Different Forms Of Energy Research Articles

A theoretical thermodynamic investigation on solar-operated combined electric power, heating, and ejector cooling cycle driven by an ORC turbine waste heat, tri-generation cycle system

The current study investigated a solar thermal power plant to simultaneously produce multiple energy outputs, including electric power, process heating, and cooling. This integrated approach aligns with the concept of a tri-generation system, where three different forms of energy are produced from a single source. The study involves a parametric analysis, where the impact of each influencing parameter including, turbine inlet temperature, and turbine inlet pressure is systematically varied with DNI ranging from 600 W/m2 to 1000 W/m2 to understand its effects on both first-law and second-law efficiencies. Further, the exergy analysis shows the irreversibility's occur within the system. Notably, the central receiver and heliostat are identified as major sources of exergy loss. The comparison to a combined power and heating (CPH) cycle without an ORC-ejector indicates that the additional technologies significantly contribute to improving the system's performance, approximately 3.97 % and 2.3 % for both efficiencies, respectively.

From ideal to realistic compact hybrid PV-CSP systems: A technoeconomic evaluation

Compact PV/CSP hybrid systems, based on the integration of both PV and CSP technologies within a single power plant, have been attracting interest in recent years, because of their potential to lower the cost of solar electricity and minimize the land footprint required. However, the objective evaluation of these technologies is complicated by the fact that they involve two separate converters, each delivering a different form of energy (dispatchable for CSP, non-dispatchable for PV). We propose here an original evaluation and optimization approach based on 3 techno-economic indicators quantifying (1) the overall conversion efficiency of these systems compared to their standalone CSP counterparts, (2) the energy production balance between PV and CSP, and (3) the extra manufacturing cost compared to standalone CSP systems. These different indicators are evaluated for two families of hybrid systems (PV Topping and PV Mirror) and for 3 geometries of concentrating optics (Linear Fresnel Lenses, Parabolic Troughs and Solar Towers). One originality of our approach lies in its ability to determine the optoelectronic properties of PV cells likely to lead to the best hybrid performance, taking into account whether or not they are able to reach their own theoretical limits. Another original feature is that the hybrid systems considered in our analysis are compared with CSP equivalents which have been independently optimized. It is shown that the integration of realistic solar cell technologies whose performances deviate significantly from their theoretical limits notably restricts the range of operating conditions for which hybrid systems could outperform their standalone CSP counterparts. We conclude this work by discussing a number of key challenges that need to be overcome in order to develop more competitive and efficient hybrid systems.

Exergy Flow as a Unifying Physical Quantity in Applying Dissipative Lagrangian Fluid Mechanics to Integrated Energy Systems.

Highly integrated energy systems are on the rise due to increasing global demand. To capture the underlying physics of such interdisciplinary systems, we need a modern framework that unifies all forms of energy. Here, we apply modified Lagrangian mechanics to the description of multi-energy systems. Based on the minimum entropy production principle, we revisit fluid mechanics in the presence of both mechanical and thermal dissipations and propose using exergy flow as the unifying Lagrangian across different forms of energy. We illustrate our theoretical framework by modeling a one-dimensional system with coupled electricity and heat. We map the exergy loss rate in real space and obtain the total exergy changes. Under steady-state conditions, our theory agrees with the traditional formula but incorporates more physical considerations such as viscous dissipation. The integral form of our theory also allows us to go beyond steady-state calculations and visualize the local, time-dependent exergy flow density everywhere in the system. Expandable to a wide range of applications, our theoretical framework provides the basis for developing versatile models in integrated energy systems.

Optimal scheduling of energy routers based on distributed CAES systems

Abstract With the rise of renewable energy, distributed energy, and other different forms of energy, the architecture and function of the energy router are relatively perfect, for the topology of the energy router itself, different forms of energy in the energy router flow, conversion to realize the large-scale use of distributed energy equipment has also gradually become a hot spot of research. However, there are fewer studies on the energy router with a distributed CAES system to participate in the optimal scheduling of energy for integrated energy systems. Therefore, this paper is based on the operational domain model of an energy router with a distributed CAES system and analyzes the physical characteristics and coupling relationship of non-energy storage components, takes air pressure, temperature, and oil volume as state variables, takes charging, power generation, and heating power as external interfaces, and utilizes internal interface variables such as air quality and flow rate to realize energy storage, flow, and other internal interface variables to realize the communication between energy storage and non-energy storage elements, and finally determine the operation domain of the system. Secondly, the feasible domain of the energy router based on the distributed CAES system is portrayed, and the optimization of the system parameters is guided with the help of the relative distance by establishing the electric and thermal power constraints and the storage state constraints. Finally, the effectiveness of the feasible domain analysis method in the energy router of a distributed CAES system is verified by taking a northern region as an example.

