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BACKGROUND: Interface modification driven by supramolecular self‐assembly has been accepted as a valuable strategy for emulsion stabilization enhancement. However, there has been a dearth of comparative research on the effect of simple complexation and assembly from the perspective of the responsible mechanism. RESULTS: The present study selected zein and tannic acid (TA) as representative protein and polyphenol modules for self‐assembly (coined as TA‐modified zein particle and TA‐zein complex particle) to explore the surface properties and interfacial behavior, as well as the stability of constructed Pickering emulsions to obtain the regulation law of different modification methods on the interfacial behavior of colloidal particles. The results demonstrated that TA‐modified zein colloidal particles potentially improved the emulsifying properties. When the TA concentration was 3 mmol L−1, the optimized TA‐modified zein particle was nano‐sized (109.83 nm) and had advantageous interfacial properties, including sharply reduced surface hydrophobicity, as well as a low diffusion rate at the oil/water interface. As a result, the shelf life of Pickering emulsion containing 50% oil phase was extended to 90 days. CONCLUSION: Through multi‐angled research on the properties of the interfacial membrane, improvement of emulsion stability was a result of the formation of viscoelastic interfacial film that resulted from the decrease of absorption rate between particles and interface. Using refined regulation to investigate the role of different sample preparation methods from a mechanistic perspective. Overall, the present study has provided a reference for TA to regulate the surface properties and interface behavior of zein colloidal particles, enriched the understanding of colloidal interface assembly, and provided a theoretical basis for the quality control of interface‐oriented food systems. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Long-term operational monitoring of a Zero Emission Building (ZEB) in Beijing. • An existing building being retrofitted into a Zero Emission Building (ZEB). • Key Building Mounted Photovoltaic (BMPV) technologies are practically utilized and their effects are estimated. • The ZEB realized its own net-zero carbon emission and net energy production. • The ZEB could be a comprehensive experimental platform. Building mounted photovoltaic (BMPV) technology is a promised way to achieve carbon peak in building sector. Focused on the influence of heat from PV modules on building envelope's heat transfer and energy saving performance, and the power generation, the coupling mechanism of power generation and heat transfer of integrated photovoltaic technology on building façades has been investigated. The synergy of solar energy generation and building energy consumption have been studied in this paper. The installation method of building PV system was proposed, with which can achieve the maximum energy saving. Furthermore, the achievements have been applied in Zero Emission Building (ZEB) of China Academy of Building Research (CABR), demonstrating way to realize zero carbon building by integration of photovoltaic technology. Total of 236.1 kWp PV systems were installed in ZEB. Monitoring data shows that the annual power generation of ZEB could reach 212,382 kWh, and the power generation per building area is 73.79 kWh/m2, which could meet all the energy demands. In addition, it can supply extra power to surrounding buildings. The ZEB can provide experience and practice data supporting carbon peak in building sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Nobiletin crystallization was regulated by polyphenols-mediated assembly strategy. • Polyphenols equipped with diverse structure exhibited different inhibition effects. • Tannic acid performed well availed the preferred interfacial adherence properties. • The main force was hydrogen-bond, coupled with π-π and electrostatic interaction. Many bioactive nutraceuticals naturally occurring in food materials possess beneficial biological activities, while their use as functional supplements is subjected to hydrophobicity and crystallinity. Currently, inhibiting crystallization for such nutrients is of immense scientific interest. Here, we exploited diverse structural polyphenols as potential inhibitors for restraining Nobiletin crystallization. Specifically, the crystallization transition process could be influenced by the polyphenol gallol density, Nobiletin supersaturation (1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 mM), temperature (4, 10, 15, 25 and 37 ℃), and pH (3.5, 4, 4.5, 5), important factors for regulating the binding attachment and interactions. The optimized samples could be guided by NT100 lied in 4 ℃ at pH 4. Besides, the main assembly driving force was hydrogen-bonding cooperated with π-π stacking and electrostatic interaction, leading to a Nobiletin/TA combination ratio of ∼ 3:1. Our findings proposed an innovative synergistic strategy for inhibiting crystallization and broaden potential applications of polyphenol-based materials in advanced biological fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar heating applied to rural buildings is without a doubt an interesting alternative for reducing energy consumption in cold regions. The thermal performance of transpired solar collector is enhanced by the impingement of jet. To make a better use of the jet impingement, a GTC (glazed transpired solar collector) with perforating corrugated plate is developed. A mathematical model based on the energy balance equations is built to predict the thermal performance of the collector. The simulated results are validated by experiments and they show good agreement with each other. The effects of various key parameters, such as inlet and ambient temperature, total volume flow of air, radiation intensity, height and width of the collector and porosity of the absorber plate, on the thermal performance of the GTC are studied. The thermal performance and economic characteristics of the collector are compared with other transpired solar collectors. The results indicate that the GTC with perforating corrugated plate is applicative enough for its advantages in economy and thermal performance in rural areas of cold regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Jet impingement has been verified as an effective method to enhance convective heat transfer. To make better use of this effect, vacuum glazed transpired solar collector with slit-like perforations is developed. In this paper, a mathematical model based on energy balance equations for the solar collector has been developed to predict its thermal performance. Then experiments have been carried out to verify the model. The results of experiment and simulation have achieved good agreement with the same trend and average deviation of 2.25%. It shows that the model is correct and accurate enough to predict the thermal performance of the collector. Based on simulation results of the model, the effects of key parameters on the thermal performance are analyzed. The key parameters include equivalent diameter of perforation, pitch of perforations, collector height, emissivity of the absorber plate and vacuum glass cover, transmittance of vacuum glass cover. The results of the model are useful in designing and optimizing the vacuum glazed transpired solar collector for different applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• A mathematic model is built to evaluate the air pollution of heating consumption. • The coal substitution policy can reduce the PM2.5 concentrations by about 20 μg/m3. • Effect of renewable energy and its development to air quality is considered. • PM2.5 concentration in 2030 will drop by about 27% in Northern China compared to 2016. The Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan proposed in 2013 has contributed to the fossil fuel reduction in central heating, but the consumption of scattered coal in rural areas should not be overlooked as it accounts for nearly 50% pollutant emissions during the heating season. Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan for Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and Surrounding Areas was issued to solve the problem of scattered coal consumption and improve the heating energy structure in 2017. In this paper, an air quality-heating model is established to evaluate the air quality improvement potential and far-reaching influence of scattered coal consumption reduction in rural areas. Distinct from other air quality evaluation models, the proposed model is to evaluate the regional air quality related to the heating factors. The results indicate that the coal substitution policy can reduce PM2.5 concentrations in the heating season by about 20 μg/m3 in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and surrounding areas. Furthermore, predictions about the variation of PM2.5 concentration in the heating season are conducted, which indicate that the PM2.5 concentration of Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei and surrounding areas in 2030 will drop by 48%, 35%, 29% and 23% respectively compared to that in 2016. The reduction could be further enhanced to be 55%, 40%, 32% and 27% with the consideration of clean power development. This study is conducive to evaluate the clean heating technologies role in improving the environment and air quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Spectrally resolved DNI was tested for an entire year in Beijing. • The spectra can be represented in five-dimensional data by an autoencoder. • Hierarchical clustering was adopted to obtain ten reference spectra in the case. • Novel local reference spectra can characterize solar resources throughout the year. • The superiority of the new reference spectra over ASTM AM1.5D was verified. The established reference spectrum (ASTM AM1.5) based on mid-latitudes is still the most frequently used standard in design and simulation in various fields worldwide, however, the solar spectrum varies with climate and time, which significantly affects the evaluations of solar energy utilization. This study proposes a novel reference spectrum analysis method to establish several local reference spectra, in this case, based on 147,374 spectra in Beijing, which can characterize solar resources throughout the year. The dataset consists of spectra of direct normal irradiance, and a deep learning autoencoder is adopted to extract the intrinsic features of each spectrum for clustering. 