Analysis Of Energy Potential Research Articles

Technical and economic evaluation of using biomethane from sanitary landfills for supplying vehicles in the Southeastern region of Brazil

Population growth has increased the production of municipal solid waste (MSW). The processes of degradation of MSW generate products poluants such as biogas. However, reforming biogas into biomethane for energy use can reduce impacts and increase energy supply. This study aimed to assess the technical and economic feasibility of using biomethane generated from landfills in the Southeastern region of Brazil to supply vehicles. The economic feasibility of this endeavor was verified using Net Present Value (NPV), and the Internal Rate of Return (IRR). We estimated Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission reductions by replacing diesel with biomethane, using a methodology proposed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. We analyzed 50 different landfill consortia. Consortia with installed capacity less than 5500 m³/day were economically unviable. The NPV ranged from around US$-20.00 million to US$120.00 million, while project IRR, with CAPEX from US$ 4 million, remains approximately constant, around 35%. Replacing diesel oil with biomethane produced can offset 29.14 trillion tons of CO2eq emissions. Biomethane is one option for replacing fossil fuels. This study is innovative because it presents an analysis of biomethane's energy and economic potential in southeastern Brazil, the country's most developed region, helping develop the national biomethane market.

Management of university solid waste in China through gasification technology: An analysis of waste composition and energy potential.

This study explored the composition and energy potential of university solid waste (USW) in China. Five combustible components, namely hard plastics (HP), paper (PP), soft plastics (SP), biomass (BM), and rubber (RB), were screened with the compositions 51%, 29%, 9%, 4%, and 3%, respectively. Each USW sample was gasified using a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) at the heating rates of 5, 10, and 15 ℃/min and a final process temperature of 900 ℃. Thermal weight loss (TG) curves exposed the degradation in the order HP > SP > RB > BM > PP. Derivative thermogravimetric (DTG) peaks revealed that HP, PP, BM, and SP were degraded in three temperature-oriented phases in the range 172-731 ℃. The RB took an additional phase in the range 584-660 ℃. Major released gases, H2, CH4, CO, and CO2, were detected using MS via mass-to-charge (m/z) ratios. Higher H2 and total gas yield produced in the case of the HP dominated other materials at the lower heating rate of 5 ℃/min. Validation of data was assessed by equating experimental and calculated curves; therefore, the regression coefficient (R2) ranged between 0.884 and 0.997. The kinetics of the process were estimated by applying the Flynn-Wall-Ozawa (FWO) model at the conversion rates (α) of 0.2, 0.5, and 0.8, which presented reasonable results. Overall, the lower heating rates supported higher thermal conversion and a high quantity of gaseous products for all the components.

Food waste as a source of sustainable energy: Technical, economical, environmental and regulatory feasibility analysis

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a viable technique to address food waste (FW) problems by converting FW into sustainable energy. Despite the advantages of the AD process, large-scale AD plants like in Germany and the USA have not been developed in Australia. Therefore, this paper aims to study the technological, economic, and environmental feasibility of sustainable energy production from household FW in Australia. In addition, this paper discusses the different waste to energy (WtE) technologies along with the operational parameters as well as the challenges in developing a biogas plant. The energy and economic potential analysis of the AD process indicates that the processing of 10% FW from Australian states and territories can generate 1.22 GWh to 35.4 GWh electricity which can subsequently earn AUD 0.54 million to AUD 15.7 million revenue per year. The greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions analysis indicates that conversion of the 10% of Australian FW has the potential to lower GHG emissions by 639,852 tonnes per annum. Hence, it can be said that FW plays a vital role as a promising source of sustainable energy and is capable of benefiting the country's economy significantly and reducing GHG emissions.

Valorization of food waste into hydrogen: Energy potential, economic feasibility and environmental impact analysis

Hydrogen gas is widely acknowledged as a significant energy carrier worldwide. Hydrogen gas derived from sustainable sources could be used as an alternative to fossil fuel for electricity generation with zero emission of hazardous pollutants. Food waste valorization to hydrogen is a viable energy source with potential economic benefits. The current study examines the economic viability and environmental effect of producing hydrogen from food waste in China using biogas steam reforming for power generation. The key findings show that the steam reforming of biogas from food waste could produce 221.12 billion kg of hydrogen gas. The quantity of hydrogen gas yield could generate 661.97 TWh of electricity. It was found that the consumption of the available electricity from the hydrogen gas could displace 15,482.26 M liters of diesel fuel combustion. The amount of diesel fuel consumption avoided can reduce global warming by 42,041.90 kt CO2e. It was also discovered that hydrogen has an appealing ecological efficiency of 94.64% when used as a source of energy generation. According to the outcomes of the economic analysis, the food waste to hydrogen project is economically feasible in all of China's provinces. The average hydrogen production cost, return on investment, the payback period is $0.814/kWh, 29.8%, and 7.2 years. This study could provide scientific data for investment and decision-making on ecological sustainability in food waste to hydrogen initiatives in China and other emerging nations with a similar culture.

