• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers Conference
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• 2006.06a
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• pp.28-29
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• 2006

When photovoltaic module is used for a long time, its performance decreases due to several reasons. In this paper, we focus on the possibilities mainly contributing to the degraded efficiency of the polycrystalline silicon photovoltaic modules. The analysis is based on the modules that have been used for 15 years. These are two main reasons that cause the efficiency degradation, the corrosion and thermal decomposition. The former phenomenon of electrode is mainly due to the moisture from damaged back sheet in some module. However the other reason of the degraded efficiency comes from the thermal decomposition, which can not be observed from the outside but only by experiment. In this study, the comparison between the efficiency of normal modules and degradation modules is presented. Module having degraded cell was seen to cause increase of series resistance by about 80%, in comparison to normal samples efficiency which reduce by about 20%. This study shows that the effects of series resistances on module performance are critical. These effects must be understood and taken into consideration when analyzing performance degradation.

• Solar Energy
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.31-43
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• 2000

The Korea Institute of Energy Research(KIER) has been collecting horizontal global radiation data since May, 1982 for 16 different locations. KIER's new data is expected to be extensively used by designer and researchers of solar systems in lieu of unreliable old ones. Unfortunately, the quality of the data has not always been properly mentioned. Some of them were taken at temporary field stations where the primary goal of the measurement was quick estimation of local solar radiation. The purpose of this study is to systematically identify errors in such data set using clear-day analysis in an effort to rehabilitate error-ridden old data. Clear-day analysis successfully uncovered solar radiation data that had questionable quality. Even through the rehabilitation process not necessarily improves the quality of data for daily or monthly mean, it can be used to improve the quality of data for monthly means of several years and the processed data can be used in various applications of solar energy with more confidence. A average ETR value of 0.63 obtained in this study is in good agreement with previous results obtained by other researchers.

• Korean Journal of Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering
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• v.16 no.10
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• pp.932-941
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• 2004

The objective of this study is to detect the multi-fault of HVAC system using a new pattern classification technique. To classify the effect of single-fault in determining the pattern, supply air temperature, OA-damper, supply fan, and air flowrate were chosen as experimental parameters. The combination of supply temperature, flow rate, supply fan and OA-damper were chosen as multi-fault conditions. Three kinds of patterns were introduced in the analysis of multi-fault problem. To solve multi-fault problem, the new pattern classification technique using residual ratio analysis was introduced to detect the multi-fault as well as single-fault. The residual ratio could diagnose single-fault or multi-fault into several patterns.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Gas
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.19-26
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• 2023

Hydrogen, a clean energy source free of COx emissions, is poised to replace fossil fuels, with its usage on the rise. Despite its high energy content per unit mass, hydrogen faces limitations in storage and transportation due to its low storage density and challenges in long-term storage. In contrast, ammonia offers a high storage capacity per unit volume and is relatively easy to liquefy, making it an attractive option for storing and transporting large volumes of hydrogen. While NH₃ decomposition is an endothermic reaction, achieving excellent low-temperature catalytic activity is essential for process efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The study examined the effects of different zeolite types (5A, NaY, ZSM5) on NH₃ decomposition activity, considering differences in pore structure, cations, and Si/Al-ratio. Notably, the 5A zeolite facilitated the high dispersion of Ni across the surface, inside pores, and within the structure. Its low Si/Al ratio contributed to abundant acidity, enhancing ammonia adsorption. Additionally, the presence of Na and Ca cations in the support created medium basic sites that improved N₂ desorption rates. As a result, among the prepared catalysts, the 15 wt%Ni/5A catalyst exhibited the highest NH₃ conversion and a high H₂ formation rate of 23.5 mmol/g_cat·min (30,000 mL/g_cat·h, 600 ℃). This performance was attributed to the strong metal-support interaction and the enhancement of N₂ desorption rates through the presence of medium basic sites.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.646-653
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• 2012

We studied the economic evaluations on Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER)'s $CO_2$ capture process using dry sorbents, and compared the results with those of comparable technologies. Capital and operating costs of the $CO_2$ capture system for 500 MW coal fired power plant were estimated to determine the economic feasibility. LCOE (Levelized Cost of Energy) and $CO_2$ capture cost appeared 32.46$/MWh and 28.15$/ton$CO_2$, respectively. The internal rate of return (IRR), the net present values (NPV), and the payback period (PBP), were calculated by assuming several variables. As the result of calculation, IRR of KIER's $CO_2$ capture system was 15%, NPV was calculated 6,631,000$, and PBP was 5.93 years at $50/t$CO_2$ of CER price. Consequently, this process can compete with other comparative processes using dry sorbents.

• Journal of the Korean Electrochemical Society
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.45-50
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• 2015

In the present work, to increase the chemical stability of the lithium-ion-conducting ceramic electrolyte ($Li_{1+x+y}Al_xTi_{2-x}Si_yP_{3-y}O_{12}$, LATP) in the strong alkaline solution, the surface of LATP was modified by the nitridation process. The surface and structural properties of nitride LATP solid electrolyte were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectrometer and scanning electron microscopy and ac-impedance spectroscopy, which were correlated to the chemical stability and electrochemical performance of LATP. The nitrided LATP immersed in the alkaline solution for 30 days exhibits the enhanced chemical stability than the pristine LATP. Moreover, a rechargeable hybrid Li-air battery constructed with the nitrided LATP solid electrolyte shows considerably reduced discharge-charge voltage gaps (enhanced the round-trip efficiency) in comparison to the cell constructed with pristine LATP, which indicate that the surface nitridation process can be the efficient way to improve the chemical stability of solid electrolyte in alkaline media.

