Energy Efficient Transport Research Articles

Planning for energy-efficient transport in a small town: Influence from different urban configurations of destination points and housing establishments

Urban and transport planning can strongly affect energy usage induced by travel in cities. However, most studies investigate large cities with crude measurements of induced travel without consideration of the urban configuration of residences and their trip destinations, and little attention has been paid to smaller cities. We investigate energy usage (CO2-emissions) from car travel in a small Swedish city using a novel approach based on detailed GPS-tracking data of actual car mobility to calculate CO2-emissions on street segments and to identify major destinations. We also construct configuration scenarios, applied to the case city. These scenarios’ induced CO2 emission from transports is evaluated in relation to the current configuration of the city. We find that changes in the urban configuration can impact on energy usage from intra-urban car travel by some 40% compared to the current situation and that the configurations display large relative differences in transport-efficiency, polycentric and public transport-based configurations being more efficient than monocentric development. We conclude that housing allocation is less important for car transport efficiency than re-location of existing destination points. Urban planning needs to be critical to over-simplified densification strategies and analyze the urban configuration to find optimal solutions.

Оценка энергоэффективности скоростного и высокоскоростного железнодорожного транспорта

analysis and definition of energy efficiency criteria for high-speed and high-speed rail transport. Methods: development of a comprehensive system of indicators for assessing the efficiency of production in rail transport, taking into account the specifics of various types of transportation and technological processes, in particular the energy efficiency of high-speed and high-speed rolling stock, focused on the practical significance and economic feasibility of the results. Results: the efficiency of high-speed rolling stock is indicated, the energy efficiency of high-speed rolling stock is assessed, the indicators of energy efficiency of rail transportation are considered, the differences between a high-speed train and a conventional train are analyzed, the system for assessing the energy efficiency of high-speed rail transportation is considered, the energy efficiency of high-speed transportation is considered in relation to increasing travel speeds. Practical significance: the use of absolute energy consumption indicators for a more accurate assessment of the efficiency of rail transportation does not allow for an adequate assessment of the scale of production activities. Specific indicators, such as energy intensity per net ton-kilometer, although more informative, do not take into account the diversity of technological processes and rolling stock in the railway industry. This article will allow us to revise the existing assessment of the energy consumption of high-speed trains, and will allow us to consider the use of this indicator in assessing the efficiency of energy consumption of highspeed trains in Russia.

Использование энергии рекуперации для обогрева стрелочных переводов от контактной сети постоянного тока с напряжением 3 кВ

Purpose: to create a system for the use of energy recovery on sections of railways electrified with direct current with a voltage of 3 kV. The proposed system should make it possible to use the energy of regenerative braking generated by an electric locomotive or a DC electric train for heating switches during regenerative braking and insufficient power of traction consumers or their absence in the traction network. Methods: analysis of statistical data on the modes of operation of electric rolling stock and traction network, execution of train schedules, analysis and synthesis of circuit solutions, study of domestic and foreign experience in the utilization of energy recovery in railway transport. Results: the principle of using energy recovery, which cannot be used due to the low load in the contact network, for heating switches, increasing the energy efficiency of transportation on electrified rail transport, is proposed. Practical significance: the possibility of using electric energy recovery of electric rolling stock for heating switches in winter is shown, if it is impossible to consume it by other electric locomotives and electric trains. This system can be used in areas electrified with direct current with freight and passenger traffic, which operates electric rolling stock (EPS) with regenerative and regenerative-rheostatic braking.

