{"title":"Experimental Investigation on Thermochemical Energy Storage Performance of Al2O3/MgO Co-Doped Calcium-Based Composites for Solar Thermal Applications","authors":"Chenzhen Liu, Qiaoyu Fan, Yu Sun, Chaocheng Zhang, Hongzhi Yan, Xinjian Liu, Zhonghao Rao","doi":"10.1002/est2.70395","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/est2.70395","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In calcium cycle (CaO/CaCO<sub>3</sub>)-driven thermochemical energy storage systems, the thermal storage capacity of calcium-based materials decreases significantly during cycling, which is mainly attributed to high-temperature sintering and pore structure degradation. To address the aforementioned issues, this study synthesized acetic acid-modified Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>/MgO synergistically stabilized calcium-based thermal storage materials (Ca/Mg/Al molar ratios = 100:8:8, 100:8:10, 100:8:12, 100:8:14) via a wet blending method and investigated the effects of Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>/MgO doping ratios on the thermal storage performance. Results demonstrated that the optimal molar ratio of Ca:Mg:Al = 100:8:12 (labeled Ca<sub>100</sub>-Mg<sub>8</sub>-Al<sub>12</sub>) exhibits a 90.81% improvement in cyclic stability of thermal storage compared to the unmodified Ca<sub>100</sub> sample. Microstructural characterization revealed that the calcium-based synthetic material possessed abundant micropores, smaller particle sizes, and a more uniform particle size distribution. The calcium-based synthetic material holds significant potential for broad applications in thermochemical energy storage systems.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":11765,"journal":{"name":"Energy Storage","volume":"8 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147668423","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Energy StoragePub Date : 2026-04-09DOI: 10.1002/est2.70396
Nagaling M. Gurav, H. Pradeepa
{"title":"A Hybrid African Vulture Crayfish Optimization Algorithm for Optimal Allocation of Electric Vehicle Infrastructure and Distributed Power Generation","authors":"Nagaling M. Gurav, H. Pradeepa","doi":"10.1002/est2.70396","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/est2.70396","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The rapid development of electric vehicles (EVs) has necessitated efficient charging infrastructure, raising concerns about increased power losses, voltage fluctuations, and higher operational costs in distribution networks. These problems can be overcome through the coordinated operation of Distributed Generation (DG) and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS); however, the location and size of these systems remain complex multi-objective problems. In this paper, a novel hybrid optimization algorithm, African Vulture Optimization Algorithm–Crayfish Optimization Algorithm (AVOACOA), is proposed to determine the optimal placement and sizing of EV charging stations (EVCS), DG, and BESS within the distribution network. The suggested solution will reduce power waste, voltage variability, Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), and operational costs while enhancing voltage stability. This algorithm is tested on the IEEE 33-bus test system in MATLAB and compared with other conventional algorithms. The simulation results show that the AVOACOA method can significantly enhance system performance. The final configuration of EVCS, DG, and BESS results in reduced total power losses and voltage deviations, an optimal bus voltage, and a decrease in THD 0.4549%. The operational cost is reduced to about $1.54 × 10<sup>3</sup>, which is better than that of the benchmark optimization methods. These results demonstrate the technical and economic efficiency of the configurations. In summary, the proposed approach shows improved voltage stability, reduced energy losses, and enhanced cost performance.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":11765,"journal":{"name":"Energy Storage","volume":"8 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147668422","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Energy StoragePub Date : 2026-04-06DOI: 10.1002/est2.70392
H. Elouizi, L. El Moutaouakil, M. Boukendil, O. Ennaya
{"title":"Transient Thermal Management of Heat-Generating Blocks in a Partitioned Rectangular Cavity Using Forced Convection, Phase Change Material, Guiding Obstacle, and Fins","authors":"H. Elouizi, L. El Moutaouakil, M. Boukendil, O. Ennaya","doi":"10.1002/est2.70392","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/est2.70392","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study numerically examines transient heat transfer in a rectangular cavity integrating forced convection and latent heat storage. Three heat-generating blocks are mounted on a conductive plate separating an upper air region from a lower PCM domain. Heat is removed by forced airflow and conducted toward the PCM, whose thermal storage capacity is enhanced by vertical fins attached to the plate. The transient governing equations are solved using the finite element method. A parametric study evaluates the influence of fin shape and number <span></span><math>\u0000 <semantics>\u0000 <mrow>\u0000 <mfenced>\u0000 <mi>N</mi>\u0000 </mfenced>\u0000 </mrow>\u0000 <annotation>$$ left(mathrm{N}right) $$</annotation>\u0000 </semantics></math>, Reynolds number <span></span><math>\u0000 <semantics>\u0000 <mrow>\u0000 <mfenced>\u0000 <mi>Re</mi>\u0000 </mfenced>\u0000 </mrow>\u0000 <annotation>$$ left(operatorname{Re}right) $$</annotation>\u0000 </semantics></math>, obstacle position <span></span><math>\u0000 <semantics>\u0000 <mrow>\u0000 <mfenced>\u0000 <mi>d</mi>\u0000 </mfenced>\u0000 </mrow>\u0000 <annotation>$$ left(mathrm{d}right) $$</annotation>\u0000 </semantics></math> and inclination (<span></span><math>\u0000 <semantics>\u0000 <mrow>\u0000 <mi>θ</mi>\u0000 </mrow>\u0000 <annotation>$$ uptheta $$</annotation>\u0000 </semantics></math>), cavity inclination angle (<span></span><math>\u0000 <semantics>\u0000 <mrow>\u0000 <mi>α</mi>\u0000 </mrow>\u0000 <annotation>$$ upalpha $$</annotation>\u0000 </semantics></math>), block thermal conductivity <span></span><math>\u0000 <semantics>\u0000 <mrow>\u0000 <mfenced>\u0000 <mi>k</mi>\u0000 </mfenced>\u0000 </mrow>\u0000 <annotation>$$ left(mathrm{k}right) $$</annotation>\u0000 </semantics></math>, and PCM melting temperature (<span></span><math>\u0000 <semantics>\u0000 <mrow>\u0000 <msub>\u0000 <mi>T</mi>\u0000 <mi>f</mi>\u0000 </msub>\u0000 </mrow>\u0000 <annotation>$$ {mathrm{T}}_{mathrm{f}} $$</annotation>\u0000 </semantics></math>). The results indicate that rectangular fins improve thermal performance, lowering the maximum block temperature by up to 13.67 K compared with triangular fins. Increasing the Reynolds number from 100 to 400 reduces peak temperatures by approximately 4.6%–5.0%. An optimal cavity inclination angle of <span></span><math>\u0000 <semantics>\u0000 <mrow>\u0000 <mi>α</mi>\u0000 <mo>=</mo>\u0000 <msup>\u0000 ","PeriodicalId":11765,"journal":{"name":"Energy Storage","volume":"8 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147668200","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Energy StoragePub Date : 2026-04-05DOI: 10.1002/est2.70393
Volkan Tuğan, Erdem Işık, Mustafa İnallı
{"title":"Synergistic Effect of Cylindrical Fins and Phase Change Material on the Thermal and Economic Performance of a Double-Slope Solar Distillation Device Under Tunceli Climatic Conditions","authors":"Volkan Tuğan, Erdem Işık, Mustafa İnallı","doi":"10.1002/est2.70393","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/est2.70393","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Global water scarcity driven by population growth, climate variability, and rising freshwater demand increases the need for more efficient solar desalination systems. In this study, a double-slope solar distillation device supported by a phase change material pool was developed to improve freshwater production. The phase change material layer was placed directly beneath the absorber plate to store excess thermal energy during peak solar radiation and release it during low-radiation periods. To strengthen thermal interaction between the absorber surface and the storage medium, cylindrical fins were embedded within the phase change material pool. The development of a double-slope solar distillation device integrated with a finned phase change material pool, and the simultaneous comparison of the thermal efficiency and economic analyses of single-slope and double-slope solar distillation devices under the same climatic conditions, are the prominent features of this study. Additionally, the performance of solar distillation devices has not previously been investigated under the climatic conditions of Tunceli, which further motivates this research. The developed system reached a peak freshwater productivity of 2459.2 g/m<sup>2</sup>/day, providing a 21.4% enhancement over the conventional configuration. In addition, the thermal efficiency increased from 17.7% in the conventional unit to 21.4% in the phase change material-assisted design. The economic analysis showed that the cost of distilled water was $0.097/kg for the conventional system and $0.105/kg for the proposed system, with the corresponding payback periods being approximately 11 and 12 months, respectively.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":11765,"journal":{"name":"Energy Storage","volume":"8 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147668204","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Energy StoragePub Date : 2026-03-31DOI: 10.1002/est2.70391
Suliang Ma, Yingjie Zhou, Jiayuan Li, Jie Ren
{"title":"Capacity Optimization of Micro-Pumped Storage in Inter-Station Energy Interconnection","authors":"Suliang Ma, Yingjie Zhou, Jiayuan Li, Jie Ren","doi":"10.1002/est2.70391","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/est2.70391","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The large-scale integration of renewable energy into low-voltage station areas has led to increased variability in power supply and demand within these station areas. The interaction of micro pumped-storage systems across multiple station areas to exchange energy can facilitate the consumption of renewable energy and reduce the stations' reliance on the distribution network for power. This paper proposes an operational model and capacity allocation method for micro pumped-storage systems based on a common reservoir. First, a mathematical model for energy interconnection among multiple station areas based on a common reservoir in a micro pumped-storage system was established; then, a capacity configuration framework and optimization method for micro pumped-storage systems are proposed, which involves the common reservoir mode. In a simulation case, compared to the separate reservoir mode, this mode reduced reservoir capacity by 36.6%, and the goal of reducing system construction costs was achieved. Finally, the application of the common reservoir mode for micro pumped-storage systems in multiple station areas scenarios is discussed, providing new insights for the construction of micro pumped-storage systems within multiple station areas scenarios.