Efficiency Emission Reduction Research Articles

Life of field emission forecast development and reduction option screening for a multi-train LNG hub

The Karratha Gas Plant (KGP) is a complex integrated facility which produces liquified natural gas (LNG), domestic gas (Domgas), condensate, propane and butane products. The multi-train facility has been operating for 40 years with several phases of expansion resulting in a range of gas turbine technology and energy efficiency levels across the facility. The challenge for the next phase of KGP operation is to manage declining North West Shelf (NWS) feed gas levels, and the addition of Other Resource Owners feed gas while reducing emissions and maintaining energy efficiency. A flexible emissions forecasting tool has been developed which allows unit and whole of facility emissions reduction and energy efficiency options to be assessed. The tool builds on current quarterly timestep production forecasts and models ambient temperature, unit turndown and turn-off strategies, and potential implementation of lower emissions technology. The ability to generate and compare life of field emissions profiles for extrapolated operating modes and proposed modifications allows unit strategies and phasing of emissions reduction modifications to be investigated and screened before further economic assessment and creation of marginal abatement cost curves (MACC).

Effects of a nanobiofilm-covered echelon oxygen-controlled composting process on carbon and nitrogen conversion and emission reduction efficiency

To address the defects of traditional composting products, such as slow fertilizer efficiency, high dosage and high emissions of gas pollutants, we propose a new composting process from the perspective of increasing the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content in compost. The results showed that nanobiofilm-covered echelon oxygen-controlled composting could effectively reduce the emissions of CH4, CO2 and NH3 and increase the DOC content in the composting products. Among the methods, using nanobiofilm covering and applying moderate ventilation during the warming phase and high ventilation during the high-temperature phase, along with low ventilation during the cooling and maturation phases (T3), proved to be the most effective in promoting the conversion of carbon to dissolved organic carbon and in reducing carbon and nitrogen losses. Compared to the control, this treatment resulted in a 36.16% reduction in total carbon loss, a 21.14% reduction in total nitrogen loss, and a 57.22% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions while also increasing the DOC content by 82.64%. This is because treatment T3 initially maintained the composting process in an aerobic state, followed by a semianaerobic state, which is conducive to the accumulation of DOC. The research results provide a new technical path for improving the quality, efficiency and emission reduction of organic fertilizer.

Global Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Plastic Supply Chain Resource Metabolism Efficiency and Carbon Emissions Co-Reduction Strategies

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is widely used as a primary plastic packaging material in the global socio-economic system. However, research on the metabolic characteristics of the PET industry across different countries, particularly regarding the entire life cycle supply chain of PET, remains insufficient, significantly hindering progress in addressing plastic pollution worldwide. This study employs the Life Cycle Assessment-Material Flow Analysis (LCA-MFA) method to comprehensively analyze the environmental impacts of PET plastics, with a focus on the processes from production to disposal in 12 regions (covering 41 countries) in 2020. By constructing 13 scenarios and analyzing the development trajectory of PET plastics from 2020 to 2030, this study provides scientific evidence and specific strategies for waste reduction and emission reduction measures in the PET industry. Overall, in 2020, the 12 regions (41 countries) consumed 7297.7 kilotons (kt) of virgin PET resin and 1189.4 kt of recycled PET resin; 23% of plastic waste was manufactured into recycled PET materials, 42% went to landfills, and 35% was incinerated. In 2020, the entire PET plastic supply chain emitted approximately 534.6 million tons (Mt) of carbon dioxide equivalent per year, with production emissions accounting for 46.1%, manufacturing stage emissions accounting for 44.7%, and waste treatment stage emissions accounting for 9.2%. Research indicates that under a scenario of controlled demand, resource efficiency improvement and emission reduction are the most effective, potentially reducing carbon emissions by up to 40%.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Decarbonization Technologies: A Case Study of Residential Buildings in Zhuzhou City, China

Efficient carbon emission reduction technologies in buildings are necessary for achieving the “Dual carbon” goal in China. In this study, a comprehensive evaluation model is proposed to assess the effect of carbon emission reduction based on the analytic hierarchy process–entropy weight–coefficient of variation model which takes newly built residential buildings in Zhuzhou City as the research object. The results show that the preferred materials for the roof and exterior walls of the building’s envelope structure were flame-retardant extruded polystyrene boards, and porous shale bricks were preferred as the main materials for the exterior walls. In addition, the rooftop solar photovoltaic system and energy-saving air conditioning technology were suitable in terms of being renewable and were better utilized. In the end, carbon emissions were significantly reduced when using the building decarbonization technologies. This study provides a new reference for choosing materials and technologies for the design of residential buildings in Hunan Province and even other regions with hot summers and cold winters.

