Maarten Goedseels, Chris W. Michiels

Microorganisms • 2023

Hop beta acids (HBAs) are characteristic compounds from the hop plant that are of interest for their strong antimicrobial activity. In this work, we report a resistance mechanism against HBA in the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. Using an evolution experiment, we isolated two HBA-resistant mutants with mutations in the mprF gene, which codes for the Multiple Peptide Resistance Factor, an enzyme that confers resistance to cationic peptides and antibiotics in several Gram-positive bacteria by lysinylating membrane phospholipids. Besides the deletion of mprF, the deletion of dltA, which mediates the alanylation of teichoic acids, resulted in increased HBA resistance, suggesting that resistance may be caused by a reduction in positive charges on the cell surface. Additionally, we found that this resistance is maintained at low pH, indicating that the resistance mechanism is not solely based on electrostatic interactions of HBA with the cell surface. Finally, we showed that the HBA-resistant mutants display collateral sensitivity to the cationic antimicrobials polymyxin B and nisin, which may open perspectives for combining antimicrobials to prevent resistance development.

D.D. Stephen

Offshore Technology Conference • 1975

Introduction The commissioning of an electrical installation off-shore on a drilling/ production platform presents very different problems to those experienced with equivalent equipment on-shore. Many factors combine to cause this and among the most important are the restricted number of personnel which can be accommodated, the significance of time delay on a project with such high capital investment, the great importance placed on the maximum safety, security, and reliability throughout the complete operation, the concentration and complexity of the many control, monitoring, safety and alarm systems in combination with the many systems of power generation provided, and not least the adverse environmental conditions suffered by the equipment during erection, storage and transportation in modules, and final erection on the platform with considerable exposure to shock, vibration and severe climatic conditions. To reduce these off-shore problems and ensure minimum off-shore time required to put the electrical system to work it was decided to carry out full-scale on-shore testing programmes on the electrical generation equipment for the first two BP Forties platforms. These involved considerable logistical problems as well as those involved in the purely technical operations but the results obtained from both sets of tests have fully justified the operation. Testing Programme The electrical generation equipment and its layout on the platform has been fully described elsewhere, refs. 1, 2 and 3. Packages 1 and VII contain the main gasturbine generator sets, their control and starting equipment, the 11 kV switchgear, power transformers, 3.3 kV switchgear convert or equipment, diesel-generator ' set,415V switchgear and motor control centres, and items such as switchgear batteries, neutral earthing resistors and items necessary to provide a complete generation system. By placing these two packages close to each other, in the case of the Rotterdam unit on the same barge, interconnection was relatively simple. Although all the separate items of equipment were fully inspected and tested at their place of manufacture many of the control and operation sequences are unique and had not been used previously on such a concentrated and self-contained system. In addition the procedures of packing, transportation, prolonged storage, sometimes under adverse environmental conditions, erection in modules still under fabrication, and intercabling, all combine to introduce a high probability that considerable rechecking would be essential to detect any damage or deficiencies. It was also considered desirable to fully test and prove the coordinated functioning of interconnected systems of power generation, control, protection and instrumentation whose components had never been operated conjointly although this would require considerable expenditure on test equipment and manpower. The testing programme enabled the following aspects to be proved to a very high degree ofcompletion.

Komandur Sunder Raj

ASME 2019 Power Conference • 2019

Abstract Significant research is ongoing on several fronts in smart sensor technologies for optimizing the performance of power generating assets. The initiatives include: 1. Real-time models with advanced computational algorithms, embedded intelligence at sensor and component level for reducing operating costs, improving efficiencies, and lowering emissions. 2. Optical sapphire sensors for monitoring operation and performance of critical components in harsh environments, for improving accuracy of measurements in combustion monitoring, and lowering operating costs. 3. Wireless technologies using (a) microwave acoustic sensors for real-time monitoring of equipment in high temperature/pressure environments (b) integrated gas/temperature acoustic sensors for combustion monitoring in diverse harsh environment locations to improve combustion efficiency, reduce emissions, and lower maintenance costs (c) sensors for sensing temperature, strain and soot accumulation inside coal-fired boilers for detailed condition monitoring, better understanding of combustion and heat exchange processes, improved designs, more efficient operation. 4. Distributed optical fiber sensing system for real-time monitoring and optimization of high temperature profiles for improving efficiency and lowering emissions. 5. Smart parts with embedded sensors for in situ monitoring of multiple parameters in existing and new facilities. 6. Optimizing advanced 3D manufacturing processes for embedded sensors in components for harsh environments to reduce costs and improve efficiency of power generation facilities with carbon capture capabilities. 7. New energy-harvesting materials for powering wireless sensors in harsh environments, improving reliability of wireless sensors in demanding environments, and in-situ monitoring and performance of devices and systems. 8. Real-time, accurate and reliable monitoring of temperature at distributed locations of sensors in harsh environments for improving operations and reducing operating costs. 9. Algorithms and methodologies for designing control systems utilizing distributed intelligence for optimal control of power generation facilities. 10. Gas sensors for monitoring high temperatures in harsh environments for lowering operating costs and better control of operations. 11. Optimizing placement of smart sensors in networks for cognitive behavior and self-learning. This paper provides an overview of the initiatives in smart sensor technologies and their applications in optimizing the performance of power generating facilities.

• 2010

A generating station is an industrial facility built and operated to generate electricity. The map shows the 916 generating stations (power plants) operating in 2007. There were 479 hydroelectric stations, 375 thermal plants (combustion, internal combustion and steam), 7 nuclear plants, 54 wind turbines and 1 tidal power plant.