10 clusters are finally divided by agglomerative hierarchical clustering, and 10 local reference spectra were identified from each cluster by correlation analysis. The results show that the shape of new reference spectra shifts to the short wave as the irradiance increases, and the average photon energy increases from 1.069 eV to 1.456 eV. The new local reference spectra are compared with the standard spectrum AM1.5D to show the influence of shape variations, and it reveals 61% maximum differences among photovoltaic applications. The superiority verified new reference spectra could be further used to optimize local solar technologies design and guide photovoltaic material development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Combination of the absorption and vapor compression heat pump. • Maximum performance enhancements for heating is 45.8%. • Maximum performance enhancements for cooling is 18.9%. • Power savings for heating and cooling are 16.0% and 31.4%, respectively. • Lower the heat-driven temperature for absorption to 60 °C. Decarbonizing the energy sector becomes a key topic to solving man-made climate change. For achieving indoor thermal comfort conditions, conventional heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems consume so much energy in both residential and public buildings. In this paper, a novel solar-assisted absorption-compression system for both heating and cooling is proposed to utilize solar thermal energy throughout the year for the heating/cooling supply. The experimental prototype was built and operational modes including solar-assisted heating/cooling mode and vapor compression individual heating/cooling mode. The performance enhanced by assisted heat input of the proposed system is evaluated by comparing it with air-source heat pumps operated under the same ambient conditions. Performance indices consisting of COP ele increment, power-saving ratio (PSR) and energy-saving ratio (ESR) are presented. The results indicate that the combination of the absorption heat pump subsystem and the vapor compression subsystem lowers the heat-driven temperature to 60 °C and thus makes higher solar collection efficiency possible. The maximum of the COP ele increment and the PSR under solar-assisted heating mode are achieved at conditions with 80 °C hot water temperature, of 45.8% and 31.4%, respectively, and the corresponding value for solar-assisted cooling mode are 18.9% and 16.0%. The speed of compressor as well as fan frequency of terminal has a greater influence on heating performance that on cooling performance due to the different coupling mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to address global warming, most countries in the world have established carbon neutral targets and are continuously taking action to achieve carbon neutrality. The building sector accounts for 36% of end-use energy consumption and 37% of energy-related CO2 emissions globally, so carbon mitigation in building sector is considered to be the most critical step in completing the "last mile" of global carbon neutrality. Low-carbon buildings and communities are the foundation for achieving low-carbon cities and the key transition to reach the goal of carbon neutrality. Therefore, this review aimed to: (a) provide a comprehensive review of countries' policies on low-carbon buildings and communities and a theoretical basis for improving the corresponding laws and regulations; (b) investigate low-carbon technologies related to building and community construction and operation, as well as identify the current technology gaps; (c) provide a comprehensive overview of low-carbon buildings and communities assessment systems to analyze and evaluate the economic, technical, environmental and social benefits of current building and community energy systems; and (d) identify enablers and barriers in low-carbon buildings and communities to provide direction for future research. The results of this paper can provide comprehensive insights in to further achieving low-carbon buildings and communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pickering emulsions, stabilized by food-grade protein colloidal particles, have demonstrated potential in food, cosmetics, and medical applications, while their environmental instability remains serious challenges. Herein, in this study, we have prepared a simple but effective interfacial decoration method based on the noncovalent interaction between desalted duck egg white nanogels (DEWN) and natural polyphenol for enhancing the interfacial and environmental stability of Pickering emulsions. As demonstrated, the introduction of tannic acid (TA) tuned near neutral wettability (θ o/w ∼90°) of the DEWN-TA (named DEWN-Tn) colloidal particles and significantly lowered the interfacial tension. Subsequently, the emulsions with distinct TA concentrations were further investigated. The results presented a decrement in the droplet sizes by adding appropriate concentrations of TA and long-term storage stability. The rheological behavior explored that the addition of TA did increase