Energy Generation Technologies Research Articles

Multi-Attribute Rating Method for Selecting a Clean Coal Energy Generation Technology

The process of technology management contains various stages, such as the identification, selection, acquisition, implementation, and maintenance of technologies. In the case of power generation companies, a key aspect of the selection stage is the choice of generation technologies for newly commissioned units. The investment decision depends on many factors, primarily economic, environmental, social, technological, and legal, and represents a complex multi-criteria problem. Currently, the decision is further complicated by the often unpredictable tightening of environmental standards, forcing the closure of conventional sources, on which many countries have so far based their energy security. The paper analyzes the problem of choosing one of the so-called clean coal technologies to be implemented in conditions of transformation of the power sector. In this paper, five selected clean coal technologies are characterized, and the SMART method is adopted to technology selection. The following technologies were considered: supercritical coal-fired power plant (with and without CCS), IGCC power plant (with and without CCS), and IGCC power plant with CCS and integrated hydrogen production. Nine practical criteria (in three main groups: environmental, technological, economic) for comparing technologies are defined, computational experiments performed, and conclusions from the research presented. The work was based on the literature study of multi-criteria decision support and an analysis of power sector needs based on the example of the Polish power sector. The conducted research, apart from the technology recommendation, led to the conclusion that the chosen method may be applied to decision-making in the field of power generation technology management. The study also indicated the potential direction of the development of a power generation structure in a situation where a component of ensuring energy security is the use of available coal fuels.

Sustainable energy supply for self-sufficient buildings with seasonal energy storages – parametric study

To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the efficiency of energy supply systems must be increased, for example, using renewable energy sources. Since the generation of renewable energy can depend on weather conditions and other parameters, the use of short- or long-term energy storage enables an increase in the covered building energy demand. Due to the large number of available technologies for renewable energy generation and storage, it is possible to combine these systems into different energy supply concepts. By optimizing and comparing the designed concepts, the most suitable one can be determined with respect to the current and future investments. A comprehensive comparison of energy supply concepts must include both economic and energy evaluation criteria. This study focuses on parametric numerical simulations to identify economically feasible and sustainable energy supply concepts for a practical case of new residential buildings. The results show that electrical storage and on-site power generation can provide the greatest benefits. In contrast, large thermal storage systems are not economically viable.

Construction of energy internet technology architecture based on general system structure theory

Based on electrical power systems, leveraging renewable energy generation technology, and information technology, the energy internet fuses power grids, gas networks, heat/cold supply networks, electric transportation networks, etc. into an interconnected energy sharing network. The energy internet is an important technology for promoting renewable energy integration and improving energy efficiency. However, due to the complexity of multiple energy networks and the significant differences between them, the planning, operation, and control of energy internet presents several technical difficulties. Mainstream research only divides the complex system of energy internet into three systems: energy grid system, value creation system, and information support system. Under each system, how the State Grid Corporation of China develops related technologies has not been detailed, and the technical system framework composed of internal logical connection of each technical point is not yet mature. Based on general system structure theory, the technical system framework for the provincial power grid corporations to construct regional energy internet is constructed, and it proposes a technical route for the development of provincial energy internet based on local conditions in this paper. It can guide different affiliated companies in the field of energy internet technology that should be focused on research, and support the development of related technologies.

Design and Optimization of Integrated Distributed Energy Systems for Off-Grid Buildings

Abstract Off-grid concepts for homes and buildings have been a fast-growing trend worldwide in the last few years because of the rapidly dropping cost of renewable energy systems and their self-sufficient nature. Off-grid homes/buildings can be enabled with various energy generation and storage technologies; however, design optimization and integration issues have not been explored sufficiently. This paper applies a multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) optimization to obtain an optimal design of integrated distributed energy systems for off-grid homes in various climate regions. Distributed energy systems consisting of renewable and nonrenewable power generation technologies with energy storage are used to enable off-grid homes/buildings and meet required building electricity demands. In this study, the building types under investigation are residential homes. Multiple distributed energy resources are considered such as combined heat and power (CHP) systems, solar photovoltaic (PV), solar thermal collector (STC), wind turbine (WT), as well as battery energy storage (BES) and thermal energy storage (TES). Among those technologies, CHP, PV, and WT are used to generate electricity, which satisfies the building’s electric load, including electricity consumed for space heating and cooling. Solar thermal energy and waste heat recovered from CHP are used to partly supply the building’s thermal load. Excess electricity and thermal energy can be stored in the BES and TES for later use. The MOGA is applied to determine the best combination of distributed energy resources (DERs) and each component’s size to reduce the system cost and carbon dioxide emission for different locations. Results show that the proposed optimization method can be effectively and widely applied to design integrated distributed energy systems for off-grid homes resulting in an optimal design and operation based on a trade-off between economic and environmental performance.

