Economic Energy Efficiency Research Articles

ОПТИМІЗАЦІЯ УПРАВЛІННЯ ЛОГІСТИЧНИМИ ПРОЦЕСАМИ В АГРАРНИХ ПІДПРИЄМСТВАХ НА ОСНОВІ ВПРОВАДЖЕННЯ НОВІТНІХ ІНФОРМАЦІЙНИХ ТЕХНОЛОГІЙ

Introduction. Existing concepts for determining the of production resource and cost are based on assessing the of use in the process of reproduction of the set of production resources and the share of resources consumed in the production process. The disadvantage of these concepts is that the partial indicators are determined by the ratio of the total effect and the size of individual types of production resources, abstracting from the influence of other resources involved in the formation of the overall result. This is illegal, because the overall result is a consequence of the combined impact of production resources.Purpose. The purpose of the article is to study of environmental imperative, human factor imperative and priority of economic evaluation in the management system of production.Results. The economic category energy efficiency is comprehensively considered, which reflects the production relations in relation to the rational use of resources for the production of products (works, services). Classified results of use in production by results; according to the assessment; on the basis of characterizing the direction of the consequences; by term of manifestation; by scope of consequences. Functional is defined as an alternative to economic efficiency. It is proved that the production process is effective in the case when the equivalent of the useful result obtained from the distribution of flows exceeds the equivalent of the costs of the distribution processes.Originality. The criterion of is defined as the minimization of the level of consumption in final consumption per unit of output. The most general criterion of consumption is the replacement of living labor (human energy) by materialized labor (in particular, obtained as a result of utilization by means). Generalized partial criteria for the efficient use of resources for the production of a particular type of product and the implementation of production processes, subject to the subordination and consistency of these criteria. The method of determining the potential and actual of production and delimited levels of - minimum, average, maximum, and the effect is defined as positive results in the form of reducing specific costs for production, which is actual, previous and expected.Conclusion. The method of determining the of saving as a measure of achieving the goal of saving, which is determined by the ratio of the magnitude of the effect to the costs that caused it. It is proved that the of saving in its content is a socio-economic category because the socio-economic of consumption is a set of achieved final social results, in particular, the improvement of the environmental situation. It is proved that the highest is achieved with the optimal combination of values of the factors that determine it, provided that the deterioration of working conditions (the imperative of the human factor); complication of the ecological situation (ecological imperative); reduction of economic (priority of economic evaluation). Substantiated methods of accounting and principles of objective assessment of of production.

Production of ethanol fuel via syngas fermentation: Optimization of economic performance and energy efficiency

In this work, a model was developed to predict the performance of a bubble column reactor for syngas fermentation and the subsequent recovery of anhydrous ethanol. The model was embedded in an optimization framework which employs surrogate models (artificial neural networks) and multi-objective genetic algorithm to optimize different process conditions and design variables with objectives related to investment, minimum selling price, energy efficiency and bioreactor productivity. The results indicate the optimal trade-offs between these objectives while providing a range of solutions such that, if desired, a single solution can be picked, depending on the priority conferred to different process targets. The Pareto-optimal values of the decision variables were discussed for different case studies with and without the recovery unit. It was shown that enhancing the gas-liquid mass transfer coefficient is a key strategy toward sustainability improvement.

ECONOMICAL EFFICIENCY OF THE USING BIOLOGICAL PREPARATION «MEGANIT NIRBATOR» ON THE OUTPUT OF BIOGAS FROM BY-PRODUCTS OF ANIMAL ORIGIN

The aim of the research was to analyze the problems and prospects for the production and use of biogas in Ukraine from animal by-products as an innovative direction of energy conservation in agrarian production and to substantiate the economic feasibility and energy efficiency of the biogas «Meganit Nirbator» as a means of intensifying the biogas output. The data of biogas output from cattle manure at application of biogas plants with reactors of different volume are presented. The features of the biogas generation process and the influence of various factors on its intensity are considered and summarized. The advantages of obtaining biogas from by-products of animal origin as alternatives to the fossil sources of energy are analyzed, because in connection with local depletion of natural resources and dynamic tendency rising energy prices, of possibility in the perspective emergence of the energy crisis, the negative influence of traditional power engineering on the environment and threat of regional ecological disasters there is necessity for search and wide using of alternative fuel and energy resources. The economic feasibility of using the «Meganit Nirbator» biopreparation as a means of intensifying the biogas output is scientifically substantiated. It has been experimentally proved that the use of this drug as a stimulant causes an increase in the yield of biogas from manure of cows by 9% by increasing the activity of the methane fermentation process, which further increases the economic efficiency of alternative energy in the enterprise compared with the use of traditional energy sources. The presented results have scientific and practical importance in the energy sector and agriculture, in particular for solving environmental problems with the utilization of by-products of the livestock sector, the rational use of natural resources and the energy provision of the production process at the enterprise.

