Energy-efficient Technologies Research Articles

Evaluation of potassium glycinate as a green solvent for direct air capture and modelling its performance in hollow fiber membrane contactors

Current direct air capture (DAC) technology is largely cost-prohibitive for large scale implementation due to the excessive energy required to operate a combined absorption–desorption cycle. As the desorption process consumes much of the supplied energy, there is a demand to find more sustainable sorbent materials that maintain high absorptive capacities yet can be regenerated at lower working temperatures. This work evaluates potassium glycinate (GlyK) as one such alternative absorbent. Through conducting vapor–liquid equilibria and wetted wall column kinetic studies, GlyK is found to have comparable working capacities and liquid mass transfer coefficients to those reported for the industrial standard, monoethanolamine (MEA), yet outperforms it with regards to its distinctly low regeneration temperature. To further understand how GlyK would perform in an industrial scale DAC system, an Aspen Custom Modeler® (ACM) model is developed that integrates the experimentally obtained equilibria and kinetic data with the performance characteristics of a gas-solvent hollow fiber membrane contactor (HFMC). Full-scale simulations show that via implementing a 20°–90 °C absorption–desorption cycle, GlyK can capture up to 83 % of the CO2 in atmospheric air and be 55 % regenerated within a single membrane contactor pass. As these low working temperatures vastly outperform the conventional ∼ 40°–140 °C temperature swing currently implemented in industrial CO2 processing, GlyK is concluded to be a viable and sustainable option for use within energy-efficient DAC technology whereby renewable heat sources can be used.

Advancements in Energy Efficiency Technologies for Thermal Systems: A Comprehensive Review

This comprehensive literature review investigates the diverse landscape of energy efficiency technologies in thermal systems, offering an extensive overview of current research and development in this crucial domain. Thermal systems, vital in industries like heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and industrial processes, play a pivotal role. With escalating global energy demands and growing environmental concerns, optimizing energy use in thermal systems is imperative. The paper explores a wide range of energy efficiency technologies, from traditional methods to cutting-edge innovations, examining the implementation of advanced materials, smart sensors, and control strategies to enhance thermal system performance. Additionally, it scrutinizes the integration of renewable energy sources and waste heat recovery mechanisms, addressing the dual challenge of energy conservation and sustainability. The literature review critically evaluates the economic feasibility and practical applicability of these technologies, highlighting barriers and opportunities for widespread adoption. Synthesizing information from various sources provides a holistic understanding of existing knowledge gaps and future directions in energyefficient thermal systems. This research paper serves as a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers seeking insights into state-of-the-art technologies and strategies to optimize energy utilization in thermal processes. Keywords: Energy efficiency, thermal systems, design optimization, fuels and combustion, boilers and turbines, cogeneration, circulating cooling water systems and heat exchangers

Overcoming the permeability-selectivity challenge in water purification using two-dimensional cobalt-functionalized vermiculite membrane

Clean water and sanitation are major global challenges highlighted by the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Water treatment using energy-efficient membrane technologies is one of the most promising solutions. Despite decades of research, the membrane permeability-selectivity trade-off remains the major challenge for synthetic membranes. To overcome this challenge, here we develop a two-dimensional cobalt-functionalized vermiculite membrane (Co@VMT), which innovatively combines the properties of membrane filtration and nanoconfinement catalysis. The Co@VMT membrane demonstrates a high water permeance of 122.4 L·m−2·h−1·bar−1, which is two orders of magnitude higher than that of the VMT membrane (1.1 L·m−2·h−1·bar−1). Moreover, the Co@VMT membrane is applied as a nanofluidic advanced oxidation process platform to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for degradation of several organic pollutants (dyes, pharmaceuticals, and phenols) and shows excellent degradation performance (~100%) and stability (for over 107 h) even in real-world water matrices. Importantly, safe and non-toxic effluent water quality is ensured by the Co@VMT membrane/PMS system without brine, which is totally different from the molecular sieving-based VMT membrane with the concentrated pollutants remaining in the brine. This work can serve as a generic design blueprint for the development of diverse nanofluidic catalytic membranes to overcome the persistent membrane permeability-selectivity issue in water purification.