Sustainable supply chain management in U.S. healthcare: Strategies for reducing environmental impact without compromising access

The U.S. healthcare sector’s supply chain operations are responsible for about 8.5% of all national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In healthcare, traditional supply chain management has focused on cost efficiency to the detriment of environmental considerations leading to higher emissions, waste, and resource depletion. The focus of this study is to investigate strategies for making sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) in the U.S. healthcare system, while reducing environmental impact at minimal cost to patient care quality. The objectives of the study are to evaluate the current state of healthcare supply chains, explore sustainable practices, evaluate emerging technologies, propose an SSCM implementation framework, and explore policy implications. Sustainable supply chain management can be achieved by forming the key strategies: comprehensive waste reduction and recycling programs, adoption of energy efficient transportation and storage solutions, green energy sourcing, and use of data driven inventory management that would help optimize inventory, along with other technologies like blockchain, IoT and artificial intelligence that could achieve transparency and efficiency. The research wouldn't go into specific case studies but would likely look at institutions that have already been able to implement these practices. The findings indicate that considerable environmental footprint reduction of the U.S. healthcare sector is possible without sacrificing access to high quality care through adoption of SSCM practices. But it requires joint efforts from policymakers, healthcare providers and industry partners. The long-term goal is a sustainable, resilient healthcare system that will integrate environmental stewardship with high quality care, that will help mitigate climate change and acknowledge the interdependence of environmental and human health.

Hydrodynamic analysis of core annular flow with a viscoplastic lubricant

Core annular flow (CAF) with viscoplastic lubrication (VPL) is an attractive proposition for pipeline transportation of high viscous oil, slurries and suspensions. Past studies have performed stability analysis to show that the unyielded zone at the liquid-liquid interface stabilizes CAF by suppressing interfacial instabilities. However, an in-depth investigation of the flow hydrodynamics and the conditions which reduce the pumping power within stable CAF range using VPL has not been reported till date. Moreover, most of the studies have considered a Bingham Plastic liquid in the annulus. Only a single study (Usha & Sahu, 2019) is reported with Herschel-Bulkley (HB) liquid in the annulus that considers the entire annulus to be in the shear zone. Another experimental study (Huen et al., 2007) has demonstrated stable core annular flow with a shear thinning core and a HB annulus. In the present work, we analyze viscoplastically lubricated CAF for a Newtonian core where the yield stress annular liquid is described by the generalized HB model. The simplified analysis can predict CAF stability and is further explored to (i) assess the efficacy of VPL for stable energy-efficient oil transportation, and (ii) enhanced throughput without clogging during suspension transportation. The analysis, validated against data from literature, unravels the influence of rheological properties on flow hydrodynamics. We note that an annular liquid with low flow behavior index, n and yield stress, τy lowers pumping power, but the yield stress should be sufficient to form a plug zone at the interface for suppressing instabilities and stabilizing CAF. For viscous oil, a phase diagram in dimensionless coordinates (Reynolds number of the oil core and Herschel-Bulkley number of the annular liquid, both expressed at the inlet conditions) suggests the range of operation where an available HB liquid can serve as an effective annular lubricant for energy-efficient transportation.

Traffic road noise and transportation energy efficiency

Future noise emission limits for passenger car are going to lower levels by 2024 -Social cost of noise for France in 2021, shows clearly that the dominant source of noise pollution is road traffic (81 Bn€ for a total of 146 Bn€) This R51 regulation is meant to lower the noise pollution from road traffic, but when looking closer to the sources and their contributions, in particular the tire/road noise interaction, the environmental efficiency of this regulation is questionable. Tire/Road interaction involves tires characteristics, that are constrained by an array of specification and it has been proven that there is a physical limit to what could be expected from the tire as far as tire/road interaction noise is concerned.Road surface however, shows very wide acoustic characteristics spread : over 15dBA from the quietest to the loudest asphalt, to be compared to 2dBA steps in the regulation and an environmental impact that will depend on the rolling stock renewal rate. This paper will present a new patented method from Renault enabling to assess road acoustic data mapping from a simple drive of a Megane E-Tech, quickly and efficiently, issuing the first ever noise pollution control maps.

