Energy Consumption Of Process Research Articles

Environmental-friendly extraction of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate from poly(vinyl chloride) using liquefied dimethyl ether

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) is one of the most widely used plastics. However, a major challenge in recycling PVC is that there is no economical method to separate and remove its toxic phthalate plasticizers. This research made a breakthrough by extracting PVC with liquefied dimethyl ether (DME) and successfully separating the plasticizer components. Nearly all (97.1 %) of the di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate plasticizer was extracted within 30 min by passing liquefied DME (285 g) through PVC at 25 °C. The compatibility of PVC with organic solvents, including liquefied DME, was derived theoretically from their Hansen solubility parameters (HSP), and actual dissolution experiments were conducted to determine the optimal PVC solvents. A liquefied DME mixture was used to dissolve PVC, and the extract was diluted with ethanol to precipitate the dissolved PVC. We demonstrated that liquefied DME is a promising method for producing high quality recycled products and that the process retains the fundamental properties of plasticizers and PVC without inducing degradation or depolymerization. Because of its low boiling point, DME can be easily separated from the solute after extraction, allowing for efficient reuse of the solvent, extracted plasticizer, and PVC. DME does not require heat and produces little harmful wastewater, which significantly reduces the energy consumption of the plasticizer additive separation process.

Streamlining IoT-driven Data Using Blockchain

The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology has revolutionized data collection and analytics, creating vast networks of interconnected devices generating large volumes of data. However, this rapid expansion of IoT ecosystems introduces significant challenges related to data security, integrity, scalability, and privacy. Blockchain technology, with its decentralized and immutable nature, emerges as a compelling solution to address these challenges. This paper explores the synergy between IoT and blockchain, examining how blockchain can streamline IoT-driven data by providing secure data exchanges, enhancing transparency, and facilitating scalability. The study investigates the key mechanisms through which blockchain can mitigate common IoT data issues. It considers blockchain's role in ensuring data integrity by utilizing cryptographic methods, enabling traceability through distributed ledgers, and protecting against unauthorized data manipulation. Furthermore, it explores the potential of blockchain-based smart contracts to automate processes and improve interoperability among IoT devices. The paper delves into specific use cases, such as smart cities, demonstrating how blockchain can effectively streamline IoT data across various industries. The findings highlight that while blockchain offers substantial benefits, it also introduces unique challenges, including high energy consumption, latency concerns, and complex integration processes. This concludes with a discussion of Security concerns, Comparison with existing solutions. By addressing these challenges, blockchain can become a pivotal technology in streamlining IoT-driven data, paving the way for more secure, efficient, and trustworthy IoT ecosystems.

A Review of Sisal Fiber-Reinforced Geopolymers: Preparation, Microstructure, and Mechanical Properties.

The early strength of geopolymers (GPs) and their composites is higher, and the hardening speed is faster than that of ordinary cementitious materials. Due to their wide source of raw materials, low energy consumption in the production process, and lower emissions of pollutants, they are considered to have the most potential to replace ordinary Portland cement. However, similar to other inorganic materials, the GPs themselves have weak flexural and tensile strength and are sensitive to micro-cracks. Improving the toughness of GP materials can be achieved by adding an appropriate amount of fiber materials into the matrix. The use of discrete staple fibers shows great potential in improving the toughness of GPs. Sisal is a natural fiber that is reproducible and easy to obtain. Due to its good mechanical properties, low cost, and low carbon energy usage, sisal fiber (SF) is a GP composite reinforcement with potential development. In this paper, the research progress on the effect of SF on the properties of GP composites in recent decades is reviewed. It mainly includes the chemical composition and physical properties of SFs, the preparation technology of sisal-reinforced geopolymers (SFRGs), the microstructure analysis of the interface of SFs and the GP matrix, and the macroscopic mechanical properties of SFRGs. The properties of SFs make them have good bonding properties with the GP matrix. The addition of SFs can improve the flexural strength and tensile strength of GP composites, and SFRGs have good engineering application prospects.

Fungal behavior and recent developments in biopulping technology.

