Energy-intensive Research Articles

Investigation of a Cogeneration System Combining a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell and the Organic Rankine Cycle: Parametric Analysis and Multi-Objective Optimization

A novel solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC)-based cogeneration system is proposed here, integrating an organic Rankine cycle for waste heat recovery. Technical–economic and parametric analyses are conducted, and a multi-objective optimization is carried out. The results reveal that the net electrical efficiency, investment cost, and payback time are 56.6%, USD 2,408,256, and 3.27 years, respectively. The parametric analysis indicates that the current density should be limited between 0.3 A/cm2 and 0.9 A/cm2, and the stack temperature should be controlled between 675 °C and 875 °C. After the operational optimization of ηele-CostTCI, the investment cost and the net electrical efficiency are obtained as USD 2,164,742 and 62.1%. After the ηele-PBT optimization, the payback period and the net electrical efficiency are 3.22 years and 58.9%. The heat transfer network optimization achieves the highest efficiency and reduces the cold utilities by 43 kW, but three additional heat exchangers should be added to the system. This research provides practical reference and pragmatic guidance for the integration, analysis, operation, and heat transfer network optimization of SOFC-based cogeneration systems.

Research on Industrial CO2 Emission Intensity and Its Driving Mechanism Under China’s Dual Carbon Target

As global climate change becomes increasingly severe, industrial CO2 emissions have received increasing attention, but the impact factors and driving mechanisms of industrial CO2 emission intensity remain unclear. Based on panel data from 2010 to 2021 in Shandong Province, a key economic region in eastern China, the industrial CO2 emission intensity under China’s dual carbon target was analyzed using multivariate ordination methods. The results showed that (1) total CO2 emissions from industry are increasing annually, with an average growth rate of 3.74%, and electricity, coal, and coke are the primary sources of CO2 emissions. (2) Total CO2 emissions originated primarily from the heavy manufacturing, energy production, and high energy intensity industry categories, and the CO2 emission intensity of different types of energy increased by 21.24% from 2010 to 2021. (3) CO2 emission intensity is significantly positively correlated with the proportion of high energy intensive industry, energy consumption intensity, and investment intensity and significantly negatively correlated with gross industrial output. In addition, the effects of different types of energy on industrial CO2 emission intensity varied, and coal, coke, electricity, and diesel oil were significantly positively correlated with CO2 emission intensity. Therefore, to reduce the CO2 emission intensity of the industrial sector in the future and to achieve China’s dual carbon target, it is necessary to adjust and optimize the industrial and energy structure, strengthen technological progress and innovation, improve energy utilization efficiency, improve and implement relevant policies for industrial carbon reduction, and then ensure the sustainable development of the economy, society, and environment.

Extrinsic and intrinsic determinants of thermal conductivity in mycelium composites

The need for the construction industry to reduce both operational and embodied carbon emissions is urgent. Traditional insulation materials, while effective, require energy-intensive processes and non-renewable resources, making them unsustainable. Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) offer a sustainable alternative with low embodied carbon, biodegradability, and non-toxicity, and studies show promising thermal performance. However, accurate measurement of λ is crucial to ensure effectiveness, requiring an understanding of the factors influencing these measurements. This paper reviews the thermal conductivity of MBCs, covering 19 studies reporting λ values from 0.026 W/mK to 0.18 W/mK. Measurement techniques and their uncertainties are reviewed, as well as additional factors affecting λ, including moisture content, density, temperature, substrate, fungal species, and growth conditions. The influence of the fungal-skin layer and the anisotropic nature of MBCs is discussed. Standardised measurement protocols and thorough methodological reporting are emphasised to ensure comparability. By optimising intrinsic parameters like species-substrate combinations and growth conditions, MBC thermal performance can be improved. This paper informs on MBC thermal characterization, promoting broader adoption in the construction industry and advancing sustainable practices. Consequently, this review aims to guide future research and applications, aiding in reducing both operational and embodied carbon emissions.

