Cost Components Research Articles

Joint energy management with integration of renewable energy sources considering energy and reserve minimization

In light of electric vehicles (EVs) and demand-side management, a combined optimization paradigm for microgrid (MG) resource scheduling is proposed in this study. Renewable energy sources, including wind and solar power, fulfill a fraction of the consumption demand, while the MG maintains a connection to the electrical network to facilitate power transactions. By utilizing EVs, we can mitigate the inherent volatility of renewable energy production with manageable loads and level out the system's demand profile. The proposed system employs a bi-level programming strategy, wherein the initial level is dedicated to the minimization of aggregate costs, encompassing those related to energy and reserves. Additionally, costs associated with resource redistribution due to the uncertainty of solar and wind power output are minimized at the second level. Subsequently, the objective function is addressed using the enhanced adapted approach of modified marine predators algorithm (MMPA), chosen for its robustness and effectiveness as an optimization technique. The outcomes obtained for a microgrid underscore the superior performance of the results achieved through the application of the MMPA algorithm when contrasted with alternative established methodologies. The outcomes have demonstrated that integrating EVs and adaptable loads contributes to a decrease in operational expenses and emissions. Furthermore, the uncertainties associated with WT and PV are effectively counterbalanced. Additionally, the results garnered from the simulations indicate that the recommended MMPA technique has the capacity to yield superior solutions compared to several other widely recognized optimization algorithms. Scheduling with both DR and EVs with three cost components are considered, generation cost, reserve cost, and initial unit cost, amounting to $740.11, $9.61, and $6.07, correspondingly and it can lead to decreased emission levels and increased incentives for proprietors of EVs, responsive load participants, and RES.

Minimum Carbon Credit Cost Estimation for Carbon Geological Storage in the Mae Moh Basin, Thailand

Carbon geological storage (CGS) is one of the key processes in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies, which are used to reduce CO2 emissions and achieve carbon-neutrality and net-zero emissions in developing countries. In Thailand, the Mae Moh basin is a potential site for implementing CGS due to the presence of a structural trap that can seal the CO2 storage formation. However, the cost of CGS projects needs to be subsidized by selling carbon credits in order to reach the project breakeven. Therefore, this paper estimates the economic components of a CGS project in the Mae Moh basin by designing the well completion and operating parameters for CO2 injection. The capital costs and operating costs of the process components were calculated, and the minimum carbon credit cost required to cover the total costs of the CGS project was determined. The results indicate that the designed system proposes an operating gas injection rate of 1.454 MMscf/day, which is equivalent to 29,530 tCO2e per year per well. Additionally, the minimum carbon credit cost was estimated to be USD 70.77 per tCO2e in order to achieve breakeven for the best case CGS project, which was found to be much higher than the current market price of carbon credit in Thailand, at around USD 3.5 per tCO2e. To enhance the economic prospects of this area, it is imperative to promote a policy of improving the cost of carbon credit for CGS projects in Thailand.

Integrated life cycle assessment in off-grid energy system design—Uncovering low hanging fruit for climate mitigation

We perform an ex-ante life cycle assessment, integrating cradle-to-gate greenhouse gas emissions into an off-grid energy system model. By applying a multi-objective optimization, minimizing both costs and carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions, we find the Pareto boundary between these two goals. As a case study, we chose the power supply to an astronomical observatory in Chile, using mostly solar power and energy storage in batteries and hydrogen. We compare the ex-ante study to a prior ex-post life cycle assessment, and furthermore dive into sensitivities of our model regarding component lifetimes and costs. We find (i) low-hanging fruit in lowering emissions with small cost increases, (ii) ex-ante life cycle assessments’ possibility to find less CO2e intensive power systems compared to ex-post conducted studies, (iii) a pronounced sensitivity of the optimization model on assumed lifetimes of energy storage components. This study shows the importance of including life cycle CO2e emissions into the optimization objective of energy system models. This method uncovers the environmental and economic trade-offs associated with high shares of renewable energies in off-grid energy systems.