Cold plasma turns mixed-dye-contaminated wastewater bio-safe

The excessive and uncontrollable discharge of diverse organic pollutants into the environment has emerged as a significant concern, presenting a substantial risk to human health. Among the advanced oxidation processes used for the purification of wastewater, cold plasma technology is superior in fast and effective decontamination but often fails facing mixed pollutants. To address these issues, here we develop the new conceptual approach, plasma process, and proprietary reactor that ensure, for the first time, that the efficiency of treatment (114.7%) of two mixed organic dyes, methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO), is higher than when the two dyes are treated separately. We further reveal the underlying mechanisms for the energy-efficient complete degradation of the mixed dyes. The contribution of plasma-induced ROS and the distinct degradation characteristics and mechanism of pollutants in mixed treatment are discussed. The electron transfer pathway revealed for the first time suggest that the mixed pollutants reduce the overall redox potentials and facilitate electron transfer during the plasma treatment, promoting synergistic degradation effects. The integrated frameworks including both direct and indirect mechanisms provide new insights into the high-efficiency mixed-contaminant treatment. The degradation products for mixed degradation are revealed based on the identification of intermediate species. The plasma-treated water is proven safe for living creatures in waterways and sustainable fishery applications, using in vivo zebrafish model bio-toxicity assay. Overall, these findings offer a feasible approach and new insights into the mechanisms for the development of highly-effective, energy-efficient technologies for wastewater treatment and reuse in agriculture, industry, and potentially in urban water networks.

Improving the Energy Efficiency of Ships: Modelling, Simulation, and Optimization of Cost-effective Technologies

This paper includes a part of the findings of an international research project, called HEMOS, funded by the EU through the Horizon Europe program, with the aim of decarbonizing the maritime sector. This study focuses on the use of dynamic simulation and optimization to identify policies and technologies for reducing carbon emissions and enhancing the energy efficiency of cruise ships. The primary findings of the study, which sought to identify the ideal ship plant topology, are presented with a particular emphasis on the optimization of the thermal and energy behaviour of a case study cruise ship. By exploiting the developed simulation model and the optimization procedure applied to the Allure of the Seas of the Royal Caribbean Group, potential efficiency measures were identified to enhance the overall efficiency of energy utilization. Several scenarios, including diverse energy efficient user technologies, were analysed and optimized with the aim of providing guidelines for the design of future ships. According to the obtained numerical results, the application of thermal devices for the utilization of on-board waste heat and the implementation of a fuel cell powered by bio-LNG can result in significant primary energy savings of up to approximately 17%, demonstrating that workable solutions to improve the energy efficiency of ships are already available.

Heat Pump as an Emission Reduction Measure for Ships

Greenhouse gas regulations from the International Maritime Organization, such as the Carbon Intensity Indicator and the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index are drawing attention to the implementation of energy efficiency technologies in ships to lower emissions. Presently, more attention is paid to energy efficiency measures related to propulsion (e.g. speed management) and auxiliary energy use (e.g. onshore power). This study compares the environmental impact and cost of replacing heat pumps as an energy efficiency measure instead of oil-fired boilers for two case study vessels by comparing the life cycle impact of different strategies to fulfill the thermal load of vessels while at the port. In terms of life cycle emissions, the heat pump operated using onshore power has the potential to reduce global warming potential by 88% compared to an oil-fired boiler. This accounts for saving 3% and 8% of annual greenhouse gas emissions from entire ship operations, including emissions from engines for the respective case study ships. In addition, shifting to a heat pump avoids NOx and SOx emissions, which adversely affect air quality in the populated areas near the port. Cost results show that the heat pump has an overall higher cost of ownership for case study vessel 1 and a lower cost of ownership for case study vessel 2 compared to oil-fired boiler. Depending on the energy use of specific ships, heat pumps can be cost-competitive at existing carbon emission allowance prices (approximately 90€/tCO2) in the European emission trading system. For the assessed cases, with the emission trading scheme, the return on investment is less than six years and three years for case study vessels 1 and 2 respectively. The study also shows that operating a heat pump is more cost-effective than directly using electro-fuel in a boiler for thermal loads.