(Invited) Modeling and Characterizing Defects in Semiconductors for Photovoltaics

Photovoltaics are minority carrier devices and highly impacted by semiconductor defects. Furthermore the materials often must be synthesized at high rates using inexpensive processing. The result is that many solar cell technologies are produced from highly defective polycrystalline materials. This talk describes the use of a variety of techniques to study and model defects and the stability of the materials in a variety of semiconductors including Si, CdTe, (Ag,Cu)(In,Ga)Se2, and the hybrid perovskites. Examples include the use of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to study degradation in a hybrid perovskite, capacitance and scanning probe techniques to study defects in (Ag,Cu)(In,Ga)Se2 and CdTe, and modeling to understand defects in TiO2 in photoelectrochemical cells. The talk will also include a brief review of the state of photovoltaic technology, the energy generation technology currently being installed at the highest net rate in the U.S., how it interfaces with other technologies such as batteries, and the challenges and opportunities related to continued expansion of PV in our energy infrastructure.

Boosting Proton-Conducting Ceramic Electrochemical Performance Through Mixed Ionic and Electronic Conducting Cathode Functional Layers

Proton conducting ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs) are a promising new technology for clean energy generation and green fuels production. PCFCs show favorable performance, but still lag behind their higher-temperature solid-oxide fuel cell predecessors. This work sets out to tailor the cathode-electrolyte interface in PCFCs by increasing the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity and oxygen transference to bolster electrochemical performance and durability.The cathode-electrolyte interface is a major source of voltage loss during PCFC operation and is also suspected to be a primary contributor to cell-level degradation. Both oxygen reduction (ORR) and H2O formation must be simultaneously facilitated in PCFC cathodes. This contrasts with SOFC cathodes, where only oxygen reduction is required since water formation occurs separately at the anode. The dual reaction processes occurring in PCFC cathodes can lead to competitive interference between water adsorption/desorption and ORR activity. We hypothesize that placing materials with high ORR activity and oxygen-ion conduction at the electrolyte-cathode interface may help alleviate polarization loss.To explore this hypothesis, Er0.4Bi1.6O3 (ESB), Dy0.08W0.04Bi0.88O1.56 (DWSB), Gd0.1Ce0.9O1.95 (GDC10) and SmCoO3 were fabricated into the cathode functional layers (CFLs) in this study. As the addition of an interlayer to the cathode-electrolyte interface can inadvertently effect the morphology (e.g. roughness, porosity) and mechanical integrity of the interface, control cells with a porous BaCe0.4Zr0.4Y0.1Yb0.1O3- δ BCZYYb cathode functional layer were also fabricated and tested. Button cells with the CFLs were fabricated through ultrasonic spray coating of thin layers of the CFL material onto a precursor BCZYYb electrolyte and co-fired. The cathode is then brush painted onto the resulting half-cell and sintered. Preliminary results, shown in Figure 1a, demonstrate that adding an ESB CFL can increase performance by over 40%. While GDC-based CFLs have led to significant increases in PCFC durability, displayed in Figure 1b, underscoring the promise of this technique. Figure 1