A hybrid decision making aided framework for multi-criteria decision making with R-numbers and preference models

As a risk modeling about fuzzy numbers, R-numbers have successfully extended to multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) methods for the real-life decision making problems involving the risk and uncertainties associated with fuzzy numbers. To obtain more reliable and robust multi-criteria ranking alternatives in these uncertain situations, a hybrid decision making aided framework involving stochastic multiobjective acceptability analysis (SMAA), robust ordinal regression (ROR), and multi-attributive border approximation area comparison (MABAC) is proposed for MCDM problems with risk factors and preference models. Firstly, some novel operations of the R-numbers associated with triangular fuzzy numbers are proposed to explore a broader application scope. Secondly, a novel MABAC method combined with the R-numbers is proposed for MCDM problems which focus on uncertainty and error of triangular fuzzy numbers. Thirdly, a hybrid decision making aided framework which applies SMAA and ROR into the novel MABAC method is proposed for obtaining robust multi-criteria ranking alternatives through two binary relations, and two measures complement each other. Moreover, a Monte Carlo simulation of the framework is performed. Lastly, an application of assessment of wind energy potential and comparative analysis is provided to illustrate the efficiency and superiority of the proposed framework.

The Energy Potential of Harvested Wood Fuel by Refugees in Northern Uganda.

For the last three decades, Uganda has lost considerable natural vegetation cover in the refugee settlements and buffer zones due to the high demand for wood fuel and timber. It is worthy to note that the supplies of wood fuel are more likely to dwindle in the near future. This study explored the determinants of harvested wood-fuel choices and their energy potential. It also examined the implemented energy conservation measures and constraints faced by the refugees both in Palorinya and Imvepi refugee settlements in Northern Uganda. The data were collected by conducting household interviews and collection of wood species samples for energy potential laboratory analysis. Findings indicate that the major sources of wood fuel were firewood, charcoal, briquettes, and biomass fuels. The major refugee choices that determined wood-fuel collection included the family size of the house hold, culture, method of cooking, type of food cooked, high poverty levels, and availability of family labour (P ≤ 0.05). The sampled wood tree species had the highest energy potential were Celtis durandii (5,837 kcal/kg), Parkinsonia aculeata (5,771 kcal/kg), Delonix regia (5,153 kcal/kg), and Bligihia unijugata (5,034 kcal/kg). Access to wood fuel by the households was mainly constrained by limited household income levels, long distances trekked, and inadequate awareness about wood fuel sources and availability. To conserve wood fuel, the refugees deploy several measures including the use of mobile solar gadgets for cooking and lighting, taking up agroforestry, use of briquettes, adoption of energy-saving cooking stoves, and establishment of new woodlots. Therefore, to reverse this trend, the Ugandan government and development partners should prioritise energy investments by supporting cheaper energy alternatives such as mobile solar gadgets and energy-saving cooking technologies, and establishment of woodlots.

Solar energy potential in Freiburg, Graz, Maribor, Banja Luka, Nis, and Athens

This paper presents a comparative analysis of solar energy potential for six different cities, in six different countries in Europe: Freiburg (Germany), Graz (Austria), Maribor (Slovenia), Banja Luka (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Nis (Serbia), and Athens (Greece). Data processed in this work are accessed from Photovoltaic Geographical Information System (PVGIS). Photovoltaic technology is crystalline silicon, and installed peak photovoltaic power is 5 kWp. The aim of the work is to find out whether there are statistically significant differences among the cities in relation to monthly energy production in regard to different types of photovoltaic system (fixed - free standing, fixed - building integrated, inclined, and two axis solar power plants). The work is based on four hypotheses. The estimation of solar energy production in different regions is very important for determination of potential regions suitable for generation of renewable and sustainable energy.

