Electronic components and key algorithms for a prototype drone: Economic and sustainability advantages

Existing studies on blockchain (BC) technology have primarily focused on its technical aspects and operational benefits within firms, often neglecting its impact on economic, social, and environmental goals. This study comprehensively analyses BC’s influence on business goals in order to inform investment decisions. Using a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis, we analysed data from interviews with 29 agri-food companies using BC in their operations, identifying three dimensions of BC deployment–resource, process, and relational benefits–as antecedents of business economic, social, and environmental goals. Our research enhances the existing literature on BC in business by identifying two specific paths for using BC to achieve economic and sustainability advantages, along with one path that does not yield such benefits. This study is the first one to clarify three primary approaches that companies adopt when integrating blockchain into their operations, pertaining to process optimisation, market effectiveness, and value integration.

The article is devoted to the improvement of the production technology of diesel biofuel from waste oils, which are a significant source of environmental pollution. Environmental pollution is one of the biggest environmental problems of our time. Used oils that are not properly disposed of cause serious environmental problems, including water and soil pollution. The use of waste oils for the production of biofuel is a promising technology that allows reducing the amount of pollution and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Biodiesel from waste oils has significant environmental, economic and sustainable advantages. The main goal of the article is a detailed analysis of modern technologies for the production of diesel biofuel from waste oils and an assessment of their improvements and impact on ecology, economy and society. The article discusses innovative approaches to the processing of used oils, their purification and preparation for further use. An analysis of the main methods of transesterification, hydrogenation, esterification and enzyme catalysis, as well as the latest technologies, such as ultrasonic and microwave intensification of biofuel production, was carried out. New technological solutions for the preliminary preparation of used oils with a high content of free fatty acids using a combination of acid catalysts are proposed, and a technological scheme of the full production cycle is developed. The rational parameters of the equipment for the preliminary preparation of used oils with a high content of free fatty acids have been determined. Recommended conditions include hydrogenation temperature not higher than 80°С, duration of the process not less than 40 minutes; separation of the water-protein part by centrifugation at a rotation frequency of the centrifuge rotor of 3000 rpm for 20 minutes; the esterification reaction temperature is no more than 60°C; molar ratio of alcohol to oil 9:1; acid catalyst concentration within 1-15%; the intensity of mixing in the reactor is 31.42 s-1; the duration of the process is not less than 120 minutes. It was established that it is advisable to use potassium hydroxide for the transesterification reaction. The use of potassium hydroxide is beneficial because the potassium salts formed during the technological process of diesel biofuel production can be used as mineral fertilizers. According to the results of the research, the optimal parameters for the transesterification reaction were chosen: the amount of methanol - 20% by mass. from the weight of the oil, the KOH 1 catalyst is 1.5%, the temperature of the process is 60°C and the duration is 60-70 minutes. Examples of successful implementation of these technologies in various countries of the world, in particular in Europe, the USA and Asia, are presented. Additionally, recommendations are provided for further research and technology development, including the need to improve waste oil purification methods, optimize transesterification processes, and integrate renewable energy sources. The prospects and challenges of the industry of biofuel production from waste oils are considered, in particular the issues of regulatory support, financial incentives and investment attraction.

The transition towards renewable energy sources is essential for addressing climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, positioning wind energy as a vital component of sustainable power generation. This paper investigates the pivotal role of advanced materials in optimizing the efficiency and reliability of wind energy systems through a physics-based approach. Recent advancements in material science including carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs), glass fiber reinforced polymers (GFRPs), and nanomaterial’s such as graphene and carbon nanotubes are evaluated for their potential to significantly enhance mechanical properties, reduce weight, and improve energy conversion efficiencies of wind turbines. A comprehensive review of the literature reveals the historical context of wind turbine materials and emphasizes the transition from traditional construction methods using steel and wood to innovative composite materials. The study introduces a novel methodology for the integration of advanced materials into turbine design, supported by numerical simulations and experimental validations. The impact of these materials on key operational performance metrics, including power output, structural integrity, and aerodynamic efficiency, is quantified. Moreover, the application of smart materials for real time structural health monitoring is explored, highlighting the potential for predictive maintenance that can prolong the lifespan of wind turbines. The findings suggest that although the initial costs of advanced materials may be higher, their superior performance characteristics offer significant long-term economic benefits and sustainability advantages. The discussion concludes with recommendations for future research directions, including the optimization of hybrid material systems, advancements in manufacturing techniques, and comprehensive long-term durability assessments. This study underscores the critical necessity for continued innovation in materials science to enhance the resilience and environmental efficiency of wind energy systems, thereby contributing positively to the global transition towards sustainable energy solutions.