Inhomogeneous Au2S for Photoacoustic Imaging and Photodynamic Tumor Therapy Based on Different Forms of Energy Dissipation.

Nanomaterials with unique structures and components play a crucial role in nanomedicine. In this study, we discovered that the inhomogeneous Au2S constructed by cation exchange and acid etching could dissipate energy in different forms after absorbing multichromatic light, which could be used to achieve the integrated diagnosis and treatment of tumors, respectively. Folic acid modified Au2S ringed nanoparticles (FA-Au2S RNs) with an assembly-like structure were demonstrated to result in better PA imaging performance and generate more reactive oxygen species (O2·-, ·OH, and 1O2) than folic acid modified Au2S triangular nanoparticles (FA-Au2S TNs). Finite element analyses determined the reason for the high absorbance properties and synergistic enhancement of plasma resonance in the assembly-like structure of Au2S RNs. Both FA-Au2S nanostructures were modified with folic acid and injected into 4T1 tumor-bearing mice via the tail vein. The best PA imaging contrast was obtained under 700 nm laser illumination, and the most effective PDT antitumor activity was achieved under 1064 nm laser illumination. The PA average of the tumor in the FA-Au2S RN group was approximately 2 times higher than that of the FA-Au2S TN group at 24 h of injection. The PA imaging results of intratumorally injected FA-Au2S RNs proved that they were still able to show better PA signal enhancement at 24 h postinjection. Our study demonstrates that FA-Au2S nanomaterials with unique structures and special properties can be reliably produced using strictly controlled chemical synthesis. It further provides a strategy for the construction of highly sensitive PA imaging platforms and efficient PDT antitumor agents that exploit wavelength-dependent energy dissipation mechanisms.

Holistic coordination of transactive energy and carbon emission right trading for heterogenous networked multi-energy microgrids: A fully distributed adaptive consensus ADMM approach

The paradigm of multi-energy microgrids (MEMGs) with internal energy sharing and trading is considered a promising option to empower low-carbon energy transitions. In this work, a holistic and efficient optimization framework is proposed to coordinate electricity, heat, and carbon emission right (CER) trading activities among multiple MEMGs. The proposed framework captures the heterogeneity of MEMGs, peer-to-peer transactive energy of different forms, and CER trading and network constraints together in a holistic fashion. To preserve the privacy of MEMGs and ensure transparency of CER trading, a fully distributed adaptive consensus alternating direction method of multipliers (AC-ADMM) is proposed, based on the combination of parallel computation capability of C-ADMM and the penalty parameters adaptive tuning mechanism. Case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed AC-ADMM method and reveal significant economic and environmental benefits for MEMGs by coordinating different forms of energy and CER trading in local transactive markets, while satisfying the network constraints. The superior convergence performance of the proposed method is also validated against conventional ADMM and C-ADMM methods.

Light-Responsive Materials in Droplet Manipulation for Biochemical Applications.

Miniaturized droplets, characterized by well-controlled microenvironments and capability for parallel processing, have significantly advanced the studies on enzymatic evolution, molecular diagnostics, and single-cell analysis. However, manipulation of small-sized droplets, including moving, merging, and trapping of the targeted droplets for complex biochemical assays and subsequent analysis, is not trivial and remains technically demanding. Among various techniques, light-driven methods stand out as a promising candidate for droplet manipulation in a facile and flexible manner, given the features of contactless interaction, high spatiotemporal resolution, and biocompatibility. This review therefore compiles an in-depth discussion of the governing mechanisms underpinning light-driven droplet manipulation. Besides, light-responsive materials, representing the core of light-matter interaction and the key character converting light into different forms of energy, are particularly assessed in this review. Recent advancements in light-responsive materials and the most notable applications are comprehensively archived and evaluated. Continuous innovations and rational engineering of light-responsive materials are expected to propel the development of light-driven droplet manipulation, equip droplets with enhanced functionality, and broaden the applications of droplets for biochemical studies and routine biochemical investigations.

Room-Temperature Anisotropic Actuation Driven by a Synergistic Order-Disorder and Displacive Phase Transition in a Ferroelectric Crystal.