Chao-Nan Wang, Yoko Masuda, Keishi Senoo

Microorganisms • 2025

Rice paddy fields are sustainable agricultural systems as soil microorganisms help maintain nitrogen fertility through generating ammonium. In these soils, dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA), nitrogen fixation, and denitrification are closely linked. DNRA and denitrification share the same initial steps and nitrogen gas, the end product of denitrification, can serve as a substrate for nitrogen fixation. However, the microorganisms responsible for these three reductive nitrogen transformations, particularly those focused on ammonium generation, have not been comprehensively characterized. In this study, we used stable isotope probing with 15NO3−, 15N2O, and 15N2, combined with 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing and metatranscriptomics, to identify ammonium-generating microbial consortia in paddy soils. Our results revealed that several bacterial families actively contribute to ammonium generation under different nitrogen substrate conditions. Specifically, Geobacteraceae (N2O and +N2), Bacillaceae (+NO3− and +N2), Rhodocyclaceae (+N2O and +N2), Anaeromyxobacteraceae (+NO3− and +N2O), and Clostridiaceae (+NO3− and +N2) were involved. Many of these bacteria participate in key ecological processes typical of paddy environments, including iron or sulfate reduction and rice straw decomposition. This study revealed the ammonium-generating microbial consortia in paddy soil that contain several key bacterial drivers of multiple reductive nitrogen transformations and suggested their diverse functions in paddy soil metabolism.

Patric M Vaelli, K. Theis, Janet E. Williams et al.

eLife • 2020

Rough-skinned newts (Taricha granulosa) use tetrodotoxin (TTX) to block voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels as a chemical defense against predation. Interestingly, newts exhibit extreme population-level variation in toxicity attributed to a coevolutionary arms race with TTX-resistant predatory snakes, but the source of TTX in newts is unknown. Here, we investigated whether symbiotic bacteria isolated from toxic newts could produce TTX. We characterized the skin-associated microbiota from a toxic and non-toxic population of newts and established pure cultures of isolated bacterial symbionts from toxic newts. We then screened bacterial culture media for TTX using LC-MS/MS and identified TTX-producing bacterial strains from four genera, including Aeromonas, Pseudomonas, Shewanella, and Sphingopyxis. Additionally, we sequenced the Nav channel gene family in toxic newts and found that newts expressed Nav channels with modified TTX binding sites, conferring extreme physiological resistance to TTX. This study highlights the complex interactions among adaptive physiology, animal-bacterial symbiosis, and ecological context.

E.D. Kuzina, I. P. Ivanova, I. Piskarev

Science Intensive Technologies • 2024

The work is devoted to the use of an electric discharge in the geometry of a point electrode – a plane surface for the sterilization of water and surfaces contaminated with bacteria. The relationship between the concentrations of oxidizing impurities and active species generated in an electric discharge is discussed. It is shown that if the concentration of active species is too high, they will interact predominantly with each other and die without producing any effect. Using the example of cyanide decomposition, it is shown that the highest decomposition efficiency is achieved at the maximum voltage on the discharge electrode and the minimum electric discharge current. Therefore, a corona electric discharge was chosen for work. In a corona electric discharge generator in air in the presence of water vapor, an ozone-hydroxyl mixture is formed, in which the lifetime of hydroxyl radicals is ~ 1 sec. This makes it possible to extract hydroxyl radicals from the discharge cavity and ensure their contact with the water flow. After treatment in the generator, the water is purified from impurities within the limits allowed by the release of active species concentration, saturated with ozone and air oxygen to the solubility limit at a given water temperature, and becomes oxygenated. For the experiments, a prototype of the corona electric discharge generator was made. The voltage applied to the discharge electrodes was minus 11 kV, and the total discharge current was 1.7 mA. The choice of parameters of the electrical circuit that forms and maintains the corona discharge is analyzed. The bactericidal effect of the generator was determined for a liquid contaminated with bacteria and for a contaminated surface. The bactericidal effect of the liquid was evaluated after passing it through the reactor of the corona discharge generator. Water flow 150 L/h. The energy costs for reducing CFU (Coli Forming Units) by 10 times for an aqueous solution containing the bacteria Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis at a concentration of 10–103 CFU per 100 ml of solution are 59±6 J/100 ml of solution for each type of bacteria. Surface sterilization was carried out by spraying the contaminated surface with water after its treatment in the generator reactor. The area of contaminated samples was 25 cm2. To reduce CFU by 10 times on a surface contaminated with gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus at a concentration of 104 CFU/cm2, an energy of 100±11 J/cm2 was expended. High energy costs for surface sterilization are associated with the inefficient use of oxygenated water in this experiment, since the water was drained from the surface without losing its activity. Water retains noticeable activity up to 4 hours. Thus, the water produced by the generator can disinfect large surfaces, which will significantly reduce energy costs. For comparison, the solution was disinfected with UV radiation by irradiation in a Petri dish. A DKB-9 low-pressure mercury lamp emitting 253.7 nm photons was used. The energy spent on reducing CFU by 10 times was 1.6±0.2 and 0.7±0.1 J/cm2 for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively. The advantage of decontamination with oxygenated water is that contaminated objects can be washed from all sides, which is not possible using lamp radiation. The results obtained make it possible to calculate the modes of sterilization of a liquid and a contaminated surface using a corona discharge generator and oxygenated water depending on the concentration of microorganisms. Oxygenated water is an environmentally friendly disinfectant, since the active species formed during the generator treatment break down into water and oxygen over time.

