Solar Based Combined Heating, Cooling and Power production System Towards Zero Energy Buildings

Role of polygeneration in sustainable energy system development challenges and opportunities from optimization viewpoints

New paradigms in sustainable energy systems with hydrogen

Population growth and city expansion in developing countries require traditional urban planning practices to be transformed in order to tackle climate change and follow Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agendas. Almost every expert in the urban sector believes that future cities should be sustainable, smart, and environmentally friendly, where energy is one of the most critical factors to achieve these goals. They also agree that smart and sustainable energy provision for cities requires a comprehensive and responsive legal and policy framework to be in place at the national level. However, this research’s findings reveal a lack of such frameworks for this group of countries. Considering the challenges and unique nature of Low-Income-Developing (LID) countries, there should be a framework based on the realities in these countries. In this research, key challenges of urban and energy sectors of LID countries, specifically Afghanistan, are identified, and a framework for the integration of sustainable and smart energy in the urban planning processes for LID countries is proposed. To make it easily replicable and adaptable for LID countries, the proposed framework is studied and analyzed around Afghanistan’s urban and energy sectors. This is one of the few frameworks of its kind for LID economies to the best of the authors’ knowledge. This framework lays a solid foundation for sustainable and smart energy integration in the urban planning process of developing countries. This study highlights that sustainable and smart energy systems could ensure climate change mitigation and economic growth enhancement but require close cross-sectoral coordination and policy maker’s commitments and involvement. This research will help many existing and emerging cities in the LID countries’ worldwide use and benefit from the proposed framework in their urban planning processes. It also enables policymakers, urban planners and designers, municipalities leadership, and other stakeholders of the urban, energy, and environment sectors to work together and make smart and rational decisions for the future of their cities and lead them towards smart and sustainable cities.

Technologies and policies for the transition to a sustainable energy system in china

Reinforcement learning in sustainable energy and electric systems: a survey

This study investigates the development of the fossil fuel fired power generation sector in Europe up to 2030 and identifies the critical factors that influence its evolution. Through the application of least-cost expansion planning theories, the technology and fuel mix of fossil fuel power plant portfolios emerging from twenty-four techno-economic scenarios are described. The different scenarios present alternative views for the role of non-fossil fuel (nuclear and renewable) power generation, the development of the world fuel and carbon markets and the carbon capture power generating technologies. The study estimates the needs for new fossil fuel capacity and identifies the optimal power plant mix for all possible combinations of the cases mentioned above. The impacts of the resulting portfolios on the objectives of the European energy strategy are assessed using as indicators the capital investment for the construction of the required capacity, the fuel consumption, the diversity of the fuel mix, the CO2 emission levels, and the average production cost of electricity from the fossil fuelled fleet. The report finds that high CO2 prices need to be maintained and carbon capture technology must be developed and become commercialised. If these conditions are met and medium or high fossil fuel prices prevail, the portfolio of fossil fuel power plants that will be deployed will be compatible with the European goal for the development of a more sustainable energy system. The key conclusion is that for a sustainable and safe energy system we need to invest, both in the increase of non-fossil fuel power generation and to ensure that carbon capture and storage technologies are ready to be deployed when needed.

A role for Renewables Toward Sustainable Energy Systems

The increasing global demand for sustainable energy has increased the importance of solar photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) systems, which simultaneously increase electrical efficiency by removing excess heat and utilizing it for beneficial purposes. Although the addition of fins is generally known to increase efficiency, the influence of Z-finned geometries on PV/T system performance has not yet been fully characterized. In this study, the performance of conventional (PV/T-C) and Z-finned (PV/T-F) air-cooled PV/T systems was numerically investigated through comprehensive energy, exergy, and sustainability analyses. Simulations were conducted using ANSYS Fluent 2025 R1. The results revealed that, compared to the PV/T-C system, the PV/T-F system achieved an increase of 17.18% in overall efficiency. Furthermore, the incorporation of fins enhanced the overall exergy efficiency by 2.57% and improved the sustainability index by 0.32%. The findings demonstrate that Z-shaped fins improve the overall, exergy, and sustainability performances of air-cooled PV/T systems under the climatic conditions of Malatya, Türkiye. This study highlights the critical role of fin geometry in enhancing PV/T system performance and contributes valuable insights for the design of more efficient and sustainable solar energy systems.