Ship Operation Analysis and Optimization via Mobile Application

This paper is devoted to studying the structure and prospects of ship operations analysis and optimization via mobile applications, focusing on integrating multiple existing onboard monitoring and control systems. The main parts of the paper describe the current state of the most essential components of future overall shipping and ship design optimization using onboard and cloud-based monitoring systems from a dual transition point of view. Special attention is paid to the ship’s and its equipment’s efficiency improvements, fuel consumption and emissions reduction, cost-effectiveness enhancement, metrological accuracy, and compliance with current regulations. Timely development and deployment of the proposed onboard monitoring systems, in combination with up-to-date mobile applications and cloud computing, should play a crucial role in promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly shipping practices, improving operational performance, and reducing risks to human life at sea and the environmental impact of shipping. Another objective of this research is to review the current state of infrastructure used for fuel control, focusing on measurement systems and related analytics using appropriate mobile applications. The recommendations for integrating new and adopting existing monitoring systems and equipment for promising alternative fuels must be given to meet current regulations and provide required safety levels and measurement quality.

Climate Change 2022 Mitigation of Climate Change: Urban System

The Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC-AR6) assesses literature on the scientific, technological, environmental, economic, and social aspects of mitigation of climate change. The IPCC-AR6 integrates factors of developments in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) process. It includes the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This paper reviews the urban system and its pathways in transition to the net zero emissions. The key messages of urban mitigation in the IPCC-AR6 are presented. It is found that the urban green and blue infrastructure can contribute to climate resilience through carbon sequestration, emissions reduction, and energy and material efficiency. It also contributes multiple co-benefits. To achieve urban transformational changes, it requires climate finance and engagement of multiple scales of governance. This includes governments and non-state actors. A knowledge gap to achieve net-zero-emissions cities is highlighted, and a case study of climate resilient development in Thailand’s building sectors towards a low carbon society is discussed.

Quantifying the trends and affecting factors of CO2 emissions under different urban development patterns: An econometric study on the Yangtze river economic belt in China

Environmental issues are rarely investigated within the framework of different urban development patterns, especially concerning CO2 emissions. This research works to reveal the trends and determining factors of urban CO2 emissions under different urban development patterns. Taking the cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) as an example, this study develops an identification system in light of the dynamics of urban population and population density to categorize urban development patterns as growth, potential shrinkage, smart shrinkage, and continuous shrinkage. Then, the Theil-sen medium analysis and spatial econometric modeling are applied to shed light on the trend and influencing factors of CO2 emissions, respectively. The findings indicate that urban growth and potential shrinkage are the main development patterns in the YREB, and the percentage of growing cities and potentially shrinking cities is more than 77 % across the different geographic areas of the YREB. CO2 emissions are remarkably heterogeneous under different urban development patterns. Over 90 % of cities show a growth trend or fluctuation in per capita CO2 emissions under the four development patterns during 2010∼2019. Only a few growing and potentially shrinking cities show a decreasing trend in per capita carbon emissions, suggesting a severe peak carbon challenge in the YREB. CO2 emissions in growing and shrinking cities are significantly influenced by their neighboring cities. Factors affecting CO2 emissions are different in shrinking and growing cities, and spatial spillover effects enhance the role of these factors. Compared with growing cities, improving population concentration, developing appropriate tertiary industries, strictly controlling land expansion, and developing green areas can pave the way for carbon emission reduction in shrinking cities. This study can support designing efficient carbon emission reduction measures for various cities.

