Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for optimizing energy management. A quantity of renewable power that will be generated by renewable energy generation sources can be forecasted. The energy demand for a building or a cluster of buildings can be forecasted. A pricing model for buying energy from a grid can be determined. A quantity of energy to import from the grid or export to the grid can be scheduled based on the quantity of renewable energy forecasted and the state of charge or health of battery energy storage system, current and future operations of building HVAC, lighting and plug loads system, the forecasted energy demand for the building, and the pricing of the energy from the grid.

Abstract: Measurements of energy usage including details of power consumption can be stored for power usage devices. The measurements of energy usage can be used to predict future consumption for each of the power usage devices. A power consumption can be modified using the prediction. The energy cost can be optimized based using the prediction, such as, for example, by modifying a power consumption of one of the power usage devices.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for optimizing energy management. A quantity of renewable power that will be generated by renewable energy generation sources can be forecasted. The energy demand for a building or a cluster of buildings can be forecasted. A pricing model for buying energy from a grid can be determined. A quantity of energy to import from the grid or export to the grid can be scheduled based on the quantity of renewable energy forecasted and the state of charge or health of battery energy storage system, current and future operations of building HVAC, lighting and plug loads system, the forecasted energy demand for the building, and the pricing of the energy from the grid.

Abstract: A method and system for the monitoring and control of electrochemical cell degradation by use of strain-based battery testing. Strain-based battery is employed to recognize and implement a battery revival cycle to reduce battery degradation rates.

Abstract: Measurements of energy usage including details of power consumption can be stored for power usage devices. The measurements of energy usage can be used to predict future consumption for each of the power usage devices. A power consumption can be modified using the prediction. The energy cost can be optimized based using the prediction, such as, for example, by modifying a power consumption of one of the power usage devices.

Abstract: A method and system for the monitoring and control of electrochemical cell degradation by use of strain-based battery testing. Strain-based battery is employed to recognize and implement a battery revival cycle to reduce battery degradation rates.

Abstract: A method and system for strain-based estimation of the state of health of a battery, from an initial state to an aged state, is provided. A strain gauge is applied to the battery. A first strain measurement is performed on the battery, using the strain gauge, at a selected charge capacity of the battery and at the initial state of the battery. A second strain measurement is performed on the battery, using the strain gauge, at the selected charge capacity of the battery and at the aged state of the battery. The capacity degradation of the battery is estimated as the difference between the first and second strain measurements divided by the first strain measurement.

Abstract: A method and system for application independent map-based cycle life testing of battery cells is provided. A target depth of discharge (DOD) and a charge/discharge current level is selected for the battery test. The battery is discharged to the target DOD. The battery is cycled within the DOD range one or more times, wherein the cycling comprises a charge pulse and a discharge pulse at the selected current levels. A reference performance test (RPT) is performed on the battery, wherein the RPT comprises a static capacity test and a dynamic power test. The cycling and RPT testing are repeated until an end of test condition is detected.

Abstract: A dynamic formation protocol for a lithium-ion battery cell. An “SEI formation end voltage” is identified, which is the voltage reached during formation at which the SEI layer is substantially formed. Charge rates are selected for the formation, with a first charge current rate to be used until the SEI formation end voltage is reached, and a second charge current rate, faster than the first charge current rate, to be used thereafter the SEI formation end voltage. These charge rates are applied to the cell for at least a first cycle of the dynamic formation process.

Abstract: A method and system for strain-based estimation of the state of health of a battery, from an initial state to an aged state, is provided. A strain gauge is applied to the battery. A first strain measurement is performed on the battery, using the strain gauge, at a selected charge capacity of the battery and at the initial state of the battery. A second strain measurement is performed on the battery, using the strain gauge, at the selected charge capacity of the battery and at the aged state of the battery. The capacity degradation of the battery is estimated as the difference between the first and second strain measurements divided by the first strain measurement.