Abstract：The transition to sustainable energy and transportation systems presents complex challenges for the value chain of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). These challenges are explored through the lens of the 5th wave theory, which predicts the emergence of a new technological paradigm based on clean energy and mobility. One major challenge is the need for a comprehensive infrastructure to support the production, distribution, and consumption of sustainable energy and clean transportation. This includes charging stations for BEVs and hydrogen refueling stations for FCEVs, as well as renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. Another challenge is the need to develop a circular economy for the production and disposal of BEV and FCEV components, including batteries and fuel cells. This requires designing products for reuse, recycling, and remanufacturing, as well as establishing collection and recycling systems that are both economically and environmentally sustainable. The shift to sustainable energy and transportation requires significant changes in consumer behavior and preferences, as well as policy and regulatory frameworks to support the adoption of BEVs and FCEVs. This includes measures such as incentives for the purchase of clean vehicles, as well as emissions standards and carbon pricing to incentivize the transition to low-carbon transportation. Addressing these challenges will require collaboration across the entire value chain, from vehicle manufacturers and energy providers to policymakers and consumers. By embracing the 5th wave theory and working together to create a sustainable energy and vehicle-related value chain, we can pave the way for a cleaner, greener, and more equitable future. Purpose: In the overall context of global earth overheating (often downplayed as "climate change"), BEVs and FCEVs are at the core of the road mobility solution to be sought. Although this is recognized in expert circles and now even by most politicians worldwide, there are still many challenges in this regard. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the challenges of establishing a sustainable energy and vehicle-related value chain for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) through the 5th wave theory. The paper aims to identify the key challenges and propose solutions for establishing a sustainable value chain for these vehicles. Design/methodology/approach: The aim was to find out what challenges still exist around the implementation of BEVs and FCEVs. Germany and the EU are exemplary here for most industrialized countries. This paper uses a qualitative approach to analyze the challenges of establishing a sustainable value chain for BEVs and FCEVs through the 5th wave theory. The study is based on a review of existing literature and case studies of countries that have implemented sustainable energy and transportation systems. Findings: Most people have come to understand that anthropogenic global overheating can only be solved by new technologies (which cost money, time, and behavioral change) in production and application. BEVs and FCEVs appear to be an essential part of the desired solution. Nevertheless, there are currently still numerous challenges and also concrete concerns worldwide, which partially cast the implementation in a questionable light. The findings suggest that establishing a sustainable value chain for BEVs and FCEVs requires a comprehensive infrastructure, circular economy principles, and changes in consumer behavior and policy frameworks. The paper proposes solutions for addressing these challenges,

As the world’s population continues to grow and the demand for energy increases, there is an urgent need for sustainable and efficient energy systems. Renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, have the potential to play a significant role in meeting this demand, but their intermittency can make integration into existing energy systems a challenge. Moreover, the development of sustainable energy systems has become even more critical in recent years, due to a confluence of events, including the decline in fuel prices, geopolitical conflicts, and the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The decrease in fuel prices has led to a decline in investment in renewable energy and has slowed the transition to sustainable energy systems. Additionally, geopolitical conflicts and pandemics have highlighted the need for resilient and self-sufficient energy systems that can operate independently of external factors. Also, energy storage technologies play a critical role in achieving this goal by providing reliable backup power and enabling microgrids to operate independently of the larger power grid. As such, developing efficient and effective energy storage technologies is essential for creating sustainable energy systems that can meet the demands of modern society while mitigating the impact of external factors. In this regard, this work provides an overview of microgrids’ latest energy storage technologies, including their applications, types, integration strategies, optimization algorithms, software, and uncertainty analysis. Energy storage technologies have a wide range of applications in microgrids, including providing backup power and balancing the supply and demand of energy. Different energy storage techniques have been discussed, including batteries, flywheels, supercapacitors, pumped hydro energy storage, and others. Moreover, integration strategies of energy storage in microgrids, models, assessment indices, and optimization algorithms used in the design of energy storage systems are presented in detail. The capabilities of software used in energy storage sizing are explored. Further, uncertainty analysis in modeling energy storage devices is presented and discussed. This state-of-the-art technology has been prepared to demonstrate the effectiveness of energy storage technologies in microgrids, providing valuable insights for future developments in the field.