Energy efficiency forecast of the Krasnoyarsk region

The energy efficiency of the Russian economy lags far behind the developed countries of the world. Increasing energy efficiency and, above all, energy saving, is the source that can provide additional economic growth through organizational and technical measures. The object of research is the economy of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, the increase in energy efficiency of which is of particular relevance due to its high energy intensity. The purpose of the study is to carry out an energy-economic analysis of the Krasnoyarsk Territory and to fulfill the forecast of the growth of the energy efficiency of the economy. The methodical approach developed by the authors is based on balance and statistical methods. In the course of the study, retrospective fuel and energy balances (FEB) of the Krasnoyarsk Territory (for the period 2005-2017) were developed, energy efficiency indicators were calculated and a regression equation was compiled for the forecast of the energy intensity of the gross regional product (GRP). The forecast for the development of the economy and the fuel and energy complex (FEC) of the Krasnoyarsk Territory has been made, the forecast TEBs have been developed (for the period up to 2050), the energy intensity of the regional GRP has been calculated for the long term, and measures have been proposed to increase energy efficiency.

Benchmarking sustainable energy technologies in cross-border regions: issues of economic efficiency

The long-term trends of world energy development envisage a radical increase in the energy efficiency, an increase in its quality indicators, and a transition from fossil fuels to the use of sustainable energy technologies. The article presents an algorithm developed by a team of authors for planning, implementing, and evaluating economic efficiency of benchmarking sustainable energy technologies in cross-border regions. Its use will allow optimizing the energy intensity of enterprises, ensuring energy security, economic efficiency and environmental stability of adjacent territories, preserving the mineral resource base, and improving the quality of life of the population.

Modeling the processes of substantiation of renewable energy development projects

The features of the assessment of the economic efficiency of energy saving projects based on the combination of traditional and renewable energy and material resources with an increasing degree of cogeneration of energy types and by-products are revealed. The object of the research is the formed energy-technology complex of objects or the industrial park, and the subject is the modeling of the processes of combining and cogeneration to determine the options for the best organizational and technical solutions in projects for the development of renewable energy. The variants of projects for the transformation and landfill reclamation of an industrial area with a critical level of environmental pollution are substantiated.

Research on the Influencing Factors of National Energy Economy Based on Fixed Effect Model

This paper analyzes and studies the influencing factors of national energy economy. By constructing a fixed effect model and taking China as an example, it makes a statistical analysis of the influencing factors of China’s national energy economic efficiency. This paper Introduce China’s empirical data from 2000 to 2010 to deepen the understanding of energy issues, and then analyze the inherent causes of the situation from the actual situation of the country. This study can quantitatively analyze the status quo and differences of energy economic efficiency among countries and regions, and study the relationship between its influencing factors on energy economic efficiency, which can promote the sustainable and coordinated development of the country.

National economy energy efficiency conceptual principles

The article addresses the problem of increasing the national economy energy efficiency level. Analysis of the regulatory framework for the implementation of state policy towards ensuring energy efficiency of the Ukrainian economy is carried out. A dynamic analysis of a number of indicators for the state economic development in the context of determining the state and potential of energy efficiency of the national economy is characterized. A low degree of practical implementation of state measures on energy conservation and energy efficiency is noted. The main factors of restraining the national economy energy efficiency development are identified and a number of measures to increase its level are suggested.

