Combining the emerged advanced technologies (such as cloud computing, ‘internet of thing’, virtualization, and service-oriented technologies, advanced computing technologies) with existing advanced manufacturing models and enterprise ‘informationization’ technologies, a new computing- and service-oriented manufacturing model, called cloud manufacturing (CMfg), is proposed. The concept, architecture, core enabling technologies, and typical characteristics of CMfg are discussed and investigated, as well as the differences and relationship between cloud computing and CMfg. Four typical CMfg service platforms, i.e. public, private, community, and hybrid CMfg service platforms, are introduced. The key advantages and challenges for implementing CMfg are analysed, as well as the key technologies and main research findings.
Graphene aerogel is a promising electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding material because of its light weight, excellent electrical conductivity, uniform three-dimensional (3D) microporous structure, and good mechanical strength. The graphene aerogel with high EMI shielding performance is attracting considerable critical attention. In this study, a novel procedure to fabricate high EMI shielding graphene aerogel was presented, inspired by the irreversible deformation of hydrogels under mechanical pressure. The procedure involved a mechanical compression step on graphene hydrogels for the purpose of altering microstructures followed by freeze-drying and thermal annealing at 900 °C to generate the final products. Because of the flow of internal liquid caused by mechanical compression, the microstructures of hydrogels changed from a cellular configuration to a layered configuration. After a high degree of compression, GAs can be endowed with homogeneous layered structure and high density, which plays a leading role in electromagnetic wave dissipation. Consequently, the aerogels with excellent electrical conductivity (181.8 S/m) and EMI shielding properties (43.29 dB) could be obtained. Besides, the compression process enabled us to form complex hydrogel shapes via different molds. This method enhances the formability of graphene aerogels and provides a robust way to control the microstructure.
It is necessary to develop new technologies for energy storage and use of renewable energy to improve energy efficiency. Phase change materials (PCMs) are a family of energy storage materials that are among one of the most suitable materials for storing and effectively utilizing renewable thermal energy. PCM-based latent heat storage (LHS) is more advantageous than sensible energy storage because of the high storage energy density per unit volume/mass and the smaller temperature difference between storing and releasing heat. However, PCMs have low a thermal conductivity and a high degree of supercooling that are affecting their efficiency for energy storage. This review article first introduces the principle of phase change energy storage and the classification of phase change energy materials. Then, the improvement of storage methods of PCMs, and the fundamental properties that affect the application of phase change materials are discussed in detail. The applications of PCMs in various fields are also reviewed, including in solar energy utilization, waste heat recovery, construction, and civil and medical use. Finally, it summarizes the research progress of PCMs and provides an outlook for future research.
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