Study on Smart Home Energy Management System Based on Artificial Intelligence

With the increase of household electricity consumption and the introduction of distributed new energy sources, more attention has been paid to the issue of optimizing the cost of electricity purchase for household customers. An effective way to deal with these problems is through home energy management system (HEMS). In this paper, a model of home energy management is presented to optimize the home energy mix. The operation of home electricity consumption devices, distributed generation systems, and energy storage devices, as well as the charging and discharging of electric vehicles, are all considered. HEMS is a self-regulating system that can accommodate fluctuations in tariffs and home electricity consumption. The structure and the optimal scheduling algorithm of HEMS are introduced. The smart grid and demand response, smart home, new energy generation, energy storage, and other related technologies are discussed. Furthermore, the optimal scheduling of power consumption devices and energy sources in the HEMS and future development directions are explained and analyzed. A framework of HEMS is presented on the basis of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI). The framework adopts a local information management terminal as the core of data storage and scheduling in the home. Based on the timely purchase of electricity from the grid and the generation of electricity in combination with PV systems, an optimized simulation model for the scheduling of a new home energy management system is established. In addition, the application prospects of artificial intelligence in the HEMS are overviewed.

Hybrid Energy System Modelling for Oil & Gas Fields: A Case Study of Pasakhi Satellite Oil & Gas Complex

Energy is needed for all community activities, the production of all goods,and the provision of all services. It is extremely important to a country’seconomy and wealth. Currently, conventional fossil fuels provide most ofthe world’s energy. In case of oil and gas fields their energy consumption istotally off-grid, their generation depends upon fossil fuels, the cost of energyconsumption of oil and gas fields are too high because operational work ofthe field is totally depending upon fossil fuels. The development of off-gridrenewable energy generation technologies offers the opportunity for tacklingthese challenges. This study provides a techno-economic feasibility analysisof an off-grid hybrid renewable energy system [HRES] for Pasakhi SatelliteOil & Gas Field, Tando Jam, Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan. The proposedhybrid energy system designed for field consists of the different combinationof solar Photovoltaics [PVs], wind turbines, batteries, and generator to meet the required energy consumption demand. The renewable hybrid energysystem is model and optimized configuration through powerful simulationsoftware Hybrid Optimized Model for Electric Renewable [HOMER] Pro.The optimized configuration of the hybrid system consists of solar PV’s(50 kW), Wind turbines (60 kW), 40 lead-acid batteries (165 Ah and 12Veach), 30 kw generator and 100 kW converter. The simulation results showthat the proposed system can meet the power requirements of 250 kWh/dayprimary demand load with 40.21 kW peak load. This system configurationhas the Capital Cost $71040, the Net Present Cost [NPC] of $253,159 andCost of Energy [COE] of 0.215$/kWh. Furthermore, the results of the presentstudy are compared with the literature because of which a cost-effectiveHRES with a low COE has been established.

Simulation and Analysis Approaches to Microgrid Systems Design: Emerging Trends and Sustainability Framework Application

Energy systems modelling and design are a critical aspect of planning and development among researchers, electricity planners, infrastructure developers, utilities, decision-makers, and other relevant stakeholders. However, to achieve a sustainable energy supply, the energy planning approach needs to integrate some key dimensions. Importantly, these dimensions are necessary to guide the simulation and evaluation. It is against this backdrop that this paper focuses on the simulation and analysis approaches for sustainable planning, design, and development of microgrids based on clean energy resources. The paper first provides a comprehensive review of the existing simulation tools and approaches used for designing energy generation technologies. It then discusses and compares the traditional strategies and the emerging trends in energy systems simulation based on the software employed, the type of problem to be solved, input parameters provided, and the expected output. The paper introduces a practical simulation framework for sustainable energy planning, which is based on the social-technical-economic-environmental-policy (STEEP) model. The STEEP represents a holistic sustainability model that considers the key energy systems planning dimensions compared to the traditional techno-economic model used in several existing simulation tools and analyses. The paper provides insights into data-driven analysis and energy modelling software development applications.

