detail on the basis of the discussion about LC and CL resonant tank. The equivalent resistance of the rectifier, filter, and resistor circuit is also analyzed to simplify circuit analysis. Then, the current and voltage stress on each component and the system performance under imperfect resonant condition are studied with the help of MATLAB. The LCT is deliberately designed by the finite element analysis software ANSYS Maxwell as well because the coupling coefficient, primary, and secondary self-inductance have a significant impact on system efficiency, power level, and density. The LCT design approach employed in this paper can be extended to magnetic design of almost all WPT systems. Theoretical analyses are verified by both Pspice simulation and practical experiments. Practical output currents with transient loads show an excellent CCOut characteristic of LC/S compensation topology.

The aim of the current study was to review the current state and characteristics of the elderly population in China in the context of aging, difficulties and challenges faced by older people, and efforts of the current Chinese Government in this area. The process of population aging in China began to accelerate in the late 1970s and has continued to increase at a rate of about 3.2% per year since then. This process took more than 45 years in developed countries, while it took only about 27 years in China, and aging may continue to increase for a long time. China is now moving toward a superannuated society due to declining fertility rates and increasing life expectancy. There is a great need for care due to the high disease burden among older people. However, more than 1 million "families have lost their only child", and this number is increasing annually by about 76,000; moreover, there are a large number of "deficient families [with an injured family member]" in China. These families face greater difficulties due to aging and need to rely on society for more support given the lack of care provided by their children or spouses. The current study has focused on improving the quality of life of older people, helping them achieve healthy aging, and to assist the country in further providing care for the elderly.

Abstract Proton is a charge carrier with the smallest ionic size and quickest kinetics, making aqueous proton batteries (APBs), a promising technology for safe and profitable energy storage systems. Despite being potential electrode materials, organic compounds have not yet been fully investigated in terms of proton storage properties and APB applications due to their low capacity and unstable cycle life in aqueous electrolytes. Herein, a novel redox‐active polymer (PDPZ) with diquinoxalino‐phenazine as the structural unit has been designed, which is further integrated with MXene nanosheets to construct a flexible PDPZ@MXene electrode material with a rapid and ultra‐stable proton storage behavior. In‐operando monitoring techniques, i.e., in situ Raman and in situ FTIR, demonstrate the highly reversible redox reaction between CN and CN/NH bonds in electro‐active PDPZ molecule with the strong proton absorption ability. Theoretical calculation further proves the electron transfer from MXene to PDPZ promotes the redox reaction of the PDPZ@MXene electrode. As a result, a flexible APB device is developed with a considerable energy density (64.3 mWh cm −3 ), a supercapacitor‐level power density (6000 mW cm −3 ), and a record lifespan with ≈98.2% capacity retention over 10 000 cycles, revealing its potential applications in satisfying the various requirements of energy storage systems.

The reversible storage of Zn 2+ ions in Prussian blue analogues with typical aqueous solution was challenged by fast degradation and poor coulombic efficiency, while the mechanism is yet to be uncovered. This study correlates the performance of the nickel hexacyanoferrate to the dynamics of H 2 O in the electrolyte and the associated phase stability of the electrode. It demonstrates severe Ni dissolution in conventional diluted aqueous electrolyte (1 m ZnSO 4 or 1 m Zn(TFSI) 2 ), leading to structure collapse with the formation of an electrochemical inert phase. This is regarded as the descriptor for the fast decay of nickel hexacyanoferrate in diluted aqueous electrolyte. However, a well‐preserved open framework for zinc storage was obtained in concentrated aqueous electrolyte (1 m Zn(TFSI) 2 + 21 m LiTFSI)—the H 2 O activity is highly suppressed by extensive coordination—thus, reversible capacity of 60.2 mAh g −1 over 1600 cycles could be delivered.

Abstract Owing to their unique nanosize effect and surface effect, pseudocapacitive quantum dots (QDs) hold considerable potential for high‐efficiency supercapacitors (SCs). However, their pseudocapacitive behavior is exploited in aqueous electrolytes with narrow potential windows, thereby leading to a low energy density of the SCs. Here, a film electrode based on dual‐confined FeOOH QDs (FQDs) with superior pseudocapacitive behavior in a high‐voltage ionic liquid (IL) electrolyte is put forward. In such a film electrode, FQDs are steadily dual‐confined in a 2D heterogeneous nanospace supported by graphite carbon nitride (g‐C 3 N 4 ) and Ti‐MXene (Ti 3 C 2 ). Probing of potential‐driven ion accumulation elucidates that strong adsorption occurs between the IL cation and the electrode surface with abundant active sites, providing sufficient redox reaction of FQDs in the film electrode. Furthermore, porous g‐C 3 N 4 and conductive Ti 3 C 2 act as ion‐accessible channels and charge‐transfer pathways, respectively, endowing the FQDs‐based film electrode with favorable electrochemical kinetics in the IL electrolyte. A high‐voltage flexible SC (FSC) based on an ionogel electrolyte is fabricated, exhibiting a high energy density (77.12 mWh cm −3 ), a high power density, a remarkable rate capability, and long‐term durability. Such an FSC can also be charged by harvesting sustainable energy and can effectively power various wearable and portable electronics.