Md Fahim Ansari, Fahad Afzal, S. Mehra

Biosciences Biotechnology Research Asia • 2023

ABSTRACT: Ensuring food and water safety has always been a health challenge globally. The present papers underscores HV-PEF (High Voltage Pulsed Electric Field), a novel approach to eliminate five kinds of microbes prevalent in milk and water in fractions of a second. These microorganisms are Enterobaracter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogene, Staphylococcus aurous, and Acetobacter. Objective was to find out the impact of HV-PEF on survival of selected species of bacteria, which are often considered as a concern for water and milk safety. A laboratory experimental setup was designed for producing HV-PEF, which was applied on sample of water and milk. The water sample was obtained from tap, and the milk sample was obtained from Bubalus bubalis. The microbial count was measured by plate method for both samples pre and post exposure to the HV-PEF. The effect was measured with combinations of varying field intensity and number of pulses, the intensity of the field having the highest value of 180 kV/cm (kilovolt-per-centimeter), and the pulse count varied between one to one hundred. Results showed, the endurance of few species was extremely low, at 40 kV filed intensity and 40 pulses. Other microbes also demonstrated low survival ratio (SR) at more than 40kV with pulses-count above 40. Complete inactivation of E. coli was achieved at around 80kV. The inactivation of microbe by HV-PEF varies with morphology and shape of the microorganisms. The annihilation of microorganisms is due to the rupturing of cell wall of microbe by the effect of HV-PEF, instead of ohmic heating (resistance induced).

S. Razavi, A. Sarafraz

Medbiotech Journal • 2020

Microbial fuel cells are devices that generate electricity by using the chemical energy which is hidden in the substrates.   Bacillus subtilis and Shewanella, connected in series, were used in order to increase the voltage. A bio cathode was used as an oxygen acceptor which was filled by Chlorella vulgaris. An amount of 200 mL molasses was used in the anode, and 200 mL BBM in the cathode. Nafion 115 was used as a PEM at 27˚C under microaerophilic conditions prepared for these experiments. At the same time as producing electricity, the basic protease was generated in the anode chamber containing B.subtilis. This protease was detected by Bradford’s test. The series connection of MFCs increased the voltage, and for the first time, we succeeded in producing biological products like enzymes in MFCs.

S Mahitha, J M Sasi Premila, D Abiya Chelliah

Research Square • 2022

Abstract Plastic pollution need to be resolved as it affects air, water, land. The favourable alternative for plastics would be Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) from bacterial origin, which are biodegradable and biocompatible biopolymers. Focus on the PHB producing bacteria is done by collecting garden soil sample. Five colonies of Sudan black blue positive isolates were chosen, extracted, and produced. One of the strains (SM1) - a potent producer as confirmed by crotonic acid assay, was further subjected to large scale production. The PHB thus produced was analysed using Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) to confirm the presence of functional groups. X-Ray crystallography revealed that it is of crystalline nature and are pictured by Scanning electron microscopy photography. DNA was isolated from the strain SM1, and the gene for 16S rRNA has been sequenced and submitted in GENBANK, (Accession No: MZ363886). The organism was found to be Bacillus cereus as predicted by 16S rRNA and NCBI BLAST. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using MEGA software. Bioplastic preparation was done under laboratory scale and the produced bioplastic was successfully degraded using Pseudomonas species . The prepared bioplastic from bacteria was biodegradable and eco-friendly.

Isma Kurniatanty, Esti Wahyu Widowati

EPiC Series in Biological Sciences • 2021

Protease is an enzyme with high economic value and has been used in industries. Much natural waste can be considered as promising sources protease producing bacteria, such as tofu waste. The objective of the present study was to screen and isolate protease producing bacteria from tofu waste collected from Yogyakarta. Tofu waste samples were serially diluted and 0.1 ml of sample was spread on skim milk agar, at 37oC for 48 hours. Four bacterial colonies showed a clear zone around the colony, indicating protease activity. These isolates (encoded as TWB-1, TWB-2, TWB-3, and TWB-4) were subjected to several biochemical tests and gram staining. Protease activity was determined using the tyrosine standard curve with the casein-Hammarsten substrate. Protease activity of TWB-1, TWB-2, TWB-3, and TWB-4 were 2.85, 5.74, 5.14, and 3.00 respectively. Isolate TWB-2 showed the maximum protease activity with 5.74 U/ml.

Neeksha Naik, Dhanyashree Rai, Shwetha Madival et al.

Research Square • 2023

Abstract Certain microorganisms in nature produce intracellular linear bio-esters called Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), under limited nutrient condition in the presence of excess carbon. PHAs are environment friendly macromolecules exhibit properties similar to petrochemical plastics. In the present study a total of 30 soil samples were collected from different sites and screened for PHA producing bacteria. Among them 30 isolates were showed positive for PHA production by preliminary screening methods. Growing conditions for the synthesis of PHA were optimized. The recovered bacteria were able to produce PHA after 72 hours of incubation at 30°C, pH 7, with 10% inoculum. The positive PHA-producing bacterial strains were identified using 16S rRNA sequencing. The PHA accumulation was up to 59% by PHAD13 isolate, Bacillus subtilis isolated from the petrol bunk soil, NG6 isolate, Klebsiella spp. isolated from garden soil showed 33.5% and the maximum PHA accumulation was about 35.1% by NS1, Bacillus spp. isolated from sewage soil. Intracellular accumulation of PHA for the highest PHA producing isolate PHAD13 was analysed by Transmission electron microscope further characterized using FT-IR. All these diverse sources (Petrol bunk soil, Sewage soil, Garden soil) were shown to be rich sources variety of bacterial species with the ability to produce PHA thereby rendering the biodegradation.

