This paper describes a simulation model for analyzing the probability of power supply failure in hybrid photovoltaic–wind power generation systems incorporating a storage battery bank, and also analyzes the reliability of the systems. An analysis of the complementary characteristics of solar...

Three different electrode films of highly crystallized LiCoO2, nano-crystalline LiMn2O4 as cathode and amorphous LiNiVO4 as anode were grown on stainless steel substrates by pulsed laser deposition. Microbatteries were assembled using liquid electrode of LiPF6. The microbatteries were...

This paper reports the investigation results of the energy payback time (EPBT) and greenhouse-gas payback time (GPBT) of a rooftop BIPV system (grid-connected) in Hong Kong to measure its sustainability. The 22 kWp PV array is facing south with inclined angle of 22.5°. The hourly solar...

Nanocrystalline materials commonly show properties superior to their bulk counterparts. Therefore, they are promising candidates used in the next generation of micro/nanodevices. In the present study, nanocrystalline Co–Ni alloys were fabricated using the pulsed electrodeposition method. The...

Needle-shaped PbTiO3 (PT) template particles were successfully synthesized using two different types of approaches, molten salt synthesis (MSS) and thermal synthesis method. In eutectic NaCl–KCl molten salt system, homogeneous and nonagglomerated needle-shaped PT particles were produced from...

Abstract: Banking competition may enhance or hinder the financing of small and medium enterprises. Using a survey on the financing of such enterprises in China, combined with detailed bank branch information, we investigate how concentration in local banking market affects the availability of...

Abstract: The recent financial crisis has reopened the debate on the impact of informal and formal finance on firm growth in developing countries. Using unique survey data, we find that informal finance is associated with higher sales growth for small firms and lower sales growth for large...

Abstract: Using a survey dataset of Chinese rural households, we find that access to external finance is positively associated with the decision to become entrepreneur, the initial investment for microenterprises and the use of external finance. Also, we find that the use of informal finance is...