Wybrane aspekty efektywności energetycznej gospodarki krajowej

Wybrane aspekty efektywności energetycznej gospodarki krajowej

Effect of Swelling in Electrolyte Polymer Binder Positive Electrode on the Characteristics of Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

Lithium-sulfur (Li–S) batteries attract great attention of researchers due to their high theoretical energy density (2600 W∙h∙kg-1) and economic efficiency compared to state-of-art lithium-ion batteries [1]. The depth of the electrochemical reduction of sulfur and the cycle life of lithium-sulfur batteries are determined by the amount of electrolyte retained in the positive electrode [2]. In turn, the amount of electrolyte in the positive electrode is determined by its porosity and the ability of binders to swell in the electrolyte. Therefore, polymer binders used in the positive electrode can significantly affect the characteristics of lithium-sulfur batteries. The aim of the work was to study the effect of the swelling of polymer binders of the positive electrode in the electrolyte solution on the characteristics of lithium-sulfur batteries. The sulfur electrodes, with the composition of 70 wt.% Sulfur (99.5%, Russia), 10 wt.% multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Sigma Aldrich) and 20 wt% binder was the object of study. Polymeric binders were PEO (ММ 4∙106), PVDF-HFP (ММ 3∙105), LA-132. Lithium-sulfur cells were assembled as described in [3]. Electrolyte was1M LiCF3SO3 in sulfolane. Sulfolane is promising solvent for lithium–sulfur batteries. Electrolyte solutions based on sulfolane have high chemical and electrochemical stability [4], and moderate conductivity [5]. Sulfolane has a high flash point (166°C) [6]. Lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate was chosen as a support salt since electrolytes based on it have good scattering ability and provide lithium–sulfur cells with the smallest capacity depletion compared to electrolyte systems based on other salts [4]. Studies have shown that all investigated sulfur electrodes had good elasticity, mechanical strength and adhesion. Swelling of the electrode layer of sulfur electrodes was estimated by weight method at room temperature (23-25 °C) as follows. Pre-weighted sulfur electrodes were placed into the electrolyte solution for 48 hours. Then the sulfur electrodes were removed from the electrolyte, the excess of electrolyte was removed from the surface of the electrodes by a filter paper, and weighed. The mass of the electrolyte sorbed by the sulfur electrode was calculated as the difference in the masses of the sulfur electrodes after and before their storage into the electrolyte solution. It is established that the composition of the polymer binder has a significant effect on the swelling of the positive electrode in the electrolyte (Table). Sulfur electrodes containing PEO as a polymer binder can soak up to 2.8 µL/mAh(S). Sulfur electrodes containing PVDF-HFP and LA-132 can soak 1.5 and 1.1 µL/mAh(S), respectively. The discharge voltage profiles of lithium-sulfur cells with sulfur electrodes containing various polymeric binders differ significantly (Figure). The shape of the discharge voltage profile of lithium-sulfur cells, with the polymer binder PEO, is traditional: there are two voltage plateau: high voltage and low voltage. And in the case of polymer binders LA132 and PVDF-HFP, the discharge capacity corresponding to the end of the high-voltage stage is significantly lower than for cells with PEO binder, and the low-voltage plateau is almost indistinguishable. The difference in the swelling of sulfur electrodes containing various polymeric binders in the electrolyte solution explains the differences in the characteristics of the lithium-sulfur cells. This work was performed as part of a Government Order to Ufa Institute of Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation (Theme No. AAAA-A17-117011910031-7) Russia and was also financially supported by the Russian Science Foundation (project No 17-73-20115).

Predicting energy consumption: A multiple decomposition-ensemble approach

Reliable energy consumption prediction plays a vital role in formulating government's energy policies. In this study, a novel multiple decomposition-ensemble method based on error compensation is proposed to stably predict energy consumption. Firstly, trend decomposition is used to decompose the energy consumption into trend-subseries and error-subseries. In view of error compensation is a feasible approach for improving the prediction accuracy, the error-subseries that mentioned above are further divided into one low-frequency approximation error-subseries and several high-frequency detailed error-subseries by wavelet transform. Depending on their different dynamic changing characteristics, this study uses a Linear Regression Model to predict the trend-subseries, employs a Triple Exponential Smoothing Model to estimate the low-frequency approximation error-subseries, and uses an Auto Regression model to find the high-frequency detailed error-subseries. Finally, the overall energy consumption is the summation of these subseries predictions. Using the energy consumption data from China in 2007–2016, empirical study is carried out. The proposed multiple decomposition-ensemble method based on error compensation achieves the highest performance, which is compared with other six models (three single models, two traditional decomposition-ensemble models, and combination model). The proposed model is also validated by the U.S. data. Forecasts indicate that the energy demand of China will increase to 4.957343 billion Tons of standard Coal Equivalent in 2021, implying that China should speed up its transition to an energy-efficiency economy.