Budget impact analysis of continuous glucose monitoring in individuals with type 2 diabetes on insulin treatment in England

IntroductionIn 2022, updated guidance from NICE expanded the options for self-monitoring of blood glucose for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), to include continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). In this budget impact analysis, the cost impact of CGM was compared with traditional self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) in adults with T2DM over 1 year from the commissioner perspective in England.Research Design and methodsThe NICE-eligible T2DM cohort was split into 4 subgroups to enable nuanced costing by insulin administration frequency: basal human insulin, premixed insulin, basal-bolus insulin and bolus insulin. The model’s cost components comprised mild and severe hypoglycaemia (SH), diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), consumables and healthcare resource utilisation in primary and secondary care.ResultsThe introduction of CGM is estimated to be cost additive by approximately £4.6 million in the basecase, driven by increased spending on the CGM device. Overall, healthcare activity was reduced by approximately 20,000 attendances, due to fewer SH and DKA episodes in the CGM arm. General Practitioner (GP) practice-based activity is expected to drop after the first year as patients requiring CGM training is reduced. The budget impact could be neutralised if the CGM sensor was discounted by 13.2% (£29.76 to £25.83).ConclusionsCGM may result in increased spending in the NICE-eligible T2DM cohort but is expected to reduce demand on secondary care services and GP time. These findings may be of interest to local decision-makers who wish to resolve the COVID-19 backlog with transformational investment in primary care to reduce secondary care activity.

Economic and Humanistic Burden of Moderate and Severe Hemophilia A and B in Spain: Real-World Evidence Insights from the CHESS II Study

Economic and Humanistic Burden of Moderate and Severe Hemophilia A and B in Spain: Real-World Evidence Insights from the CHESS II Study

Cucumber under Controlled Environment Polyhouse: A Step Forward to Enhance Farmers Income

Present study was conducted to see profitability of cucumber crop when grown under polyhouse. Controlled environment crops have greater consistency and production is more reliable than uncontrolled open field crops. Technology is used to manage and manipulate the growing conditions to reduce uncertainty and optimise crop growth. Particularly, cucumber crop was uneconomical when grown under open field conditions due to its climate sensitiveness. Present study was conducted in cucumber which was being cultivated in environment-controlled poly house. The cost return analysis showed that the total cost of cultivation per 1000 m2 area was Rs. 307746 with an output value of Rs.888960 resulted in Benefit Cost Ratio of 2.89. As the poly house involves initial establishment costs besides maintenance costs every year. This component was amortized to be included in Total Fixed Cost component (TFC) of cost analysis. Similarly, the bed prepared for cucumber sowing also amortized as it lasts for five years once prepared. As most of the farmers were facing initial capital issues for establishing polyhouse, majority of farming fraternity till unable tap the full benefits of cucumber crop. By utilizing the policies of government, cucumber cultivation under poly house is economically beneficial.

The Costs of Straw in Germany: Development of Regional Straw Supply Costs between 2010 and 2020

BackgroundThe bioeconomy relies strongly on the availability of biomass, including biogenic waste, residues and by-products. The cost of supply often represents a significant proportion of the total value of the resource. However, there is limited insight into the current supply costs of wastes, residues and by-products. This includes straw, which is the most important agricultural by-product in Germany. Despite its importance, standardised information on supply costs or market prices, as well as their temporal and spatial variation, is missing.AimTherefore, there is an urgent need for the temporal and spatial monitoring of individual cost components within total supply costs. This is essential to identify the most cost-effective options for the utilisation of agricultural by-products. Therefore, this study focuses on the case of straw to develop a model capable of visualising and mapping regional supply costs over time.MethodWe use an activity-based costing approach to calculate and monitor regional supply costs, defined as the monetary expenditure required to make straw available at the farm level. Our methodology combines typical technical and operational aspects of straw collection and transport with regional wage statistics, yield data, farm sizes, fuel prices and labour costs. We also consider storage costs and opportunity costs associated with nutrient replacement and conduct sensitivity analyses to measure their impact. To validate our calculations, we compare them with actual straw prices. To establish a reliable cost monitoring system, we propose an approach to assess the quality of input data.ResultIn 2011, the regional supply costs for straw varied from 45.72 EUR/Mg[FM] to 92.92 EUR/Mg[FM], showing a wide range. Over the years, the German average supply cost for straw increased from 56.78 EUR/Mg[FM] in 2010 to 58.79 EUR/Mg[FM] in 2020, with a peak of 61.24 EUR/Mg[FM] in 2018. This suggests that the temporal impact on mass-specific costs is relatively moderate compared to the spatial distribution of supply costs. The sensitivity analysis highlights storage time and costs, straw yield and wage levels as the main drivers of supply costs. Doubling the storage period from 3 to 6 months increases total costs by 20%. On average, the costs explain 75% of the straw price across all federal states, depending on annual price and cost levels. The quality assessment of input data shows that currently 68% of the data cannot be automatically extracted for continuous monitoring. Detailed results are available in a corresponding data publication: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8145082.ConclusionIn the absence of standardised market prices, the model presented provides an approach to estimating the supply costs of straw, expressed in terms of the monetary cost to farmers of mobilising straw. This cost information could be a valid database for further techno-economic assessments or models to evaluate the economic feasibility of straw valorisation. Due to the modular structure of the model, the future development of supply costs can be considered if the input data are adapted to future scenarios.Graphical

The economic burden of multimorbidity: Protocol for a systematic review.