Exploring the potential of coconut shell biomass for charcoal production

Coconut shells are produced in a vast amount around tropical countries that needs to be utilized properly. Thermochemical methods are the main route for converting biomass to charcoal. Percentage of some relative factors in the biomass such as low-density, low caloric value, high ash, SOX, NOX, moisture content, microstructure, and complex elements are its major drawbacks. Nevertheless, no scientific studies were conducted on the carbonization of converting coconut shells to charcoal from local to global scales. Therefore, comprehensive and precise data on its production is limited. To overcome these problems; biomass materials need to be evaluated to assure the suitability of the biomass for the thermochemical process to curtail the yearning of energy demand. For the overall efficiency of the biomass conversion processes into the preference biomass-derived fuel, it is important to understand the physicochemical characteristics of the biomass. The paper aims at understanding the specialties of coconut shell biomass, which is directly used for thermochemical conversion mainly for charcoal production via; chemical structure, energy potential, and morphological analysis. The biomass exhibits a high: density of 412 kg/m3, a calorific value of 19.4 MJ/kg, fixed carbon of 21.8%, a volatile matter of 70.8%, carbon of 40.1%, and low amount moisture of 5.6%, and ash of 1.8%. EDX and XRF analysis revealed a low amount of complex heavy metals, trace amounts of sulfur, and nitrogen, thus pre-treatment is not required before its utilization, ideal for thermochemical conversion. The coconut shell possesses amorphous and crystalline carbonaceous materials based on the XRD spectrum. The morphology on FESEM images and surface area analysis shows that the coconut shell contains heterogeneous shapes and scales of macro-pores with high surface area and porosity in nature. These essential qualities are suitable for charcoal production, activated carbon, insect repellent, filler, incense sticks, and other applications. Coconut shell possesses remarkable properties such as carbon-rich and environmentally friendly solid fuel to other biomass and coal materials; hence, it is possible to produce alternative energy from coconut shell biomass due to its several characteristics.

Characterization and energy potential evaluation of urban municipal solid waste of Pakistan

Determining the physical and chemical characteristics of municipal solid waste (MSW) aids in assessing the potential environmental impacts of any waste management initiative. The study aimed to determine the basic physical and chemical characteristics of urban MSW from two Pakistani megacities (Lahore and Rawalpindi). Physical, proximate, and ultimate micronutrient analyses, as well as an energy potential analysis, were performed on the sampled MSW. Physically, there was 65–70% biogenic content and 40–53% moisture content. Elemental contents were found to be carbon (38–48%) > oxygen (18–21%) > hydrogen (4–4.3%) > nitrogen (0.5–0.9%) > sulfur (0.4–0.8%). Carbohydrates are the most abundant (32–37%) micronutrients. The combustible fraction of waste has a high calorific value, an indication of its energy potential. The MSW generated by Rawalpindi (880 tons per day) and Lahore (6100 tons per day) was found to be suitable for energy production of 6213 and 40,897 MWh, respectively. The MSW of Rawalpindi and Lahore can generate 49 MW per day and 341 MW per day of electricity, respectively. MSW has the potential to be a valuable renewable energy source for Pakistan if appropriate policies and waste management technologies (such as thermochemical treatments and biochemical treatments) are implemented.

Characterization of BiOBr/g-C3N4 heterostructures immobilized on flexible electrospun polyacrylonitrile nanofibers for photocatalytic applications

Numerous efforts have been devoted to improving the photocatalytic activity of g-C3N4 with BiOBr. However, most have used nano- and micro-sized structures that are arduous to be recycled, resulting in secondary pollution by the reaction system. BiOBr was grown on electrospun g-C3N4/polyacrylonitrile nanofibers (PAN NFs) by a solvothermal method. As a result, flexible heterojunction BiOBr/g-C3N4/PAN NFs were obtained. In addition, the coverage density and morphology of BiOBr on the surface of g-C3N4/PAN NFs can be tailored by altering the precursor concentration. BiOBr/g-C3N4/PAN NFs displayed enhanced photocatalytic activity of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) degradation under visible light irradiation. Notably, 3-BiOBr/g-C3N4/PAN NFs demonstrated the highest photocatalytic activity for TCH removal among the series of composite nanofibers, achieving 86% degradation efficiency within 1 h. A Z-scheme photocatalytic mechanism was rationally presented based on active species trapping experiments, the band energy potential, PL, and TPR analysis. The findings from the experiments suggested that the higher redox ability and charge separation efficiency were responsible for the enhancement. Lastly, the 3-BiOBr/g-C3N4/PAN NFs can recover quickly due to their self-supporting membrane structure. They also exhibited excellent durability over multiple consecutive cycles of the TCH photodegradation.

Assessing the Effects of Substitution and Substituent Position on the Reactivity of Salicylideneaniline Ligands to Coordinate Transition Metal(II) Ions: a DFT Study

The present scientific contribution aims to investigate computationally the effects of substitution and substituent position on the reactivity of a series of salicylideneaniline derivatives ligands containing 13 molecules. Global reactivity parameters such as the EHOMO, ELUMO, gap energy, electronegativity, chemical hardness, chemical softness, electrophilicity index, and molecular electrostatic potential analysis (MESP) have been calculated at DFT/B3LYP/TZP level of theory and then well discussed to give valuable explanations for the effects of substitution and substituent position on the reactivity of the studied ligands.