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":11765,"journal":{"name":"Energy Storage","volume":"8 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147668945","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Probe Sonication-Assisted Synthesis of Ti3AlC2 MAX Phase and Electrochemical Investigation of Resultant Delaminated Ti3C2Tx MXene Nanoflakes for Supercapacitor Applications","authors":"Balaji Srikanth Ragunath, Krithika Mani, Sappani Devaraj, Karthik Chinnathambi, Vanasundaram Natarajan, Ayyappan Sathya","doi":"10.1002/est2.70383","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/est2.70383","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Herein, we report a facile probe sonication-assisted synthesis of Ti<sub>3</sub>AlC<sub>2</sub> MAX phase and examined the resultant delaminated MXene (d-Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2</sub>T<sub>x</sub>) nanoflakes via tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide for supercapacitor application. The lower shift of (002) basal plane in the X-ray diffraction pattern of the d–Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2</sub>T<sub>x</sub> confirms an expansion of the interlayer spacing from 9.16 Å (Ti<sub>3</sub>AlC<sub>2</sub>) to 14.64 Å (d–Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2</sub>T<sub>x</sub>). The flakelike morphology of d–Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2</sub>T<sub>x</sub> MXene is confirmed through electron microscopic analysis. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis confirms the chemical composition and the surface active termination groups. The d–Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2</sub>T<sub>x</sub> MXene exhibits a specific capacitance of 255 F g<sup>−1</sup> at a specific current of 0.5 A g<sup>−1</sup> in an aqueous acidic electrolyte, 1 M H<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub>. In addition, d–Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2</sub>T<sub>x</sub> retains 88.6% capacitance and 100% coulombic efficiency over 5000 cycles at 5 A g<sup>−1</sup>. Further, a symmetric supercapacitor developed using d–Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2</sub>T<sub>x</sub> MXene delivers a specific energy of 1.75 Wh kg<sup>−1</sup> at a specific power of 194.32 W kg<sup>−1</sup> and retains 68.5% capacitance over 5000 cycles.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":11765,"journal":{"name":"Energy Storage","volume":"8 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147567424","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Energy StoragePub Date : 2026-03-18DOI: 10.1002/est2.70382
Jiachang Su, Lei Zhang, Han Xiao, Renjie Liao, Xiaodong Wei, Wenyi Huang
{"title":"Energy Management of Fuel Cell Hybrid Electric Vehicles in Continuous Signal Light Scenarios Based on Model Predictive Control With a Cooperative Optimization Algorithm","authors":"Jiachang Su, Lei Zhang, Han Xiao, Renjie Liao, Xiaodong Wei, Wenyi Huang","doi":"10.1002/est2.70382","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/est2.70382","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>With the development of cutting-edge technologies, vehicle energy optimization is embracing new development opportunities. In this study, a joint optimization strategy utilizing the model predictive control (MPC) and crested porcupine optimizer (CPO) is proposed for the speed planning and energy management of fuel cell hybrid electric vehicles (FCHEVs) in multi-signal road segments. In the context of Vehicle-to-Infrastructure communication, vehicle speed planning is merged with MPC. A multi-objective convex cost function is formulated based on the reference vehicle speed, and the weight coefficients in the cost function are adjusted through the CPO. Subsequently, the optimal vehicle speed trajectory is produced by using MPC. Simultaneously, MPC is also utilized to address energy management issues. When formulating the energy management objective function, the consumption of hydrogen and the loss of fuel cell (FC) life are considered to enhance the system's economic efficiency. CPO is also employed to optimize the weight coefficients in the cost function. Simulation results for the scenario of six traffic lights indicate that the energy management strategy proposed in this study, based on MPC, reduces hydrogen consumption by 5.7% compared to the traditional Pontryagin's Minimum Principle (PMP), and the output power fluctuation of the FC is minor.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":11765,"journal":{"name":"Energy Storage","volume":"8 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147566917","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}