Biological pretreatment of wood chips by fungi is a well-known approach prior to mechanical- or chemical pulp production. For this biological approach, a limited number of white-rot fungi with an ability to colonize and selectively degrade lignin are used to pretreat wood chips allowing the remaining cellulose to be processed for further applications. Biopulping is an environmentally friendly technology that can reduce the energy consumption of traditional pulping processes. Fungal pretreatment also reduces the pitch content in the wood chips and improves the pulp quality in terms of brightness, strength, and bleachability. The bleached biopulps are easier to refine compared to pulps produced by conventional methodology. In the last decades, biopulping has been scaled up with pilot trials towards industrial level, with optimization of several intermediate steps and improvement of economic feasibility. Nevertheless, fundamental knowledge on the biochemical mechanisms involved in biopulping is still lacking. Overall, biopulping technology has advanced rapidly during recent decades and pilot mill trials have been implemented. The use of fungi as pretreatment for pulp production is in line with modern circular economy strategies and can be implemented in existing production plants. In this review, we discuss some recent advances in biopulping technology, which can improve mechanical-, chemical-, and organosolv pulping processes along with their mechanisms.

Crossing boundaries of light microscopy resolution discerns novel assembliesin the nucleolus.

The nucleolus is the largest membraneless organelle and nuclear body in mammalian cells. It is primarily involved in the biogenesis of ribosomes, essential macromolecular machines responsible for synthesizing all proteins required by the cell. The assembly of ribosomes is evolutionarily conserved and accounts for the most energy-consuming cellular process needed for cell growth, proliferation, and homeostasis. Despite the significance of this process, the substructural mechanistic principles of the nucleolar function in preribosome biogenesis have only recently begun to emerge. Here, we provide a new perspective using advanced super-resolution microscopy and single-molecule MINFLUX nanoscopy on the mechanistic principles governing ribosomal RNA-seeded nucleolar formation and the resulting tripartite suborganization of the nucleolus driven, in part, by liquid-liquid phase separation. With recent advances in the cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoEM) structural analysis of ribosome biogenesis intermediates, we highlight the current understanding of the step-wise assembly of preribosomal subunits in the nucleolus. Finally, we address how novel anticancer drug candidates target early steps in ribosome biogenesis to exploit these essential dependencies for growth arrest and tumor control.

Catalyst-Free Activation and Fixation of Nitrogen by Laser-Induced Conversion.

Ultrafast N2 fixation reactions are quite challenging. Currently used methods for N2 fixation are limited, and strong dinitrogen bonds usually need to be activated via extreme temperature or pressure or by the use of an energy-consuming process with sophisticated catalysts. Herein, we report a novel laser-based chemical method for N2 fixation under ambient conditions without catalysts, this method is called laser bubbling in liquids (LBL), and it directly activates N2 in water (H2O) and efficiently converts N2 into valuable NH3 (max: 4.2 mmol h-1) and NO3- (0.17 mmol h-1). Remarkably, the highest yields of NH3 and NO3- are 4 orders of magnitude greater than the best values for electrocatalysis reported to date. Notably, we further validate the experimental mechanism by using optical emission spectroscopy to detect the production of intermediate plasma and by employing isotope tracing. We also establish that an extremely high-temperature environment far from thermodynamic equilibrium inside a laser-induced bubble and the kinetic process of rapid quenching of bubbles is crucial for N2 activation and fixation to generate NH3 and NOx via LBL. Based on these results, it is shown that LBL is a simple, safe, efficient, green, and sustainable technology that enables the rapid conversion of the renewable feedstocks H2O and N2 to NH3 and NO3-, facilitating new prospects for chemical N2 fixation.

METHODS AND TOOLS FOR IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS OF ENERGY CHARACTERISTICS AND MANAGEMENT OF ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

A factor of the state's national security is reducing energy dependence and taking measures to increase energy efficiency, especially in the budgetary sphere, because about 90% of such buildings do not meet modern energy efficiency requirements. Creating a reliable energy consumption management system, choosing measures to reduce consumption and diversifying energy sources is a difficult task that requires consideration of building energy consumption processes as a complex problem with the use of modern tools of the energy management system, modeling, and the use of modern approaches to automation and measurements. The object of research is energy consumption processes in educational institutions. The subject of the research is energy characteristics and methods of energy consumption management in educational institutions. Research methods. analytical methods, system analysis, synthesis, modeling, systematization, method of comparative and structural analysis. One of the tasks of this study is to review the capabilities of software products that can be used by energy managers of educational institutions to monitor, analyze and forecast energy consumption, as well as to create reports. Also in the work, an analysis of the state of affairs regarding energy consumption management was carried out on the example of KPI named after Igor Sikorskyi; proposals for the development of the automated energy monitoring system were provided, in particular, the architecture of the web application was developed taking into account the support of existing databases to improve the energy monitoring process.