The Attractiveness of Regional Transport as a Direction for Improving Transport Energy Efficiency

The Attractiveness of Regional Transport as a Direction for Improving Transport Energy Efficiency

Efficient cooling strategies for liquid hydrogen pipelines: A comparative analysis

Liquid hydrogen (LH2) stands out for its high energy density, efficient transportation, and safe low-pressure storage. However, the challenge lies in achieving rapid cooling of LH2 pipelines while minimizing hydrogen loss. This paper introduces a robust three-dimensional model for simulating the unsteady-state heat transfer and the gas-liquid two-phase flow within LH2 pipelines. Throughout the cooling cycle, the pipe undergoes transitions in flow patterns, including stratified smooth flow, wavy flow, and intermittent flow, in which wavy flow dominates due to the extremely low liquid-to-gas density ratio of hydrogen. A comprehensive comparative analysis is conducted for three cooling modes: constant flow, variable flow, and pulsing flow. Finally, an evaluative framework for distinct pipeline cooling modes has been proposed. A reasonable variable flow cooling mode exhibits certain advantages in both cooling time and liquid hydrogen consumption when compared with the constant flow cooling mode, and the pulse flow cooling method adeptly capitalizes on the performance benefits derived from intermittent flow. Specifically, within the cooling range of 40 K–20 K, it substantially economizes liquid hydrogen consumption (15%–20 %), albeit concomitant with an extended total cooling time (40%–60 %). This study can offer theoretical insights to guide the high-efficiency cooling of liquid hydrogen pipelines.

Transitioning from gridlock to sustainability: advancing transport strategies for eco-friendly solutions in high-income countries.

The study aims to comprehend sustainable behaviors in high-income nations, where human-environment interactions are crucial. Increased transportation needs in industrialized countries highlight the importance of environmental challenges affecting human well-being. Railway passenger carrier, automobile energy efficiency, technology breakthroughs, financial incentives, and public-private partnerships (PPPs) affect congestion and sustainability, which the study analyses for sound policy inferences in a panel of 28 high-income nations from 2000 to 2022. The panel ARDL estimates reveal that railway passenger carrier increases carbon emissions in the short run while it improves them over time, highlighting the importance of urban planning. Environmental pollution, energy use, transportation behavior (including PPPs), and technical innovation have an inverse connection, demonstrating the efficacy of energy-efficient transport methods, research and development, and renewable energy sources. However, economic incentives highly correspond with carbon-intensive habits, emphasizing the need for high-income countries to phase them out.

Does Urbanization Impede Environmental Sustainability? Panel Data Evidence from South Asia

Climate change and global warming are burning issues in present era and urbanization can be a factor of carbon dioxide emission expansion which erodes environment quality. Considering rapid urbanization in South Asia during last few decades, this study examines the association between urbanization and CO2 emission. Panel data time series econometric techniques such as; panel DOLS, FMOLS and granger causality are applied by using panel data for 1973-2018. The results show that urbanization increases CO2 emission in the long run and this finding is also supported by the results of individual country based analyses. Moreover, unidirectional causal linkage from urban expansion to carbon dioxide emission and from energy consumption to carbon emission prevail. Important policy implications are proposed based on the findings. Energy efficient urban public transportation facilities, industrial emission abatement policies, awareness of masses through media etc. can help to reduce carbon emission whereas provision of social amenities in rural areas can lead to ease press of human movement towards urban areas.

The Use of Hydrogen as Fuel Gives Rise to Emerging Environmental Concerns

Given the urgent global warming situation and the need to decrease carbon emissions, this research project is essential for examining alternative energy sources, like hydrogen, for sustainable transportation and power production. The increasing urbanization and enhanced urban mobility emphasize the significance of building energy-efficient transport systems, such as Light Rail Transport, to offset environmental consequences. This study seeks to enhance the current discussion on moving towards a more sustainable and ecologically aware energy model by examining the practicality and advantages of these developing energy alternatives.

