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- Genre: Masters Thesis
- Creators: Phelan, Patrick
Description
Demand for green energy alternatives to provide stable and reliable energy
solutions has increased over the years which has led to the rapid expansion of global
markets in renewable energy sources such as solar photovoltaic (PV) technology. Newest
amongst these technologies is the Bifacial PV modules, which harvests incident radiation
from both sides of the module. The overall power generation can be significantly increased
by using these bifacial modules. The purpose of this research is to investigate and maximize
the effect of back reflectors, designed to increase the efficiency of the module by utilizing
the intercell light passing through the module to increase the incident irradiance, on the
energy output using different profiles placed at varied distances from the plane of the array
(POA). The optimum reflector profile and displacement of the reflector from the module
are determined experimentally.
Theoretically, a 60-cell bifacial module can produce 26% additional energy in
comparison to a 48-cell bifacial module due to the 12 excess cells found in the 60-cell
module. It was determined that bifacial modules have the capacity to produce additional
energy when optimized back reflectors are utilized. The inverted U reflector produced
higher energy gain when placed at farther distances from the module, indicating direct
dependent proportionality between the placement distance of the reflector from the module
and the output energy gain. It performed the best out of all current construction geometries
with reflective coatings, generating more than half of the additional energy produced by a
densely-spaced 60-cell benchmark module compared to a sparsely-spaced 48-cell reference
module.ii
A gain of 11 and 14% was recorded on cloudy and sunny days respectively for the
inverted U reflector. This implies a reduction in the additional cells of the 60-cell module
by 50% can produce the same amount of energy of the 60-cell module by a 48-cell module
with an inverted U reflector. The use of the back reflectors does not only affect the
additional energy gain but structural and land costs. Row to row spacing for bifacial
systems(arrays) is reduced nearly by half as the ground height clearance is largely
minimized, thus almost 50% of height constraints for mounting bifacial modules, using
back reflectors resulting in reduced structural costs for mounting of bifacial modules
solutions has increased over the years which has led to the rapid expansion of global
markets in renewable energy sources such as solar photovoltaic (PV) technology. Newest
amongst these technologies is the Bifacial PV modules, which harvests incident radiation
from both sides of the module. The overall power generation can be significantly increased
by using these bifacial modules. The purpose of this research is to investigate and maximize
the effect of back reflectors, designed to increase the efficiency of the module by utilizing
the intercell light passing through the module to increase the incident irradiance, on the
energy output using different profiles placed at varied distances from the plane of the array
(POA). The optimum reflector profile and displacement of the reflector from the module
are determined experimentally.
Theoretically, a 60-cell bifacial module can produce 26% additional energy in
comparison to a 48-cell bifacial module due to the 12 excess cells found in the 60-cell
module. It was determined that bifacial modules have the capacity to produce additional
energy when optimized back reflectors are utilized. The inverted U reflector produced
higher energy gain when placed at farther distances from the module, indicating direct
dependent proportionality between the placement distance of the reflector from the module
and the output energy gain. It performed the best out of all current construction geometries
with reflective coatings, generating more than half of the additional energy produced by a
densely-spaced 60-cell benchmark module compared to a sparsely-spaced 48-cell reference
module.ii
A gain of 11 and 14% was recorded on cloudy and sunny days respectively for the
inverted U reflector. This implies a reduction in the additional cells of the 60-cell module
by 50% can produce the same amount of energy of the 60-cell module by a 48-cell module
with an inverted U reflector. The use of the back reflectors does not only affect the
additional energy gain but structural and land costs. Row to row spacing for bifacial
systems(arrays) is reduced nearly by half as the ground height clearance is largely
minimized, thus almost 50% of height constraints for mounting bifacial modules, using
back reflectors resulting in reduced structural costs for mounting of bifacial modules
ContributorsMARTIN, PEDRO JESSE (Author) / Tamizhmani, Govindasamy (Thesis advisor) / Phelan, Patrick (Committee member) / Wang, Liping (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2019
Description
The operating temperature of photovoltaic (PV) modules is affected by external factors such as irradiance, wind speed and ambient temperature as well as internal factors like material properties and design properties. These factors can make a difference in the operating temperatures between cells within a module and between modules within a plant. This is a three-part thesis.