Post-combustion carbon capture process modeling, simulation, and assessment of synergistic effect of solvents

Post-combustion carbon capture appears to be a promising solution to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) from power plants that generate electricity using either coal or natural gas. In addition, carbon capture process efficiency, capacity, and energy consumption have become challenging against the performance of the capture process. However, synergistic effect due to solvents blend has gained attention to reduce the process energy consumption and enhance process efficiency. In this study, blends of methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) and piperazine (PZ) at different concentrations were investigated using a validated post-combustion capture process model using Aspen HYSYS. Results were compared with 30 wt% monoethanolamine (MEA) as reference case. The effective process variables are concentration of solvents, the amount of water and solvent in the makeup section, viscosity of solvent, energy consumed in different process stages, and the amount of lean solvent flow rate. These variables were studied against fixed process variables using rate-based model. The study shows that using (43 wt% MDEA/7 wt% PZ) for post-combustion carbon capture needs 2.53 MJ/kgCO2 regeneration energy for 88.5% process efficiency compared to 4.003 MJ/kgco2 for 30 wt% MEA without the need for any process modifications. In addition, it was found that solvents synergistic effect contributes to resolving the drawbacks of post-combustion capture that will enable the high utilization of the process and contribution to reduce the consequences effect of climate change. Therefore, the study will help policymakers, industries and encourage researchers towards the large-scale commissioning of blended solvent -based post-combustion capture process.

Multi-objective green vehicle scheduling problem considering time window and emission factors in ship block transportation

Logistics distribution is one of the main sources of carbon dioxide emissions at present, and there are also such distribution problems in the shipbuilding process. With the increasing attention paid to environmental problems, how to effectively reduce the energy consumption of block transportation and improve the utilization rate of resources in the factory is the key problem that China’s shipbuilding industry needs to solve at present. This article considers the time windows for block transportation tasks, as well as the self-loading constraints of different types of flat cars, and establishes an optimization model that minimizes the empty transport time and energy consumption of the flat cars as the optimization objective. Then, an Improved Genetic Whale Optimization Algorithm is designed, which combines the cross and mutation ideas of genetic algorithms and proposes a whale individual position updating mechanism under a mixed strategy. Furthermore, the performance and computational efficiency of the algorithm are verified through comparative analysis with other classical optimization algorithms on standard test examples. Finally, the shipyard’s block transportation example proves that the energy-saving ship block transportation scheduling method can effectively improve the efficiency of shipbuilding enterprise’s block transportation and reduce the energy consumption in the block transportation process. It proves the engineering practicality of the green dispatching method proposed in this paper, which can further provide a decision-making method for shipyard managers.

Synergistic Catalysis of SO42-/TiO2-CNT for the CO2 Desorption Process with Low Energy Consumption.

To address the issue of high energy consumption associated with monoethanolamine (MEA) regeneration in the CO2 capture process, solid acid catalysts have been widely investigated due to their performance in accelerating carbamate decomposition. The recently discovered carbon nanotube (CNT) catalyst presents efficient catalytic activity for bicarbonate decomposition. In this paper, bifunctional catalysts SO42-/TiO2-CNT (STC) were prepared, which could simultaneously catalyze carbamate and bicarbonate decomposition, and outstanding catalytic performance has been exhibited. STC significantly increased the CO2 desorption amount by 82.3% and decreased the relative heat duty by 46% compared to the MEA-CO2 solution without catalysts. The excellent stability of STC was confirmed by 15 cyclic absorption-desorption experiments, showing good practical feasibility for decreasing energy consumption in an industrial CO2 capture process. Furthermore, associated with the results of experimental characterization and theoretical calculations, the synergistic catalysis of STC catalysts via proton and charge transfer was proposed. This work demonstrated the potential of STC catalysts in improving the efficiency of amine regeneration processes and reducing energy consumption, contributing to the design of more effective and economical catalysts for carbon capture.