Computational Thermochemistry for Modelling Oxidation During the Conveyance Tube Manufacturing Process

Conveyance tube manufacturing via a hot-finished, welded route is an energy-intensive process which promotes rapid surface oxidation. During normalisation at approximately 950 °C to homogenise the post-weld microstructure, an oxide mill scale layer grows on tube outer surfaces. Following further thermomechanical processing, there is significant yield loss of up to 3% of total feedstock due to scale products, and surface degradation due to inconsistent scale delamination. Delaminated scale is also liable to contaminate and damage plant tooling. The computational thermochemistry software, Thermo-Calc 2023b, with its diffusion module, DICTRA, was explored for its potential to investigate oxidation kinetics on curved geometries representative of those in conveyance tube applications. A suitable model was developed using the Stefan problem, bespoke thermochemical databases, and a numerical solution to the diffusion equation. Oxide thickness predictions for representative curved surfaces revealed the significance of the radial term in the diffusion equation for tubes of less than a 200 mm inner radius. This critical value places the conveyance tubes’ dimensions well within the range where the effects of a cylindrical coordinate system on oxidation, owing to continuous surface area changes and superimposed diffusion pathways, cannot be neglected if oxidation on curved surfaces is to be fully understood.

Using tracer particle kinematics to sense particle size in rotating drums

Comminution is an energy intensive process. In SAG-mills, it is achieved by rotating a drum in which large metal balls crush ore particles. In-situ monitoring of particle size would be of considerable interest to optimize their operation. However, there is no established solution to measure particle size in such a harsh mechanical environment. We show here that the acceleration of the grinding media, which can be monitored using embedded accelerometers, can be used to sense the particle size and size distribution during operation. In DEM simulations, we find that a machine learning classifier is able to detect the size and distribution of small particles solely based on the knowledge of the acceleration of larger grinding media particles. Results show that this kinematic sensing is effective over a wide range of particle size ratios, size distribution, mixture ratio and mill charge. Beyond their potential applications in mineral processing, these results point out that the kinematics of large particles is affected by the size of the smaller particles, an observation which can help advance rheological models for bi-disperse granular flows.Graphical

Towards an eco-social circular economy: exploring the feasibility study of pyrolysis on agricultural feedstocks

AbstractThe agricultural sector is challenging to decarbonise due to its reliance on heavy machinery and fossil fuels, which face issues when decarbonising via methods such as electrification. However, agriculture provides opportunities to generate renewable energy via biomass sources due to their abundance within this sector. This feasibility study used a continuous auger pyrolysis system to assess how straw waste from a medium-scale arable farm could convert energy from an external electrical source into usable chemical potential. Wheat, barley, oil seed rape (OSR), and bean straw have all been processed and pyrolysed under different temperatures and auger feed rates. The syngas product was then analysed, considering its composition and the lower heating value. Results indicate that the percentage of carbon monoxide and hydrogen and the total volume of syngas increased with temperature. In addition, the syngas’ energy quantity increased despite the product’s decreasing heating value. The case study’s annual energy demand was equal to 14.4% of the 3900 GJ maximum potential contained within the syngas, and thus it can be concluded that there is potential for the application of this system towards a circular economy. The system’s cold gas, net, and electrical conversion efficiency were also assessed with maximum values of 37.1%, 30.1%, and 174.4%, respectively. Furthermore, the statistical analysis confirms high predictability for wheat, barley, bean, and OSR feedstocks, with a general linear model showing high accuracy across all.