Blockchain-Enabled Integrated Energy System Trading Model for CCS-P2G-Coupled Operation: Enhancing Energy Trading Efficiency and Carbon Emission Reduction

The need for sustainable integrated energy systems to mitigate environmental impact is hindered by challenges in fluctuating demand, trading reliability, and trustworthiness. This paper proposes an innovative approach to tackle these challenges by introducing a blockchain-based integrated energy system trading model with smart contracts. It is intricately linked with the operation of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology and power-to-gas (P2G) equipment. The CCS-P2G-coupled operation principle is first outlined, followed by the presentation of a comprehensive system model. The peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading algorithm is enhanced using the Bloom filtering technique. Leveraging smart contracts, a distributed energy trading mechanism is employed, resulting in a meticulously constructed integrated energy system trading model for CCS-P2G-coupled operation. The proposed model is rigorously evaluated for energy trading efficiency and system performance, revealing significant improvements compared to prior studies and showcasing substantial cumulative benefits. Three operation scenarios are examined, with experimental results highlighting the model’s superior carbon emission reduction capacity. This study introduces an innovative paradigm for trading and managing integrated energy systems, holding potential implications for the sustainable development and decarbonization transition of future energy systems.

Investigation on the integration of supercritical CO2 cycle with natural gas oxy-fuel combustion power plant

The utilization of LNG cold energy is promising to offset the energy penalty of oxy-fuel combustion technology and achieve efficient carbon emissions reduction. In this paper, natural gas oxy-fuel power systems utilizing LNG cold energy are investigated. Supercritical and transcritical CO2 cycles are adopted to deeply recover flue gas waste heat. Results show that the thermal efficiency of the supercritical CO2 recompression cycle is 6% higher than that of the regenerative cycle, whereas the net power output of the recompression cycle is lower. With transcritical CO2 cycle as the secondary subsystem, the efficiency of both integrated systems is enhanced by approximately 9%. Meanwhile, 95% CO2 is captured with the power consumption of 0.07 kWh/kg-CO2. The total investment costs of the integrated regenerative and recompression cycle are 53.96 M$ and 54.62 M$. The levelized cost of electricity of the two integrated systems is 3.21 $/MWh and 3.24 $/MWh, indicating great financial availability. Therefore, applying supercritical and transcritical CO2 cycles contributes to efficient energy conversion and carbon capture. The research could provide meaningful information on the oxy-fuel combustion power system integrated with supercritical and transcritical CO2 cycles from thermodynamic and economic insights.

Efforts to Improve Ship Main Engine Efficiency and Ensure Its Safety

Efforts to improve ship main engine efficiency and ensure its safety have been ongoing endeavors in the maritime industry, driven by the dual imperatives of economic competitiveness and environmental sustainability. The main engine of a ship serves as its heart, propelling it through the vast expanses of the world's oceans while consuming significant quantities of fuel. Therefore, enhancing its efficiency directly impacts operational costs and reduces the environmental footprint associated with maritime transport. One primary focus of improving main engine efficiency lies in the advancement of engine design and technology. Over the years, there has been a concerted effort to develop engines that offer higher power output while consuming less fuel. This has led to the emergence of more efficient engine designs, such as slow-speed two-stroke engines and high-pressure, common-rail fuel injection systems. These innovations optimize fuel combustion, minimize energy losses, and enhance overall propulsion efficiency. Moreover, ongoing research and development efforts are aimed at harnessing alternative fuels and propulsion technologies to further enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact. LNG (liquefied natural gas) has gained traction as a cleaner-burning fuel alternative, offering significant reductions in sulfur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions compared to traditional marine fuels. Additionally, the exploration of hybrid and electric propulsion systems holds promise for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving overall energy efficiency. Ensuring the safety of ship main engines is paramount to the reliability and operability of vessels at sea. A robust maintenance regimen is essential to identify and address potential issues before they escalate into costly failures or pose safety hazards. Routine inspections, preventive maintenance, and condition monitoring play crucial roles in detecting abnormalities, wear, and tear, allowing for timely interventions and repairs. Furthermore, advancements in predictive maintenance technologies, such as remote monitoring systems and data analytics, enable real-time assessment of engine performance and early detection of potential malfunctions. The ARAS method lacks the capability to handle ambiguity, subjective judgments, and coping with incomplete information. It relies on unbiased good judgment to address uncertainty, particularly in unknown and complex conditions, making it a valuable approach. The method provides options for sequencing and analysis based on facts and special cases, allowing selectors to express both optimistic and rational attitudes. While it appears numerical on paper, it offers the flexibility to create e-learning pathways tailored to individual needs, emphasizing the importance of mastery. The proposed integrated software for this method is both cost-effective and validated for suitability, ensuring its practical application. Advanced Engine Designs, Improved Monitoring and Maintenance, Enhanced Fuel Management, Innovative Propulsion Technologies, Automation and Remote Monitoring and Advanced Materials and Coatings. the Rank Efforts to improve ship Main Engine efficiency and Ensure its safety for Additive Ratio Assessment method. Advanced Materials and Coatings is showing the highest rank and Advanced Engine Designs is showing the lowest rank. Fuel Efficiency Improvement, Emissions Reduction, Reliability and Maintenance Costs and Safety Performance.

