Movable electrode-type ER actuators (proposal of linear-type and rotary-type METERA)
By employing ER fluids as working fluids in fluid power systems, a direct interface can be realized between electric signals and fluid power without the need for mechanical moving parts like spools in control valves. In the paper, first, hydraulic actuators with ER fluids and with movable electrodes (METERA: movable electrode-type ER actuator) are proposed, which are classified into a linear type (L-METERA) and a rotary-type (R-METERA). Secondly, a design method of L-METERA is described and a small sized L-METERA is fabricated, whose size is 40 mm/spl times/18 mm/spl times/16 mm. Thirdly, a design method of R-METERA is described and a small sized R-METERA is fabricated, whose size is /spl phi/67 mm/spl times/53 mm. Principles of METERA are confirmed with the fabricated METERA.
An Overview of Magneto- and Electro-Rheological Fluids and their Applications in Fluid Power Systems
Abstract The rapid change in viscosity of magnetorheological (MR) and electrorheological (ER) fluids subjected to a magnetic or an electric field, respectively, has attracted the attention of many researchers. However, as MR fluids show higher yield stress than ER fluids, they have merited more attention during the last few years. In this paper we present an overview of magneto- and electrorheological fluids, their basic properties, behaviour under different flow types and their uses in fluid power systems, among others.
Techno-economic analysis of chemical looping combustion with humid air turbine power cycle
Abstract Power generation from fossil fuel-fired power plant is the largest single source of CO2 emission. CO2 emission contributes to climate change. On the other hand, renewable energy is hindered by complex constraints in dealing with large scale application and high price. Power generation from fossil fuels with CO2 capture is therefore necessary to meet the increasing energy demand, and reduce the emission of CO2. This paper presents a process simulation and economic analysis of the chemical looping combustion (CLC) integrated with humid air turbine (HAT) cycle for natural gas-fired power plant with CO2 capture. The study shows that the CLC–HAT including CO2 capture has a thermal efficiency of 57% at oxidizing temperature of 1200 °C and reducer inlet temperature of 530 °C. The economic evaluation shows that the 50 MWth plant with a projected lifetime of 30 years will have a payback period of 7 years and 6 years for conventional HAT and CLC–HAT cycles respectively. The analysis indicates that CLC–HAT process has a high potential to be commercialised.