Exploring Raw Red Clay as a Supplementary Cementitious Material: Composition, Thermo-Mechanical Performance, Cost, and Environmental Impact

This study explored the potential of natural red clay as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and costs associated with the cement industry. Given that cement production is one of the largest contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, developing sustainable alternatives is of paramount importance. Recognizing the environmental impact of cement production, this research investigates the substitution of conventional cement with raw red clay, aiming to balance mechanical performance with enhanced thermal properties and a lower environmental footprint. Through chemical characterization using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), along with comprehensive mechanical and thermal performance testing, this study identifies the dual role of raw clay in mortar. It was found that incorporating up to 5% by weight of raw clay slightly impacted compressive strength while significantly improving thermal conductivity and diffusivity, cost-efficiency, and environmental sustainability, making it an appealing option for structural applications requiring high mechanical resistance. Conversely, a higher proportion of clay (beyond 5%) compromises compressive strength, but further enhances thermal properties and environmental benefits, suggesting its suitability for applications where low mechanical resistance is acceptable. This investigation highlights the viability of raw clay as a promising SCM, offering a pathway to more sustainable construction materials without the need for energy-intensive processing, thereby contributing to the reduction in the construction sector’s carbon footprint and energy demand.

Annual Energy Analysis of a Building Integrated Semi-Transparent Photovoltaic Thermal Facade

Abstract This study numerically examines the performance of a semi-transparent Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BiSPVT) façade in Srinagar, India's weather conditions. The primary objective is to explore the façade's potential in reducing building energy consumption while enhancing the electrical efficiency of PV modules by effectively cooling their surfaces through adjacent air circulation. A 1-D thermal model, implemented in MATLAB, analyses the façade's performance under distinct weather conditions: clear day, hazy day, hazy and cloudy day, and fully cloudy day. The assessment of climatic conditions considers their impact on both BIPV cell temperature and the annual energy output in a steady state, considering the fluctuations in thermal losses. Results reveal the highest electrical efficiency of 18.9% and an overall thermal efficiency of 57.58% in January. Annually, the BiSPVT façade system generated 121.22 kWh/m2 of electrical energy, 61.06 kWh/m2 of thermal energy, 366.23 kWh/m2 of overall thermal energy, and 122.36 kWh/m2 of useful exergy. These findings offer an insight regarding reduction in utilization of conventional source of energy due to sustainable building design and renewable energy utilization.

Reactive carbon capture using electrochemical reactors.

The electrolytic upgrading of CO2 presents a promising strategy to mitigate global CO2 emissions while generating valuable carbon-based products such as carbon monoxide, formate, and ethylene. However, the adoption of industrial-scale CO2 electrolyzers is hindered by the high energy and capital costs associated with the purification and pressurization of captured CO2 prior to electrolysis. One promising solution is "reactive carbon capture," which involves the electrolytic conversion of the eluent from CO2 capture units, or the "reactive carbon solution," directly into valuable products. This approach circumvents the energy-intensive processes required for electrolyzers fed with gaseous CO2. This Tutorial Review highlights recent advances for reactive carbon capture, showcasing its potential as a scalable solution for electrolyzers that upgrade CO2 into fuels and products.

GA and WOA-Based Optimization for Electric Powertrain Efficiency

GA and WOA-Based Optimization for Electric Powertrain Efficiency

Optimizing electrical properties and efficiency of copper-doped CdS and CdTe solar cells through advanced ETL and HTL integration: a comprehensive experimental and numerical study

Abstract Copper is a commonly preferred dopant for cadmium telluride based solar cells. Even though it is widely used as it enhances the electrical properties, it has the tendency to diffuse into the CdTe layer as well as the CdS/CdTe junction interface which adversely affects the performance of CdTe solar cells. In this experimental study copper doping of buffer cadmium sulfide layer has been performed to analyse its effect on structural, electrical, and optical properties of CdS and CdTe layers. While from the X-ray diffraction analysis it was observed that there was reduction in peak intensities and crystallite sizes of both the CdS and CdTe layers with the increase in amount of copper dopant, from the electrical properties it was found that there were improvements in carrier concentration, mobility, and conductivity of both the layers. To mitigate the losses due to Cu doping, enhance the efficiency and stability of CdTe solar cells an extensive numerical modelling approach was undertaken to employ electron transport layers (ETL) and hole transport layers (HTL) to the copper-doped CdS/CdTe solar cells. We obtained optimum results with titanium dioxide and copper barium thiostannate as ETL and HTL respectively. Finally, CdTe-based solar cells were modelled integrating copper-doped CdS as the buffer layers, TiO2 as ETL and CBTS as HTL respectively. The obtained experimental values of Cu-doped CdS and CdTe layers were implemented into this model. This superstrate configuration yielded impressive output parameters: open circuit voltage of 1.07 V, short-circuit current density of 29.32 mA cm−2, fill factor of 85.08 %, and efficiency of 26.67 %.