Aircraft Innovation Trends Enabling Advanced Air Mobility

This study presents a comprehensive exploration of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft within advanced air mobility (AAM), examining the crucial challenges of integrating these innovative technologies into transportation systems. AAM promises transformational social change by enhancing transportation energy efficiency, safety, and operational effectiveness. This research utilizes a methodical approach that juxtaposes a systematic review of patents with an extensive analysis of the academic literature to map the innovation landscape of VTOL technology. This dual analysis reveals a dynamic progression in VTOL advancements, highlighting significant strides in aerodynamic optimization, propulsion technology, and control systems. The novelty of this study lies in its dual-method approach, combining patent analysis with the academic literature to provide a holistic view of VTOL technological evolution. The patent analysis reveals that companies have been most productive on innovations relating to VTOL aircraft transition efficiency, control enhancement, and energy management. The literature review identifies key trends such as the rise in electric propulsion technologies and the integration of AI-driven control mechanisms. These results provide new engineering knowledge that can guide future VTOL development and policy formulation. The original contributions include a detailed mapping of VTOL innovation trends, identification of key technological advancements, and a predictive lens into future directions. These findings offer a valuable resource for aerospace engineers, policymakers, and urban planners. This study contributes a detailed assessment of both theoretical foundations and practical applications, fostering a holistic view of the challenges and innovations shaping the future of AAM. By connecting research and practical development, this study serves as a critical tool for strategic decision making and policy formulation towards advancing the integration of VTOL aircraft into sustainable urban transportation networks.

Advancing sintering and matrix-reinforcement interaction in Al/AlN metal matrix composites through use of novel AlN reinforcement

Demand for energy-efficient transportation has led to increased use of lightweight aluminium alloys due to their exceptional strength-to-weight. Meanwhile, aluminium-based metal matrix composites (MMCs) are being developed to enhance wear resistance and strength. However, traditional ceramic reinforcements often have poor bonding with the matrix, compromising performance. Here, we demonstrate the use of a novel ex-situ AlN reinforcement powder to enhance sintering and interfacial bonding for powder metallurgy preparation of Al/AlN MMCs. We compared two series of Al/AlN MMCs featuring 10 vol.% ex-situ AlN reinforcement, one prepared using commercial AlN powder, and the other using our novel AlN reinforcement prepared by low temperature direct nitridation of Al powder. Metallic Al contained in the synthesized reinforcement significantly improved interfacial adhesion between matrix and reinforcement and enhanced densification during sintering. This resulted in a substantial improvement in tensile mechanical properties, with an 11.5% increase in ultimate tensile strength and almost five-fold improvement in ductility compared to composites prepared using the conventional ceramic AlN reinforcement. This study provides a strategy for powder metallurgy production of advanced Al/AlN MMCs with superior physical and mechanical properties.

Universal Symmetry of Optimal Control at the Microscale

Optimizing the energy efficiency of driving processes provides valuable insights into the underlying physics and is of crucial importance for numerous applications, from biological processes to the design of machines and robots. Knowledge of optimal driving protocols is particularly valuable at the microscale, where energy supply is often limited. Here, we experimentally and theoretically investigate the paradigmatic optimization problem of moving a potential carrying a load through a fluid, in a finite time and over a given distance, in such a way that the required work is minimized. An important step towards more realistic systems is the consideration of memory effects in the surrounding fluid, which are ubiquitous in real-world applications. Therefore, our experiments were performed in viscous and viscoelastic media, which are typical environments for synthetic and biological processes on the microscale. Despite marked differences between the protocols in both fluids, we find that the optimal control protocol and the corresponding average particle trajectory always obey a time-reversal symmetry. We show that this symmetry, which surprisingly applies here to a class of processes far from thermal equilibrium, holds universally for various systems, including active, granular, and long-range correlated media in their linear regimes. The uncovered symmetry provides a rigorous and versatile criterion for optimal control that greatly facilitates the search for energy-efficient transport strategies in a wide range of systems. Using a machine learning algorithm, we demonstrate that the algorithmic exploitation of time-reversal symmetry can significantly enhance the performance of numerical optimization algorithms. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