Part 1 investigates the behavior of temperature distribution of PV cells within a module through outdoor temperature monitoring under various operating conditions (Pmax, Voc and Isc) and examines deviation in the temperature coefficient values pertaining to this temperature variation. ANOVA, a statistical tool, was used to study the influence of various factors on temperature variation. This study also investigated the thermal non-uniformity affecting I-V parameters and performance of four different PV technologies (crystalline silicon, CdTe, CIGS, a-Si). Two new approaches (black-colored frame and aluminum tape on back-sheet) were implemented in addition to the two previously-used approaches (thermally insulating the frame, and frame and back sheet) to study temperature uniformity improvements within c-Si PV modules on a fixed latitude-tilt array. This thesis concludes that frame thermal insulation and black frame help reducing thermal gradients and next best viable option to improve temperature uniformity measurements is by using average of four thermocouples as per IEC 61853-2 standard.
Part 2 analyzes the temperature data for two power plants (fixed-tilt and one-axis) to study the temperature variation across the cells in a module and across the modules in a power plant. The module placed in the center of one-axis power plant had higher temperature, whereas in fixed-tilt power plant, the module in north-west direction had higher temperatures. Higher average operating temperatures were observed in one-axis tracking as compared to the fixed-tilt PV power plant, thereby expected to lowering their lifetime.
Part 3 focuses on determination of a thermal model coefficients, using parameters similar to Uc and Uv thermal loss factors used in PVsyst, for modules of four different PV technologies experiencing hot-desert climate conditions by statistically correlating a year-long monitored data. Thermal models help to effectively quantity factors influencing module temperatures to estimate performance and energy models.
Part 1 investigates the behavior of temperature distribution of PV cells within a module through outdoor temperature monitoring under various operating conditions (Pmax, Voc and Isc) and examines deviation in the temperature coefficient values pertaining to this temperature variation. ANOVA, a statistical tool, was used to study the influence of various factors on temperature variation. This study also investigated the thermal non-uniformity affecting I-V parameters and performance of four different PV technologies (crystalline silicon, CdTe, CIGS, a-Si). Two new approaches (black-colored frame and aluminum tape on back-sheet) were implemented in addition to the two previously-used approaches (thermally insulating the frame, and frame and back sheet) to study temperature uniformity improvements within c-Si PV modules on a fixed latitude-tilt array. This thesis concludes that frame thermal insulation and black frame help reducing thermal gradients and next best viable option to improve temperature uniformity measurements is by using average of four thermocouples as per IEC 61853-2 standard.
Part 2 analyzes the temperature data for two power plants (fixed-tilt and one-axis) to study the temperature variation across the cells in a module and across the modules in a power plant. The module placed in the center of one-axis power plant had higher temperature, whereas in fixed-tilt power plant, the module in north-west direction had higher temperatures. Higher average operating temperatures were observed in one-axis tracking as compared to the fixed-tilt PV power plant, thereby expected to lowering their lifetime.
Part 3 focuses on determination of a thermal model coefficients, using parameters similar to Uc and Uv thermal loss factors used in PVsyst, for modules of four different PV technologies experiencing hot-desert climate conditions by statistically correlating a year-long monitored data. Thermal models help to effectively quantity factors influencing module temperatures to estimate performance and energy models.
ContributorsPavgi, Ashwini (Author) / Tamizhmani, Govindasamy (Thesis advisor) / Phelan, Patrick (Thesis advisor) / Wang, Liping (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2016
Description
Pavement surface temperature is calculated using a fundamental energy balance model developed previously. It can be studied using a one-dimensional mathematical model. The input to the model is changed, to study the effect of different properties of pavement on its diurnal surface temperatures. It is observed that the pavement surface temperature has a microclimatic effect on the air temperature above it. A major increase in local air temperature is caused by heating of solid surfaces in that locality. A case study was done and correlations have been established to calculate the air temperature above a paved surface. Validation with in-situ pavement surface and air temperatures were made. Experimental measurement for the city of Phoenix shows the difference between the ambient air temperature of the city and the microclimatic air temperature above the pavement is approximately 10 degrees Fahrenheit. One mitigation strategy that has been explored is increasing the albedo of the paved surface. Although it will reduce the pavement surface temperature, leading to a reduction in air temperature close to the surface, the increased pavement albedo will also result in greater reflected solar radiation directed towards the building, thus increasing the building solar load. The first effect will imply a reduction in the building energy consumption, while the second effect will imply an increase in the building energy consumption. Simulation is done using the EnergyPlus tool, to find the microclimatic effect of pavement on the building energy performance. The results indicate the cooling energy savings of an office building for different types of pavements can be variable as much as 30%.