Comparative Study of Cradle-to-Gate Carbon Emissions from Steel and Concrete Structures of Bangladeshi Industrial Projects

Sustainable practice is necessary for the construction industry's environmental impact, particularly carbon footprint. A "cradle-to-gate" Life Cycle Assessment of the embodied carbon emissions of two structural systems, steel and reinforced concrete, is presented for an industrial building in Bangladesh. By quantifying these emissions through BIM modeling and emission factor databases, the analysis shows that steel-framed structures have a significantly higher carbon footprint than their concrete alternatives, mainly because of the energy-intensive steel production processes. Emissions from raw material extraction, transportation, and manufacturing stages are detailed and assessed. The results show that steel structures produce 60% more embodied carbon than reinforced concrete counterparts, primarily due to raw material emissions, with other emissions from aluminum and rebar in both systems. These findings provide a basis for construction material selection and highlight the need for low-carbon approaches to reduce the sector's carbon footprint in rapidly urbanizing areas like Bangladesh. Further research should extend to the end-of-life impacts and more localized emission data to continue to refine sustainable construction strategies.

China's electric vehicles adoption: implications for sustainable electricity, transportation, and net-zero emissions

IntroductionThe rapid adoption of electric vehicles in China is a key strategy for decarbonizing the transportation sector, facilitating the transition to sustainable energy, and meeting the country's net-zero emissions goals. Notwithstanding this, limited research has explored how technological advancement influences electric vehicle adoption in the context of achieving sustainable electricity.MethodsThis study addresses this gap by integrating vehicle range, smart charging infrastructure, and battery electric vehicles into an econometric count framework utilizing countrywide data-driven insights.ResultsThe findings demonstrate that technological advancements-specifically in vehicle range and the expansion of charging infrastructure-are vital solutions in driving battery electric vehicles acceptance. These advancements are essential for revolutionizing the transportation industry and contributing to the country's emissions reduction targets.DiscussionHowever, this presents a dual challenge: balancing increased electricity demand while capitalizing on these technologies to meet net-zero goals. The study highlights critical policy implications, particularly the need to advance electric vehicle material technologies through the use of critical minerals including aluminum and lithium. By prioritizing these materials, producers can improve electric vehicles' efficiency and support the integration of renewable energy sources. The study concludes that incorporating renewable energy solutions, like solar-powered charging stations, is crucial for ensuring sustainable electricity. Policies encouraging public-private partnerships and investments in research on materials and smart charging technologies are crucial for reducing charging times and improving vehicle range. Additionally, fostering public-private collaborations to install smart charging infrastructure equipped with Internet-of-Things technology at parking slots can create a synergistic effect, significantly boosting electric vehicle adoption in China.

Hydrogen Radical Enabling Industrial-Level Oxygen Electroreduction to Hydrogen Peroxide.

The electrochemical synthesis of hydrogen peroxide from oxygen and water, powered by renewable electricity, provides a highly attractive alternative to the energy-intensive autoxidation process presently used in industry, but much remains unknown about this two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e-ORR), especially the local proton effect. Here, we have investigated the function of hydrogen-associated intermediates in the 2e-ORR using a rationally designed cooperative electrode material with cobalt (II) clusters embedded onto the oxidized carbon nanotube composites (Co-OCNT). We found that the local proton availability can determine both the reaction kinetics and selectivity. A 2e-ORR process involving hydrogen radical transfer is confirmed. Specifically, the carbon sites from the OCNTs promote proton production, and the cobalt sites from the Co cluster facilitate ORR intermediate formation. The high local proton availability and the cooperative dual-active sites both contribute to the superior reaction kinetics and selectivity of the Co-OCNT, reaching an H2O2 production rate of ~40.6 mol gcat -1 h-1 and a faradaic efficiency of 90 % at a current density of 300 mA cm-2. Further cascading the 2e-ORR with the electro-Fenton process shows a high selectivity of oxalic acid up to 97 % for the valorization of ethylene glycol.