Review on Enhancement of Electrostatic Precipitator in Automobiles

The Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) is a widely employed device in boilers to mitigate the release of particulate matter. This study proposes the design and fabrication of a similar device tailored for reducing emissions from automobiles, particularly targeting older versions of BS vehicles lacking dedicated emission control mechanisms. Despite the catalytic converters equipped in BS-6 vehicles, there exists a need for an efficient emission reduction solution for their predecessors. This research aims to analyse various ESP designs through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations using ANSYS software. The design optimization will be conducted based on fluid flow analysis, leading to the fabrication of the most optimal prototype. The final step involves testing the fabricated prototype to ensure compliance with Pollution Under Control (PUC) standards, contributing to environmental sustainability.

Review on Enhancement of Electrostatic Precipitator in Automobiles

The Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) is a widely employed device in boilers to mitigate the release of particulate matter. This study proposes the design and fabrication of a similar device tailored for reducing emissions from automobiles, particularly targeting older versions of BS vehicles lacking dedicated emission control mechanisms. Despite the catalytic converters equipped in BS-6 vehicles, there exists a need for an efficient emission reduction solution for their predecessors. This research aims to analyse various ESP designs through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations using ANSYS software. The design optimization will be conducted based on fluid flow analysis, leading to the fabrication of the most optimal prototype. The final step involves testing the fabricated prototype to ensure compliance with Pollution Under Control (PUC) standards, contributing to environmental sustainability.

Multi-objective optimization model for railway heavy-haul traffic: Addressing carbon emissions reduction and transport efficiency improvement

This paper establishes a multi-objective optimization model for railway heavy-haul trains, focusing on reducing carbon emissions and improving transport efficiency. The model integrates optimization of the route and the vehicle load rate, significantly reducing carbon emissions and enhancing transport efficiency. It addresses the challenges and characteristics of heavy-haul trains, introducing multi-objective optimization problems related to transport carbon emissions and efficiency. Using a pigeon-inspired optimization algorithm, the model considers joint constraints between carbon emissions and transport efficiency objectives. To overcome challenges in multi-objective transportation problems, the paper proposes a forward-learning pigeon-inspired optimization algorithm based on a surrogate-assisted model. This approach calculates the quality of the candidate solution using a surrogate model, reducing time costs. The algorithm employs a forward-learning strategy to enhance learning from non-dominant solutions. Experimental validation with benchmark functions confirms the effectiveness of the model and offers optimized solutions. The proposed method reduces carbon emissions while maintaining transport efficiency, contributing innovative ideas for the development of sustainable heavy-duty trains.