A system and game strategy for the isolated island electric-gas deeply coupled energy network

For the isolated island micro grid, a safe and reliable energy supply system is indispensable. Generally speaking, the power generation modules of an small and medium-sized isolated island energy system with off-grid power supply mode mainly include diesel generator(DIG) and distributed power supply. In order to smooth the power output fluctuation of wind and solar, coordinate the output of multiple energy generation technologies, and increase the penetration rate of distributed energy, it is necessary to develop a flexible and reliable energy system, and an efficient and smart scheduling strategy. In this paper, the power-to-gas (P2G) technology is introduced to construct a multi-energy complementary integrated energy system with deep coupling of power-gas network. Four possible game planning models are proposed by using game theory analysis method, and the energy scheduling strategies under each game mode are obtained by particle swarm optimization(PSO). By comparing the scheduling strategies under the four game modes, it can be found that the synergistic response of hydrogen and methane in the alliance cooperative game mode has absolute advantages in reducing the curtailment rate of wind and solar energy, balancing the income of each participant, improving the total income of the system, and saving energy and environmental protection.

Energy generation in the canal irrigation network in India: Integrated spatial planning framework on the Upper Ganga Canal corridor

An extensive canal irrigation network in South Asia has developed over the past 170 years that consists of thousands of kilometers of constructed channels and distributaries. These canals cut across many energy-poor regions along their paths. In India, this canal network provides a unique opportunity for renewable energy generation that is yet to be realized. Existing technologies for energy generation on canals include small hydropower on canal falls and, recently, canal-top solar panels. In addition, opportunities for hydrokinetic generation in irrigation canals have received limited attention. This paper develops a novel canal-network level framework for energy planning that integrates generation with local energy needs in a canal-corridor. This framework for integrated spatial assessment analyzes the supply of renewable energy generation potential and the demand of unmet energy needs in a canal-corridor, using the Upper Ganga Canal in Uttar Pradesh, India as a case study. We consider the theoretical and technological potential of hydropower and solar power generation and develop three indices to assess the agricultural, domestic, and composite unmet power demand of the canal-corridor. Our results show an overall theoretical potential of 149.1 MW and 13,213 MW for small hydropower and solar power, respectively, which could more than help meet the current 18 hours per day electricity service standard in Uttar Pradesh. The framework uses standardized irrigation and census datasets and therefore is generalizable for canal networks across India and South Asia more broadly.

CCGT unit with a carbonation system for CO2 capture

The paper considers the issues of creating energy-efficient and environmentally friendly resource-saving energy generation technologies based on fossil fuels, solid waste and materials. A natural gas CCGT with a MSW ash carbonation unit was chosen as the research object. The prototype of the CCGT unit is the CCGT “Akademicheskaya” with an installed capacity of 230 MW. For the carbonation of MSW ash, a direct semi-dry route is used. In the calculation of the CCGT, the power and efficiency of the cycle are determined, as well as the parameters of the flue gas, which are transferred to the calculation of carbonation. As a result of calculations, it was found that this specific CO2 emissions from the power plant using carbonation can be reduced by almost 20% from 403 to 329 g kWh-1, however, a large amount of required MSW (2.6-6.7 kg per kg of flue gases) causes certain difficulties for the implementation of the project.

Concentrating Solar Power Advances in Geometric Optics, Materials and System Integration

In this paper, the technological advances in concentrating solar power are reviewed. A comprehensive system approach within this scope is attempted to include advances of highly specialized developments in all aspects of the technology. Advances in geometric optics for enhancement in solar concentration and temperature are reviewed along with receiver configurations for efficient heat transfer. Advances in sensible and latent heat storage materials, as well as development in thermochemical processes, are also reviewed in conjunction with efficient system integration as well as alternative energy generation technologies. This comprehensive approach aims in highlighting promising concentrating solar power components for further development and wider solar energy utilization.

Platinum Group Metals: A Review of Resources, Production and Usage with a Focus on Catalysts