The energy sector is increasingly concentrating on optimising well designs with tiny borehole diameters due to the requirement to strike a balance between operational and financial efficiency. Conventional well designs frequently use bigger borehole diameters, which are efficient but come with high material and operating expenses. With a focus on their potential for cost savings, enhanced drilling performance, and environmental advantages, this study investigates the viability of slimhole designs. By using less fuel, steel casings, and drilling fluids, smaller boreholes can minimise overall operating costs, as evidenced by recent developments in slimhole technology. An analysis of trajectory optimisation in horizontal wells with ultra-short radii shows that it can increase extraction efficiency by as much as five times, especially in unconventional reservoirs. Reduced borehole diameters also present structural integrity difficulties that call for creative methods to wellbore stability, as demonstrated by computational and experimental research. This study evaluates material characteristics, flow efficiency, and mechanical stability under a range of operating conditions using contemporary computational tools and analytical techniques in order to address these issues. The study also highlights the trade-offs that come with slimhole designs, including possible decreases in production rates and higher drilling precision requirements. It covers methods for overcoming these constraints, such as the use of innovative materials, improved drilling methods, and sophisticated wellbore trajectory planning. ‘Slimhole technology' long-term economic and sustainability advantages are demonstrated through comparisons with conventional well designs. In addition to providing a sustainable strategy to optimise well design while addressing environmental concerns, the research findings have implications for the production of geothermal and hydrocarbon energy. This research adds to the expanding corpus of information on effective well construction by utilising state-of-the-art developments and established methodologies. Real-time monitoring system integration should be the main goal of future research in order to significantly improve performance and lower hazards in tiny borehole operations. In the end, the findings imply that using optimised slimhole designs can improve energy projects' environmental sustainability and financial feasibility. Keywords: well design optimization, small borehole diameter, slimhole technology, wellbore stability, drilling performance, cost reduction.

The transition towards renewable energy sources is essential for addressing climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, positioning wind energy as a vital component of sustainable power generation. This paper investigates the pivotal role of advanced materials in optimizing the efficiency and reliability of wind energy systems through a physics-based approach. Recent advancements in material science including carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs), glass fiber reinforced polymers (GFRPs), and nanomaterials such as graphene and carbon nanotubes are evaluated for their potential to significantly enhance mechanical properties, reduce weight, and improve energy conversion efficiencies of wind turbines. A comprehensive review of the literature reveals the historical context of wind turbine materials and emphasizes the transition from traditional construction methods using steel and wood to innovative composite materials. The study introduces a novel methodology for the integration of advanced materials into turbine design, supported by numerical simulations and experimental validations. The impact of these materials on key operational performance metrics, including power output, structural integrity, and aerodynamic efficiency, is quantified. Moreover, the application of smart materials for real time structural health monitoring is explored, highlighting the potential for predictive maintenance that can prolong the lifespan of wind turbines. The findings suggest that although the initial costs of advanced materials may be higher, their superior performance characteristics offer significant long-term economic benefits and sustainability advantages. The discussion concludes with recommendations for future research directions, including the optimization of hybrid material systems, advancements in manufacturing techniques, and comprehensive long-term durability assessments. This study underscores the critical necessity for continued innovation in materials science to enhance the resilience and environmental efficiency of wind energy systems, thereby contributing positively to the global transition towards sustainable energy solutions.

Extended discharge time of ready-mixed concrete: Myth or necessity?

ABSTRACTIn this study, advanced treatment of heavily polluted oilfield production wastewater (OPW) was investigated employing the combination of coagulation/dissolved air flotation, heterogeneous catalytic ozonation and sequencing batch reactor (SBR) processes. Two SBR reactors were separately set up before and after the ozonation unit. The results show that microbubble flotation was more efficient than macrobubble flotation in pollutant removal. Catalytic ozonation with the prepared Fe/activated carbon catalyst significantly enhanced pollutant removal in the second SBR by improving wastewater biodegradability and reducing wastewater microtoxicity. The treatment technique decreased oil, chemical oxygen demand and NH3-N by about 97%, 88% and 91%, respectively, allowing the discharge limits to be met. Therefore, the integrated process with efficient, economical and sustainable advantages was suitable for advanced treatment of real OPW.