in both G′ and G″ compared with a solely DEWN-based system. Furthermore, it was worth noting that the decoration of TA under optimized conditions could also increase heat and pH stability and effectively inhibit "salting-out" effects of the Pickering emulsions system. Our study implies a possibility of fabricating interfacial architecture on the oil-water interface, which possesses great potential to be used as excellent food-grade emulsifiers. [Display omitted] • A simple interfacial decoration method between desalted duck egg white nanogels (DEWN) and tannic acid (TA) was used. • TA could tune near neutral wettability (θ o/w ∼90°) and lower the interfacial tension of DEWN colloidal particles. • TA decoration on DEWN enhanced the long-term stability of Pickering emulsions. • This Pickering emulsions system achieved the high environmental stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Great difference of captured mass between ilmenite and augite in magnetic fluid. • Approaching of separation behavior of ilmenite-augite to that of ilmenite-quartz. • Particle capture simulation of ilmenite-augite and ilmenite-quartz ore system. • Conversion of competing capture to mechanical entrainment by magnetic fluid. • Pulsating was still indispensable despite elimination of competing capture. Due to serious competing capture of magnetic gangue minerals in high gradient magnetic separation (HGMS), combined separation processes which commonly have defects of long flowsheets and high energy consumption are applied to processing refractory weakly magnetic ores. High gradient magnetic separation coupling with magnetic fluid (HGMSCMF) is proved effective in eliminating competing capture and presents great potential in recovering refractory magnetic minerals, but the enhancing mechanism and particle capture relations among magnetic valuable minerals, magnetic gangue minerals and nonmagnetic minerals still remains unclear. In this study, particle capture and separation behaviors of minerals with different magnetic characteristics in HGMS and HGMSCMF were comprehensively investigated through pure and artificial mixed ore experiments using ilmenite, augite and quartz. Captured mass of augite was quite low and could hardly increase with increasing applied induction while that of ilmenite maintained a high level and increased with increase of applied induction even under high MnCl 2 concentration. Results of artificial mixed ore experiments and numerical simulation of particle capture presented that separation characteristics of ilmenite-augite mixed ore gradually approached to that of ilmenite-quartz mixed one, indicating the conversion of competing capture to mechanical entrainment for high selectivity in HGMSCMF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An unsteady state model of seawater heat exchanger with wave theory is established. • Thermal performance of the heat exchanger under icing condition is investigated. • Heating performance of SWHP system at various seawater temperature is analyzed. • A macro spatial analysis of SWHP in numerous coastal cities is performed. Seawater-source heat pump (SWHP) system exhibits merits of building energy conservation and reducing carbon emissions, while enhancing the heat transfer of seawater heat exchangers is the key to improve the system performance. Here, a model of SWHP system with staggered tube-bundle heat exchanger is established and its performance in winter is numerically studied and verified by experiments. The wave theory is introduced into the mathematical model to describe the flow field of actual ocean and improve the accuracy. The heat transfer performance of staggered tube-bundle exchanger is investigated under icing conditions, and the results indicate that the ice layer thermal resistance outside the tube accounts for more than 28% of the total thermal resistance. The impacts of seawater temperature on the SWHP system performance are discussed and the average increment of heating capacity and COP is 0.12 kW and 0.046 respectively with the increase of seawater temperature by 1 °C. Furthermore, a spatial analysis of SWHP system in 29 coastal cities of China are analyzed and compared with air-source heat pump (ASHP) system. The results show that SWHP system has greater advantages than ASHP system, especially in the southern cities. This research comprehensively analyzes the technology, economy and geography of SWHP system from a more macro perspective, and it can promote the application of ocean thermal energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fine description for regional solar spectra has always been critical for improving solar energy utilization. However, it is difficult and complex to implement due to large amount and high-dimensional characteristics of the measured solar spectra. To address the above challenges, this study proposed a data-driven method to describe regional solar spectra using 211,877 global horizontal irradiance spectra in Beijing area as case data. Firstly, the dimensions of each measured spectrum were reduced from 2,221 to six using the deep autoencoder. Then, all dimensionality-reduced measured spectra were categorized into five clusters using the agglomerative