Subnanometer‐sized CuOx Clusters on TiO2 as Active Photocatalysts for Ammonia Production from Photocatalytic Nitration Reduction Reaction

The Haber‐Bosch process is commonly used to produce ammonia while consuming energy and yielding huge emissions of carbon dioxide. Finding an alternative way to produce ammonia sustainably is a promising research direction with less CO2 emission. Photochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NtRR) to ammonia (NH3) could solve the nitrate pollutant problem in water and approach to produce ammonia with a more environmentally friendly process and lower energy consumption. In this work, the subnanometer‐sized copper oxide clusters decorated on titanium oxide nanoparticles (CuOx‐TiO2) were synthesized through the hydrothermal method and calcination treatment. CuOx‐TiO2 demonstrated impressively conversion rate of NO3‐ to NH3 with a yield of 153.09 μg‐gcat‐1‐h‐1 in KNO3 solution. The characteristic structure analysis revealed CuOx clusters with ~less than 1 nm decorated on TiO2 nanoparticles. From in‐situ X‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopic technique, the transformation of the oxidation state of Cu clusters and the changes of local structure in the CuOx‐TiO2 were observed. The photocatalytic reaction mechanism of nitrate reduction on the CuOx‐TiO2 was successfully revealed. These discoveries have broad implications for the functional advancement of catalysts based on subnanometer‐sized clusters. Our findings may pave the way for exploring advanced ammonia synthesis routes with reduced energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Local Self-Assembly of Dissipative Structures Sustained by Substrate Diffusion.

The coupling between energy-consuming molecular processes and the macroscopic dimension plays an important role in nature and in the development of active matter. Here, we study the temporal evolution of a macroscopic system upon the local activation of a dissipative self-assembly process. Injection of surfactant molecules in a substrate-containing hydrogel results in the local substrate-templated formation of assemblies, which are catalysts for the conversion of substrate into waste. We show that the system develops into a macroscopic (pseudo-)non-equilibrium steady state (NESS) characterized by the local presence of energy-dissipating assemblies and persistent substrate and waste concentration gradients. For elevated substrate concentrations, this state can be maintained for more than 4 days. The studies reveal an interdependence between the dissipative assemblies and the concentration gradients: catalytic activity by the assemblies results in sustained concentration gradients and, vice versa, continuous diffusion of substrate to the assemblies stabilizes their size. The possibility to activate dissipative processes with spatial control and create long lasting non-equilibrium steady states enables dissipative structures to be studied in the space-time domain, which is of relevance for understanding biological systems and for the development of active matter.

Planning and design of an architectural energy supply system based on photovoltaic-thermal technology

China’s building energy consumption is growing and the energy consumption of the whole process of buildings accounts for more than 46.5% of the country’s total energy consumption, of which the proportion of energy consumption used for heating, ventilation and air conditioning is as high as 50%. Solar energy has the greatest potential to achieve energy conservation in buildings. Buildings are the best carrier for solar energy utilization because of the advantages of local collection and local application. The combination of solar energy and buildings can meet a variety of energy and health needs in buildings, among which solar photovoltaic and CSP building integration technology is an important way to reduce building energy consumption and improve indoor air quality. This article presents a PV/T-based thermal storage wall system that efficiently utilizes solar energy. It outlines the PV/T technology’s fundamental principles and provides a detailed description of the system’s construction and operation, highlighting critical components like the solid thermal storage medium and heat transfer via a heat pump. The analysis indicates improved energy utilization and favorable economic feasibility. This technology offers a practical solution for the construction industry, promoting sustainable energy practices and environmental conservation.