• Solar Energy
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.29-36
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• 1982

The Solar Energy R&D Department of KIER under the auspice of the Korean government is pushing hard on the development of the passive solar technology with high priority for the expeditious widespread use of solar energy in Korea, since the past few years of experiences told us that the active solar technology is not yet ready for massive commercialization in Korea. KIER has completed the construction of the Solar Energy Research & Test Center in Seoul, which houses the major facilities for its all solar test programs. The Center was designed as a passive solar building with great emphasis on the energy conserving ideas. The Center is not only the largest passive building in Korea, but also the exhibit center for the effective demonstration of the passive heating and cooling technology to the Korean public. The Center was designed to satisfy the requirements based on the technical and economical criteria set by the KIER. Careful considerations, therefore, were given in depth in the following areas to meet the requirements. 1) Passive Heating Concepts The Center employed the combination of direct and indirect gain system. The shape of the Center is Balcomb House style, and it included a large built-in sunspace in front. A partition, consists of transparent and translucent glazings, separates the sunspace and the living space. Since most activities in the Center occur during the day time, direct utilization of the solar energy by the living spaces was emphasized with the limited energy storage capacity. 2) Passive Cooling Concepts(for Summer) Natural ventilation concept was utilized throughout the building. In the direct gain portion of the system, the front glazing can be openable during the cooling season. Natural convection scheme was also applied to the front sunspace for the Summer cooling. Reflective surfaces and curtains were utilized wherever needed. 3) Auxiliary Heat ing and Cooling System As an auxiliary cooling system, mechanical means(forced convection system) were adopted. Therefore forced air heating system was also used to match the duct work requirements of the auxiliary cool ing system. 4) Effect ive Insulation & Others These included the double glazed windows, the double entry doors, the night glazing insulation, the front glazing-frame insulation as well as the building skin insulation. All locally available construction materials were used, and natural lightings were provided as much as possible. The expected annual energy savings (compared to the non-insulated conventional building)of the Center was estimated to be about 80%, which accounts for both the energy conservation and the solar energy source. The Center is being instumented for the actual performance tests. The experimental results of the simplified tests are discussed in this paper.

• Clean Technology
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.121-132
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• 2017

The increase of greenhouse gases and the concern of global warming instigate the development and spread of renewable energy and hydrogen is considered one of the clean energy sources. Hydrogen is one of the most elements in the earth and exist in the form of fossil fuel, biomass and water. In order to use hydrogen for a clean energy source, the hydrogen production method should be eco-friendly and economic as well. There are two different hydrogen production methods: conventional thermal method using fossil fuel and renewable method using biomass and water. Steam reforming, autothermal reforming, partial oxidation, and gasification (using solid fuel) have been considered for hydrogen production from fossil fuel. When using fossil fuel, carbon dioxide should be separated from hydrogen and captured to be accepted as a clean energy. The amount of hydrogen from biomass is insignificant. In order to occupy noticeable portion in hydrogen industries, biomass conversion, especially, biological method should be sufficiently improved in a process efficiency and a microorganism cultivation. Electrolysis is a mature technology and hydrogen from water is considered the most eco-friendly method in terms of clean energy when the electric power is from renewable sources such as photovoltaic cell, solar heat, and wind power etc.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.57 no.6
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• pp.891-897
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• 2019

In this study, heteropoly acid PVMo catalysts were supported on activated carbon with various composition of phosphoric acid ($H_3PO_4$), vanadium (V) pentoxide ($V_2O_5$) and molybdenum (VI) trioxide ($MoO_3$). Catalytic performance was examined at $140^{\circ}C$ for 1hour in vapor formaldehyde. XRD and BET analyses were carried with the catalysts before and after the reaction. Formaldehyde conversion was increased with decreasing Mo and $H_3PO_4$ content and increasing $V_2O_5$ content. Acidity of the catalysts was investigated with $NH_3-TPD$. Crystallinity of the catalysts was relatively low, and surface area was decreased after the reaction. In $NH_3-TPD$ result, the ratio of strong acid site corresponding to $NH_3$ desorption between $400^{\circ}C$ and $500^{\circ}C$ was increased by decreasing $MoO_3$ and $H_3PO_4$ content and increasing $V_2O_5$ content. Therefore, it was found that the strong acid site could affect the catalytic reactivity in vapor formaldehyde conversion.

• Journal of the Korean Electrochemical Society
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.32-39
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• 2024

The key components of a Phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC) are an electrode catalyst, an electrolyte matrix and a gas diffusion layer (GDL). In this study, we introduced a microporous layer on the GDL of PAFC to enhance liquid electrolyte management and overall electrochemical performance of PAFC. MPL is primarily used in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells to serve as an intermediate buffer layer, effectively managing water within the electrode and reducing contact resistance. In this study, electrodes were fabricated using GDLs with and without MPL to examine the influence of MPL on the performance of PAFC. Internal resistance and polarization curves of the unit cell were measured and compared to each other to assess the impact of MPL on PAFC electrode performance. As the results, the application of MPL improved power density from 170.2 to 192.1 mW/cm². MPL effectively managed electrolyte and water within the matrix and electrode, enhancing stability. Furthermore, the application of MPL reduced internal resistance in the electrode, resulting in sustained and stable performance even during long-term operation.