hierarchical clustering. The clustering results exhibited notable variations across different months and dates. Finally, the local reference spectra were determined based on clustering results, and their effects on the performance of typical photovoltaic materials were analyzed. The maximum mismatch factor for typical photovoltaic materials under local reference spectra can reach up to 21 %. The comparisons with standard spectrum highlighted that the superior capacity of local reference spectra to describe the configuration of regional solar energy. This study provides a novel insight into the fine description for regional solar spectra, which sets a new direction for innovation in photovoltaic technology and promotes the sustainable utilization of renewable energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fine description for regional solar spectra has always been critical for improving solar energy utilization. However, it is difficult and complex to implement due to large amount and high-dimensional characteristics of the measured solar spectra. To address the above challenges, this study proposed a data-driven method to describe regional solar spectra using 211,877 global horizontal irradiance spectra in Beijing area as case data. Firstly, the dimensions of each measured spectrum were reduced from 2,221 to six using the deep autoencoder. Then, all dimensionality-reduced measured spectra were categorized into five clusters using the agglomerative hierarchical clustering. The clustering results exhibited notable variations across different months and dates. Finally, the local reference spectra were determined based on clustering results, and their effects on the performance of typical photovoltaic materials were analyzed. The maximum mismatch factor for typical photovoltaic materials under local reference spectra can reach up to 21 %. The comparisons with standard spectrum highlighted that the superior capacity of local reference spectra to describe the configuration of regional solar energy. This study provides a novel insight into the fine description for regional solar spectra, which sets a new direction for innovation in photovoltaic technology and promotes the sustainable utilization of renewable energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An improved solar air heater with multiple s-shaped ribs with gaps is reported. • The work section pressure drop of this new solar air heater is within the range 15.8–30 Pa. • Compared with a smooth plate, the thermal efficiency can be enhanced by 13–48%. Compared with liquid solar collectors, the thermal efficiency of solar air heaters is generally low. To improve the thermal efficiency of a solar air collector, an improved solar air heater with s-shaped ribs with gaps is proposed; the solar air heater can enhance the heat transfer between air and heat absorber plate sufficiently. At the same time, to reduce the flow resistance of air, a gap of certain width was created on the ribs. In this study, the results of an experimental investigation on collector efficiency and pressure drop in a solar air heater with multiple s-shaped ribs with gaps as the roughness element are presented. The main factors including the rib geometry size, namely, the rib spacing, rib width, rib clearance width, channel height, solar radiation intensity, air mass flow rate were evaluated. The effects of these factors on the heat efficiency of solar air heater and the temperature difference between inlet and outlet were analyzed. Compared with a smooth plate, the thermal efficiency of solar air heater with artificial roughness was improved by 13% to 48% under different conditions. However, the work section pressure drop of this new solar air heater is within the range of 15.8–30 Pa. These experimental results are important for the application of this improved solar air heater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrated energy system (IES) is characterized by high self-consumption ratio of on-site generated renewable energy, high efficiency of conventional energy utilization and possesses a significant flexibility in its operation. This overall, constitute to the foundation of low-carbon communities. Considering economic and environmental benefits, this paper proposes a two-layer co-optimization model with the upper layer optimizing the IES configuration and the lower layer optimizing IES operation. A community in Beijing is introduced as a case study to analyze the benefits of IES and compared with the conventional energy system. Multiple scenarios are researched, including (a) IES for low-carbon communities with PV roof area limitation, (b) IES for each of the four building types with PV roof area limitation, (c) IES for low-carbon communities without PV roof area limitation. The results indicate that the optimized IES for community can reduce the cost by 25% and CO 2 emissions by 32% per year by considering the limitation of roof area for the PV system. Without this constraint, the costs and emissions could be reduced by 20% and 62%, respectively. In addition, IES is more appropriate for office and commercial buildings since their load characteristics allow for load shifting and community-level IES costs and