The major applications of PGMs are as catalysts in automotive industry, petroleum refining, environmental (gas remediation), industrial chemical production (e.g., ammonia production, fine chemicals), electronics, and medical fields. As the next generation energy technologies for hydrogen production, such as electrolysers and fuel cells for stationary and transport applications, become mature, the demand for PGMs is expected to further increase. Reserves and annual production of Ru, Rh, Pd, Ir, and Pt have been determined and reported. Based on currently available resources, there is around 200 years lifetime based on current demand for all PGMs, apart from Pd, which may be closer to 100 years. Annual primary production of 190 t/a for Pt and 217 t/a for Pd, in combination with recycling of 65.4 t/a for Pt and 97.2 t/a for Pd, satisfies current demand. By far, the largest demand for PGMs is for all forms of catalysis, with the largest demand in auto catalysis. In fact, the biggest driver of demand and price for Pt, Pd, and Rh, in particular, is auto emission regulation, which has driven auto-catalyst design. Recovery of PGMs through recycling is generally good, but some catalytic processes, particularly auto-catalysis, result in significant dissipation. In the US, about 70% of the recycling stream from the end-of-life vehicles is a significant source of global secondary PGMs recovered from spent auto-catalyst. The significant use of PGMs in the large global auto industry is likely to continue, but the long-term transition towards electric vehicles will alter demand profiles.

Distributed Energy Systems and Energy Communities Under Negotiation

New decentralized energy-generation technologies have turned economies of scale upside down while becoming more economically viable. At the same time, the increased penetration of information technologies has led to new opportunities to manage infrastructure in a less hierarchical, more flexible way. Together with citizen demands for control over energy, these two converging trends has put energy communities (ECs) on the agenda, potentially advancing the transition towards more sustainable energy systems, despite hindrances encountered on the way. This paper presents a case study of the planning process of a sustainable city district in Sweden, using participatory observations and interviews conducted with included stakeholders. We analyse how the included stakeholders has reasoned about establishing a sustainable energy system in the area, including a microgrid. The discussions on a microgrid comprised two parallel discourses, coexisting but seldomly explicitly confronted. The distribution system operator in the area promoted a distributed energy system (DES) solution, while the property developers opted for a microgrid organized more as a citizen energy community (CEC). We discuss why the CEC proponents so far has lost the battle of creating a community owned smart grid. We conclude that the different models, a DES and a CEC, comprise different values and an increased focus on energy communities could shift the transition pathway towards a more decentralized system involving other prioritise than just economical.

Demystifying natural gas distribution grid decommissioning: An open-source approach to local deep decarbonization of urban neighborhoods

In this paper, deep decarbonization in an urban neighborhood in Vienna, Austria is proposed focusing on decommissioning of the gas distribution grid for heat supply rather than trying to feed in “green” gas in the future. The core objective is to demonstrate that alternative network infrastructures and energy technologies ensure not only an adequate but also an even superior provision of local heat energy services. Two different deep decarbonization pathways are studied, namely, electrification of almost all energy services and expansion of the district heating network. In addition, future district cooling service supply is considered. The method applied couples and extends two open-source models offering a complete analysis toolkit covering a high spatial and temporal resolution. The results show that deep decarbonization of local multiple-energy carrier systems is possible, without being dependent on the existing distribution grid of natural gas. Possible stranded assets (also at the gas end-user level) must not play a decisive role, especially since the trade-off analyses in this work show that alternative scenarios of lower/zero-emission energy service provision are even more economical in the longer term since the CO2 price is expected to increase in the next decades. Future work may focus, among others, on the energy generation technology mix feeding into the district heating grid, the local mobility service needs, and a higher granularity to improve the assessment of the on-site (building-integrated) renewable generation potential associated with the emergence of energy community concepts.

Sustainability assessment framework and methodology with trans-disciplinary numerical simulation model for analytical floatovoltaic energy system planning assessments

Floatovoltaics is rapidly emerging as a novel type of sustainable energy technology, in which solar photovoltaic installations are sited directly on open-water spaces. As an agro-renewable energy-generation technology, it makes dual use of water to generate revenue from under-utilised irrigation water surfaces while also offering mutually beneficial layers of land-saving, environmental conservation and water-preservation benefits. Standardised metrics for ground-mounted photovoltaic projects, however, do not properly account for the technology’s extended range of resource-use-efficiencies and impact-effect-positives. Such knowledge gaps hinder evidence-based scientific assessments in regulatory project permissions mandated by law. Technology planning and impact assessment practices can benefit from a computer-aided technique to characterise floatovoltaic performance profiles. This paper introduces a conceptual empirical modelling framework, a holistic system dynamics-thinking methodology and a computer synthesis model to empirically predict the performance and sustainability profiles of prospective floatovoltaic installations. By inherently exploring the techno-economic and techno-environmental externalities of floatovoltaic enterprises, it translates performance profiles into sustainability indicators, articulated as WELF-nexus parameters. The paper details the integrated analytical framework, mathematical modelling formulation and digital computer synthesis model towards quantitative floatovoltaic energy system planning and sustainability assessments. The study’s main finding is that an integrated techno-enviro-economic floatovoltaic assessment methodology can be successfully modelled as a context-sensitive synthesis technique in a system dynamics modelling environment. The proposed technique can find utility in solving real-world problems with assessments in efficiency, feasibility and sustainability for agricultural floatovoltaics.