Detachment of particulate structures from a fiber array due to stretching and simultaneous gas flow

The main cause of high pressure drop and increased energy consumption in a filtration process is the clogging of particulate material in the upstream layers of a depth filter. To alleviate this issue, stress can be introduced into the particulate structure through stretching, which promotes rearrangement and detachment of particle structures, allowing for transfer of some of the clogged particulate material from the upstream layers to downstream void regions. This study aims to extend previous findings from experiments with single fibers to the level of an array. The goal is to analyze the introduction of a multiple stress state by performing stretching experiments with a particle-structure on a fiber array.The stretching tests investigate the influence of different process parameters such as stretching velocity and air flow velocity during stretching on the rearrangement and detachment behavior of a separated particle structures from the fiber array. Rearrangement and detachment of the particle structure are a direct consequences of the stress induced by stretching. The experiments showed a significant increase in relative free projection area of fiber interspaces (RFPI) of up to 160% and thus a large-scale removal of particle material from the fiber interspaces when the flow velocity was increased from 0.05 m/s to 0.8 m/s. Surprisingly, the radial rearrangement of the compact particle structures during stretching resulted in a clogging and blockage of the interfiber spaces (negative RFPI in the range of minimum -54% after the first stretching cycle) and not in a total release of the interfiber spaces. The size of the particle structures in the experiments decreased by about 331 μm with the number of stretching cycles, indirectly confirming the presence of residual structures. Preliminary experiments also confirmed an increased influence on the rearrangement and detachment (removed pariticulater material of about 30%) of particle structures by further increasing the fiber distance of 27 μm and thus introducing a biaxial stretching into the particle structure.

Mechanism analysis and performance evaluation of clean and efficient recovery of N-heptanol/N-hexanol from wastewater via extractive distillation with green mixed entrainer

A clean and sustainable process for separating n-heptanol/n-hexanol/water industrial mixing system by extractive distillation via mixing organic solvent with ionic liquid as an entrainer was proposed. The mechanism of intermolecular microscopic interaction was explored by quantum chemistry calculation. By using multi-objective optimization, the optimal operating parameters of the process were obtained. In addition, process intensification technology was introduced, which improved the problems of high cost and high energy consumption in the conventional extractive distillation process. Finally, multiple performances were evaluated and analyzed for different processes. It was found that the coupled heat integration and heat pump technology to assist the extractive distillation process saved 10.45% in terms of economy, reduced gas emissions by 49.00%, and reduced energy consumption by 48.99% compared to the basic extractive distillation process. This confirmed the reliability and feasibility of implementing the process intensification technology. This work demonstrates the application of organic solvent mixed with ionic liquid as entrainer and process intensification technology in the extractive distillation process, providing guidance and reference for the design of the extractive distillation process.

Effect of key parameter on the energy consumption and start-up time in the cold start-up process of an opposed-piston free-piston linear generator

The opposed-piston free-piston linear generator exhibits considerable energy conversion efficiency; however, its operational dynamics are highly sensitive to key parameters owing to the elimination of mechanical limitations. In the present study, an analysis was conducted on the impact of significant system variables on the operating performance of the cold start-up process in conjunction with energy decomposition. At the same time, the operational boundaries of the cold start-up process were explored. A comprehensive thermodynamic model with a cold start-up process was established to predict the operation characteristics. The established model was verified through experimental data obtained from the stable operation of a prototype. The error between simulated cylinder pressure values and experimental observations was determined to be below 1 bar. The findings indicate that as the motor force and bounce energy ratio increased, there was a corresponding reduction in both the time and total energy input necessary to accomplish the cold start-up process. To achieve lightweighting and simultaneously reduce electrical energy consumption, it is advisable to decrease the piston mass by no more than 30 %. A comprehensive energy decomposition study revealed that friction loss accounted for the majority of total energy consumption. To optimize the cold start-up process of the opposed-piston free-piston linear generator, the motor force should be between 300 and 400 N, the bounce energy ratio between 9 and 11, and the piston assembly mass optimization range between −15 % and 15 %.