emissions are 8% and 10% lower than building-level due to the complementary of community load. This study provides suggestions for the IES planning and application in low-carbon community. [Display omitted] • An IES with multiple renewable energy and energy storage subsystems is proposed. • A two-layer co-optimization model of IES design and operation is developed. • IES optimization results for building-level and community-level are compared. • Impact of roof area limitation for PV on IES optimization results is investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A new V-corrugated absorber with multi-channels is presented in this study. • The optical/thermal efficiency of the new collector are increased by 15.8%/10.7%. • The pump power consumption of the new collector is lowered by about 73%. • Effects of key parameters on the collector thermal performance are investigated. Abstract In this study, a new V-corrugated absorber with multi-channels is presented and applied in the liquid flat-plate solar collector. The absorber is extruded with aluminium and specific triangular channels are directly formed to improve the solar absorptance, reduce the heat conduction thermal resistance and decrease the pressure drop. Optical and heat transfer models for the new collector and a conventional sheet-and-tube collector are developed and experiments are carried out to validate the accuracy. Performance of the new and conventional collector are compared under different operational conditions and the results indicate that: (i) The daily average optical/thermal efficiency of the new and conventional collector are about 84.9%/69.4% and 69.1%/58.6%, respectively. (ii) The average exergy efficiency of the new and conventional collector are about 3.8% and 3.3% respectively under the mass flow rate of 10–90 g/s. (iii) The pressure drop and pump power consumption of the conventional collector are about 4.1 times higher than those of the new collector. The designing of V-corrugated absorber can improve the collector optical and thermal efficiency, and reduce the pressure drop and pump power consumption significantly, but exerts little effect on the exergy efficiency. Notwithstanding so, the performance improvement potential of the V-corrugated absorber is huge and the designing and manufacturing of the collector can be further developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Monte Carlo Ray Tracing (MCRT) method has been confirmed flexible and efficient in the optical simulation of Concentrating Solar Collectors (CSCs), but it usually needs higher computing cost and longer runtime or its results fluctuate in multiple runs. The parameters of the way of random number generation, the number of rays, running times, grid numbers, and random number generation times all exerted effects on the simulation results. It was found that running the MCRT model with less number of rays for several more times could mitigate the fluctuation of results and decrease the total runtime simultaneously. Taken the Line-focus CSC with a metal-glass receiver and a parabolic reflector as an example, the maximum ( e max ) and average ( e avg ) relative errors of the MCRT method with 1 × 10 8 rays running for once, 2 × 10 7 rays running for once and 3 × 10 6 rays running for five times were all lower than the threshold values ( E max  = 5% and E avg  = 0.5%), but the total runtime was about 410 s, 82 s and 63 s respectively. On these bases, an optimized MCRT model was proposed by combining the MCRT method with the iteration method, where the minimum running times ( t min ) and the maximum running times ( t max ) were introduced, and they could be changed conveniently to meet the requirements of different optical simulations. By applying the proposed model to the Line-focus CSC with a more complex cavity receiver or compound parabolic reflector, the total runtime varied in the range of 268–413 s and 26–102 min respectively, indicating that the runtime reduction was significant when the limit of relative errors were acceptable. The proposed model is beneficial to mitigate the fluctuation, improve the accuracy and reduce the runtime of the MCRT method. It can also be further used to the optical simulation of various kinds of CSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the flourishing development of the subway construction, more and more attentions are paid to the subway tunnel ventilation. The piston wind caused by the running trains can not only improve the tunnel environment, but also strengthen the power of the tunnel ventilation. The majority of the current researches are based on similar experiments or CFD simulations, yet most of which lack universality. It takes long time to finish the research cycles and it is difficult to generalize the conclusions based on these researches. This paper is aimed to put forward a universal prediction formula to estimate the ventilation effect of piston wind. In this paper, a uniformly accelerated Bernoulli theoretical model is established firstly, which is validated by the experimental data and numerical simulations. Secondly, a passing through model is built with the verified theoretical method and the influence of the key parameters on the