Ciamak Ghazaei

Journal of Clinical Research in Paramedical Sciences • 2022

Background: The emergence of antimicrobial resistance results in morbidities and mortalities associated with many bacterial infections and is a major concerning issue in front of the healthcare system. As a part of a competitive adaptive strategy for its growth, gram-positive bacteria like Bacillus subtilis produce antimicrobial peptides; bacteriocins. These peptides protect other bacterial species. Objectives: To counter antimicrobial resistance, bacteriocins can be considered a potential drug option against drug-resistant microorganisms. Methods: After isolation and characterisation of B. subtilis from the 5 collected soil samples, the bacteriocin was extracted from these bacteria by using the ‘solvent extraction method’, characterised, and then purified to evaluate its antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria like; Streptococcus pyogenes, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii by using ‘Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion’, method. The bacteriocin stability was also investigated, at different temperatures, pH and incubation times. Results: The bacteriocin of B. subtilis showed great antimicrobial activity against S. pyogenes, followed by S. typhi and P. aeruginosa. However, the lowest antimicrobial activity was against A. baumannii. With the increase in the incubation time and temperature, the antimicrobial activity of bacteriocin was decreased, indicating the protein nature of bacteriocin. Compared to the standard antibiotics, the bacteriocin isolated from B. subtilis demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect against the tested pathogens. Conclusions: From this study, it can be concluded that bacteriocin can become a potential alternative to standard available medicines. They can be used against antimicrobial-resistant pathogenic bacteria because of their significant inhibitory activity against the tested pathogens compared to the standard antibiotics.

, Arora Ragini, Jha Harit

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES • 2025

Background: Oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defences, is implicated in numerous degenerative diseases. The search for natural antioxidants has led to the exploration of thermophilic bacteria, known for thriving in extreme environments and potentially producing potent antioxidant compounds. Objective: The purpose of this study was to isolate and characterize thermophilic bacteria collected at Tatapani Hot Spring and evaluate their antioxidant potential. Methods: Water samples were collected from Tatapani Hot Spring and subjected to bacterial isolation using the Spread Plate and Enrichment Culture Method. Isolated strains were characterized morphologically, biochemically, and molecularly via 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Carotenoids and quinones were extracted from the fermentation medium and analyzed for antioxidant activity using UV-Visible spectroscopy. The antioxidant potential of the extracts was assessed through various assays, including DPPH radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging, nitric oxide radical scavenging, and Ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Results: Two thermophilic bacterial strains, referred to as TR1 and TR2, were successfully isolated. Both strains are Gram-positive, endospore-forming rods. Strain TR1 exhibited 98.70% sequence similarity to Bacillus nakamurai, while strain TR2 showed 99.65% similarity to Bacillus licheniformis. Extracts from these strains revealed significant antioxidant activities, with ethanol extracts demonstrating superior efficacy. Specifically, the ethanol-dissolved extracts exhibited DPPH radical scavenging activity of approximately 80%, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity up to 95.5%, and nitric oxide radical scavenging activity around 87.4%. The FRAP assay confirmed the strong reducing power of the extracts. Conclusion: The thermophiles collected at Tatapani Hot Spring produce potent antioxidant compounds, primarily carotenoids and quinones, with substantial scavenging activities. These findings highlight the potential of these bacteria as sources of natural antioxidants for applications in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics. Future research should focus on optimizing the extraction processes and further characterizing these bioactive compounds to fully exploit their therapeutic potential. Keywords: Thermophilic bacteria; Antioxidant activity; Bacillus species; Bioactive compounds

Xin Wu, Wujing Cao, Hongliu Yu et al.

IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics • 2022

The capability to generate electricity from human motion can reduce the battery requirements for wearable devices. The key challenge faced by wearable energy harvesters is the generation of sufficient power without interfering with the wearer. To our knowledge, currently available joint-motion energy harvesters are all for level walking (LW). In this study, we developed an energy-harvesting exoskeleton that can generate electricity during LW, downhill walking (DW), and stair descent (SD) without sensors. Bi-directional knee motion is transformed to the unidirectional rotation of the generator by one-way bearing and appropriate gear train. The average electricity generated by each leg for the three modes of walking is $5.4 \pm 0.8{\rm{\ W\ }}({\text{LW},\ 5{\rm{\ km}}/\mathrm{h}})$ , $6.5 \pm 0.6{\rm{W\ }}({\text{DW},\ 5{\rm{\ km}}/\mathrm{h}})$ , and $8.2 \pm 0.4{\rm{W\ }}({\text{SD},4{\rm{\ stairs}}/\mathrm{s}})$ , respectively. The Pearson coefficients of the knee angle under exo- on and no-exo conditions are 0.995 (LW), 0.996 (DW), and 0.999 (SD), respectively. The cost of harvesting is −0.006 (LW) and −0.01 (DW). The increase in the metabolic rate in energy harvesting on condition is merely 2.3% (LW) and 1.6% (DW) compared to the no-exo condition. There is no significant increase in the metabolic cost while generating electricity $(P\ = \ 0.363,$ LW; $P\ = \ 0.662,$ DW). In summary, the knee energy-harvesting exoskeleton developed in this study can generate substantial and sustainable electricity with little extra effort, which indicates its potential as a means to charge-powered portable exoskeletons and prosthetics.