Renewable Energy Supply and Energy Efficiency Technologies

Renewable Energy Supply and Energy Efficiency Technologies

Tourism And Climate Change: Mitigation And Adaptation Strategies In A Hospitality Industry In Bangladesh

As global temperatures rise and weather patterns become increasingly erratic, the hospitality sector faces unprecedented challenges in mitigating emissions, promoting sustainability, and enhancing resilience to climate-related hazards. This paper explores the complex interplay between tourism and climate change, focusing on the mitigation and adaptation strategies employed by the hospitality industry to address these challenges. This study also examines the impacts of climate change activities on tourism that including shifts within tourist behavior, changes in destination competitiveness, and vulnerabilities to extreme weather events. In the research methods, quantitative method was conducted where the purposive sampling method was used to collect primary data collection approach. 200 primary questionnaires through google forms and hard copies were distributed to among desired respondents where response rate is 65%. After cleaning the datasets, 130 responses were usable to use in the analysis portion. Microsoft excel was used to retrieve the result of the research. Major finding of the study represented on the effectiveness of mitigation measures, such as energy-efficient technologies, sustainable resource management practices, and renewable energy integration, in reducing carbon footprints and promoting environmental stewardship in hotel operations. In the recommendation and implications part of the research paper, this paper provides insights into the challenges and opportunities for the hospitality industry in mitigating and adapting to climate change, while ensuring the long-term sustainability and viability of tourism development.

Technological energy efficiency and sustainability in the concept of advanced development

The modern world economy is characterized by high volatility, financial crises alternate with economic ones, and now problems in the energy sector have joined it. The peculiarity of the moment is that in the development model of most countries, crisis phenomena are constant companions. Countries react differently to emerging events, and each of them offers its own methods of solving emerging problems. The search for appropriate methods and ways to solve problems shows that from the complex of existing methods, concepts and theories, the most suitable are the focus on the use of digital and energy-efficient technologies that will transform the economy and give it sustainability, competitiveness and at the same time increase labor productivity. It is possible to implement such a scenario through the use of the concept of advanced development and breakthrough technologies. The purpose of the study is to decompose the structural components of the concept of advanced development and develop sustainable mechanisms for their implementation. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the substantiation that the concept of advanced development and use of energy efficient technologies will ensure the possibility of sustainable economic development through the use of energy efficient, network and platform factors.

ПЕРСПЕКТИВИ РОЗВИТКУ НАФТОПЕРЕРОБНОЇ ГАЛУЗІ В УМОВАХ ГЛОБАЛЬНОГО РИНКУ

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the present condition of the oil refining industry, delving into its intricacies and nuances. It particularly concentrates on dissecting the dynamics of the global market for petroleum products and elucidating its ramifications on the broader energy landscape. Through meticulous analysis and scrutiny, this study navigates through the multifaceted dimensions of the industry, shedding light on its various facets and complexities. Additionally, it elucidates the intricate interplay between the oil refining sector and the larger energy sector, highlighting the symbiotic relationship and the consequential effects on global energy markets. This paper offers a nuanced exploration of the current state of the oil refining industry, with a robust focus on the global market for petroleum products and its profound influence on the energy sector. Utilizing a multifaceted approach, the study integrates both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies to comprehensively analyze the subject matter. Through a blend of rigorous statistical analysis, extensive literature review, and expert assessments, the research uncovers intricate patterns and trends within the industry. By synthesizing diverse sources of data and insights, the study provides a holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the oil refining sector in today's dynamic economic landscape. The results of this research unveil a plethora of formidable challenges confronting the oil refining industry, ranging from the subdued competitiveness of producers to the pervasive reliance on external factors and the imperative for technological advancement. Furthermore, the analysis illuminates promising avenues for industry advancement, encompassing initiatives to diminish import dependency and integrate novel energy-efficient technologies. Leveraging these insights, the paper advocates for the adoption of strategic management approaches within the oil refining sector to foster sustainability and bolster competitiveness amidst the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary economic paradigms.