ventilation rate are analyzed. Thirdly, the grey correlation analysis is conducted to study each influencing factors, meanwhile, a general prediction formula on the ventilation rate is proposed, which is applicable to the most subway tunnels in China. Finally, the effects of the trailing distance between multi-trains on the tunnel ventilation is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to optimize the solar cell strip width (CSW) and cell coverage ratio (CCR) of inhomogeneous semi-transparent photovoltaic (IH-STPV) windows to balance the daylight performance and visual characters. The IH-STPV windows with identical CSWs and CCRs but with vertical cell (V-cell) strip layout and horizontal cell (H-cell) strip layout were investigated through comparative experiments and a subjective survey. A visual angle model was first developed to optimize the CSW to mitigate the impact of cell strips on visual characters. By using the experimentally validated daylighting model, the annual daylighting simulation in various daylight climate regions was performed based on the optimized CSW. Finally, the optimal CCRs corresponding to specific CSWs were recommended. The experimental results indicated that the daylight glare risk of the V-cell window was lower than that of the H-cell window, but the difference became less significant when the viewpoint distance increased. Besides, the subjective survey results revealed that the visual discomfort caused by the solar cell strips could be alleviated by extending the viewpoint distance, and the visual characters of the H-cell window were better. The simulation results showed that cities at higher latitudes tended to require a higher CCR due to the low solar altitude angle which causes the higher frequency to see the sun in the view field of the window. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than 581 solar thermal systems (STSs), 98 counties, and 47 renewable application demonstration cites in China need to be inspected by the end of 2015. In this study, the baseline for performance and economic evaluation of STSs are presented based on the site test data and related references. An index used to evaluate STSs was selected, and methods to acquire the parameters used to calculate the related index were set. The requirements for sensors for testing were specified. The evaluation method was applied to three systems and the result shows that the evaluation method is suitable for the evaluation of STSs in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The real-time energy matching between building load and PV generation is low in actual applications of photovoltaic direct-driven air conditioners (PVACs). The indoor thermal comfort temperature range (TCTR) can enhance the load flexibility of PVACs to improve the real-time zero energy probability. Therefore, a real-time zero-energy potential evaluation method with the adoption of TCTR for PVACs was proposed. The indoor temperatures are mainly determined by real-time PV generation, which minimizes the power taken from the grid and batteries. The indoor temperature, conditioned by PVACs under varying operating conditions, is predicted using machine learning models at a one-minute time resolution. The real-time energy matching performances of PVACs are evaluated by key indicators, including zero-energy probability, real-time zero-energy probability, complete overcooling rate, and complete overheating rate, for different climatic regions. With a fixed indoor setting temperature in summer, the real-time zero-energy probabilities in Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Beijing are 1.89%, 2.45%, and 2.11%, respectively. While adopting the TCTR with the similar PV capacity, the corresponding values in Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Beijing reach 53.13%, 49.48%, and 87.11%, respectively. In addition, the real-time zero-energy points frequently appear when large cooling demands are needed. Finally, an optimization of PV capacity is conducted. The optimal PV capacity was found to be at the point where seasonal PV generation is 1.3 times the dominant seasonal energy consumption. PVACs with TCTR can utilize the PV generation and load flexibility to the greatest extent and the evaluation method for PVACs is beneficial for designing a more practical and economical system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inadequate utilization of salted duck egg white has become a serious problem for the food manufacturing in the past few years. Hence, in this study, we attempted to fabricate a kind of Pickering emulsion system based on the duck egg white nanogels (DEWN), with Ca2+ as the potential stabilizer, aiming to find out a more effective way to reuse these salted duck egg white products. As demonstrated, when cross-linked by Ca2+, the fabricated DEWN and Ca2+ combined particles (abbreviated as DEWN-Ca) showed a downtrend in surface wettability with increase in Ca2+ concentrations. Subsequently, the corresponding emulsion formulations with distinct Ca2+ concentrations or oil phase contents were further investigated and the results showed a decrement in the droplet sizes by adding Ca2+ firstly (Ca1), while the increment was exhibited with