Multimorbidity, also known as multiple long-term conditions, leads to higher healthcare utilisation, including hospitalisation, readmission, and polypharmacy, as well as a financial burden to families, society, and nations. Despite some progress, the economic burden of multimorbidity remains poorly understood. This paper outlines a protocol for a systematic review that aims to identify and synthesise comprehensive evidence on the economic burden of multimorbidity, considering various definitions and measurements of multimorbidity, including their implications for future cost-of-illness analyses. The review will include studies involving people of all ages with multimorbidity without any restriction on location and setting. Cost-of-illness studies or studies that examined economic burden including model-based studies will be included, and economic evaluation studies will be excluded. Databases including Scopus (that includes PubMed/MEDLINE), Web of Science, CINAHL Plus, PsycINFO, NHS EED (including the HTA database), and the Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Registry, will be searched until March 2024. The risk of bias within included studies will be independently assessed by two authors using appropriate checklists. A narrative synthesis of the main characteristics and results, by definitions and measurements of multimorbidity, will be conducted. The total economic burden of multimorbidity will be reported as mean annual costs per patient and disaggregated based on counts of diseases, disease clusters, and weighted indices. The results of this review will provide valuable insights for researchers into the key cost components and areas that require further investigation in order to improve the rigour of future studies on the economic burden of multimorbidity. Additionally, these findings will broaden our understanding of the economic impact of multimorbidity, inform us about the costs of inaction, and guide decision-making regarding resource allocation and cost-effective interventions. The systematic review's results will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal, presented at conferences, and shared via an online webinar for discussion.

The Economic Burden of Dementia in India

This paper provides the first estimate of the economic cost borne by Indian individuals living with dementia and their families based on nationally and state-wise representative data from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI). We found that the annual household cost attributable to dementia was $571. This is a significant figure, equivalent to 20 percent of annual healthcare spending by the Indian government. Our results identify important differences in cost components relative to high-income countries, emphasizing the need for culturally tailored interventions to support people living with the condition and their families in the Indian context.

Correlation Analysis for LCOE and Cost Components with Terrain Complexity for Korean Onshore Wind Farms

Correlation Analysis for LCOE and Cost Components with Terrain Complexity for Korean Onshore Wind Farms

Enhancing Fuel Ratio Efficiency for Sustainable Operations in Pit KX Mining: DMAIC Methodology

PT ABC is one of Indonesia’s largest coal mining businesses, and the mining. Pit KX is one of the company’s pits worked by contractors, and it has been mined since 2008. According to the company’s historical data from January 2022 to June 2023, overburden and coal production from Pit KX has decreased while fuel consumption has grown. Fuel is a major cost component in mining operations. The overall fuel cost represents around 35% of the company’s total operational cost. This study investigates the use of the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) approach as a systematic framework for improving fuel ratio efficiency and promoting sustainable practices in pit KX mining operations. The DMAIC technique provides a disciplined pathway for discovering, assessing, and eliminating fuel-related inefficiencies. DMAIC offers a disciplined framework for improvement. By implementing DMAIC methodology, it can systematically identify and address inefficiencies in fuel utilization leading to reduced operational costs, minimized environmental impact, and enhanced sustainability of pit KX mining operations.

A novel electro-hydraulic unit design based on a shaftless integration of an internal gear machine and a permanent magnet electric machine

In recent years, increasingly stringent emission regulations have spurred an electrification trend in off-highway vehicle technology. To address challenges such as the high cost of power electronics components, limited battery capacity, and the substantial modifications required for the vehicles, there is a pressing need to develop high-speed, cost-effective, compact, and efficient electro-hydraulic units capable of powering vehicle functions. In response to these demands, this paper introduces an innovative morphology for an electro-hydraulic unit and outlines the integration method for a crescent-type internal gear machine with a permanent magnet synchronous electric machine. The proposed morphology aims to minimize component count through a shaftless solution while incorporating a cooling system that utilizes the same working fluid as the hydraulic machine. The design approach utilizes a genetic algorithm optimization process to maximize overall energy efficiency and compactness. Insights gained from the optimization results shed light on the relationship between key design parameters and unit performance, enhancing the understanding of this electro-hydraulic unit. A prototype of the unit was manufactured and tested, demonstrating a volumetric efficiency ranging from 81 % to 97 % at a maximum rotational velocity of the pinion of 6000 rpm. These results validate both the morphology and the design approach, indicating the feasibility of designing compact electro-hydraulic units that leverage hydraulic machines with higher maximum rotational velocities than commercially available counterparts as a mean to enhance efficiency and compactness.