Retinoic acid tiers mitochondrial metabolism to Sertoli Cell-Mediated efferocytosis via a non-RAR-dependent mechanism

Efferocytosis of massive non-viable germ cells by Sertoli cells (SCs), the specialized phagocytes, is essential for maintaining testis homeostasis. What elusive is the contribution of mitochondrial metabolism to this energy-consuming process, as SC has a preference of aerobic glycolysis. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA, hereafter referred to as RA) is a well-known morphogen that primarily acts through the nuclear RA receptor (RAR). It sustains SC blood-testisbarrier integrity, and it’s SC-derived RA sets the timing of meiotic commitment. In this study, we revisited RA in SC biology, from the perspective of SC-mediated efferocytosis. We provide evidence that RA induces transcriptional programming of multiple regulators involved in efferocytosis, which thereby represses SC-mediated efferocytosis, via a RAR-independent mechanism, as blocking pan-RAR activity fails to rescue RA-induced defective efferocytosis. RA-treated SCs exhibit alternations in mitochondrial dynamics and metabolism, and the hindered efferocytosis can be rescued by stimulating mitochondrial OXPHOS via pharmacological targeting of AMPK and PDK. We thus prefer to propose a signaling axis of RA-mitochondrial metabolism-efferocytosis. Our study uncovers a hitherto unappreciated role of RA in SC biology and tiers mitochondria metabolism to SC-mediated efferocytosis, contributing a deeper understanding of SC in male reproduction.

Comparison of microwave assisted foam drying processes to improve the physicochemical properties and to reduce GHG values of the melon powder processes

AbstractIn this study, in the process of valorizing melon biomass into food powder at 360, 540, 720 and.900 W power values; Drying rate, moisture rate, effective moisture diffusion, SMER-SEC energy consumption and greenhouse gas emission (GHG) values of production processes were investigated. It was determined that the average drying rates of the samples varied between 0.2393–0.9376 g moisture/g dry matter.minute. According to microwave power values, the effective moisture diffusion values of the products were found to vary between 5.47 × 10–7-2.27 × 10–6 m2/s. It was determined that the average SMER values of the drying processes varied between 0.024–0.047 kg/kWh and SEC values varied between 21.12–40.93 kWh/kg. According to the drying processes, NOX, SO2 and CO2 values were calculated to vary between 0.210–1.106, 0.00–2.919 and 49.50–200.168 g, respectively. It was found that the most suitable microwave power in terms of drying kinetics, energy consumption and greenhouse gas values was 900 W.

Endogenous advanced oxidation process with peracetic acid for recycling spent LiFePO4 batteries

LiFePO4 batteries are becoming more widely used due to their low cost and high stability advantages, which means that many spent batteries are generated. Designing green and efficient recycling methods for used batteries is strategically significant for the sustainable development of the new energy industry. This study innovatively proposes a self-activated advanced oxidation process with peroxyacetic acid for recycling spent LiFePO4, selectively releasing Li+ while converting LiFePO4 to FePO4. Quenching tests show that the de-embedding of Li+ is mainly caused by the rapid attack from HO• and R-O• radicals. Furthermore, the recycled products Li2CO3 and FePO4 are employed to regenerate LiFePO4 cathode materials, forming a closed-loop recycling process. Compared with traditional hydrometallurgy and hydrogen peroxide oxidation methods, this technology has obvious advantages in terms of process complexity, energy consumption, reagent consumption, recovery profit, and environmental friendliness. This work opens up a new way for the recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries.

Resources and potential for utilization of low-exergy heat from mung bean sprouts cultivation – case study

Poland is a significant producer of vegetable sprouts, which, due to the high content of nutrients, are produced for food purposes. The cultivation cycle of these plants, especially the mung beans (Vigna radiata), is associated with significant exploitation of natural resources (as much as 275 dm3 of water per 1 kg of dry seeds) and requires appropriate temperature conditions. However, since producing of vegetable sprouts is an exothermic process, there are reasons to organize the growth conditions of these plants in a quasi-autonomous manner. Estimated preliminary studies show that during the entire period of sprout growth, as much as 2.86 MJ of heat from 1 kg of dry seeds can be used, which, taking into account the scale of production of these plants, places them among the significant sources of low-temperature waste heat. The paper presents the results of temperature measurements carried out in a growth chamber used for the industrial production of the mung bean vegetable sprouts. Based on the prepared energy balance, the total amount of heat generated (4.9 GJ) and recovered (3.3 GJ) in the seed germination process was determined. The amount of energy lost in the process of imbibition and the amount of heat needed to ensure optimal plant growth conditions were determined. The study shows that the use of low-temperature heat generated by plants allows for a significant reduction in the energy consumption of the production process.