An exploration on the applicability of heating tower heat pump and air source heat pump systems in different climatic regions

Abstract Air source heat pump (ASHP) and heating tower heat pump (HTHP) systems are both environmentally sustainable space heating systems. HTHP system can effectively avoid the frosting issue of ASHP systems, but requires higher initial investment. In order to explore the applicability of the two systems, this paper presents a comparative study between HTHP and ASHP systems in different climatic regions. Mathematical models were developed for HTHP and ASHP systems and validated by field experiments. Case studies were carried out in four different climatic regions using the numerical model to analyze the energy consumption, system efficiency and economic efficiency of the two systems. The results showed that the ASHP system was superior in electrical power input in the four regions. The EER of the HTHP system was higher than that of the ASHP system by 3% and 2% in Regions III and II (Xi'an and Shanghai) while lower by 7% and 6% in Regions I and IV (Shenyang and Chongqing). The annual cost of the HTHP system was higher than that of ASHP system by 9% and 11% in Regions I and IV, while lower by 5% and 4% in Regions II and III. Based on these comparisons, recommendations about how to choose HTHP and ASHP systems for different climatic regions were presented, to instruct future optimization and utilization of HTHP and ASHP systems.

Study into predicted efficiency of the application of hybrid solar collectors to supply energy to multi-apartment buildings

This paper reports a study into efficiency of the application of hybrid solar collectors, which can simultaneously generate both electricity and thermal energy to supply power to multi-storey buildings. The novelty of the work is that efficiency was predicted taking into consideration the dynamics over recent years and by extrapolating trends in prices up to the year2045 inthe market of renewable energy, in contrast to existing approaches that disregard their likely change over the considered period. The results of calculations were used to model a predicted market value of the equipment, taking into consideration a reduction in its price due to the improved technology for manufacturing the collectors, their installation, and operating costs, over a specified period. In this case, the dynamics in the «basic» and «green» tariffs for solar electric and thermal energy were considered. Values for the coefficients of determination have confirmed sufficient adequacy of the derived models. An example has been provided for determining the electric and thermal loading on a multi-apartment building equipped with gas stoves; the proper equipment for a hybrid solar collector has been selected. The structures and procedures have been proposed for connecting a hybrid collector to the systems the supply electricity and heat to the building. The collector’s modules the type of ATMOSFERA F2PV are arranged at the roof of the building, whose electric components are connected, through an inverter, to the inlet-distributor device in a building or to the low-voltage buses at a power substation with a voltage of 10/0.4 kV, which powers the building. A heat-carrier is fed from the collector, through storage capacities, to a thermal unit into the system of hot water supply and heating of the building. The obtained results of the study have made it possible to predict a probable energy efficiency (the amount of saved conventional fuel), economic (net discounted profit) and environmental efficiency (reduction in emissions that contribute to the global climate warming). The payback period has been determined by consistent calculation of net income for each year over the entire period of realization of investments provided the specified trend in market prices does not change. The paper presents the results from calculating the magnitude of investments and income for inhabitants per each apartment in the building from the implementation of the investment project.

Growth of Energy Efficiency is the Road to Sustainable Development of Economy of Russias Eastern Regions