The Long-Run Linkage among the Macroeconomic Factors and CO2 Emissions in terms of Sea Transport Induced EKC Hypothesis in USA

The main aim of this article is to comprehend the long-run relationship among sea transportation, energy use, GDP, and CO2 for USA from 1980 to 2023. In this sense, FMOLS, DOLS, CCR, and ARDL analyses are employed in order to investigate the entity of long-run linkage between the relevant variables. According to results of this manuscript, except energy use there is no both long-run relationship among variables and effects of independent variables (GDP, sea transportation) on dependent variable (CO2 emissions) from 1980 to 2023 in USA. Therefore, the sea transport-induced EKC hypothesis has not been confirmed empirically. Although the hypothesis has not been confirmed, there are some issues to consider in terms of energy consumption. Transportation energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions are seen as an alarming threat to leaving a livable and sustainable green environment and economy to future generations. Fossil fuels used in transportation have an important place in carbon dioxide emissions. This is seen as a crucial environmental factor that all stakeholders should consider when planning energy and environmental policy decisions. In order to prevent environmental quality from being negatively affected by greenhouse gas and exhaust emissions, policy makers need to encourage more energy efficient and healthier transportation ways. Thus, the harmful effects of transportation energy consumption can be reduced as well.

Empowering human–environment well‐being through wearable sensing: Unveiling trends and addressing gaps in the energy transition

AbstractInteractions between individuals and their environment play a vital role in uncovering the energy usage of building systems and improving human well‐being. The use of technology, such as wearable devices, enhances the study of people's perception of their surroundings and helps to comprehend the factors that influence individuals' satisfaction in both indoor and outdoor settings. Despite the growing number of publications in this field, there is still a lack of comprehensive understanding and exploitation of wearable sensing potential in urban planning and building operations. To address this gap, this research conducted a bibliometric review of 1661 scientific studies on the topic, identifying trends and areas where wearable applications for human‐centric well‐being research in the built environment are lacking. The analysis of keywords revealed a focus on the application of data analytics to process the vast amount of information collected through wearable sensors. However, the complexity of the subject necessitates cross‐disciplinary and international collaborations, which are still in their early stages due to a variety of reasons. Additionally, there is a lack of research exploring the potential of multidomain studies and long‐term monitoring. When considering outdoor environments, the use of people‐as‐sensors through wearables can significantly contribute to the development of resilient urban planning and environmental risk management in smart cities. Wearable sensing technologies offer valuable insights into people's experiences and preferences, but further research and collaboration are needed to fully harness their potential in urban planning and building operations toward the energy transition. By embracing these technologies and exploring multidomain research, more resilient and human‐centric environments could enhance well‐being of individuals in both indoor and outdoor contexts.This article is categorized under: Sustainable Energy > Energy Efficiency Cities and Transportation > Buildings

Design and Fabrication of an Acetylene Fuel Vehicle

Abstract: The transition towards sustainable transportation necessitates exploring alternative fuels with reduced environmental impacts. Acetylene has emerged as a promising candidate due to its clean combustion characteristics and high energy density. This abstract outline the design and fabrication process of an acetylene fuel vehicle, focusing on its feasibility and performance. The design phase involves meticulous material selection to ensure compatibility with acetylene's properties while prioritizing safety measures. Key components such as the fuel storage system, combustion chamber, and propulsion system are engineered to maximize energy conversion efficiency and minimize emissions. Safety protocols for acetylene handling and storage are integrated into the design to mitigate risks associated with its high reactivity. Fabrication incorporates advanced manufacturing techniques like additive manufacturing and precision machining to create a robust vehicle prototype. The integration of selected components is optimized to enhance structural integrity and overall performance. Rigorous testing procedures are conducted to validate the vehicle's functionality, including performance metrics, emissions analysis, and safety evaluations. The outcomes of this study provide valuable insights into the feasibility of acetylene as a sustainable transportation fuel. The design and fabrication processes contribute to ongoing research efforts aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of the transportation sector. The results also offer a pathway for future developments in alternative fuel technologies, driving towards a more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient transportation ecosystem.