ContributorsSengupta, Shawli (Author) / Phelan, Patrick (Thesis advisor) / Kaloush, Kamil (Committee member) / Calhoun, Ronald (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2015
Description
Gas turbine efficiency has improved over the years due to increases in compressor
pressure ratio and turbine entry temperature (TET) of main combustion gas, made viable
through advancements in material science and cooling techniques. Ingestion of main
combustion gas into the turbine rotor-stator disk cavities can cause major damage to the
gas turbine. To counter this ingestion, rim seals are installed at the periphery of turbine
disks, and purge air extracted from the compressor discharge is supplied to the disk
cavities. Optimum usage of purge air is essential as purge air extraction imparts a penalty on turbine efficiency and specific fuel consumption.
In the present work, experiments were conducted in a newly constructed 1.5-stage
axial flow air turbine featuring vanes and blades to study main gas ingestion. The disk
cavity upstream of the rotor, the 'front cavity', features a double seal with radial clearance
and axial overlap at its rim. The disk cavity downstream of the rotor, the 'aft cavity', features a double seal at its rim but with axial gap. Both cavities contain a labyrinth seal radially inboard; this divides each disk cavity into an 'inner cavity' and a 'rim cavity'.
Time-averaged static pressure at various locations in the main gas path and disk
cavities, and tracer gas (CO2) concentration at different locations in the cavities were
measured. Three sets of experiments were carried out; each set is defined by the main air flow rate and rotor speed. Each of the three sets comprises of four different purge air flow rates, low to high.
The mass flow rate of ingested main gas into the front and aft rim cavities is
reported at the different purge air flow rates, for the three experiment sets. For the present stage configuration, it appears that some ingestion persisted into both the front and aft rim cavities even at high purge air flow rates. On the other hand, the front and aft inner cavity were completely sealed at all purge flows.
pressure ratio and turbine entry temperature (TET) of main combustion gas, made viable
through advancements in material science and cooling techniques. Ingestion of main
combustion gas into the turbine rotor-stator disk cavities can cause major damage to the
gas turbine. To counter this ingestion, rim seals are installed at the periphery of turbine
disks, and purge air extracted from the compressor discharge is supplied to the disk
cavities. Optimum usage of purge air is essential as purge air extraction imparts a penalty on turbine efficiency and specific fuel consumption.
In the present work, experiments were conducted in a newly constructed 1.5-stage
axial flow air turbine featuring vanes and blades to study main gas ingestion. The disk
cavity upstream of the rotor, the 'front cavity', features a double seal with radial clearance
and axial overlap at its rim. The disk cavity downstream of the rotor, the 'aft cavity', features a double seal at its rim but with axial gap. Both cavities contain a labyrinth seal radially inboard; this divides each disk cavity into an 'inner cavity' and a 'rim cavity'.
Time-averaged static pressure at various locations in the main gas path and disk
cavities, and tracer gas (CO2) concentration at different locations in the cavities were
measured. Three sets of experiments were carried out; each set is defined by the main air flow rate and rotor speed. Each of the three sets comprises of four different purge air flow rates, low to high.
The mass flow rate of ingested main gas into the front and aft rim cavities is
reported at the different purge air flow rates, for the three experiment sets. For the present stage configuration, it appears that some ingestion persisted into both the front and aft rim cavities even at high purge air flow rates. On the other hand, the front and aft inner cavity were completely sealed at all purge flows.
ContributorsMichael, Mukilan Sebastiraj (Author) / Roy, Ramendra P (Thesis advisor) / Mignolet, Marc P (Thesis advisor) / Phelan, Patrick (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2015
Description
This is a two-part thesis.
Part 1 of this thesis investigates the influence of spatial temperature distribution on the accuracy of performance data of photovoltaic (PV) modules in outdoor conditions and provides physical approaches to improve the spatial temperature distribution of the test modules so an accurate performance data can be obtained in the field. Conventionally, during outdoor performance testing, a single thermocouple location is used on the backsheet or back glass of a test module. This study clearly indicates that there is a large spatial temperature difference between various thermocouple locations within a module. Two physical approaches or configurations were experimented to improve the spatial temperature uniformity: thermally insulating the inner and outer surface of the frame; backsheet and inner surface of the frame. All the data were compared with un-insulated conventional configuration. This study was performed in an array setup of six modules under two different preconditioning electrical configurations, Voc and MPPT over several clear sunny days. This investigation concludes that the best temperature uniformity and the most accurate I-V data can be obtained only by thermally insulating the inner and outer frame surfaces or by using the average of four thermocouple temperatures, as specified in IEC 61853-2, without any thermal insulation.