The decomposition of carbon dioxide (CO2) is a primary step in carbon re-utilization approaches aimed to fulfill fuels and chemicals demands and mitigate environmental emissions. Plasmachemical CO2 decomposition processes can be highly efficient; however, their reliance on electrical energy can limit their economic viability and sustainability advantage. In contrast, solar thermochemical CO2 decomposition approaches can have limited efficiency, but their direct use of the most abundant form of renewable energy affords them the greatest sustainability potential. Solar-enhanced microwave plasma (SEMP) chemical synthesis, based on the direct interaction between microwave plasma and concentrated solar radiation, is investigated as a novel approach to combine the advantages of plasmachemical and solar thermochemical processes. SEMP is motivated by the potential for synergistic effects between solar photons and plasma species, implied by the markedly greater spectral absorption of nonequilibrium CO2 plasma compared to that of equilibrium CO2, to lead to enhanced chemical decomposition. The design, development, and characterization of a SEMP reactor for atmospheric pressure CO2 decomposition is presented. The reactor is powered by a 1.25 kW magnetron and by up to 525 W of incident radiative power from a high-flux solar simulator. Experimental results reveal that the microwave plasma absorbs up to 20% of concentrated solar radiation at a solar-to-electrical power ratio of 0.5, and that relative absorption decreases with increasing solar input power. However, conversion efficiency and plasma energy efficiency increase with increasing solar power, up to 9% and 25% respectively, for a solar-to-electrical power ratio of 0.75. The enhanced process performance appears to be a consequence of the greater power density in the plasma caused by the direct absorption of solar radiation.

This paper provides a comprehensive examination of cogeneration power plants, also known as Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems, which simultaneously produce electricity and thermal energy from a single fuel source. Unlike conventional plants that waste significant heat, CHP systems recover and utilize it, reaching efficiencies up to 90%. The study outlines the core operational principles, key technologies like HRSG and biogas-based systems, and highlights international case studies. It further addresses economic benefits, sustainability advantages, and challenges faced in implementation. The research concludes with insights on the role of CHP in achieving global energy efficiency and carbon reduction goals.

Advanced treatment of biologically pretreated coal gasification wastewater by a novel integration of heterogeneous catalytic ozonation and biological process.

Effect on the oxidation characteristic at lignite of two types of endogenous microorganisms from coal

In this study, material development, characterization, and sustainability assessment are performed on blends from recycled post-consumer commodity plastics for fused deposition modeling (FDM) filament extrusion. A recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) and high-density polyethylene (rHDPE) blend 80:20 ratio is modified using three different methods: compatibilization with Maleic Anhydride, surface functionalization of PET with sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), and hybridization by combination of the two methods which is a novel approach. The selected blends were reinforced with chopped glass fibers and characterized. The printability of blends was assessed, and the dimensional accuracy of the prints was calculated. In addition, a cost estimation and comparison between the developed blends and the commercially available FDM filaments was carried out. Finally, life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted for each prepared blend to facilitate the decision of the optimum blend in relation to mechanical properties and environmental performance and hence correlate the material, economic, and sustainability advantages.

CARD: Comprehensive approach based on relative difference for decision-making problems with dual evaluation forms − Application to sustainable renewable energy selection

Nitrate reduction was optimized in water from the Siilinjarvi/Finland mine site with iron powder and iron nanoparticles. Iron waste from a mold machining industry was then tested as a potential alternative. Complete reduction of nitrate from the mine water was achieved with the iron powder and nanoparticles at pH 2. The iron waste, though less efficient, still achieved 53% nitrate reduction. Examination of the surface of the iron powder and waste by SEM–EDS showed iron corrosion: crystals of iron oxides grew on the iron surface as the pH increased during NO3− reduction, until about pH 5. The major by-product of the NO3− reduction of mine water was NH4+, with low NO2− concentrations (< 7%). Although iron powder and nanoparticles were more reactive, the iron waste results are promising. Despite its low BET surface area, the use of iron waste to treat high volumes of mine water would appear to have economical and sustainable advantages. More efficient NO3− reduction could possibly be attained with iron waste of higher BET surface area and/or by combining it with other chemical treatments.

Heterogeneous catalytic ozonation of biologically pretreated Lurgi coal gasification wastewater using sewage sludge based activated carbon supported manganese and ferric oxides as catalysts.