As a result of small fault current, high level of noise and a large penetration of distributed generators (DG), in the neutral non-effectively grounded medium-voltage (MV) distribution networks, it is quite difficult to locate the faulted line section for single phase to ground faults. In this paper, using a technique based on synchronized measurements in distribution networks, a fault location method based on the analysis of the energy of the transient zero-sequence current in the selected frequency band (SFB) is proposed. The equivalent impedance of the distribution network with lateral branches is studied with an equivalent network, and the phase-frequency characteristics of the equivalent impedance are analyzed. The SFB, within which the transient energy of the faulty line section is larger than that of the healthy line sections is determined. A combined fault-section location criterion is proposed and the implementation scheme is illustrated with the distribution level phasor measurement units. Numerical simulations of the IEEE 34 node system and the field experiments of a 10kV distribution network validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.

Abstract The high activity of water molecules induces notorious side reactions that seriously impair the stability of the Zn metal anode. Inspired by the mechanism of proton transfer in an aqueous solution, ectoine (ET) with a kosmotropic effect is first introduced into the typical aqueous electrolyte of aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs). The hydrogen bond enhancement brought by the ET additive increases the energy barrier for the reconfiguration of hydrogen bonds, thereby impeding the hopping transport of protons based on the Grotthuss mechanism. The inhibited hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) by impeded proton transfer is strongly proved by in situ electrochemical gas chromatography (EC‐GC). The distinctive hydrogen bond enhancement effect of ET results in remarkably improved Zn anode stability while maintaining fast reaction kinetics. Consequently, the Zn//Zn symmetric cell delivers an ultra‐long cycle life of 5700 h 1 mA cm −2 /1 mAh cm −2 and 2000 h at 5 mA cm −2 /5 mAh cm −2 with lower voltage hysteresis, extending a cycling life by >27 and 24 times without sacrificing reaction kinetics.

3D path planning of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) targets at finding an optimal and collision free path in a 3D cluttered environment while taking into account the geometric, physical and temporal constraints. Although a lot of works have been done to solve UAV 3D path planning problem, there lacks a comprehensive survey on this topic, let alone the recently published works that focus on this field. This paper analyses the most successful UAV 3D path planning algorithms that developed in recent years. This paper classifies the UAV 3D path planning methods into five categories, sampling-based algorithms, node-based algorithms, mathematical model based algorithms, Bio-inspired algorithms, and multi-fusion based algorithms. For each category a critical analysis and comparison is given. Furthermore a comprehensive applicable analysis for each kind of method is presented after considering its working mechanism and time complexity.

Project management can generate significant value for organizations (Thomas & Mullaly, 2007). However, the value of project management varies depending on the different size and complexity of projects managed. Focusing on mega-projects, this study explores the value of project management from the stakeholders’ perspective, thereby creating a value framework. In the case of SHRBC Company, it analyzes the company's project management practice and the value of project management, and consequently certifies the applicability of this value framework through empirical study.

Current treatment strategies for cancer, especially advanced cancer, are limited and unsatisfactory. One of the most substantial advances in cancer therapy, in the last decades, was the discovery of a new layer of immunotherapy approach, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), which can specifically activate immune cells by targeting immune checkpoints. Immune checkpoints are a type of immunosuppressive molecules expressed on immune cells, which can regulate the degree of immune activation and avoid autoimmune responses. ICIs, such as anti-PD-1/PD-L1 drugs, has shown inspiring efficacy and broad applicability across various cancers. Unfortunately, not all cancer patients benefit remarkably from ICIs, and the overall response rates to ICIs remain relatively low for most cancer types. Moreover, the primary and acquired resistance to ICIs pose serious challenges to the clinical application of cancer immunotherapy. Thus, a deeper understanding of the molecular biological properties and regulatory mechanisms of immune checkpoints is urgently needed to improve clinical options for current therapies. Recently, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have attracted increasing attention, not only due to their involvement in various aspects of cancer hallmarks, but also for their impact on immune checkpoints in shaping the tumor immune microenvironment. In this review, we systematically summarize the current status of immune checkpoints in cancer and the existing regulatory roles of circRNAs on immune checkpoints. Meanwhile, we also aim to settle the issue in an evidence-oriented manner that circRNAs involved in cancer hallmarks regulate the effects and resistance of ICIs by targeting immune checkpoints.

With the conventional Haber-Bosch NH3 synthesis in industry requiring harsh pressures and high temperatures, artificial N2 fixation has been long sought after. The electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) could offer a solution by allowing NH3 production under ambient conditions. In this review, important recent findings on theoretical calculations and experimental exploration on the NRR at room temperature are systematically reviewed. Firstly, we discuss the mechanism of electrochemical heterogeneous catalysis for the NRR. The NRR is a multi-proton coupled electron transfer (PCET) process which implies that in addition to catalyst surface size effects, ligand and strain effects will also significantly influence the binding energy of the adsorbed N atoms, reaction intermediates and product species. Electrocatalysts including metals, metal nitrides, metal oxides and carbon-based materials will also be discussed at length. A linear scaling relationship seems to limit the NRR activity on most metals and metal oxides. Metal nitrides, however, follow the Mars-van Krevelen (MvK) mechanism which usually shows a lower potential energy barrier compared to the associative mechanism. Carbon-based materials and some single atom catalysts exhibit improved activity and selectivity due to ligand effects. Thus, electrolytes containing a proton donor might play a crucial role in the NRR. The limiting concentration of proton donors and the rate of proton transport to the active sites might be effective factors in boosting the selectivity of the NRR. Specifically, ionic liquids with high N2 solubility demonstrate much larger faradaic efficiency and would be promising candidates for use in NRR processes. Inspired by the characteristics of PCET, four strategies of electrode engineering were introduced including limiting protons, tuning the electron transport, modifying the electrode structure facilitating mass transport, and completely changing the NRR mechanism inspired by bio-nitrogenase and Li mediated N2 fixation.