Part 2 of this thesis analyzes the field data obtained from old PV power plants using various statistical techniques to identify the most influential degradation modes on fielded PV modules in two different climates: hot-dry (Arizona); cold-dry (New York). Performance data and visual inspection data of 647 modules fielded in five different power plants were analyzed. Statistical tests including hypothesis testing were carried out to identify the I-V parameter(s) that are affected the most. The affected performance parameters (Isc, Voc, FF and Pmax) were then correlated with the defects to determine the most dominant defect affecting power degradation. Analysis indicates that the cell interconnect discoloration (or solder bond deterioration) is the dominant defect in hot-dry climate leading to series resistance increase and power loss, while encapsulant delamination is being the most dominant defect in cold-dry climate leading to cell mismatch and power loss.
Part 1 of this thesis investigates the influence of spatial temperature distribution on the accuracy of performance data of photovoltaic (PV) modules in outdoor conditions and provides physical approaches to improve the spatial temperature distribution of the test modules so an accurate performance data can be obtained in the field. Conventionally, during outdoor performance testing, a single thermocouple location is used on the backsheet or back glass of a test module. This study clearly indicates that there is a large spatial temperature difference between various thermocouple locations within a module. Two physical approaches or configurations were experimented to improve the spatial temperature uniformity: thermally insulating the inner and outer surface of the frame; backsheet and inner surface of the frame. All the data were compared with un-insulated conventional configuration. This study was performed in an array setup of six modules under two different preconditioning electrical configurations, Voc and MPPT over several clear sunny days. This investigation concludes that the best temperature uniformity and the most accurate I-V data can be obtained only by thermally insulating the inner and outer frame surfaces or by using the average of four thermocouple temperatures, as specified in IEC 61853-2, without any thermal insulation.
Part 2 of this thesis analyzes the field data obtained from old PV power plants using various statistical techniques to identify the most influential degradation modes on fielded PV modules in two different climates: hot-dry (Arizona); cold-dry (New York). Performance data and visual inspection data of 647 modules fielded in five different power plants were analyzed. Statistical tests including hypothesis testing were carried out to identify the I-V parameter(s) that are affected the most. The affected performance parameters (Isc, Voc, FF and Pmax) were then correlated with the defects to determine the most dominant defect affecting power degradation. Analysis indicates that the cell interconnect discoloration (or solder bond deterioration) is the dominant defect in hot-dry climate leading to series resistance increase and power loss, while encapsulant delamination is being the most dominant defect in cold-dry climate leading to cell mismatch and power loss.
ContributorsUmachandran, Neelesh (Author) / Tamizhmani, Govindasamy (Thesis advisor) / Wang, Liping (Committee member) / Phelan, Patrick (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2015
Description
The majority of the natural issues the world is confronting today is because of our dependence on fossil fuels and the increase in CO2 emissions. The alternative solution for this problem is the use of renewable energy for the energy production, but these are uncertain energy sources. So, the combination of reducing carbon dioxide with the use of renewable energy sources is the finest way to mitigate this problem. Electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (ERC) is a reasonable approach as it eliminates as well as utilizes the carbon dioxide as a source for generating valuable products.
In this study, development of electrochemical reactor, characterization of membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and analysis of electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (ERC) is discussed. Electrodes using various catalyst materials in solid polymer based electrolyte (SPE) along with gas diffusion layer (GDL) are developed. The prepared membrane electrodes are characterized under ex-situ conditions using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The membranes are later placed in the electrochemical reactor for the in-situ characterization to assess the performance of the membrane electrode assembly.
The electrodes are processed by airbrushing the metal particles on the nafion membrane and then are electrochemically characterized by linear sweep voltammetry. The anode was kept constant with platinum whereas the cathode was examined with compositions of different metal catalysts. The products formed subsequently are analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) and Residual gas analysis (RGA). Hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO) are detected using GC while the hydrocarbons are detected by performing quantitative analysis using RGA. The preliminary experiments gave very encouraging results. However, more work needs to be done to achieve new heights.
In this study, development of electrochemical reactor, characterization of membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and analysis of electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (ERC) is discussed. Electrodes using various catalyst materials in solid polymer based electrolyte (SPE) along with gas diffusion layer (GDL) are developed. The prepared membrane electrodes are characterized under ex-situ conditions using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The membranes are later placed in the electrochemical reactor for the in-situ characterization to assess the performance of the membrane electrode assembly.