The Russian fuel-energy complex (FEC) is the basis without normal functioning of which the sustainable development of economy is made impossible; especially impressive it is revealed in the east of the country where the FEC sectors contribute most significantly to the industrial production. Besides, the diversification of the export flows of the fuel and energy resources (FER) considerably increases the role of the eastern direction in Russias economic policy. All this determines the topicality of studying the processes of FEC development in the eastern regions (Siberia and the Far East) using mathematical modelling. The purpose of investigation is to carry out an energy-economic analysis, identification of FEC development problems in the eastern regions and specifying the main ways to overcome them. The research methods are system analysis, economic and mathematic modelling and indicative methods. Results of the study: on the basis of the available statistic information the fuel-energy balances (FEB) of the Russias eastern regions have been developed, an analysis of the FEC current state has been made, the main problems of its development have been identified, the most important factors that impact the energy efficiency of economy have been determined, using the model tools the long-term FEC development forecast has been carried out. The conclusions: the current state of the eastern regions FEC allow to provide the economy with necessary quantity of FER, yet the problems exist that limit the FEC development which can hinder the economy to develop massively. It is necessary to implement the measures that provide the energy efficiency in all spheres of economic activity, as well as to change the structure of the FEB in Russias eastern regions in the direction of more rational use of the fuel and energy resources ( FER) and to scale up the introduction of of technological innovations, all this will allow to increase the energy efficiency of the economy.

Energy input-output, water use efficiency and economics of winter wheat under gravel mulching in Northwest China

Gravel mulching has long been used to conserve water and enhance crop yield in the Loess Plateau of China. The climate change and water scarcity in the Loess Plateau of China may have an impact on the phenological changes of plants, thus affecting the growth process, biomass yield, energy input-output and economics of crops. However, focuses on the effects of gravel mulching on energy input-output and agricultural economics are less. Therefore, a 3-year field study of winter wheat was conducted with different gravel mulching practices in the Loess Plateau, China. The five treatments are: zero mulch (CK), 25% surface gravel mulch (M1), 50% surface gravel mulch (M2), 75% surface gravel mulch (M3) and 100% surface gravel mulch (M4), respectively. In addition, a set of indicator systems based on energy, economics and crop growth were proposed to better understand the effects of gravel mulching. Compared with the CK treatment, the gravel mulching treatments significantly prolonged the thermal time required for the plant growth and biomass accumulation and increased the growth rate of the Leaf area index (LAI), and ultimately improved the winter wheat yield. This effect was particularly evident during the jointing period of winter wheat. The results also showed that gravel mulching significantly increased energy use efficiency and net returns in economics. The four gravel mulching treatments significantly increased the biomass yield (4.9%–17.3% higher than the CK), net returns (12.1%–53.8% higher than the CK) and net returns water-use efficiency (WUEnre) (12.0%–53.4% higher than the CK). Accordingly, the energy productivity, net energy and net energy water-use efficiency (WUEene) were 2.2%–8.2%, 5.7%–19.8% and 7.1%–20.9%, respectively, higher than the CK under M1-M4. Overall, gravel mulching exerted positive influences on the economic returns and the energy use, vs their water use efficiency. Thus, gravel mulching is not only an effective way to improve crop growth and yield, but it also has the potential to improve economic benefits and energy efficiency within the context of climate change and water crises in the Loess Plateau, China.

ECO-INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR THE PROCESSING OF TECHNOGENIC MINERAL RESOURCES

The inorganic wastes and residues formed during the production and operation process are valuable technogenic minerals, the rational treatment of which can reduce the amount of non-renewable natural mineral resources. The relatively low reuse of technogenic mineral resources is currently associated with specific characteristics of these resources. They have a wide and multiplex diversity in composition and structure, and hence a wide, uneven range of physical and chemical properties that require a complex approach to assessing the potential for developing each resource. In addition, it is necessary to evaluate the ecological and energy efficiency, technical feasibility and economic efficiency of the processing of these resources in comparison with the production of natural mineral substances from traditional technologies. A methodology for the evaluation production of potentially new goods from technogenic mineral waste is proposed. Parameters such as multifunctionality of new products, energy and resource saving, lifetime increase, reduction of negative impact on the environment, maintenance or improvement of production quality compared to original quality are taken into account. The basis for the analysis of these possibilities and methodology of assessment of eco-energetic efficiency to justify the usefulness of mineral wastes processing are given. Possibilities of using this approach for the development of mineral waste from construction and demolition recycling technologies for the production of composites, binders, fillers and monolithic structures are shown.