Study of Corrosion, Wear, and Thermal Analysis of Materials for Internal Combustion Engines and their Compatibility: A Review

Several types of research have been carried out on using alternative biofuel in internal combustion engines to salvage the depletion of fossil fuels. While most of these studies focused on the emission characteristics and control of global warming, little attention has been given to the corrosion, wear, thermal behaviour, and compatibility of the internal combustion engine materials to biodiesel. Thus, this study focused on the various corrosion and wear mechanisms associated with the internal combustion engine components like piston and cylinder heads, as well as the thermal behaviour efficiencies of the engine after interaction with the biodiesel fuels. The review cut across the wear study of internal combustion engine materials in varying fuel environments. Thermal analysis of different materials applied for internal combustion engines for sustainable fuel media. Corrosion study of various materials employed in the application of ICE engines. Also, the study discusses some significant challenges related to the compatibility of ICE with biodiesel and gaseous fuels. The study’s outcome indicates that an adequate fuel blend with nano additives can help improve the combustion process, emission reduction, and thermal efficiency of the internal combustion engine components. Furthermore, practical design in the internal combustion engine components like pistons will help compatibility with the material in the biodiesel blends, thus reducing wear, corrosion, and other failures associated with the internal combustion engine.

New insights for simultaneous nutrient removal enhancement and greenhouse gas emissions reduction of constructed wetland by optimizing its redox environment through manganese oxide addition

Manganese oxide (MnOx) is receiving increased interest in the nutrient removal of constructed wetlands (CWs); however, its service effectiveness for simultaneous greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction is still vague. In this study, three vertical flow CWs, i.e., volcanics (CCW), manganese sand uniformly mixing with volcanics (Mn-CW) and MnOx doped volcanics (MnV-CW), were constructed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of MnOx on nutrient removal enhancement and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction. The results showed that the MnOx doped volcanics optimized the oxidation–reduction potential surrounding the substrate (-164.0 ∼ +141.1 mv), and resulted in the lowest GHG emissions (CO2-equivalent) from MnV-CW, 16.8–36.5 % lower than that of Mn-CW and CCW. This was mainly ascribed to mitigation of N2O produced during the NO3−-N reduction process, according to results of 15N stable isotope labeling. Analysis of the microbial community structure revealed that due to the optimized redox conditions through chemical doping of MnOx on volcanics, the abundance of microbe involved in denitrification and Mn-oxidizing process in the MnV-CW was significantly increased at genus level, which led to a higher Mn cycling efficiency between biogenic MnOx and Mn2+, and enhanced denitrification efficiency and N2O emission reduction. This study would help to understand and provide a preferable reference for future applications for manganese-based CW.

Digital green innovation economy for Industry 5.0

In the context of current global economic development, Industry 5.0 and the digital green innovation economy have become hot research topics, and they are related to each other, providing new opportunities for sustainable development. Using the literature research method and a comprehensive analysis of relevant literature, this paper discusses the internal mechanism and realization path of Industry 5.0, enabling a green innovation economy, and concludes that the implementation of Industry 5.0 and the digital green innovation economy is of great significance in terms of resource efficiency, waste reduction, and carbon emission reduction. However, there are also challenges, such as technical barriers, regulatory issues, and funding needs. To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, the government, enterprises, and society need to work together to formulate appropriate policies and strategies to promote the integration of Industry 5.0 and the digital green innovation economy. This paper aims to emphasize the importance of a digital green innovation economy oriented to Industry 5.0, provide new impetus for future economic growth, reduce environmental pollution, promote sustainable social development, and lay a foundation for subsequent research.

Exploring pollution control in transboundary watersheds under the perspective of ecological compensation based on aggregate game.

Pollution control in inter-provincial river basins involves many complex subjects, so it is difficult to effectively implement ecological compensation policies. To clarify the interest relationship among pollution control subjects and stimulate their willingness to cooperate in collaborative governance, this paper builds a multi-agent coordinated pollution control model based on the theory of aggregate game; explores the change of equilibrium action of a single pollution control agent and multi-actors, symmetric, and asymmetric situations under the influence of synergistic benefits; and studies the incentive mechanism design to maintain the cooperation of various agents. The research results show that an increase in the number of upstream firms would lead to a reduction in the incentive effects of downstream government compensation and an increase in the likelihood of "free-riding" and "coordination failure." Synergy benefits vary positively with the degree of cooperation between government and enterprises, and higher synergy benefits can effectively compensate for the high transaction costs caused by multiple entities, alleviate the financial pressure on downstream governments, and increase the willingness of upstream and downstream entities to cooperate. In addition, focusing on wastewater reduction from core enterprises, such as heavy polluters can help improve the efficiency of regional emissions reduction, while having a catalytic effect on small enterprises.