The electrodes are processed by airbrushing the metal particles on the nafion membrane and then are electrochemically characterized by linear sweep voltammetry. The anode was kept constant with platinum whereas the cathode was examined with compositions of different metal catalysts. The products formed subsequently are analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) and Residual gas analysis (RGA). Hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO) are detected using GC while the hydrocarbons are detected by performing quantitative analysis using RGA. The preliminary experiments gave very encouraging results. However, more work needs to be done to achieve new heights.
ContributorsVenka, Rishika (Author) / Kannan, Arunachala Mada (Thesis advisor) / Huang, Huei-Ping (Thesis advisor) / Phelan, Patrick (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2016
Description
Soiling is one of the major environmental factors causing the negative performance of photovoltaic (PV) modules. Dust particles, air pollution particles, pollen, bird droppings and other industrial airborne particles are some natural sources that cause soiling. The thickness of soiling layer has a direct impact on the performance of PV modules. This phenomenon occurs over a period of time with many unpredictable environmental variables indicated above. This situation makes it difficult to calculate or predict the soiling effect on performance. The dust particles vary from one location to the other in terms of particle size, color and chemical composition. These properties influence the extent of performance (current) loss, spectral loss and adhesion of soil particles on the surface of the PV modules. To address this uncontrolled environmental issues, research institutes around the world have started designing indoor artificial soiling stations to deposit soil layers in various controlled environments using reference soil samples and/or soil samples collected from the surface of PV modules installed in the locations of interest. This thesis is part of a twin thesis. The first thesis (this thesis) authored by Shanmukha Mantha is related to the development of soiling stations and the second thesis authored by Darshan Choudhary is associated with the characterization of the soiled samples (glass coupons, one-cell PV coupons and multi-cell PV coupons). This thesis is associated with the development of three types of indoor artificial soiling deposition techniques replicating the outside environmental conditions to achieve required soil density, uniformity and other required properties. The three types of techniques are: gravity deposition method, dew deposition method, and humid deposition method. All the three techniques were applied on glass coupons, single-cell PV laminates containing monocrystalline silicon cells and multi-cell PV laminates containing polycrystalline silicon cells. The density and uniformity for each technique on all targets are determined. In this investigation, both reference soil sample (Arizona road dust, ISO 12103-1) and the soil samples collected from the surface of installed PV modules were used. All the three techniques are compared with each other to determine the best method for uniform deposition at varying thickness levels. The advantages, limitations and improvements made in each technique are discussed.
ContributorsMantha, Shanmukha (Author) / Tamizhmani, Govindasamy (Thesis advisor) / Phelan, Patrick (Thesis advisor) / Wang, Liping (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2016
Description
Solar photovoltaic (PV) industry is tipped to be one of the front-runners in the renewable industry. Typically, PV module manufacturers provide a linear or step warranty of 80% of original power over 25 years. This power loss during the field exposure is primarily attributed to the development of performance affecting defects in the PV modules. As many as 86 different defects can occur in a PV module. One of the major defects that can cause significant power loss is the interconnect metallization system (IMS) degradation which is the focus of this thesis. The IMS is composed of cell-interconnect (cell-ribbon interconnect) and string-interconnect (ribbon-ribbon interconnect). The cell interconnect is in turn composed of silver metallization (fingers and busbars) and solder bonds between silver busbar and copper ribbon. Weak solder bonding between copper ribbon and busbar of a cell results in increase of series resistance that in turn affects the fill factor causing a power drop. In this thesis work, the results obtained from various non-destructive and destructive experiments performed on modules exposed in three different climates (Arizona - Hot and Dry, Mexico - Warm and Humid, and California - Temperate) are presented. These experiments include light I-V measurements, dark I-V measurements, infrared imaging, extraction of test samples from the modules, peel strength measurements and four-point resistance measurements. The extraction of test samples was performed using a mechanical method and a chemical method. The merits and demerits of these two methods are presented. A drop of 10.33% in fill factor was observed for a 0.05Ω increase in the series resistance of the modules investigated in this work. Different combinations in a cell that can cause series resistance increase were considered and their effect on fill factor were observed using four-point probe experiments. Peel test experiments were conducted to correlate the effect of series resistance on the ribbon peel strength. Finally, climate specific thermal modelling was performed for 4 different sites over 20 years in order to calculate the accumulated thermal fatigue and also to evaluate its correlation, if any, with the increase of series resistance.