Institutional entrepreneuring for energy poverty: The role of boundary work in developing a collaborative product-service system for household appliances

This study explores a remarkable initiative named “Papillon” that aims to contribute to alleviating energy poverty by organizing affordable and context-sensitive access to energy-efficient appliances. The initiative involves a collaboration across societal sectors (civil society, business, government) and has used the idea of a product-service system to develop an appliance rental system for energy-poor households. As these kinds of “cross-sectoral” collaborations hold promise for contributing to complex societal issues but are notoriously hard to develop, we set out to trace the entrepreneurial process that brought the collaboration into being. To do so, this paper builds on and elaborates insights from institutional theory on organizations. More specifically we start off from Hjorth & Reay's (2022) recent account of institutional entrepreneuring and further develops it in relation to the empirical case of Papillon. In doing so, we arrive at a theoretical-analytic framework that focusses on entrepreneurs' configurational boundary work in the context of diverging institutional logics. In the analysis we show how four modes of boundary work – probing, arranging, buffering, coalescing – play a decisive role in bringing about a collaborative rental system for appliances that is attuned to the lifeworld of households in energy poverty. Our paper aims to contribute by (1) presenting and analysing a cross-sectoral approach to provide energy-poor households with access to essential appliances (2) developing a framework that brings novel insights into the formation of cross-sectoral initiatives that aim to create social value.

Sustainable and Self-Sufficient Fresh Water Through MED Desalination Powered by a CPV-T Solar Hybrid Collector: A Numerical and Experimental Study

The effects of global warming are severely recognizable and, according to the OECD, 47% of the world’s population will soon live in regions with insufficient drinking water. Already, many countries depend on desalination for fresh water supply, but such facilities are often powered by fossil fuels. This paper presents an energy self-sufficient desalination system that runs entirely on solar power. Sunlight is harvested using parabolic trough collectors with an effective aperture area of 1.5 m × 0.98 m and a theoretical concentration ratio of 150 suns, in which a concentrator photovoltaic thermal (CPV-T) hybrid-absorber converts the radiation to electricity and heat. This co-generated energy runs a multi-effect distillation (MED) plant, whereby the waste heat of multi-junction concentrator solar cells is used in the desalination process. This concept also takes advantage of synergy effects of optical elements (i.e., mirrors), resulting in a cost reduction of solar co-generation compared to the state of the art, while at the same time increasing the overall efficiency to ~75% (consisting of an electrical efficiency of 26.8% with a concurrent thermal efficiency of 48.8%). Key components such as the parabolic trough hybrid absorber were built and characterized by real-world tests. Finally, results of system simulations, including fresh water output depending on different weather conditions, degree of autonomy, required energy storage for off-grid operation etc. are presented. Simulation results revealed that it is possible to desalinate around 2,000,000 L of seawater per year with a 260 m2 plant and 75 m3 of thermal storage.

PV/T water-based cooling in hot climate conditions by using semi-circle baffles

PV/T water-based system using multi-row semi-circle baffles (SCB) is numerically investigated. Experimental validation was carried out in hot climate conditions. Factors associated with heat transfer enhancement, like Nusselt number, pressure drop, friction factor, electrical efficiency, and thermal efficiency, were calculated and discussed to show the impact of SCB on photovoltaic or PV cooling and system performance. Six different magnitudes of Reynolds number (500-4000), and mass flow rate (0.0137-0.0998) L/s at different radiation values were carried out in the simulation. Results indicated that utilizing SCB has an important effect on the PV/T system. In comparison to the smooth channel, the average Nusselt number of the enhanced channel increased by around (31.57-132.18) %, and the friction factor increased by (21.93-95.7) % while the thermal efficiency increased by about (16.34-79.29) %. These results indicate the system’s good performance in terms of photovoltaic panel cooling and power production. PV surface temperature reduced by about (4-20) ℃. The electrical efficiency improved up to 32% and 49% for the smooth and enhanced channels respectively. The cost-benefit ratio (CBR) of the enhanced channel demonstrated that there is no detrimental influence of the pressure drop on the thermal performance.