Actuating materials convert different forms of energy into mechanical responses. To satisfy various application scenarios, they are desired to have rich categories, novel functionalities, clear structure-property relationships, fast responses, and, in particular, giant and reversible shape changes. Herein, we report a phase transition-driven ferroelectric crystal, (rac-3-HOPD)PbI3 (3-HOPD = 3-hydroxypiperidine cation), showing intriguingly large and anisotropic room-temperature actuating behaviors. The crystal consists of rigid one-dimensional [PbI3] anionic chains running along the a-axis and discrete disk-like cations loosely wrapping around the chains, leaving room for anisotropic shape changes in both the b- and c-axes. The shape change is switched by a ferroelectric phase transition occurring at around room temperature (294 K), driven by the exceptionally synergistic order-disorder and displacive phase transition. The rotation of the cations exerts internal pressure on the stacking structure to trigger an exceptionally large displacement of the inorganic chains, corresponding to a crystal lattice transformation with length changes of +24.6% and -17.5% along the b- and c-axis, respectively. Single crystal-based prototype devices of circuit switches and elevators have been fabricated by exploiting the unconventional negative temperature-dependent actuating behaviors. This work provides a new model for the development of multifunctional mechanically responsive materials.

Semi-Nonparametric Estimation of Energy Demand in Tunisia

In this paper, we have studied the possibilities of substitution between different forms of energy at the sectoral level in Tunisia. Indeed, we estimated a globally flexible functional form of Fourier type using the iterative Zellner’s seemingly unrelated regression (ITSUR). Contrary to several previous studies in the literature, we calculated the price (proper and crossed) and income elasticities, the elasticities of substitution in the sense of Allen, as well as the elasticities of substitution in the sense of Morishima for the period (1980-2017). The results show that price and income elasticities differ from one energy product to another and from one sector to another, depending on the destination (final or intermediate) and the nature of use. Additionally, the findings suggest that energy demand is more sensitive to changes in income rather than changes in price. It is noteworthy that the absolute value of price elasticity is lower than that of income elasticity. Implementing an appropriate pricing policy can help limit the income effect and encourage economic agents to make efforts to save energy. Our results also indicate that any pricing policy aiming to reduce energy consumption must consider the possibilities of substituting between products. Otherwise, this policy may yield results contrary to the intended objectives.

Ecosystem Energy Changes

In this paper energy in ecosystem was studied. Energy balance equations of ecosystem were derived. Most of the energy in the Earth’s system comes from just a few sources: solar energy, gravity, radioactive decay, and the rotation of the earth. Earth is constantly changing as energy flows through the system. Earth’s weather and climate are mostly driven by energy from the Sun. The Sun provides the energy that drives the water cycle on Earth. In this paper different forms of energy, specific types, using and energy conservation were studied. Environments are highly complex systems whose evolution is determined by complicated networks of positive and negative feedback loops. In this paper macroscopic and microscopic approaches to energy flow through the ecosystem have been used.

Energy level as a theranostic factor for successful therapy of tissue injuries with polyphosphate: the triad metabolic energy - mechanical energy - heat.

Rationale: Tissue regeneration of skin and bone is an energy-intensive, ATP-consuming process that, if impaired, can lead to the development of chronic clinical pictures. ATP levels in the extracellular space including the exudate of wounds, especially chronic wounds, are low. This deficiency can be compensated by inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) supplied via the blood platelets to the regenerating site. Methods: The contribution of the different forms of energy derived from polyP (metabolic energy, mechanical energy and heat) to regeneration processes was dissected and studied both in vitro and in patients. ATP is generated metabolically during the enzymatic cleavage of the energy-rich anhydride bonds between the phosphate units of polyP, involving the two enzymes alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and adenylate kinase (ADK). Exogenous polyP was administered after incorporation into compressed collagen or hydrogel wound coverages to evaluate its regenerative activity for chronic wound healing. Results: In a proof-of-concept study, fast healing of chronic wounds was achieved with the embedded polyP, supporting the crucial regeneration-promoting activity of ATP. In the presence of Ca2+ in the wound exudate, polyP undergoes a coacervation process leading to a conversion of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, a crucial step supporting cell migration during regenerative tissue repair. During coacervation, a switch from an endothermic to an exothermic, heat-generating process occurs, reflecting a shift from an entropically- to an enthalpically-driven thermodynamic reaction. In addition, mechanical forces cause the appearance of turbulent flows and vortices during liquid-liquid phase separation. These mechanical forces orient the cellular and mineralic (hydroxyapatite crystallite) components, as shown using mineralizing SaOS-2 cells as a model. Conclusion: Here we introduce the energetic triad: metabolic energy (ATP), thermal energy and mechanical energy as a novel theranostic biomarker, which contributes essentially to a successful application of polyP for regeneration processes.

