DZP Technologies (United Kingdom)

Efficient implementation of clean energy technologies, including pioneering solutions like mobile solar PV systems mounted on trailers (MSPT), is pivotal for addressing energy challenges, especially in regions with constrained power grid access. This endeavour is vital for meeting escalating elec-tricity demands and aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) aimed at ensuring dependable and sustainable energy provision in developing countries. This paper investigates the aerodynamic behaviour of a designed MSPT using numerical and experimental approaches. Spe-cifically, the study focuses on the effects of wind velocity and tilt angels on the drag and lift forces, as well as drag and lift coefficients on the panel used in the MSPT system. Additionally, the overall wind force acting on the entire MSPT (including 9 large solar PV panels) was examined, considering the combined effects of wind flow and the system's geometry. The simulations were conducted using ANSYS-Fluent software and experimental testing was performed utilizing scaled-down models to validate the accuracy of the simulation. The insights and the knowledge from this study can be utilized to optimize the design, installation, and operation of such systems, ultimately enhancing their performance, reliability, and paving ways for further improvements in mobile solar PV technology.

Accurate monitoring of battery cell state of charge (SoC) and state of health (SoH) is vital to the safe and effective operation of rechargeable battery systems such as those in electric vehicles yet remains a challenge while the system is in use. A new surface-mounted sensor enabling simple and rapid monitoring of lithium-ion battery cell SoC and SoH is demonstrated. Small changes in cell volume brought about by the expansion and contraction of electrode materials during charge and discharge are detected through monitoring the changes in electrical resistance of a graphene film in the sensor. The relationship between sensor resistance and cell SoC/voltage was extracted, enabling rapid SoC determination without interruption to cell operation. The sensor was also capable of detecting early indications of irreversible cell expansion due to common cell failure modes, enabling mitigating steps to be taken to avoid catastrophic cell failure.

Some of the practical applications that have been envisaged for Lithium Niobate Integrated Optics are discussed in the light of developments in the technology. Much of the basic physics that governs devices is now fairly well understood and with attention coming to focus on practical engineering developments a number of systems demonstrations are being made which illustrate well the capabilities of the technology. From these demonstrations it is clear that major opportunities exist for integrated optics devices, although the successful exploitation of these depends strongly on continued progress in engineering the devices for use in a broad range of non-research laboratory environments.