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This research proposes the utilization of Peltier modules to convert electrical energy from thermal energy to show its potential as a renewable energy source for residential and commercial application. The study, whose results are presented in this manuscript, was conducted in the city of Monterrey, located in the northeast of Mexico. The energy source was tested and analyzed utilizing a set of statistical metrics and further comparison against experimental test results. The Distrito Tec area in Monterrey city is an academic complex and it was chosen for this study, which consisted of the indirect measurement of the average annual heat energy stored within the buildings' cement structure. The aim was to obtain the annual accumulated electrical power in Wh per year that Peltier modules could provide in Distrito Tec, which is located in a city with solar irradiation levels above the world average. The proposal in this paper could encourage further investigation regarding this energy that is currently waste heat. More specifically, the results of this research highlight the importance of thermoelectric modules and seek to motivate research to improve their properties and make them more efficient and more viable as well. Thermoelectric modules have the potential to be part of the solution to sustainable development as presented in the United Nations SDG-7—ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transportation sector is under increasing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by decarbonizing its operations. One prominent solution that has emerged is the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). As the electric vehicles market experiences rapid growth, the utilization of lithium-ion batteries (LiB) has become the predominant choice for energy storage. However, it is important to note that lithium-ion battery technology is sensitive to factors, like excessive voltage and temperature. Therefore, the development of an accurate battery model and a reliable state of charge (SOC) estimator is crucial to safeguard against the overcharging and over-discharging of the battery. Numerous studies have been conducted to address lithium-ion battery cell modeling and SOC estimations. These studies have explored variations in the number of RC networks within the model and different estimation methods. However, it is worth mentioning that the capacity of a single lithium-ion battery cell is relatively low and cannot be directly employed in electric vehicles. To meet the total capacity and voltage requirements for electric vehicles, multiple cells are typically connected in series or parallel configurations to form a battery pack. Surprisingly, this aspect has often been overlooked in previous research. To tackle this overlooked challenge, our study introduces a comprehensive battery pack model and an advanced Battery Management System (BMS). We then integrate these components into an electric vehicle model. Subsequently, we simulate the integrated EV-BMS model under the conditions of four different urban driving scenarios to replicate real-world driving conditions. The BMS that we have developed includes an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF)-based SOC estimation system, a mechanism for controlling coolant flow, and a passive cell-balancing algorithm. These components work together to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the battery pack within the electric vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of a polymer composite material in electric vehicles (EVs) has been extensively investigated, especially as a substitute for steel. The key objective of this manuscript is to provide an overview of the existing and emerging technologies related to the application of such a composite, especially for battery pack applications, in which its high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, design flexibility, and durability are advantageous compared to any metal in general. This study explores the key considerations in the design and fabrication of composites, including base material selection, structural design optimization, reinforcement material, manufacturing processes, and integration with battery systems. The paper also discusses the performance characteristics of composite battery pack structures, such as mechanical properties, thermal management, safety aspects, and environmental sustainability. This study aims to contribute to sharpening the direction of future research and innovations in the area of composite battery pack technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the problem of DC bus voltage surge caused by load demand fluctuation in an off-grid microgrid, here, an adaptive energy optimization method based on a hybrid energy-storage system to maintain the stability of DC bus voltage is presented. The adaptive energy optimization method consists of three parts: the average filtering algorithm, extracting fluctuating power in demand load; the supercapacitor terminal voltage control, keeping the terminal voltage of the supercapacitor near reference; and the battery pack balance control, adjusting the charge/discharge to balance the state of charge for battery packs. In this proposed method, after extracting the fluctuating power by the low-pass filter when the demand load fluctuates, the battery packs release the power to offset the low-frequency fluctuation load and the supercapacitor to instantaneously compensate the high-frequency fluctuation power, to prolong the service life of batteries and maintain the stability of DC bus voltage. The effectiveness of the proposed adaptive energy optimization method is validated and is confirmed to maintain the stable operation of the off-grid microgrid, extend the cycle life of batteries in off-grid microgrid simulations and experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]