On probability distributions of wind speed data in Malaysia

The rapid depletion of fossil fuel resources leads to environmental issues and impacts, making alternative resources such as wind energy to be one of the important renewable sources. The statistical characteristics of wind speed and the selection of suitable wind turbines are essential to evaluate wind energy potential and design wind farms effectively. Hence, an accurate assessment of wind energy and wind data analysis is crucial before a detailed analysis of energy potential is conducted. The probability distributions of wind speed data are considered, and its parameters are precisely estimated to achieve this aim. This study considers the most selected distribution, namely, Weibull, Gamma, and Logistic distributions. These distributions are fitted to the wind speed data for sixteen stations in Malaysia. The parameter estimation is performed by the maximum likelihood method. The efficiency of the model distribution is analysed. The goodness of fit test is performed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The results show that Gamma distribution is the most suitable distribution for the wind speed data in Malaysia as it fits the data well for thirteen stations. The Logistic distribution is found to be the best distribution for the other three stations. The graphical method also agrees with the analytical result.

Estimation of energy content in municipal solid waste of Bhutan and its potential as alternate powers source

Conversion of Solid waste into energy is the most resourceful process to combat landfill saturation and environmental impression. Bhutan, with an exponential rise in the waste production, Waste to Energy (WTE) conversion is an alternative solution for municipal solid waste management (MSW). The study for MSW composition and its energy potential analysis for Memelakha (Thimphu) and Pekarshing (Phuntsholing) landfills was done to resolve the waste management challenges in the country. The standard number of samples from two dumpsites were used to analyze for the waste characterization (waste composition, proximate analysis, chemical analysis) and high heating value (HHV) of MSW. MSW of two landfills showed that the main elemental constituents were Carbon and Oxygen with 17.26% and 9.97% by mass respectively for Pekarshing and 16.52% (Carbon) and 11.07% (Oxygen) by mass for Memelakha landfill. Based on the physio-chemical analysis of MSW, the average calorific HHV of MSW obtained were 10.028 MJ/kg (26.04% of coal energy) for Pekarshing dumpsite and 9.6 MJ/kg (24.94% of coal energy) for Memelakha. The analysis showed that by the year 2050 Memelakha landfill has the potential to generate the power of 8.85 Megawatt (MW) and 1.44 Megawatt (MW) for Pekarshing. For (WTE) conversion, incineration, pyrolysis, and gasification technologies are found suitable based on the current composition MSW of Bhutan. Furthermore, in terms of energy efficiency and percentage of wastage, the gasification process was the most feasible method for WTE conversion at two locations with a waste volume reduction of 80 to 90 percent at the landfill.

Economic Evaluation of “Green Energy” Potential in Nagorno-Karabakh and Neighboring Regions

The paper focuses on the economic opportunities of renewable energy resources (RES) in Azerbaijan's liberated territories. Armenia illegally exploited energy and other natural resources in Nagorno-Karabakh and its surrounding areas during its 30-year occupation. As a result, it is not surprising that the establishment of a "green energy" zone in the territories has been given high priority in the post-liberation period. Traditional energy sources are currently the most common source of electricity generation in the world. In this regard, the world's ever-increasing energy demand accelerates nation-states' gradual transition to green energy. Electricity generation from renewable energy sources is increasing in many countries, including the United States. In Nagorno-Karabakh and seven neighboring regions, the state is focusing on the production and effective use of renewable energy resources. As a result, ensuring harmony in the gradual use of renewable and traditional energy resources will be essential to the country's socioeconomic development, environmental sustainability, and energy security. The economic analysis of renewable energy potential and the establishment of a “green energy” industry are conducted in the article.