Kazuya Watanabe

Encyclopedia of Industrial Biotechnology • 2010

Biofuel cells are devices for generating electricity from chemical fuels (such as hydrogen and organic compounds) using biological catalysts (i.e. enzymes and/or living microbes) for electrode reactions. They could be divided into two categories based on types of catalysts; namely, enzyme fuel cells (EFCs), and microbial fuel cells (MFCs). In this article, procedures for evaluating biofuel cells are described, since appropriate evaluation is fundamental to developing efficient processes and also for comparing biofuel cells developed in different laboratories. Special focus is on the evaluation of MFCs, since MFCs need more diverse criteria than EFCs for performance evaluation; however, EFC evaluation is also possible using the procedures and parameters described in the article. Keywords: biofuel cell; microbial fuel cell; enzyme fuel cell; bioenergy; sustainable process

I. Ieropoulos, P. Ledezma, Giacomo Scandroglio et al.

Oxford Scholarship Online • 2018

Energy resulting from metabolism is essential for any living system—from single-cell to multicellular organisms. This also applies to symbiotic robots (SymBots), which function utilizing the energy (electricity) generated by living microorganisms. In the context of living technologies, artificial symbiosis between the living and the artificial entities of the machine becomes vital for the whole system. If the living entity stops generating energy, the mechatronic system ceases to work yet it is the mechatronic system that provides the microbes with food, and gets rid of their waste. This chapter presents and discusses SymBots, based on EcoBots that operate using Microbial Fuel Cells as onboard living energy devices. The interface between science and engineering is exemplified through the study and optimization of MFCs, producing the necessary data for technological implementation. Biological inspiration stems from living organisms metabolizing and adapting to the environment (homeostasis), which is the main process transferred to engineering.

Nasim Mia, Md. Mohinul Islam, Sumon Bonik et al.

2024 3rd International Conference on Advancement in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (ICAEEE) • 2024

Microbial fuel cells (MFC) as a substitute for generating electricity and managing waste has gained popularity. MFCs are viewed as a potential alternative for conventional power sources because they harness the power of microbes to convert the chemical energy in organic matter into electricity. This study focused on performance of a terrestrial microbial fuel cell (TMFC) that utilized easily obtainable ingredients from local markets and sewage sludge. The designed system has an anode, cathode, cathodic chamber, proton exchange system, and electrode catalyst. The process starts with assembling the unit and collecting wastes for preparing the substrate. After that, the respective solution is prepared for the anode and cathode chambers. Finally, electrodes are connected, and the voltage is measured after a specific time. Modifying the catalyst recorded the maximum voltage as 1168 mV, and the highest power generation amount was calculated as 143.1 mW/m2. Microbial electricity generation using MFCs could emerge as an effective form of bioenergy in the coming years, during which abundant organic waste can be reduced and valorized.

Alfredo Marvão Pereira, Rui Marvão Pereira

Archives of Business Research • 2021

This paper addresses the issue of financing the excess costs of electricity generation from currently installed renewable energy production capacity. We use a dynamic computable general equilibrium model of the Portuguese economy. We consider three issues: the effects of the excess-costs; the effects of annuitizing the costs; and, the effects of different financing mechanisms. Following the logic of the tariff deficit, we recommend the annuitizing of these excess costs. This strategy is justified on distributional grounds. We also find that financing through carbon taxation is a better alternative than passing these excess costs to electricity consumers in the form of higher future prices. This is consistent with the idea that renewable production is not an issue pertaining to the electricity market but rather a part of the national quest for decarbonization. Finally, we show that there is little reason to extend such preferential financing to future renewable capacity installation.

Bilal Abdullah Nasir

Journal of Energy Research and Reviews • 2021

The construction of small-hydro power stations does not require high technologies, but needs to provide a river or stream water is smooth. Through the establishment of small dams on the stream can control the amount of water necessary to rotate the water turbine, which in turn converts the potential energy of water into kinetic energy. Through the transfer of kinetic energy of rotation of the turbine to the generator can convert this energy into electrical energy. The idea of ​​our plan of research for electrical energy from the power of water using small- hydroelectric plants, which can be built on small rivers, streams, and through the construction of small dams to control the amount of water. Electrical energy derived from small- hydroelectric plants could help feed the electrical loads to areas isolated from the national grid and can be linked with the national grid to add additional electric power.

Sebastian Klaudiusz Tomczak

Energies • 2019

Companies operating in the energy sector are under pressure to boost the level of green energy production. The use of renewable energy sources will have a positive impact on the environment, but the basic question is whether power plants that produce electricity using renewable energy sources are in better financial condition than those that use only traditional energy sources. We address the latter using a new hybrid approach that extends prior research by combining three analyses: ratio analysis with a large set of indicators, the Altman model and cluster analysis. To test the statistical significance of differences between groups, Student’s t-test is applied. The sample concerns companies from the Baltic States and Central Europe in the years 2008–2017. The results indicate that in most cases there is no statistical difference in the financial standing of companies that use renewable energy sources and those that generate only fossil fuel-based energy.

M. J. Goodwin

Journal of Synthetic Lubrication • 1985

Abstract This paper describes the lubrication and cooling systems of modern electricity generating plant, particularly those of the generator. The paper discusses the development of the power plant manufacturing industry and shows how critical the selection of lubricants and coolants is on the efficiency of the plant. The operation and layout of plant of up to 1,200 MW power rating are described and the various lubrication and cooling systems which are incorporated are identified. The cooling media discussed include non‐synthetic, semi‐synthetic, and synthetic fluids, and in each case the reasons for its selection are examined. Basic design calculations relating to lubrication and cooling systems are included. The paper concludes by examining trends in plant design and how they may affect future selection of lubricants and coolants.