Uncertainties in the technological pathway towards low-carbon freight transport under carbon neutral target in China

The freight transport sector is a critical sector for achieving carbon peak and carbon neutrality targets. However, there are many uncertainties regarding the e-commerce development, promotion speed of low-carbon measures, and freight transport technologies. Existing research lacks considering the multiple uncertainties on the low-carbon technological pathway for freight transport. Consequently, a bottom-up National Energy Technology-Transport (NET-Transport) model is developed based on the principle of cost minimization for optimizing the low-carbon transition pathway of the freight transport. The study comprehensively evaluates the sustainable technological pathway, energy saving and carbon emission reduction of various measures, including shifting to low-carbon transport modes, improving transport energy efficiency and promoting clean energy. Results show that the freight transport demand will reach 24.1–60.5 trillion ton-kilometers by 2060. CO2 emission would peak at 0.8–1.0 billion tons in 2030–2041 if the breakthrough technologies are not developed on a large scale. Carbon neutrality in the freight sector is difficult to achieve by relying on the low-carbon transition of the energy system alone, with 57–555 million tons of remaining CO2 emissions in 2060. The advanced technologies have significant effects on energy saving and emission reduction. The research, development, and application of hydrogen-fueled heavy trucks should be accelerated.

Cooperative Application of Onboard Energy Storage and Stationary Energy Storage in Rail Transit Based on Genetic Algorithm

The transition towards environmentally friendly transportation solutions has prompted a focused exploration of energy-saving technologies within railway transit systems. Energy Storage Systems (ESS) in railway transit for Regenerative Braking Energy (RBE) recovery has gained prominence in pursuing sustainable transportation solutions. To achieve the dual-objective optimization of energy saving and investment, this paper proposes the collaborative operation of Onboard Energy-Storage Systems (OESS) and Stationary Energy-Storage Systems (SESS). In the meantime, Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II (NSGA-II) is applied to optimize the ESS capacity and reduce its redundancy. The simulation is programmed in MATLAB. The results show that the corporation of OESS and SESS offers superior benefits (70 kWh energy saving within 30 min operation) compared to using SESS alone. Moreover, the OESS plays a significant role, emphasizing its significance in saving energy and investment, therefore presenting a win–win scenario. It is recommended that the capacity of OESS be designed to be two to three times that of SESS. The findings contribute to the ongoing efforts in developing more sustainable and energy-efficient transportation solutions, with implications for the railway industry’s investment and broader initiatives in energy saving for sustainable urban mobility.

Green Perspective of Air Cargo Transport Chains – The Case of Eastern Adriatic Region

This article deals with the highly topical issue of greening air transport chains. It is important to consider the environmental aspect of the current performance of air transport in regions with less intensive air transport chains, such as the Eastern Adriatic. The regional airports of Ljubljana, Zagreb and Belgrade are dependent on European air cargo hubs and at the same time have the task of connecting the national airports in Sarajevo, Podgorica, etc., which complicates the functioning of air transport chains regionally. A comprehensive consideration of air cargo chains is important in terms of price and transport time, but also in terms of the GHG footprint. The results show that an environmental assessment of air transport chains is necessary for a more comprehensive decision on sustainable supply chains. The study enriches the scientific understanding of air transport chains in the Eastern Adriatic region from the point of view of carbon footprint and energy efficiency of transport, and highlights the need to use the already developed IT tools in the assessment and modelling of transport chains when different options are presented to cargo owners. Integrating the above approaches and data into current business models enables the gradual regional decarbonisation of air transport.