Distributed Model Predictive Consensus Control for Stable Operation of Integrated Energy System

The stable operation of the integrated energy system (IES) is affected by the fluctuation of heat or electricity loads, energy or communication problems, and the interaction of different energy networks. To overcome above challenges, firstly, the integrated dynamic models with three-time scales are established for control design, fully considering dynamic behaviors, energy coupling, and constraints of power flow including electrical, heat and gas on network stability. Then, a novel distributed model predictive control (DMPC) consensus algorithm with process control and trajectory control is proposed to achieve stable operation for IES based on second-order cone programming (SOCP). A unified distributed cooperative control mode is formed in IES by implementing the proposed stability control method, which is suitable for different forms of energy. The control design takes into account the different dynamic characteristics of energy equipment and the energy coupling feature, which realizes the multi-scale time cooperation and dynamic process control for IES by tuning the control parameters. The optimal solution is obtained by rolling optimization for achieving frequency/voltage/temperature/pressure/flow regulation and consensus objectives. Finally, the proposed model and method are validated in various simulation scenarios, such as load variation, energy flow variation, nodes removed, and topology change.

Removals of Some High- and Low-Density Polyethylene (HDPE and LDPE), Polypropylene (PP) and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Microplastics Using Some Microalgae Types, Energy Production and Energy Recovery

Waste plastic conversion involves the treatment of plastic waste to transform in different forms of energy (heat, electricity, liquid fuels). Plastic can be converted into different forms of biofuel via thermochemical conversion methods (gasification, pyrolysis and liquefaction). Algal biomass can be converted into different forms of biofuel (crude bio-oil, bioethanol, biogas, biodiesel and bio-hydrogen) well as value added chemicals. Microalgal cells can accumulate more lipids over a shorter life cycle, they are discussed as a promising feedstock for third-generation biodiesel. The utilization of microalgae as biofuel feedstocks offers an economic, ecofriendly alternative to the use of fossil fuels the aim of microplastics (MPs) removals. Interactions between MPs and microalgal cells could enhance several important features for possible microalgal harvest and MPs accumulation. One hypothesis is microalgal biomass hypothesis can accumulate lipids and carbohydrates under microplastic stress, supporting biomass conversion into biodiesel and bioethanol. In such systems, algal cells act as bio-scavengers for MPs, binding the particles to algal surfaces or incorporating them into their cells; they are filtered from the water body and finally destroyed by further downstream processing of the polluted biomass. In this study, in order to determine biofuel (1-butanol) and methane gas [CH4(g)] production; High- and low-density polyethylene (HDPE and LDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) MPs were removed using biomass composed of microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Chlorella vulgaris. The algal inhibition test results proved that small groups of MPs with a size of ≈ 100 nm did not show algal inhibition. According to the algae inhibition test results, the production of 1-butanol from 100 mg/l microalgae biomass under aerobic conditions were determined as 93 ml/g for HDPE, 236 ml/g for LDPE, 387 ml/g for PP and 459 ml/g for PVC. According to the algae inhibition test results, the production of CH4(g) from 400 mg/l microalgae biomass under anaerobic conditions were measured as 452 ml/g for HDPE, 510 ml/g for LDPE, 529 ml/g for PP and 541 ml/g for PVC. 91.26%, 94.52%, 98.34% and 96.17% energy recoveries were measured for HDPE, LDPE, PP and PVC MPs, respectively, after microalgae biomass experiments, at pH=7.0 and at 35oC. Maximum 98.34% energy recovery was obtained for PP MPs after microalgae biomass experiments, at pH=7.0 and at 35oC.