E. J. Workman, R. E. Holzer

Review of Scientific Instruments • 1939

A generating voltmeter type automatic electric field recorder designed for continuous measurement of surface electric fields in thunderstorms is described. The performance of the instrument in the field under thunderstorm conditions is discussed. The application of this instrument to the study of the normal potential gradient of the earth is suggested.

Paul L Joskow

American Economic Review • 2011

Economic evaluations of alternative electric generating technologies typically rely on comparisons between their expected “levelized cost” per MWh supplied. I demonstrate that this metric is inappropriate for comparing intermittent generating technologies like wind and solar with dispatchable generating technologies like nuclear, gas combined cycle, and coal. It overvalues intermittent generating technologies compared to dispatchable base load generating technologies. It also likely overvalues wind generating technologies compared to solar generating technologies. Integrating differences in production profiles, the associated variations in wholesale market prices of electricity, and life-cycle costs associated with different generating technologies is necessary to provide meaningful comparisons between them.

Lucas Richter, Tom Bender, Steve Lenk et al.

Energies • 2024

Thanks to various European directives, individuals are empowered to share and trade electricity within Renewable Energy Communities, enhancing the operational efficiency of local energy systems. The digital transformation of the energy market enables the integration of decentralized energy resources using cloud computing, the Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence. In order to assess the feasibility of new business models based on data-driven solutions, various electricity consumption time series are necessary at this level of aggregation. Since these are currently not yet available in sufficient quality and quantity, and due to data privacy reasons, synthetic time series are essential in the strategic planning of smart grid energy systems. By enabling the simulation of diverse scenarios, they facilitate the integration of new technologies and the development of effective demand response strategies. Moreover, they provide valuable data for assessing novel load forecasting methodologies that are essential to manage energy efficiently and to ensure grid stability. Therefore, this research proposes a methodology to synthesize electricity consumption time series by applying the Box–Jenkins method, an intelligent sampling technique for data augmentation and a probabilistic forecast model. This novel approach emulates the stochastic nature of electricity consumption time series and synthesizes realistic ones of Renewable Energy Communities concerning seasonal as well as short-term variations and stochasticity. Comparing autocorrelations, distributions of values, and principle components of daily sequences between real and synthetic time series, the results exhibit nearly identical characteristics to the original data and, thus, are usable in designing and studying efficient smart grid systems.

I. P. Kravets, O. I. Bashynskiy, A. P. Kushnir et al.

Fire Safety • 2019

The article deals with the problems of fire hazard of electricity-generating equipment during their exploitation. Intensive electrification of industrial and residual objects leads to the saturation of these objects with different electricity-generating equipment. Functioning of such equipment is accompanied with high heat emission and contains significant fire hazard. The electric current in an electrical conductor produces heat, when electric energy turns into thermal. All electrical equipment must be produced in strict adherence to fire safety rules and requirements. Ignoring these requirements causes heating of conductors through all the length, spunking of isolation, sparkling and, as a result, breaking-out of fire. Therefore, reducing the probability of fire even in the cases of abnormal work, wrong exploitation and foreseen refuses is the main task during planning and exploitation of electrical equipment and also during selection of structural materials. The primary purpose of fire prevention measures in the electrical equipment is avoiding of its self-ignition, and localization of fire after the self-ignition of electricity-generating equipment. Fire safety during exploitation of electricity-generating equipment depends on its technical state. Correct choice of conductor cross section is very important. Protection stage of electrical equipment, type of wiring, and cable laying method must comply with environmental conditions and have the proper climatic implementation and placement category. Proper protective devices from a short circuit and overloads must be used. Their operating values must be also foreseen. All above-mentioned measures prevent fires and explosions during exploitation of electrical equipment. Key

M. Sorgenfrei, G. Tsatsaronis

Volume 6: Energy, Parts A and B • 2012

Carbon capture from advanced Integrated Gasification Combined-Cycle (IGCC) processes should outperform conventional coal combustion with subsequent CO2 separation in terms of efficiency and CO2 capture rates. This paper provides a thermodynamic assessment, using exergy analysis, of a novel Syngas Redox (SGR) process for generating electricity. The power island of the proposed process uses syngas produced by coal gasification and then cleaned through high-temperature gas desulfurization (HGD). Hematite (Fe2O3) is used as an oxygen carrier to oxidize the syngas. To achieve a closed-cycle operation, the reduced iron particles are first partially re-oxidized with steam and then fully re-oxidized with pressurized air. One advantage of this design is that the resulting hydrogen (using steam in the re-oxidation section) can be utilized within the same plant or be on sold as a secondary product. In the proposed process, diluted hydrogen is combusted in a gas turbine. Heat integration is central to the design. The different requirements of syngas cooling, particle-regeneration, and coal drying necessitated the use of a heat-recovery steam generator (HRSG) supplying steam at three pressure levels. To establish a benchmark, the rate of exergy destruction within the SGR process was compared to a coal-fed Shell gasification IGCC design with Selexol-based pre-combustion capture. Process simulation was undertaken using Aspen Plus and EES (Engineering Equation Solver).