ContributorsTummala, Abhishiktha (Author) / Tamizhmani, Govindasamy (Thesis advisor) / Phelan, Patrick (Thesis advisor) / Wang, Liping (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2016
Description
This work aimed to characterize and optimize the variables that influence the Gas Diffusion Layer (GDL) preparation using design of experiment (DOE) approach. In the process of GDL preparation, the quantity of carbon support and Teflon were found to have significant influence on the Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC). Characterization methods like surface roughness, wetting characteristics, microstructure surface morphology, pore size distribution, thermal conductivity of GDLs were examined using laser interferometer, Goniometer, SEM, porosimetry and thermal conductivity analyzer respectively. The GDLs were evaluated in single cell PEMFC under various operating conditions of temperature and relative humidity (RH) using air as oxidant. Electrodes were prepared with different PUREBLACK® and poly-tetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) content in the diffusion layer and maintaining catalytic layer with a Pt-loading (0.4 mg cm-2). In the study, a 73.16 wt.% level of PB and 34 wt.% level of PTFE was the optimal compositions for GDL at 70 °C for 70% RH under air atmosphere.
For most electrochemical processes the oxygen reduction is very vita reaction. Pt loading in the electrocatalyst contributes towards the total cost of electrochemical devices. Reducing the Pt loading in electrocatalysts with high efficiency is important for the development of fuel cell technologies. To this end, this thesis work reports the approach to lower down the Pt loading in electrocatalyst based on N-doped carbon nanotubes derived from Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks (ZIF-67) for oxygen reduction. This electrocatalyst perform with higher electrocatalytic activity and stability for oxygen reduction in fuel cell testing. The electrochemical properties are mainly due to the synergistic effect from N-doped carbon nanotubes derived from ZIF and Pt loading. The strategy with low Pt loading forecasts in emerging highly active and less expensive electrocatalysts in electrochemical energy devices.
This thesis focuses on: (i) methods to obtain greater power density by optimizing content of wet-proofing agent (PTFE) and fine-grained, hydrophobic, microporous layer (MPL); (ii) modeling full factorial analysis of PEMFC for evaluation with experimental results and predicting further improvements in performance; (iii) methods to obtain high levels of performance with low Pt loading electrodes based on N-doped carbon nanotubes derived from ZIF-67 and Pt.
For most electrochemical processes the oxygen reduction is very vita reaction. Pt loading in the electrocatalyst contributes towards the total cost of electrochemical devices. Reducing the Pt loading in electrocatalysts with high efficiency is important for the development of fuel cell technologies. To this end, this thesis work reports the approach to lower down the Pt loading in electrocatalyst based on N-doped carbon nanotubes derived from Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks (ZIF-67) for oxygen reduction. This electrocatalyst perform with higher electrocatalytic activity and stability for oxygen reduction in fuel cell testing. The electrochemical properties are mainly due to the synergistic effect from N-doped carbon nanotubes derived from ZIF and Pt loading. The strategy with low Pt loading forecasts in emerging highly active and less expensive electrocatalysts in electrochemical energy devices.
This thesis focuses on: (i) methods to obtain greater power density by optimizing content of wet-proofing agent (PTFE) and fine-grained, hydrophobic, microporous layer (MPL); (ii) modeling full factorial analysis of PEMFC for evaluation with experimental results and predicting further improvements in performance; (iii) methods to obtain high levels of performance with low Pt loading electrodes based on N-doped carbon nanotubes derived from ZIF-67 and Pt.
ContributorsKasat, Harshal Anil (Author) / Kannan, Arunachalana (Thesis advisor) / Phelan, Patrick (Thesis advisor) / Shuaib, Abdelrahman (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2016
Description
Using integrated threat theory as the theoretical framework, this study examines the impact of perceived realistic threats (threats to welfare) and symbolic threats (threats to worldview) on anti-immigrant sentiment among a nationally representative sample in the U.S. Analysis of the antecedents of prejudice is particularly relevant today as anti-immigrant sentiment and hostile policies toward the population have risen in the past two decades. Perceived discrimination has also become salient within immigrant communities, negatively impacting both mental and physical health. Using logistic ordinal regressions with realistic threat, symbolic threat, and immigrant sentiment scales, this study found that both realistic and symbolic threats increased participants' likelihood of selecting a higher level of anti-immigrant sentiment, suggesting both are predictive of prejudice. However, symbolic threats emerged as a greater predictor of anti-immigrant sentiment, with an effect size over twice that of realistic threats. Implications for social work policy, practice, and future research are made.
ContributorsKiehne, Elizabeth (Author) / Becerra, David (Thesis advisor) / Segal, Elizabeth (Committee member) / Androff, David K. (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2014