: A comparison is made between the performances of the 600-gph Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Unit (ROWPU) operated in the bypass mode and the Mobile Water Purification Unit (MWPU). Generally, the performance of the MWPU is significantly better than the pretreatment units of the ROWPU in terms of removing both turbidity and pathogenic organisms. It is recommended that the practice of bypassing the reverse osmosis (RO) components of the ROWPU be avoided unless it can be demonstrated clearly that the cartridge filters will remove the cysts of infectious organisms effectively and reliably. If the ROWPU must be operated in the bypass mode, it is recommended that the dose of disinfectant used be made equal to that currently employed in the field for untreated raw water. The analytical methods used to determine total dissolved solids (TDS) and residual free chlorine with the new Water-Quality Monitor (WQM) are also reviewed briefly. The limitations of the methods used to calibrate the TDS and free-chlorine probes of the new WQM are discussed.

Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) emphasizes the necessity of ensuring universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy. As the global energy landscape undergoes transformative changes, engineering management plays a pivotal role in optimizing infrastructure, implementing cutting-edge technologies, and ensuring regulatory compliance to facilitate sustainable energy transitions. This paper presents a systematic review of sustainable engineering management strategies and their contributions to achieving SDG 7. It explores the intersection of engineering management, energy policy, and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and predictive analytics, in improving energy access and efficiency.A conceptual framework is developed, integrating sustainability transitions theory, energy justice, and the energy-water-food nexus, to analyze the interdependence influencing sustainable energy development. The paper examines case studies from Germany’s Energiewende, Japan’s post-Fukushima renewable policies, and community-led energy projects, illustrating best practices and challenges in global energy transitions. Furthermore, it highlights financial, technological, and regulatory barriers that hinder sustainable energy implementation and proposes future-oriented solutions using digital transformation, decentralized energy networks, and AI-driven cybersecurity. Findings suggest that interdisciplinary collaboration between engineers, policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders is crucial in accelerating energy access. By leveraging smart grids, AI-powered decision-making, and blockchain-enabled peer-to-peer energy trading, engineering management can drive sustainable and equitable energy solutions. The paper concludes with policy recommendations and a roadmap for enhancing resilience, security, and inclusivity in sustainable energy systems.

Experimental and numerical investigation of a novel photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) collector with the energy and exergy analysis

Current issues of global warming and environmental pollution due to extensive use of fossil fuels has been reached to an alarming position. Being CO2 as main byproduct of fossil fuel consumption and water as abundantly available on earth surface has great potential to replace fossil fuels as energy source. Herein, electrocatalytic CO2 reduction with water for methanol and hydrogen gas (H2) production over ITO sheet decorated with modified-Titanium nanorods (TiO2 NR), has been investigated. The performance comparison of electrocatalytic activity of hydrothermally modified-titania with commercial TiO2 microparticles (MP) were further investigated. Electrochemical reactor containing KHCO3 aqueous solution with CO2 as an electrolyte and modified TiO2 nanorods (NR) as working electrodes offer an eco-friendly system to produce clean and sustainable energy system. The typical rates of product, i.e. methanol and H2 generation from the ITO sheet decorated with modified TiO2 NR layer recorded higher than those for the ITO sheet with commercial TiO2 microparticle. At 2.0V applied potential vs Ag/AgCl as reference electrode, the modified TiO2 NR electrocatalyst yielded methanol at a rate of 3.32 µmol.cm−2.L−1 and H2 at a rate of 6 µmol.cm−2.L−1 which was higher than that of commercial TiO2 MP electrocatalyst (methanol = 1.5 µmol.cm−2.L−1 and H2 = 3.7 µmol.cm−2.L−1). The enhancement in product yields of methanol and H2 was mainly due to the notable improvements and modification in texture of TiO2 working electrode interface. Hence, it is concluded that the modified TiO2 NR can be considered as a competent candidate for sustainable energy conversion applications. Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).

Providing clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy for people everywhere will require converting to an energy system in which the use of fossil fuels is minimal. A sustainable energy transition means substantial changes in technology and the engagement of the engineering community. But it will also mean changes in behavior and policies and, thus, will require the engagement of the social science community. The choices, preferences, and behaviors of individuals and households are major direct influences on energy demand, and they also shape the acceptability and effectiveness of technologies, strategies, and policies to bring about a sustainable energy transition. A successful transition to a more sustainable energy system will require a wide range of sustainable actions by diverse people across the globe.