Research on the Analysis of Influencing Factors of Energy Consumption and Energy Saving Countermeasures of Green Buildings Based on DEMATEL-ISM

Abstract In the quest for sustainability, managing and optimizing energy consumption within green buildings has emerged as a critical area of focus. The complexity of factors affecting energy use demands more sophisticated analysis than what traditional methods offer. This study leverages the DEMATEL method to isolate crucial influencing factors. It employs the ISM method to map their logical interconnections, forming a comprehensive model of energy consumption determinants in green buildings. We identify building design, energy efficiency, and green technology as critical elements, with building design exerting the most influence (weight: 0.35). Through an in-depth fuzzy DEMATEL-ISM analysis, we develop specific energy-saving measures—such as design improvement and technology enhancement—that promise up to a 20% reduction in energy consumption. Our research introduces a groundbreaking green building energy management tool and provides a solid foundation for policy development and practical applications.

More is better: high-entropy electrolyte design in rechargeable batteries

This review conducts a comprehensive survey of the high-entropy effect on the key properties of electrolytes. The applications of high-entropy electrolytes in various rechargeable batteries are presented to address their critical drawbacks.

Emerging environmentally friendly bio-based nanocomposites for the efficient removal of dyes and micropollutants from wastewater by adsorption: a comprehensive review.

Water scarcity will worsen due to population growth, urbanization, and climate change. Addressing this issue requires developing energy-efficient and cost-effective water purification technologies. One approach is to use biomass to make bio-based materials (BBMs) with valuable attributes. This aligns with the goal of environmental conservation and waste management. Furthermore, the use of biomass is advantageous because it is readily available, economical, and has minimal secondary environmental impact. Biomass materials are ideal for water purification because they are abundant and contain important functional groups like hydroxyl, carboxyl, and amino groups. Functional groups are important for modifying and absorbing contaminants in water. Single-sourced biomass has limitations such as weak mechanical strength, limited adsorption capacity, and chemical instability. Investing in research and development is crucial for the development of efficient methods to produce BBMs and establish suitable water purification application models. This review covers BBM production, modification, functionalization, and their applications in wastewater treatment. These applications include oil-water separation, membrane filtration, micropollutant removal, and organic pollutant elimination. This review explores the production processes and properties of BBMs from biopolymers, highlighting their potential for water treatment applications. Furthermore, this review discusses the future prospects and challenges of developing BBMs for water treatment and usage. Finally, this review highlights the importance of BBMs in solving water purification challenges and encourages innovative solutions in this field.

Policies and measures for energy efficiency improvement at households: A bibliometric analysis

Recently, governmental subsidies have led to increased renewable energy adoption and household CO2 emissions reduction. However, energy efficiency improvement and greenhouse gas emission reduction potential in households’ sector are not yet fully realized. Decision-making by individuals is also a crucial factor in adopting energy-efficient and renewable energy technologies, which is why this study analyses some important behavioral change-linked issues. This study also focuses on various policies and measures to achieve energy efficiency improvements in households, such as use of renewable energy sources, renovation of residential buildings, use of energy efficient appliances etc. The methodology of the study contains a bibliometric analysis in the field of energy efficiency at households, covering the years of publication 2010-2023 and organizing all documents into 9 classifications. Among them 6 classifications have been further considered: Citation analysis; Authors’ networks; High impact journals of publishing; Knowledge mapping of co-authorship collaboration among institutions; Co-authorship among countries; Keywords concurrence analysis. Following a systematic literature review the bibliometric findings reveal the steady increase of literature production in the field of energy efficiency at households, showing also the pivotal role of institutions among developed and industrialized economies. Moreover, there is a densely and steadily growing network of keywords reported, implying the thematic expansion of this topic from the modelling-pilot scales towards the real world and in field applications. Finally, identified research constraints of energy efficiency improvement are that of: high costs, lack of information and knowledge, low priority to environmental and climate change mitigation concerns, and resistance to behavioral change.