continuously added Ca2+ (from Ca2 to Ca5). The interfacial and rheological properties were further explored as well. Briefly, in comparison of DEWN-based system, the addition of Ca2+ did reduce both the interfacial tension and the values of G' and G". Moreover, it is noteworthy that the addition of Ca2+ could also increase the freeze-thaw and heat stability of the obtained emulsion systems. Collectively, our findings not only unlocked an effective method to achieve the re-utilization and expand the application of salted duck egg white, but also highlighted a universal way in exploiting and applying the Pickering emulsion systems. [Display omitted] • Salted duck egg white nanogels with Ca2+ are binding agents in prepared emulsions. • The obtained emulsions owned heat-resistant and freeze-thaw stable properties. • Our finding found an effective way to reuse the egg duck white. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cooling operation of the multi-energy system (SAAC and GSHP) was discussed, three different operation configurations and their best working condition in a NZEB was analyzed. • Real energy consumption of three working modes wad analyzed and discussed. A 4025 m2 office building was built in Beijing, China, in 2014 as a living laboratory and prototype to explore the technical energy systems of nearly zero energy buildings (NZEBs) in China. Not only the building itself but also the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems were designed with flexibility to explore their performance. Solar-assisted air conditioning (SAAC) and ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems with different terminal units were designed as HVAC systems for either experimental, comparison, or measurement purposes. In this paper, the cooling operation of multienergy systems is discussed on the basis of actual measurement data. HVAC systems have three possible types of operation configuration types, namely, SAAC priority, GSHP only and multimode. Operation scenarios for these configurations are presented first, and the small-scale simulation was carried out to analyze the performance of SAAC priority and GSHP#1 only mode. It indicates that SAAC could save about 47% of energy than that of GSHP#1. Then, the actual operation performance in 2018 was analyzed by reference to the operation data. Through this study, it is found that 1) multienergy systems of SAAC and GSHP operated well in this NZEBs during the summer season; 2) a 10 RT absorption chiller can work well for an NZEB building of approximately 1000 m2 when outdoor enthalpy is low and the solar radiation is stronger than 400 W/m2 as a result of high building thermal performance and air tightness; 3) SAAC can save about 40 to 50% of energy compared to that of GSHP system when providing services for the same terminal system under the same outdoor weather conditions and 4) The GSHP system is a good complement to the SAAC system which works well in June, September and early July when outdoor enthalpy is low. This study indicates that a combination of GSHP and SAAC systems is highly promising for NZEBs in cold climate zones such as Beijing, where the solar radiation is sound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synergistic plasma-hydrothermal-selenization approach is used for the first time to develop high-performance bi-metallic multiphase Ni-Fe-selenide nanosheet (MNFSN) electrocatalysts for overall water electrolysis. The MNFSN catalysts containing hetero-interfaced NiSe 2 and FeSe 2 crystalline phases, intermixed with oxide and nitride phases exhibit excellent HER (56 mV at j 10) and OER (342 mV at j 300) performances, evidenced by the small overpotential of two-electrode cell (1.60 V at j 100). • A novel synergistic plasma-hydrothermal-selenization approach is demonstrated. • The unique multi-phase heterostructure of the Ni-Fe selenides is fabricated. • The OER performance is much superior compared to RuO 2 at industry-relevant scales. • The MNFSN catalysts exhibit the very small cell voltage values for overall water splitting. • Nano-engineered hetero-interface of Ni-Fe diselenide enhances the catalyst activity. Transition metal selenides are highly promising for clean hydrogen energy generation by overall water electrolysis. Here we report a new approach wherein highly efficient and ultra-stable bifunctional electrocatalyst is developed by synergistic atmospheric-pressure plasma, hydrothermal and selenization treatments of bimetallic electrodes leading to multiphase Ni-Fe-selenide nanosheets (MNFSNs). The remarkable performance in water splitting is evidenced by the low overpotentials for delivering a current density of 10 and 300 mA cm−2 (j 10 and j 300), which are only 56 and 288 mV for HER, and 200 and 342 mV for OER, respectively, along with robust durability. Moreover, the current densities 10 and 100 mA cm-2 are achieved at low cell voltages of 1.46 and 1.60 V, thus outperforming most of the reported electrocatalysts in two-electrode alkaline water electrolyzers. Ab initio atomistic simulations identify the active catalytic sites formed by Ni atoms located at the heterointerfaces between the FeSe 2 and NiSe 2 phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]