T.R. Shaw

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials • 1965

The Central Electricity Generating Board is responsible for the operation and maintenance of 233 Generating Stations, 602 Transmission Sub‐Stations, 7,780 miles of Overhead and 602 miles of Underground Transmission Lines. The current building and reinforcement programme is involving considerable financial and technical investment. To support this investment, part of the Board's policy is to promote the issue of Standards and Specifications with the object of controlling quality and the consequent reduction of maintenance down times. The contribution to this policy by incorporating anti‐corrosion techniques in Steel Structures Standards and Specifications can be considerable. Ultimately, of course, maintenance becomes a necessity and for this purpose the Standards and Specifications produced extend themselves to the materials used, principally paint, with the object of reducing maintenance periods to a minimum.

Allen Lemuel G. Lemence, Jordi Cravioto, Benjamin C. McLellan

Energies • 2024

In the quest for sustainable development, the energy sector must address the three pillars of sustainability: economic, environmental, and social. However, compared to the other pillars, research on social sustainability has been relatively limited. A systematic literature review was conducted covering 143 peer-reviewed articles (after initial screening) to explore the current state and opportunities in the social sustainability assessment of electricity generating systems. The contributions of this research are two-fold: first is the analysis of the elements of social sustainability assessment, particularly the explicit and implicit definitions of social sustainability as well as the roles and nature of involvement of stakeholders. Second is the analysis of the intersections among framework elements. The insights provided serve as a valuable resource in conducting social sustainability assessments of electricity generating systems as well as inform researchers and stakeholders concerning future research directions.

An Liang Hu

Applied Mechanics and Materials • 2014

In this paper, the internal structure and category of fuel cell were firstly described as well as the electricity-generating system. In addition, the current situation of the application of fuel cell in the electricity-generating industry was discussed including its prospects. In the end, the assumption of the application of fuel cell in the electricity-generating industry was explored.

R.W. PRIOR

Aslib Proceedings • 1967

Before discussing in detail the range of information bulletins issued by CEGB Information Services, I should like to give a few details of the structure of the British electricity supply industry.

Sagita Rochman

Tibuana • 2020

At present the use of wind energy in Indonesia is still relatively low, but has enormous potential. One reason is because the average wind speed in the territory of Indonesia is classified as low wind speed, which ranges from 3 m / s to 5 m / s making it difficult to produce electrical energy on a large scale. However, the wind potential in Indonesia is available almost all year long, making it possible to develop small-scale power generation systems. Innovations in modifying windmills need to be developed so that in conditions of low wind speeds can produce electrical energy.
 In this research, a prototype was developed by designing a vertical axis windmill power plant model Savonius using a permanent magnet generator, which can produce optimal electrical energy by utilizing relatively low wind speeds.From the generator test it was found that with a rotor rotation of 50 rpm up to 500 rpm can produce an electrical voltage of 0.02V to 10V and an electric current of 0.60A to 4.53A.

Tian Jiao Meng

Advanced Materials Research • 2014

By recycling the kinetic energy in gyms, a generating system is closely related to this design, in which a perfect output circuit has been used so as to output a constant voltage no matter how variable the power of the kinetic energy is. Consequently, a continuing and constant current will be output when an electrical storage device is equipped. Based on a systematic analysis of the generator, accumulator and loading equipment, this thesis would grasp the variation tendency of each variable in the generating system, thus to realize the grid-connected operation of the existing alternating current and the generating system built-up by the fitness equipment.

P.R. Mullins

Aslib Proceedings • 1975

In a paper of this nature it is difficult to avoid presenting a catalogue in the what we do in our …' vein. Yet any claim to usefulness will probably lie in providing an outline of the service for comparison purposes and, incidentally, in showing possible areas of co‐operation with other information units. For that reason, before describing the information activities of the Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB), it may be appropriate to outline the structure of the British electricity supply industry, bringing out the position in it of the CEGB, and then to consider the organization of the Generating Board itself.

Brett Geissler, Alicia M. Jones, Vic Keasler

CORROSION 2016 • 2016

Abstract Hydrogen sulfide generation is one of the key detriments linked to microbial activity in the oil and gas industry and is the most likely cause of most microbiologically influenced corrosion. H2S is extremely corrosive to most metals and can significantly devalue produced fluids and gases as well as raise HS&E concerns for production facilities. Microbial sulfidogenesis has historically been linked to only a few types of sulfate reducing bacteria that are capable of growth in Modified Postgate’s B medium, but recent advances in microbial identification techniques have shown that the sulfide generating population in the industry is made up of over 190 different genera. Metabolic studies have shown that the vast majority of these microbes require thiosulfate, elemental sulfur, (bi) sulfite, and other sulfur compounds for energy production, and can therefore not be cultured using standard oilfield methods. This paper discusses the prevalence and distribution of the varied population of sulfide generating bacteria and archaea that have been identified by DNA sequencing from over 7000 samples obtained from numerous sites throughout hydrocarbon production facilities found all over the world.

Paul L Joskow*

The New Energy Paradigm • 2007

Abstract Policy-makers in many countries are expressing concerns that competitive wholesale electricity markets are not providing appropriate incentives to stimulate ‘adequate’ investment in new generating capacity at the right time, in the right places, and using the right technologies. These concerns are often expressed in the context of concerns about ‘supply security’, ‘reliability’, ‘resource adequacy’, or ‘supply diversity’. In most cases the concerns have been raised as policy-makers observe growing electricity demand, shrinking reserve margins, and rising prices, but little evidence of investment in new generating capacity responding to balance supply and demand consistent with traditional metrics for generation resource ‘adequacy’.

Isabel Hess, Stephen Chamot, Blake Boren et al.