Serpentine liquid electrode based Dual-mode skin Sensors: Monitoring biomechanical movements by resistive or triboelectric mode

Flexible and stretchable electrodes are crucial components for wearable electronic devices. Herein, a serpentine liquid electrode based dual-mode skin sensors (SLEDSS) that leverages a highly deformable and serpentine liquid electrode is developed. The functional carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes / Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (MWCNT-COOH / PEDOT: PSS) network structure endows the SLEDSS with a stable linear change in resistance. Additionally, a solid–liquid double electric layer generated between the solid surface and liquid electrode facilitates a higher triboelectric output performance. As a result, the SLEDSS features dual-modal sensing capabilities, including both resistive and triboelectric modes. The flowability of the liquid electrode enables it to fully adapt to different types of deformation, thereby allowing SLEDSS to effectively collect energy in different forms of movement, such as tapping, stretching, bending, twisting, and unpredictable transformations based on practical applications. SLEDSS can maintain its performance even at up to 550.32% strain, displaying a monotonically increasing relationship between the stretchable length and open-circuit voltage. Finally, the SLEDSS is applied as a wearable power source and self-powered sensor for monitoring biomechanical movements, the excellent stretchable performance and ultra-high sensitivity to mechanical stimulation provided by the SLEDSS offer new prospects for self-powered sensors.

Artificial Intelligence Application in Bioethanol Production

Energy consumption from biofuels against fossil fuels over the past few years has increased. This is due to the availability of these resources for production of different forms of energy, and the environmental benefit in the utilization of these resources. Ethanol fuel production from biomass is a complex process of known challenges in the area of handling, optimizing, and future forecasting. The existence of modelling techniques like artificial intelligence (AI) is, therefore, necessary in the design, handling, and optimization of bioethanol production. The flexibility and high accuracy of artificial neural network (ANN), a machine learning technique, to solve intricate processes is beneficial in modelling pretreatment, fermentation, and conversion stages of a bioethanol production system. This paper reviews various AI techniques in bioethanol production giving emphasis on published articles in the past decade.

Gold-hyaluranic acid micromotors and cold atmospheric plasma for enhanced drug delivery and therapeutic applications

Micro/nanomotors have emerged as promising platforms for various applications, including drug delivery and controlled release. These tiny machines, built from nanoscale materials such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, metal nanoparticles, or nanowires, can convert different forms of energy into mechanical motion. In the field of medicine, nanomotors offer potential for targeted drug delivery and diagnostic applications, revolutionizing areas such as cancer treatment and lab-on-a-chip devices. One prominent material used in drug delivery is hyaluronic acid (HA), known for its biocompatibility and non-immunogenicity. HA-based drug delivery systems have shown promise in improving the efficacy and reducing the toxicity of chemotherapeutic agents like doxorubicin (DOX). Additionally, micro/nanomotors controlled by external stimuli enable precise drug delivery to specific areas of the body. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has also emerged as a promising technology for drug delivery, utilizing low-temperature plasma to enhance drug release and bioavailability. CAP offers advantages such as localized delivery and compatibility with various drug types. However, further research is needed to optimize CAP drug delivery systems and understand their mechanisms. In this study, gold-hyaluronic acid (Au-HA) micromotors were synthesized for the first time, utilizing acoustic force for self-motion. The release profile of DOX, a widely used anticancer drug, was investigated in pH-dependent conditions, and the effect of CAP on drug release from the micromotors was examined. Following exposure to the CAP jet for 1 min, the micromotors released approximately 29 μg mL−1 of DOX into the PBS (pH 5), which is significantly higher than the 17 μg mL−1 released without CAP. The research aims to minimize side effects, increase drug loading and release efficiency, and highlight the potential of HA-based micromotors in cancer therapy. This study contributes to the advancement of micro-motor technology and provides insights into the utilization of pH and cold plasma technology for enhancing drug delivery systems.

Eco-environmental Impacts of x-to-x energy conversion on interconnected multi-energy microgrids: A multi-objective optimization

The environmental concerns, most notably the release of greenhouse gases due to global warming effects, are significant to energy production processes. This paper investigates multi-energy transactive microgrid (METMG) systems considering environmental and economic concerns using energy conversion technologies (X2X). Utilizing the conversion of a different form of energy by the X2X technologies is a new concept that this paper tries to investigate its usefulness in economic and environmental aspects. The X2X technologies are used in an energy-hub unit that has the duty of converting different forms of energy to each other. The energy hub is connected to all the METMGs and both receive and sends converted forms of energy to METMGs. Both the economic and environmental concerns are considered by optimizing two separate objective functions for each one in a cooperative manner. The goal of the economic objective function is to decrease operational costs, and the goal of the environmental objective function is to reduce the release of emission gases. The fuzzy algorithm is used to ensure fairness in optimizing dual cooperative objectives. The simulation model consists of three METMG and an energy hub where the conversion of different forms of energy is conducted. The METMGs have different forms of energy sources and energy carrier loads such as power, heat, and hydrogen. It is concluded that by applying X2X technologies in the energy hub operation, the costs and the released emissions are reduced by 56 % and 48 %, respectively. This shows the effectiveness of the proposed structure in the reduction of costs and emissions which answers the economic and environmental concerns.