Cost analysis of care and blood transfusions in patients with Major Obstetric Haemorrhage in Ireland.

Obstetric haemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. We aimed to estimate the economic cost of Major Obstetric Haemorrhage (MOH) and the cost of therapeutic blood components used in the management of MOH in Ireland. We performed a nationwide cross-sectional study utilising top-down and bottom-up costing methods on women who experienced MOH during the years 2011-2013. Women with MOH were allocated to Diagnostic Related Groups (DRGs) based on the approach to MOH management (MOH group). The total number of blood components used for MOH treatment and the corresponding costs were recorded. A control group representative of a MOH-free maternity population was designed with predicted costs. All costs were expressed in Euro (€) using 2022 prices and the incremental cost of MOH to maternity costs was calculated. Cost contributions are expressed as percentages from the estimated total cost. A total of 447 MOH cases were suitable for sorting into DRGs. The estimated total cost of managing women who experienced MOH is approximately €3.2 million. The incremental cost of MOH is estimated as €1.87 million. The estimated total cost of blood components used in MOH management was €1.08 million and was based on an estimated total of 3997 products transfused. Red blood cell transfusions accounted for the highest contribution (20.22%) to MOH total cost estimates compared to other blood components. The total cost of caring for women with MOH in Ireland was approximately €3.2 million with blood component transfusions accounting for between one third and one half of the cost.

ANALISIS PENDAPATAN USAHA TANI JAGUNG DI KELURAHAN KAWANGKOAN BAWAH KABUPATEN MINAHASA SELATAN

Kawangkoan Bawah Village, South Minahasa Regency. This research was carried out from June 2021 to October 2021 starting from research preparation to the preparation of the research report. The data used in this study consisted of primary and secondary data. Primary data is data obtained directly from the field through interviews using questionnaires with respondents while secondary data is data obtained from government agencies such as government agencies at the research location, Central Bureau of Statistics, Ministry of Agriculture and other related parties. Sampling in this study were corn farmers from the village of Lower Kawangkoan who were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Respondents needed in this study were 30 (thirty) respondents. The results showed that the total cost of the production component of corn farming in kawangkoan bawah village was Rp. 5,103,379 per planting season. Net income on corn farming per ha in Kawangkoan Bawah Villaget Per one planting season is Rp. 21,246,430.

Optimizing operational parameters for highly-concentrated sodium hydroxide production via electrodialysis with bipolar membranes from concentrated brines

Sodium hydroxide necessitates the implementation of cleaner production methods that deviate from the conventional practices in the chlor-alkali industry. New sustainable sources such as concentrated brines, which are typically regarded as waste, are currently being investigated for the production of sodium hydroxide using Electrodialysis with Bipolar Membranes (EDBM). This process has the advantages of not producing gas by-products, reducing operational risks, and providing value to waste brines after converting them into acids or alkali solutions. However, the production of sodium hydroxide via EDBM using brines is limited by the low concentration of the final base (e.g. typically below 2 M), which increases the cost of transport. This study aims to overcome this limitation by optimizing parameters such as salt-to-base volume ratio, initial salt concentration, and current density values. Notably, this research is one of the few to employ Response Surface Methodology with a Central Composite Design to maximize the final sodium hydroxide concentration; two models using second-order polynomial equations were proposed. Results showed the possibility to achieve 5.3 M NaOH under a volume ratio range of 9.8:1–10:1, a current density range of 490 A/m−2 to 500 A/m−2, and an initial salt concentration in the range of 6 M NaCl. Moreover, the energetic analysis showed values of specific energy consumption in a range of 2.5 kWh kgNaOH-1-3.5 kWh kgNaOH-1 and specific productivity of the process up to 3.08 tonNaOH year−1 m−2, which are moderate in comparison with values previously presented in literature. Finally, an economic analysis showed that energy was the most significant cost component, making up 89 % of the total process cost, which was estimated to be 0.69 € kgNaOH-1 (concentration 21.2 % w/w). Overall, these high concentration values open a real chance to shift towards sustainable production of NaOH by means of EDBM from brines, highlighting the novelty of this study.

