Thermoelectric (TE) generator converts heat to electric energy by thermoelectric material. However, heat removal on the cold side of the generator represents a serious challenge. To address this problem and for improved energy conversion, a thermoelectric generation process coupled with methanol...

Methanol reforming is considered as a promising candidate for hydrogen production because of its advantages in many ways. Conventional reformers of packed-bed catalyst suffer from severe limitations of mass and heat transfer. These disadvantages result in a low catalyst effectiveness factor in...

This paper presents an inflow-forecasting model and a Piecewise Stochastic Dynamic Programming model (PSDP) to investigate the value of the Quantitative Precipitation Forecasts (QPFs) comprehensively. Recently medium-range quantitative precipitation forecasts are addressed to improve inflow...

Built on a data set of 527 air conditioner models collected from an online retailer, this study investigates whether the savings that consumers realize on their private electricity bills from purchasing energy-efficient appliances compensate for the additional cost of the appliances on the...

In this paper, we reported on the X-ray photoemission electron microscope (XPEEM) determination of magnetic and luminescence origins for two CoxZn1-xO films. The cobalt fraction x of radio frequency co-sputtered samples were 0.86(2) and 0.92(2), respectively. Films were ferromagnetic and...

This article discusses an integrated framework built to compute the cost of stover-based E85, as well as its life cycle energy efficiency and CO2 emission, with consideration of uncertainties of the policy-related factors, in China. Results show that co-product treatment greatly influenced the...

With the continuous increase of marketization and normalization in the Chinese real estate market, the market mechanism now plays an important role in market regulation. The existing macro-control system for the real estate market, however, appears to lack the ability to regulate it. Thus, an...

Lubricant additives are crucial in minimizing friction and wear, and protecting surfaces under severe contact condition. The traditional additive can only diminish the wear rate of materials by increasing the sliding distance. As a wear-self-compensation lubricating additive, the...

The passing of the Renewable Energy Law (REL) in 2005 demonstrated China's commitment to renewable energy development. In the 3 years after the REL, China's renewable electricity capacity grew rapidly. From 2006 to 2008, China's wind capacity installation more than doubled every year for 3 years...