Understanding the Impacts of Different Impurities on Elemental Mercury Removal by CaS in Chemical Looping Combustion of Coal: A First Principle Study.

CaSO4 has the advantages of abundant yield, high oxygen-carrying capacity, low cost, and no heavy metal pollution, making it promising as an oxygen carrier for chemical looping combustion (CLC). In comparison with other oxygen carriers, CaS as the reduced product of CaSO4 exhibits superior adsorption efficiency for Hg0 in the flue gas. In this paper, density functional theory (DFT) was used to investigate the adsorption mechanism of Hg0 on the adsorbent surface of CaS(001). The adsorption energies of different oxidized mercury species such as HgS, HgCl, and HgBr over the CaS surface were summarized. Furthermore, the effects of various flue gas components including SO2, H2S, S, HCl, Cl2, CO, H2, H2O, and C on Hg0 adsorption over the CaS(001) surface were evaluated. The results show that Hg0 can be adsorbed on the CaS(001) surface in a chemisorption manner with a reaction energy of -65.1 kJ/mol. The adsorption energy of different forms of mercury on the CaS(001) surface varies greatly, and mercury in the oxidized state is more easily captured by CaS. SO2 inhibits while other flue gas components promote Hg0 adsorption over the CaS surface. Overall, CaS tends to adsorb mercury in the reduction reactor and release mercury when CaS is re-oxidized to CaSO4 in the oxidation reactor. This is detrimental to mercury removal in the CLC of coal. This study sheds light on the migration and transformation of mercury in the CLC of coal with CaSO4 as the oxygen carrier.

Flexible and optimized operation of integrated energy systems based on exergy analysis and pipeline dynamic characteristics

Given the energy crisis and severe environmental pollution, it is crucial to improve the energy utilization efficiency of integrated energy systems (IESs). Most existing studies on the optimal operation of IESs are based on the first law of thermodynamics without considering energy quality and direction attributes. The obtained strategies generally fail to accurately reflect the difference in energy quality. Based on the second law of thermodynamics, we first analyzed the energy quality coefficients of energy in different forms and expressed the exergy flow as the product of energy quality coefficients and energy flow. An exergy analysis model of the electric–gas–thermal integrated energy system was also established based on the energy network theory. Second, modeling and analyzing the dynamic characteristics of gas–thermal networks and the corresponding energy storage capacities were explored. Considering the dynamic characteristics of the gas–thermal pipeline network, the useful energy stored in the pipelines was analyzed based on the energy quality coefficients of natural gas and the thermal energy system, and the flexibility capacity of each subsystem was also analyzed in combination with the operation of units. A simulation analysis was then conducted on the electric–gas–thermal IES 39-20-6 system. The results demonstrated that from an energy perspective, the loss in the coupling equipment only accounts for 29.05% of the total energy losses, while from an exergy perspective, its proportion is as high as 46.47%. Besides, under the exergy analysis, when the dynamic characteristics of the gas–thermal pipeline network are taken into account, the wind curtailment rates of the system decrease from 11.22% to 8.27%.

Morphology and photocatalytic properties of Ag2O nanoparticles synthesised in processes based on different forms of energy

In this study, the influence of the energy supply of the system on the properties of the obtained silver oxide nanoparticles (Ag2O NPs) was investigated, including properties that directly affect their photocatalytic properties, i.e. surface area, particle size and nanoparticle stability. The types of supplied energy used in the processes of obtaining nanoparticles, i.e. microwave radiation, infrared radiation, ultraviolet radiation, conventional heating, ultrasound, and mechanical energy were compared by determining their utility power of the appliance, the energy consumption of the appliance, the maximum energy exchange efficiency, and the heating efficiency. Synthesised materials were characterised using different techniques including XRD, STEM, UV-VIS, DLS, FTIR, BET, Raman, zeta potential. The smallest particle sizes were obtained using ultrasound as the energy source, for which the highest material heating gradient (29.89 K/min) was obtained, while the highest heating efficiency (72.37%) was obtained using microwave radiation. The use of microwave and ultrasonic energy ensured a high heating rate of the material while maintaining maximum heating efficiency. The highest photocatalytic activity was exhibited by Ag2O NPs obtained in the microwave reactor obtaining 87% rhodamine removal efficiency in visible light and 52% in UV light.