Assessment of wind energy potential: a case study

ABSTRACT Utilization and investments of wind energy have been speedily rising in the world due to harmful side of the fossil fuels. Assessment of wind energy potential analysis is a must before making investment decision of wind farm. Due to high capacity factor of Aegean Sea, Gökçeada location is chosen for wind energy potential analysis. One year hourly measured wind velocity and direction data supplied by Turkish State Meteorological Service (TSMS) is used to assess the wind potential in the terrain. Two different approaches are used for the assessment, the former employs power-law method for calculating wind velocity field while the latter employs Windsim software based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) method. After calculating wind velocity field, Weibull method is used for energy analysis in both approaches. Results from each approach are compared. The roughness is attained at only two points that are measurement site and turbine site in power-law method while it is taken into account for the whole domain in CFD method. Besides, unlike CFD method, wind direction is not considered in power-law method. The velocity profile is calculated at the height of 60 m and considered the same everywhere depend on the roughness in power-law method. On the other hand, Windsim calculates velocity profile over the terrain in consideration by solving Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations. In this assessment, seven Vestas V90 2 MW wind turbines are employed. According to the results of power-law method and CFD method, the capacity factor is calculated as 31.67 and 49.5%, respectively. Windsim results indicate that annual energy production (AEP) is 60.2 GWh/y regarding wake loss, and the shape factor ranges from 1.57 to 1.64 whereas scale factor ranges from 9.49 to 10.77 m/s for the locations of turbines. It is strongly advised to build a wind farm in Gökçeada location according to the results from the analysis.

Enhanced methane production and energy potential from rice straw by employing microaerobic pretreatment via anaerobic digestion

This study employs a microaerobic pretreatment that includes different microbial reagents combined with oxygen to enhance the energy conversion potential of rice straw (RS) via anaerobic digestion (AD) in a more cost-effective and time-efficient manner. Five broad varieties of microbial reagents including liquid consortium (LC), cow manure (CM), sheep dung (SD), biogas slurry (BS), and straw-decomposing consortia (SC), have been used as sources of useful microbes at varying oxygen concentrations of 0, 6, 12 and 24 mLO2/gVS to explore the effect of microaerobic pretreatment on RS degradation. The results showed that RS pretreated with SC had the highest cumulative methane yield (CMY) of 311.7 mL/gVS at 12 mLO2/gVS, followed by BS, CM, LC, and SD, with the CMYs of 270.5, 263.2, 257.1, and 256.7 mL/gVS at 6 mLO2/gVS, respectively. The RS pretreated with SC, BS, CM, LC, and SD led to improvements in the methane yield by 88.7%, 63.7%, 59.3%, 55.6%, and 55.4%, respectively, compared to the untreated RS. The microbial community analysis revealed that the relative abundance (RA) of Firmicutes, which are known to play a key role in accelerating the rate of hydrolysis, increased after microbial pretreatment combined with oxygen supply. The RA of Clostridium III, which facilitates cell wall degradation via hydrolytic pathways along with other sugar-fermenting bacteria, such as Saccharofermentans, Lutaonella, and Sedimentibacter, increased after AD in the digestate of pretreated RS compared to that in untreated RS. Moreover, a shift in acetoclastic and hydrogenotrophic archaea, including Methanothrix and Methanospirillum, was also observed, indicating precursor changes resulted by pretreatments and varied microbial metabolism, which might have enhanced the methane production process of RS. The energy potential analysis revealed that microbial pretreatment was a suitable technique for stimulating the energy conversion efficiency of RS. This study can be used as a reference for future utilization of a diverse range of lignocellulosic materials for clean energy production.

Energy potential matching analysis on solar methanol reforming system in dynamic processes

Energy potential matching analysis on solar methanol reforming system in dynamic processes

Energy potential matching analysis of coal utilization processes of gasification

Energy potential matching analysis of coal utilization processes of gasification

Theoretical Analysis of Energy Potential of Vegatable Waste (A case study in Tokat Province)

Theoretical Analysis of Energy Potential of Vegatable Waste (A case study in Tokat Province)

Computational Study on Metal-Ion-Decorated Prismane Molecules for Selective Adsorption of CO2 from Flue Gas Mixtures.

Selective adsorption of CO2 from flue gas is extremely significant because of its increasing concentration in air and its deleterious effect on the environment. In this work, we have explored metal-ion-bound prismane molecules for selective CO2 adsorption from the flue gas mixture. The Ca2+-bound prismane complex exhibits superior CO2 selectivity and adsorption capacity. The calculated binding energy and molecular electrostatic potential (MESP) analysis showed that the rectangular face of prismane binds strongly with metal ions as compared to its triangular face. The CBS-QB3 and density functional theory-based functional M06-2X/6-311+G(d) calculations show that the prismane molecule can bind to one Li+, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ ion with favorable binding energy. The metal-ion-bound prismane complexes have been examined for their CO2, N2, and CH4 adsorption capacity. Prismane–Ca2+ can bind with six CO2 molecules strongly with an average binding energy of −18.1 kcal/mole as compared to six N2 (−12.6) and five CH4 (−13.4) gas molecules. The gravimetric density calculated for the CO2-adsorbed prismane–Ca2+ complex has been found to be 69.1 wt %. The discrete hydrocarbon structure for selective separation of CO2 is rare in the literature and can have potential applications for cost-effective CO2 capture from the flue gas mixture.