Physico-chemical properties of oil from plums and prospects for its use

The article is devoted to the methods and results of the research conducted on the development of complex processing technology of plum fruit seeds from fruit seeds growing in the Republic of Uzbekistan. Obtaining a new type of oil for the food industry, nutritious food for livestock, poultry and fishing industries is described. Development of energy-efficient oil extraction technology using new types of equipment for extracting oil from fruit kernels and the role of non-traditional raw materials today and their wide use in practice are mentioned. Recommendations on the effective use of industrial secondary raw materials released from production enterprises, reducing the amount of waste released into the environment, and the results of research on the effectiveness of research on the measures taken in this regard are covered in detail.

Microporous and functional group Co-designed polyesteramide membranes for efficient and broad-spectrum organic solvent nanofiltration

Organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) is an emerging energy-efficient separations technology, which urgently requires easily processable OSN membranes with high selectivity and broad-spectrum organic solvent applicability to facilitate enhanced industrial applications. Herein, we describe the preparation of microporous polyesteramide (PEA) membranes through interfacial polymerization (IP) between amino-diphenol monomers and trimesoyl chloride (TMC) on a poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) support. The crosslinked network structures and large twisted monomers enhance the microporosity of PEA membranes, leading to a significant improvement in solvent permeance while maintaining high selectivity. The optimized PEA membrane demonstrates exceptional permeance for acetone (21.0 ​L ​m−2 ​h−1 bar−1) and methanol (14.3 ​L ​m−2 ​h−1·bar−1), with a molecular weight cut-off of 296 ​g ​mol−1. Additionally, the PEA/APH-diphenol membrane exhibits ultrafast permeance for the nonpolar solvent toluene (8.3 ​L ​m−2 ​h−1·bar−1), owing to the introduction of a large number of ester groups. Overall, PEA membranes prepared through the molecular-level structure design of IP monomers possess enormous industrial application potential owing to their high performance and broad-spectrum applications.

СТРАТЕГИЯ «ЗЕЛЕНОЙ» РЕИНДУСТРИАЛИЗАЦИИ: УПРАВЛЕНЧЕСКИЕ И ФИНАНСОВЫЕ АСПЕКТЫ

The article discusses the arguments related to the financial features of managing "green" industrial reindustrialization. The stages of evolution of business models of industrial enterprises within the framework of transition to sustainable development and technological sovereignty of the Russian Federation are described. The concept of "green" industry is interpreted, and its essential characteristics are revealed. The dynamics of changes in the eco-investment index values is presented and the forecast of the use of energy efficiency technologies in certain sectors of the Russian industry in the period 2021-2023 is presented. The paper discusses the results of the implementation of "green" renewable energy projects and the introduction of industrial eco-technologies by Russian oil and gas companies in the context of Russia's adoption of the updated Climate Doctrine. The article offers an interpretation of the volume of budget allocations for decarbonization, the development of alternative energy sources and the transition to a closed-loop economy in the draft Federal Budget of the Russian Federation for 2024 and the planning period 2025-2026 in the context of state programs and federal projects. The main directions of industrial policy within the development of the strategic scenario for the "green" reindustrialization of the Russian economy are proposed.

Rwanda Towards the Implementation of Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. the Current Status of ODS, Ods Alternatives, and HFCS Alternatives.