The driving factors of spatial differences on the whole life cycle carbon emissions of the construction industry: from the analysis perspective of total factor productivity

The energy saving and emissions reduction of the construction industry are crucial for China to achieve the “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality” goals. In order to promote the green development of the life cycle of the construction industry and improve the efficiency of emissions reduction. This paper examines the spatial-temporal distribution of life cycle carbon emissions in China’s construction industry (LCCECI) from 2004 to 2018. It uses the SBM-Malmquist total factor productivity (TFP) index to measure technological progress and establishes the spatial econometric model based on the STIRPAT model. The study investigates the driving factors of the LCCECI at the provincial and regional levels, aiming to provide suggestions for low-carbon development in the construction industry. The research results are as follows. ① The growth in the SBM-Malmquist TFP index of the construction industry distinctly curbs the LCCECI. ② Total population and urbanization level are not the primary driving factors for the LCCECI. The growth of per capita GDP significantly induces the LCCECI, while concurrently exhibiting a notable inhibitory effect on the LCCECI of neighboring regions. ③ The improvement of the SBM-Malmquist TFP index is conducive to the reduction of the LCCECI in the three major regions. The per capita GDP has the largest positive driving effect of the LCCECI in the eastern region, and the urbanization level the urbanization rate only significantly inhibits the growth of the LCCECI in the central region.

An environmental and economic investigation of shipping network configuration considering the maritime emission trading scheme

Decarbonization is currently an urgent issue for the international shipping industry. The maritime Emission Trading Scheme (METS) is an effective measure, while the utilization of the Arctic Northeast Passage (NEP) and carriers' profit-driven reactions may affect its effectiveness. Thus, this paper proposed an optimization model to investigate the carrier's economic viability and the CO2 emission under METS for the SCR/NEP-combined liner shipping service. Various METS scenarios are set based on 1) geographical scope (GS), 2) free emission quota percentage (FEQP), and 3) carbon price (CP). Results show that METS would guarantee a short-term CO2 emission reduction within the GS, but the volume of overall CO2 emission in some scenarios would be even larger. In individual cases, METS positively affects the carrier's economic viability. METS disincentivizes carriers to use the NEP, especially when it is implemented in the Arctic area or with high pricing. For carriers, the main countermeasure to cope with METS is slow steaming in the GS. Some valuable insights for policymakers designing METS: it is not the case that the higher the value of GS/FEQP/CP, the better the overall CO2 emission reduction effect. A moderate GS and CP may be appropriate for balancing carriers' economic benefits and emission reduction efficiency, in whole or in part. FEQP can be set relatively low at the start of METS and raised gradually to motivate the carriers in emission control.

Estimation of on-road mobile emissions based on the vehicle technology in a high-traffic avenue in Panama City, Panama

This study addresses the emissions from mobile sources in a busy avenue. Latest mobile emission inventories estimated pollutants based on fuel sales activities in the country. While this is an approved methodology, it does not consider the characteristics of vehicles and their emissions control systems. Applying the International Vehicle Emissions (IVE) model involves low costs, the vehicle fleet’s technology features, and the study region’s environmental parameters. The IVE model allows a better understanding of how vehicle technology impacts air quality. This study aims to generate information about vehicle emissions in Panama using a model that considers factors like vehicle technology, driving patterns, and local conditions, all of which influence air pollution in the region. The focuses are on passenger vehicles, the most common in the country, particularly in one of the densest districts. Carbon monoxide (CO), sulfates (SOx), nitrogen oxide (NO, and particulate matter (PMx) emissions were estimated with the IVE model, the first one stood out, represented 98% (6479.82 g/km) of the air pollutants emitted into the atmosphere by these four gases. Finally, it is established that the combination of emission control technologies and vehicle features is what will determine its emission reduction efficiency. Only in diesel vehicles, an increase in PMx emissions was identified.