Abstract: A dynamic formation protocol for a lithium-ion battery cell. An “SEI formation end voltage” is identified, which is the voltage reached during formation at which the SEI layer is substantially formed. Charge rates are selected for the formation, with a first charge current rate to be used until the SEI formation end voltage is reached, and a second charge current rate, faster than the first charge current rate, to be used thereafter the SEI formation end voltage. These charge rates are applied to the cell for at least a first cycle of the dynamic formation process.

Abstract: A method and system for application independent map-based cycle life testing of battery cells is provided. A target depth of discharge (DOD) and a charge/discharge current level is selected for the battery test. The battery is discharged to the target DOD. The battery is cycled within the DOD range one or more times, wherein the cycling comprises a charge pulse and a discharge pulse at the selected current levels. A reference performance test (RPT) is performed on the battery, wherein the RPT comprises a static capacity test and a dynamic power test. The cycling and RPT testing are repeated until an end of test condition is detected.

Abstract: A photodegradation catalyst or a photodegradation catalyst precursor comprises a plurality of domains of an oxide of a first metal distributed in a substrate of a halide or oxyhalide of a second metal, wherein the mole percentage of the halide or oxyhalide of the second metal is above 50%. Additionally, a method of preparing a photodegradation catalyst or a photodegradation catalyst precursor, a photodegradation catalyst or a photodegradation catalyst precursor obtained from the method and a method of treating organic pollutants or substances in air or water by using the photodegradation catalyst or the photodegradation catalyst precursor are illustrated.

Abstract: A fuel storage device for fuel cell comprises a tank-in-tank or tank-by-tank type tank. In addition, a pipe-in-pipe or pipe-by-pipe delivery system is also provided. A fuel cell system using the fuel storage device comprises liquid fuel at the anode side, liquid oxidant at the cathode side, electrolyte, fuel and oxidant tank-in-tank storage system, fuel and oxidant pipe-in-pipe deliverable system, and by-products handling at both the anode and cathode sides. The liquid fuels include amine-based compounds such as hydrazine, hydroxyl amine, ammonia, and their derivatives.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high-throughput analysis apparatus. The high-throughput analysis apparatus comprises a sample introduction unit, a flow control unit, a separation unit, a detection unit, a signal collecting unit and a signal processing unit. Several methods using the same are also provided.

Abstract: A fuel storage device for fuel cell comprises a tank-in-tank or tank-by-tank type tank. In addition, a pipe-in-pipe or pipe-by-pipe delivery system is also provided. A fuel cell system using the fuel storage device comprises liquid fuel at the anode side, liquid oxidant at the cathode side, electrolyte, fuel and oxidant tank-in-tank storage system, fuel and oxidant pipe-in-pipe deliverable system, and by-products handling at both the anode and cathode sides. The liquid fuels include amine-based compounds such as hydrazine, hydroxyl amine, ammonia, and their derivatives.

Abstract: A photodegradation catalyst or a photodegradation catalyst precursor comprises a plurality of domains of an oxide of a first metal distributed in a substrate of a halide or oxyhalide of a second metal, wherein the mole percentage of the halide or oxyhalide of the second metal is above 50%. Additionally, a method of preparing a photodegradation catalyst or a photodegradation catalyst precursor, a photodegradation catalyst or a photodegradation catalyst precursor obtained from the method and a method of treating organic pollutants or substances in air or water by using the photodegradation catalyst or the photodegradation catalyst precursor are illustrated.

Abstract: Disclosed are high-throughput spectral imaging and spectroscopy apparatus and methods that acquire the property information of measured substance's UV-visible and infrared radiation through using at least one substantially uniform monochromatic incident irradiation source and spatial resolved array detector. The high-throughput analysis is achieved by acquiring a parallel spectral imaging and spectroscopy over a library element substrate. The apparatus and methods include both hardware and software for achieving both spectral imaging and spectroscopic analysis.