In August 2003, Rwanda ratified both the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, along with all the subsequent amendments, including the Kigali Amendment, which was most recently ratified in May 2017. Within this context, by the Law n°63/2013 of 27/08/2013, Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) was created with the legal mandate for national environmental protection, conservation, promotion and overall management, including advisory to the government on all matters pertinent to the environment and climate change. According to Decision XIX/6 of the 19th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on accelerated phase-out of HCFCs, Rwanda is committed to phase-out use of HCFCs by 2030 except for 2.5% for servicing essential use appliances up to 2040. The Hydro chloro fluorocarbons Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP) Stage-I for Rwanda was approved at the 64th Meeting of the Executive Committee for the period 2011 to 2020 to meet a 35% reduction of HCFC by 2020. The HPMP Stage-II has been approved by the 86th meeting of the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund Secretariat, to be implemented by UNEP, UNIDO and REMA to enable Rwanda achieve phase-out targets on consumption of Annex C Group 1 Substances of the Montreal Protocol by 2030. The HPMP Stage-II has prioritized key activities to be implemented which include: establishment and implementation of a robust certification scheme for refrigeration technicians, development and implementation of national technical standards in the Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning (RAC) sector that will promote safe use of natural refrigerants and further promote use of highly energy efficiency technologies, capacity building of refrigeration technicians on handling natural refrigerants, training of customs and other enforcement officers on controlling and monitoring HCFC trade and strengthening the Refrigeration Association of Rwanda, technical training institutes and the consumers.The implementation of HPMP Stage-II activities will enable RWANDA reduce consumption of HCFC-22 from the baseline of 4.1 ODP tonnes to 80 percent by 2025 and 100 percent by 2030.This paper represents the results of the national survey conducted to inform the preparation of the project proposal for Kigali HFC Implamentation plan as well as the strategic KIP/HFC phase-down plan.

ЕНЕРГОЕФЕКТИВНІСТЬ НА МІКРО- ТА МАКРОРІВНЯХ УПРАВЛІННЯ: ЕКОНОМІЧНИЙ АСПЕКТ

The article analyzes approaches to ensuring the energy efficiency of systems of different levels of integration: from the micro to the macro level. It is shown that depending on the level of the system under consideration, it may vary in the performance indicators they exhibit. Therefore, efforts to increase energy efficiency must differ in how they aggregate qualitatively different levels of energy consumption. It is illustrated that there is a difference of views and approaches between researchers who specialize in the issue of energy efficiency. In particular, representatives of exact sciences focus attention on the quality of input and output energy, while the economic perspective allows taking into account the levels of other costs as well and indicates economic efficiency, maximization of benefits and the efficiency with which energy resources are used. Arguments are presented in favor of the presence of a significant gap between the actual efficiency of energy consumption within the defined research objects and the efficiency that can be achieved taking into account the identified potential. As a result, individual households and enterprises do not invest in cost-effective energy-efficient technologies compared to what is optimal for achieving private or social effects. It is indicated that the achievement of this effect requires the coordination of efforts of various stakeholders (governments, businesses, researchers) and the development of joint approaches regarding the indicators of the success of the implemented changes. It is shown that several approaches have been developed in recent decades to implement policies to increase energy efficiency and stimulate energy-saving measures. Predictably, these approaches differ depending on the country and macro-region. They can provide for measures of a stimulating nature (with the involvement of the entire instrument of state regulation), and be based on the maximum freedom of choice of the consumer. It was determined that the interdependence and partial interchangeability of various factors of production, the numerous possible solutions to the problem of increasing the energy efficiency of systems of different levels of integration require the use of an interdisciplinary approach.

Evaluation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Mitigation Measures at Thammasat University's Lampang Campus in Thailand.

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are the primary drivers of global climate change. Human activities, particularly those related to energy production, transportation, and industry, have long contributed to the escalating levels of GHGs in the Earth's atmosphere. Recognizing the significance of this issue, universities, including Thammasat University, play a vital role in Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions research and education, carrying a responsibility to address the matter. This study is aimed aims to assess the greenhouse gas emissions and mitigation measures at Thammasat University (Lampang campus), Thailand. The emissions are categorized into 3 types: (1) direct GHG emissions; (2) energy-related indirect GHG emissions; and (3) other indirect GHG emissions. Activity data from the years 2019 to 2022 was used for the calculations, resulting in GHG emissions of 1051.70, 778.28, 558.64, and 1034.531 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. Among these emissions, energy-related indirect GHG emissions from electricity purchases represent the majority, accounting for approximately 78.55% of the total emissions. Consequently, implementing mitigation strategies, such as solar panel installations and solid waste reduction (combined scenario), has the potential to reduce GHG emissions by up to 57.78%. Furthermore, the university should actively promote GHG emissions reduction through the enactment of energy-saving policies and the adoption of energy-efficient technologies to reduce reliance on energy purchases.