Preprints.org • 2024

This study identifies hydraulically amplified self-healing electrostatic (HASEL) transducers as electricity generators by assessing their capability to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, contrary to their conventional role as actuators. HASELs are soft, variable-capacitance transducers inspired by biological muscles, which were developed to mimic the flexibility and functionality of natural muscle tissues. This research characterizes HASELs as generators by reversing their energy conversion mechanism—applying mechanical energy to deform the HASEL to generate electrical energy. The study includes analytic modeling and empirical evaluation, thereby assessing the practical laboratory performance of HASELs as electricity generators. Outcomes of the study include the following: (i) up to 2.5 mJ per cycle per HASEL pouch of positive net energy generation in experimental testing—corresponding to an energy density of 2.0 mJ cm−3; (ii) a maximum theoretical conversion of 5.2 mJ cm−3; (iii) the electromechanical characteristics governing efficient conversion; and (iv) future design optimization strategies to enhance the effectiveness of HASELs as electricity generators—potentially broadening their applicability and utility in research fields such as renewable energy and general adaptive electricity generation.

I. R. Brookes

CORROSION 1978 • 1978

From the beginning of Britain's nuclear power programme it has always been the Central Electricity Generating Board's (CEGB) policy as operators of nuclear power plant, to maintain sufficient staff and facilities to enable us to test experimentally and examine theoretically, certain proposals or features of design in any reactor tendered to us. The procedure whereby the CEGB submits to the reactor construction company a technical specification which is transformed into a design by the company ensures a large measure of cooperation between the two organisations before and after a design is issued. Although this ensures that principles are agreed beforehand, the CEGB may question or test certain of the proposals put forward by the construction company. In this way the CEGB becomes what it terms an 'informed buyer'.

Ndala Yves Mulongo, Cliton Aigbavboa

Preprints.org • 2018

In response to ever-increasing concerns regarding ecological degradation and societal impact, numerous stakeholders such as non-governmental organisations, government officials, end-users, the mass media, and community activists have compelled business organizations, particularly multi-national companies to lessen harmful greenhouse gases emissions associated with their production activities. Energy sector is one of the biggest harmful greenhouse gases emission producer, hence, decision-makers within the energy sector are forced to promote and build environmental friendly and sustainable power generation plants. To this end, the concept of sustainability in the electricity sector has attracted so much attention from academics and industrial practitioners over the last three decades. Albeit, an important number of sustainability assessment frameworks for electricity generating technologies are found in the current literatures, three major drawbacks have emerged from those frameworks. Firstly, there is a lack of a holistic and comprehensive sustainability assessment framework for different power generation plants. Secondly, from economic aspect, the most used model (Levelised Cost of Electricity) to measure the cost performance of various electricity generating technologies is biased and is not inclusive enough, because, it only considers the capital, Operations and Maintenance, and fuel costs. Hence, snubbing crucial elements to business decision. Lastly, in the current literature, there is no a single sustainability assessment model that considers all the phases of electrical energy’s lifecycle. Considering these flaws, the novelty of this study is the development of a new, holistic theoretical sustainability assessment framework for power generation plants. The developed theoretical model includes 19 impact categories, 52 potential indictors, and 10 end points environmental, economic, and social aspects.

, Duangkamon Amonsaksopon

• 2002

Combinations of the beta-lactam and beta-lactamase inhibitor are antibiotics extensively used in clinic for the treatment of infectious disease caused by the beta-lactamase producing bacteria. The mode of action of beta-lactamase inhibitor is regarded as irreversible, suicide inhibitors of the target enzyme resulting in persistent activity of beta-lactams to inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis, which leads to cell death. The present study aimed to evaluate the synergistic interaction between beta-lactams and beta-lactamase inhibitors on clinically important beta-lactamase producing gram-negative bacteria by checkerboard technique and time kill method. Clavulanic acid at 2 microgram/ml demonstrated synergy to amoxicillin against Moraxella catarrhalis and Haemophilus influenzae by reduction MIC of amoxicillin to 64 times. Similarly tazobactam at 4 .microgram/ml reduce the MIC of piperacillin against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa to 64 and 4 times, respectively. The MIC of cefoperazone against P. aeruginosa was decreased 8 times when being combined with sulbactam 8 microgram/ml whereas Acinetobacter baumannii required sulbactam 32 microgram/ml to reduce the MIC of cefoperazone. Additionally, beta-lactams (amoxicillin, piperacillin, cefoperazone) at 2 MIC in concomitant with beta-lactamase inhibitors at average concentration (clavulanic acid at 2 microgram/ml, tazobactam at 4 microgram/ml, sulbactam at 8 mg/ml) demonstrated the antibacterial properties and synergistic activity by decreasing colony forming unit more than 100 fold comparing with the most active single drug except for A. baumannii that required sulbactam at least 32 microgram/ml to show those properties. Regarding to post beta-lactamase inhibitor effect (PLIE), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and piperacillin-tazobactam manifested the time period of PLIE that correlated to concentration of beta-lactamase inhibitors against H. influenzae and P. aeruginosa, respectively. Furthermore it found that one of three beta-lactamase inhibitors, clavulanic acid, demonstrated beta-lactamase induction effect by inducing Enterobacter cloacae to produce beta-lactamase that destroyed cefuroxime as tested by double disks as well as agar dilution methods. The MIC of cefuroxime was increased from 6 mg/ml to 32 microgram/ml on exposure to clavulanic acid 10 microgram/ml. The results obtained suggest that the concentration of beta-lactamase inhibitors and beta-lactams under studies are appropriate for clinical application.