Assessment of photovoltaic system in existence of nanomaterial cooling flow

In this study, a photovoltaic (PV) system was enhanced through the combination of a cooling duct utilizing a nanofluid composed of water and Al₂O₃ nanoparticles, aimed at optimizing thermal regulation and improving electrical efficiency. A novel approach was introduced by systematically examining the effects of channel cross-sectional shapes and fin arrangements on heat dissipation. Using a single-phase simulation model, the thermal performance of the nanofluid was evaluated across various nanoparticle shapes, providing new insights into the relationship between geometry and nanofluid cooling efficacy. The results demonstrated that altering the cross-sectional shape generally reduced thermal performance, but strategic fin configurations significantly enhanced heat transfer. The optimal design, featuring eight shorter fins arranged around an eight-lobed pipe, resulted in a 4.3% improvement in thermal performance. Additionally, blade-shaped nanoparticles were identified as the most effective, enhancing heat absorption by 1.15% compared to pure water. This research presents the first combination of advanced nanofluid cooling with a detailed analysis of geometric factors (cross-section and fin design) in PV systems. The findings provide practical guidelines for improving heat management in PV cells, ultimately leading to increased electrical efficiency and an extended operational lifespan. These insights hold promising implications for the design of more efficient solar energy systems and could inform future thermal management solutions in renewable energy applications.

Performance analysis of a low concentrated photovoltaic system thermal management by hybrid phase change materials

With the widespread use of cells, the significance of thermal management is increasingly emphasized in academic research. The issue of decreasing photoelectric conversion efficiency due to overheated cells in photovoltaics has garnered attention. Thermal management technology utilizing phase change materials (PCM) has the potential to enhance the overall efficiency of solar energy utilization. However, the PCM has poor thermal conductivity, which makes attaching it directly to the back of the solar cell ineffective. The heat trapped in PCM is also difficult to discharge. To solve this problem, a new low-power concentrating photovoltaic system with integrated PCM and comprehensive utilization of photoelectricity and photothermal is proposed (LCPV-PCM). It is verified with the reference. The effects of Porous metal materials (PMMs), PCMs filling sequence, and collector tube diameter on the cooling effect are studied. The results indicate a clear temperature equalization effect of PMMs, leading to a 4.08 % increase in electrical efficiency when filling PCM with lower phase change temperature. The temperature of the collector tube with a diameter of 2.5 mm can be reduced by 21.9 K, increasing electrical efficiency by 9 %. The results are of significance in exploring the application of PCM in cell thermal management.

Identifying Challenges, Benefits, and Recommendations for Utilizing Solar Panels in Sport Stadiums: A Thematic Analysis

Renewable energies are the need of today’s world and future based on the evidences which are available. Actually, there are many types of renewable energy which are now being used. One of the main types is solar energy since it is available and very well known in scientific communities and industrial procedures. Solar energy is the sustainable energy resource and can be utilized in different places. One of the significant parts is in sport arenas. Basically, nowadays sport industry like other sectors are converging to the use of renewable energies especially solar energy. Nonetheless, there are some challenges in this application. Here, the potential draw backs are named and mentioned in details. Moreover, benefits also are embedded. Hence, this study focuses on the mere use of solar energy and its corresponding pros and cons. The comprehensive data are gathered by reviewing the previous work to illuminate the characteristics of this valuable energy resource in sport stadiums and arenas. We used the interviews and thematic method by interviewing in-depth with eight expert. Our finding revealed the challenges: economic and social challenges, the structure of the stadiums, policy and regulations, and the technical aspect. We also presented many benefits such as reducing emissions, reducing costs and sustainable development for sports stadiums.