Integrated Load–Source Side Management for Techno-Economic-Environmental Performance Improvement of the Hybrid Renewable Energy System for Rural Electrification

Electricity produced by a hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) is reliable, economical, and environmentally benign. However, effective management of the load-source side is essential to enhance the reliability, affordability, and eco-friendliness of HRES. Therefore, an integrated load–source side management for techno-economic-environmental (TEE) performance improvement of HRES is developed in this paper. The factors considered are namely technical (renewable energy portion, excess energy factor, and unmet load), environmental (particulate matter and carbon emission), and economical (annualized cost of system, total net present cost, and cost of energy). To solve the HRES size optimization problem, a marine predators algorithm (MPA) is used for the first time. HRES is investigated without Load side management (LSM), with LSM, and with LSM integrated with source-side management (SSM). LSM is carried out using the peak shifting technique, which shifts time-movable loads (TMLs) to off-peak hours depending on excess energy availability, taking into account consumer comfort violations and customer behavior uncertainty. For SSM, a comparatively better energy management strategy (EMS) than the load following, cycle charging, and generator order is proposed, which improves the TEE performance of HRES. The integrated load–source side management saves 5% in NPC and 0.008 $/kWh in COE, respectively. To come up with a configuration that is more feasible, a sensitivity analysis for the HRES's component costs and macroeconomic variables is carried out. Furthermore, the optimal configuration COE is slightly higher than that of the most recent study in the literature. By contrasting the MPA result with the HRES PSO result, the accuracy of the MPA result is also confirmed.

Benchmarking Guanidinium Organosulfonate Hydrogen-Bonded Frameworks for Structure Determination of Encapsulated Guests.

Single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) is arguably the most definitive method for molecular structure determination, but it is often challenged by compounds that are liquids or oils at room temperature or do not form crystals adequate for analysis. Our laboratory previously reported a simple, cost-effective, single-step crystallization method based on guanidinium organosulfonate (GS) hydrogen bonded frameworks for structure determination of a wide range of encapsulated guest molecules, including assignment of the absolute configuration of chiral centers. Herein, we expand on those results and report a head-to-head comparison of the GS method with adamantoid "molecular chaperones", which have been reported to be useful hosts for structure determination. Inclusion compounds limited to only two GS hosts are characterized by low R1 values and Flack parameters, infrequent disorder of the host and guest, and manageable disorder when it does exist. The structures of some target molecules that were not included or resolved using the adamantoid chaperones were successfully included and resolved by the GS hosts, and vice versa. Of the 32 guests attempted by the GS method, 31 inclusion compounds afforded successful guest structure solutions, a 97% success rate. The GS hosts and adamantoid chaperones are complementary with respect to guest inclusion, arguing that both should be employed in the arsenal of methods for structure determination. Furthermore, the low cost of organosulfonate host components promises an accessible route to molecular structure determination for a wide range of users.

Understanding the financial aspects of digital pathology: A dynamic customizable return on investment calculator for informed decision-making

BackgroundThe adoption of digital pathology has transformed the field of pathology, however, the economic impact and cost analysis of implementing digital pathology solutions remain a critical consideration for institutions to justify. Digital pathology implementation requires a thorough evaluation of associated costs and should identify and optimize resource allocation to facilitate informed decision-making. A dynamic cost calculator to estimate the financial implications of deploying digital pathology systems was needed to estimate the financial effects on transitioning to a digital workflow. MethodsA systematic approach was used to comprehensively assess the various components involved in implementing and maintaining a digital pathology system. This consisted of: (1) identification of key cost categories associated with digital pathology implementation; (2) data collection and analysis of cost estimation; (3) cost categorization and quantification of direct and indirect costs associated with different use cases, allowing customization of each factor based on specific intended uses and market rates, industry standards, and regional variations; (4) opportunities for savings realized by digitization of glass slides and (5) integration of the cost calculator into a unified framework for a holistic view of the financial implications associated with digital pathology implementation. The online tool enables the user to test various scenarios specific to their institution and provides adjustable parameters to assure organization specific relatability. ResultsThe Digital Pathology Association has developed a web-based calculator as a companion tool to provide an exhaustive list of the necessary concepts needed when assessing the financial implications of transitioning to a digital pathology system. The dynamic return on investment (ROI) calculator successfully integrated relevant cost and cost-saving components associated with digital pathology implementation and maintenance. Considerations include factors such as digital pathology infrastructure, clinical operations, staffing, hardware and software, information technology, archive and retrieval, medical–legal, and potential reimbursements. The ROI calculator developed for digital pathology workflows offers a comprehensive, customizable tool for institutions to assess their anticipated upfront and ongoing annual costs as they start or expand their digital pathology journey. It also offers cost-savings analysis based on specific user case volume, institutional geographic considerations, and actual costs. In addition, the calculator also serves as a tool to estimate number of required whole slide scanners, scanner throughput, and data storage (TB). This tool is intended to estimate the potential costs and cost savings resulting from the transition to digital pathology for business plan justifications and return on investment calculations. ConclusionsThe digital pathology online cost calculator provides a comprehensive and reliable means of estimating the financial implications associated with implementing and maintaining a digital pathology system. By considering various cost factors and allowing customization based on institution-specific variables, the calculator empowers pathology laboratories, healthcare institutions, and administrators to make informed decisions and optimize resource allocation when adopting or expanding digital pathology technologies. The ROI calculator will enable healthcare institutions to assess the financial feasibility and potential return on investment on adopting digital pathology, facilitating informed decision-making and resource allocation.