Comparison of power plant portfolios under the no energy mix target and national energy mix target using the mean–variance model

Electricity generation costs become the primary consideration in a country’s energy planning; however, minimizing costs cannot be afforded if energy security is not ensured. Furthermore, considering generation technology cost and risk separately from the generation technology portfolio is no longer relevant This study aims to scrutinize Indonesia’s efficient generation mix by comparing the costs and risks of portfolios located on the efficient frontiers and diversification levels under the no energy mix target and the Indonesia Energy Policy 2025 target using the mean–variance model. The study involved eleven types of generation technology used in Indonesia. The results show that the portfolios under the national energy mix target have lower risks and costs than the existing energy generation portfolio. However, portfolios under the national energy mix target still have higher risks and costs than portfolios without an energy mix target. Interestingly, renewable energy generation technologies dominate the portfolios. This result implies that increasing the proportion of renewable energy into the national energy portfolio should be prioritized in the energy policy. The biggest problem of renewable energy generation technologies is associated with capacity. Hence, the Government should pay attention to the generation development intensively so that every investment can achieve the economics of scale.

Experimental study of hygrothermal ageing effects on failure modes of non-crimp basalt fibre-reinforced epoxy composite

Turbine blades form the main component for energy generation in renewable energy generation technologies such as wind and tidal energy. Non-crimp fabric (NCF) based fibre reinforced composite materials, with E-glass and carbon fibres have been widely used as the main materials for blades. However, sustainable composites using naturally derived fibres such as basalt, are being developed to reduce environmental impact. Basalt fibres require no chemical additives, solvents or hazardous materials for production and are recyclable. However, little information is available in the literature on the moisture ageing effects on failure modes of NCF based basalt fibre reinforced epoxy composites. Ageing is particularly important for applications in coastal wind and tidal turbine installations, which are exposed to high humidity. The current study analyses the effect of moisture ageing on flexural, interlaminar shear and in-plane shear properties and associated failure modes of NCF based basalt fibre reinforced epoxy composite at different stress levels. The results showed no significant impact on flexural stiffness of the composite, but in-plane shear stiffness and strength (flexural, interlaminar shear and in-plane shear) of the composite demonstrated a significant reduction following moisture absorption. Similar failure modes were observed in both dry and wet conditions.

Mathematical Modeling and Analysis of Distributed Energy Systems for a Refinery in Kuwait.

In this study, a model is developed to optimally integrate various energy generation technologies within a refinery to help reduce economic costs as well as mitigate carbon emissions. The combined heat and power system was found to reduce 80 Mton of CO2 emissions while saving $2.61 billion dollars over 30 years as opposed to utilizing boilers and grid-connected electricity. Maximum carbon emissions can be prevented by installing wind turbines to reduce further 49 Mton of carbon emissions, saving at an added cost of $53.4 million. Purchasing electricity completely from the grid was found to be the most expensive option, resulting in a monthly average of $25 million. Changes in various factors such as the land available for installation of technology, electricity tariffs, and efficiency of modules and their impacts on the total project costs and emissions were studied. It was found that solar photovoltaic (PV) modules can be a more economical and environmentally friendly option than wind technology if they were equally efficient. Moreover, grid-connected electricity would only be the most economical option if it were purchased at $0.03/kWh or lower. However, it is currently sold at close to $0.10/kWh, making CHP the most economic option for refineries.