Experimental investigation of a solar still with composite material heat storage: Energy, exergy and economic analysis

In the present paper, comparative study of solar still with internal reflector and composite black gravel-phase change material for thermal heat storage (THS) was presented experimentally. Two operating modes were prepared with different THS; composite material (SS-CM) and PCM (SS-PCM). The experimental model was tested in the climatic conditions of the Birkat Elsab City, Monufia, Egypt (Latitude of 30° 38′ 19.28″ N, Longitude of 31° 4′ 52″ E). The solar still economic feasibility, energy and exergy efficiency performance and water yield for the two operating modes were analyzed. The solar still water yield by utilizing the composite black gravel-phase change material is 3.27 L/m2 with augmentation by 37.55% rather than utilizing phase change material only with improvement in energy and exergy efficiency about 38% and 37% respectively. The water cost of 1 L produced from SS-CM was about 0.0014 US$/m2 with reduction about 27% less than SS-PCM. The composite heat storage material from paraffin wax and black gravel has a noticeable effect on SS productivity and performance.

A comparative study of energy and carbon efficiency for emerging countries using panel stochastic frontier analysis

The demand for energy has been increasing significantly worldwide. Consequently, carbon emissions have accelerated, since energy usage involves carbon dioxide. Given that the available energy has quantitative restriction feature, efficient usage of energy becomes crucial. Energy efficiency is expected to improve over time with technological advancements. However, the adoption of low-carbon energy technology caused by the growing concern about carbon emissions may actually offset energy efficiency, owing to the higher cost compared with traditional energy methods. We conducted a stochastic frontier analysis to examine energy efficiency in the views of both economic and ecological aspect view during 1995–2016 for 21 emerging countries selected from Morgan Stanley Capital International, using energy consumption, economic complexity index and the other factors of production based on the Cobb-Douglas production function. Mexico was identified as one of the most energy-efficient countries; however, Mexico could not be classified as real energy efficient, as it demonstrated the highest carbon inefficiency level. We also categorized countries demonstrating increased economic energy efficiency and decreased carbon inefficiency as frontier country, and identified six such countries.

The heterogeneity of China's pathways to economic growth, energy conservation and climate mitigation

For many years, China has invested effort into achieving resource conservation and environmentally friendly economic development. The measures implemented include promoting technological innovation, market-oriented reform and industrial structure adjustment. But there are open questions: What have the effects of these measures been? Have they helped China achieve win-win development in terms of its resources, environment, and economy? This paper aims to answer these questions by using a newly proposed global three-hierarchy meta-frontier Luenberger index that can quantify the effects of promoting technological innovation, industrial restructuring, etc., on economic growth, energy conservation and emissions reduction. The results show that (1) during 2001–2016, China's energy efficiency, economic efficiency, and emissions efficiency improved, indicating that China's efforts have brought about the win-win development of resources, the environment, and the economy; (2) the implemented measures have heterogeneous effects on economic growth, energy conservation, and emissions reduction. The implemented measures are generally beneficial to energy conservation and emissions reduction but potentially harmful to the economy; (3) the effects of these measures on economic growth, energy conservation and emissions reduction across China's regions and provinces are also quite different, indicating that local provincial governments should have a clear understanding of their own characteristics before implementing the relevant policies and measures.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF ENTERPRISES AS A KEY FACTOR IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE COUNTRY'S ECONOMY

The transition to alternative energy sources requires a long period, attracting significant investments in the process of creating and developing environmentally friendly fuels. Creating an environmentally safe, energy-efficient economy is a prerequisite for sustainable development of each country. The above-mentioned factors determine the relevance of the study of the problems of the functioning and development of energy, which is mainly due to the economic expediency of renewable energy and the requirements of the country's energy independence. The objective of the article is to determine the features of ensuring the energy efficiency of the Ukrainian economy using alternative energy sources. Research shows that the development of alternative energy will allow us to move away from the use of traditional fuels and create the prerequisites for the energy independence of countries. Taking into account the natural factors and the significant dependence of Ukraine on imported primary energy sources, it is determined that solving the problem of increasing energy efficiency of the economy is possible only with the stimulation of the use of alternative energy sources. The most promising sources of energy are identified, namely: biofuels, wind energy, geothermal energy, solar energy, solar thermal, controlled thermonuclear fusion, energy of tides and effluents. The recommendations for realization of such directions of the policy of the state regulation in the energy sphere as energy security, energy efficiency, energy saving are given.