Recovery of Ni-Co-Mn Oxides from End-of-Life Lithium-Ion Batteries for the Application of a Negative Temperature Coefficient Sensor

This study demonstrates the current advancements in battery management systems (BMSs), emphasizing the need for precise temperature monitoring within battery packs to enhance safety and performance through efficient thermal management. The increased demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has driven the development of temperature sensors with improved accuracy and stability. In particular, Ni-Co-Mn-based spinel oxides are commonly used due to their stable negative temperature coefficient (NTC) behavior. However, challenges arise in manufacturing due to the high cost and uncertain supply of critical cathode components (e.g., Co, Ni, and Mn) for LIBs. This research focuses on developing spinel-type (Ni0.6Co0.4Mn2)O4 using recycled Ni-Co-Mn oxides obtained from end-of-life (EOL) LIBs, demonstrating temperature resistance behavior suitable for temperature sensing. The oxides are prepared through hydrometallurgy, oxalate synthesis, and post-heat treatment. Successful integration into spinel-type NTC thermistors suggests broader applications in various industrial fields. A systematic investigation into the synthesis and characterization of recovered Ni-Co-Mn oxides from EOL LIB cathode materials (Li(Ni0.33Co0.33Mn0.33)O2) is presented for NTC thermistor application. Thermogravimetric analysis-derivative thermogravimetry (TGA-DTG) identifies the optimal post-heat treatment temperature. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirm a cubic spinel structure of the Ni-Co-Mn oxides, supported by scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showing a uniform microstructure. Also, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) mapping confirms homogeneous element distribution. Recovered oxide pellets from the sintering process exhibit a single spinel structure, with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis revealing changes in the valence states for Ni and Mn. Resistivity measurements demonstrate semiconductive behavior, which shows a B value (3376.92 K) suitable for NTC thermistor applications. This study contributes valuable insights to black powder recycling from EOL LIBs and its potential in temperature-sensitive electronic devices.

Impact of heat recovery and thermal load control on combined heat and power (CHP) performance

This research assesses the energy efficiency and techno-economic viability of a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system designed for a typical building that meets both its electrical (97 kWh/d) and thermal (92 kWh/d) loads. The CHP system comprises wind turbines (WT), photovoltaic panels (PV), batteries, micro gas turbines (MGT), and boilers, which are evaluated for their techno-economic performance. To enhance the system's efficiency and minimize energy wastage in CHP, two strategies, namely heat recovery (HR) from MGT and Thermal Load Control (TLC) for converting surplus renewable power generation into thermal energy, are implemented. Four case studies are conducted to analyze the impact of each strategy on the CHP system's performance. The optimization of hybrid renewable energy systems, considering the overall system's economic performance, is achieved through the integration of MATLAB and HOMER PRO. The study reveals that the incorporation of TLC and HR results in significant reductions in the Cost of Energy (COE), Net Present Cost (NPC), CO2 emissions, loss of Power Supply (LPS), and energy sizing while increasing the renewable fraction in the CHP system. Sensitivity analysis is performed on the capital cost of components, TLC, and HR variations, demonstrating their substantial influence on the economic performance of CHP. The cash flow results show that the integration of these two components reduces the system cost by 25 %. It is also shown that almost 70 % of the CC of the system is related to PV and batteries. The proposed strategies and findings provide valuable insights for enhancing the reliability and techno-economic evaluations of hybrid renewable.