Potential Energy Use Research Articles

Possibility of Renewable Energy Solutions Usage in Rural Areas of Western Balkans: Fuzzy-Rough Approach

Abstract Energy production, supply and consumption are global issue with many economic, environmental and social implications. Mentioned issue is even more expressed in remote rural areas, in particular in developing countries, as are the countries of the Western Balkans (WB). Renewable energy sources (RES) could represent optimal energy alternative for sustainable performing of agricultural and other activities, as well as for improving the current state of living conditions in rural communities. The main goal of research is to mark the most suitable RES alternative (six alternatives) for wider implementation in rural space of WB. The applied methodology framework implies experts’ opinion (engagement of eight experts) and the use of multi-criteria decision-making methods (MCDM), (specifically fuzzy-rough LMWA and fuzzy-rough CRADIS methods) under the predefined criteria (nine criteria). Derived results show that the implementation of the solar energy plants could play an optimal solution, while as the relatively unsuitable alternative could be marked the use of energy potential of watercourses. Gained final result, i.e. ranking order of the considered alternatives is additionally verified by the appliance of other MCDM methods, while the sensitivity analysis was also performed.

Evaluation of the Thermal Energy Potential of Waste Products from Fruit Preparation and Processing Industry

In the context of a changing climate and increasing efforts to use renewable energy sources and waste materials and to green the environment, new sources and technologies for energy recovery from waste are being sought. This study evaluates the possibilities of energy generation potential from waste products of fruit species used in the food processing industry. The results indicate good potential for energy use of materials from fruit processing due to low input moisture content of around 15 wt. %, an average energy lower heating value (LHV) of 16.5 MJ·kg−1, an average low ash content of 4.9% and meeting most of the emission limits of similar biofuels. Elemental analysis and combustion residue studies indicate safe operation within existing standards. The results of our analyses and experience from similar studies allow us to recommend most of the studied waste materials for energy generation use directly in processing plants at the local level.

An Intelligent Energy Management System Solution for Multiple Renewable Energy Sources

This paper proposes an intelligent energy management system based on multiple renewable energy sources. The intelligent energy management system is defined as a flexible energy management system built by integrating multiple renewable energy sources and facilities for energy storage. The general objective of this paper is to propose a solution to increase the use of energy potential from renewable sources by embedding small-sized energy sources to behave as a higher-power energy source. The proposed system includes solar, wind, and hydro as renewable sources. As the system is not connected to the primary distribution grid, two alternatives for energy storage are also included: batteries and a water basin used for hydro energy. The system includes a diesel generator as a reserve. The system can be adjusted depending on the consumers it serves and the location where it is implemented (i.e., the potential of electricity, wind, and hydro). The main contribution of this paper is the use of an energy storage concept in the form of a “natural” battery system composed of a water storage basin into which water is pumped when we have a surplus of energy from renewable generators.

Potential Use of Pruning Residues from Avocado Trees as Energy Input in Rural Communities

The global need to transition to renewable and decentralized systems entails agricultural systems as producers of residual biomass. Avocado trees (Persea americana Mill.) are one of the main woody crops cultivated in Mexico, with over 150,000 hectares grown in the country. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the use of avocado pruning residues as an energy input, focusing on the revalorization of biomass and the generation of economic benefits for small producers in the region. For that purpose, we developed allometric equations to calculate biomass availability from pruning residues, evaluated their thermochemical properties, and proposed technological alternatives for their energy use. Two allometric equations for pruning residues as a function of tree height and crown diameter were obtained: one for light and minor maintenance pruning (R2 = 0.63) and one for rejuvenation pruning (R2 = 0.86). From these equations, we estimate the mean amount of biomass generated from light and rejuvenation pruning to be 42.7 and 25.1 kg per tree and year, respectively, which amounts to 1324 and 780 kg ha−1 DM (dry matter), with an energy potential of 26.2 and 15.4 GJ ha−1. The thermochemical analysis shows that a higher proportion of leaves generates a higher ash content, which reduces the quality of the residues as a fuel. Avocado pruning residues have high potential for energy use and could be implemented in the industrial and residential sectors, generating a complementary source of income for producers.

Wind energy and sustainable electricity generation: evidence from Germany.

Wind energy is one of the renewable energy sources that has been touted to address the challenges of energy security and environmental degradation. This is only attainable if countries with substantial wind energy potential use it in significant proportion to satisfy their energy needs. One promising sector where wind energy can be employed to actualize this potential is the electricity sector. However, the current reality is that fossil fuels still dominate the energy profiles of most economies of the world, including the advanced economies, with wind renewable energy source accounting for a very small proportion of the energy mix. Germany is one of the few countries that offers promising opportunities in deploying wind energy to its full potentials. This study therefore explores the feasibility of substituting wind energy for nuclear energy and other fossil fuels using Germany as a country of focus. We use the ridge regression procedure to analyse yearly time series data for the German power sector that spans the period 1986 to 2018. With respect to output elasticities of the energy inputs, the results reveal that wind and natural gas have positive output elasticity estimates while the estimates for nuclear and coal are negative. We also found that all the inputs pairs have positive substitution elasticity estimates between them. With respect to wind energy, the highest substitutability estimate occurred with nuclear power which is followed by natural gas and then coal. The study recommended that policies such as granting of tax credit for wind energy technology, reduction in property taxes for wind power facilities, and allocation of fund for research and development (R&D) in wind energy technology are recommended to promote the use of wind energy in the economy.

Rational use of energy potential and reduction of the negative impact on the soil of agricultural tractor propellers using instrumental control of slipping

The article provides a theoretical analysis of the possibility of using single-frequency GNSS receivers to determine the slipping of agricultural tractors in order to assess the compliance of the weight characteristics of the tractor with the specific conditions of the work performed and more rational use of its energy potential, as well as reduce the negative impact of the propellers on the soil.

Solid Fuel Based on Waste of Low-Utilized Combustible Energy Resources

The paper presents main trends in growth and generation of waste, depending on increase of world GDP and the population of the planet. The main directions in extending the concept of national strategies for sustainable development have been considered with due account of energy and resource conservation problems, as well as the need for the rational use of natural and secondary resources in all countries of the world community. The energy potential use of combustible waste that has not found technological application is considered by many countries as one of the priority areas in the field of unconventional energy. The paper describes the main directions in application of the technology for briquetting multicomponent compositions into solid fuel. The developed production technology makes it possible to process waste products by briquetting them with the addition of various binders, and on the example of a binder component in the form of viscous hydrocarbon-containing waste, the main technological features of obtaining solid multicomponent fuel are presented in the paper. The paper describes the equipment for electrohydraulic treatment, which operates as a part of the preparation line for briquetting of the applied oily waste and that allows to reduce the sulphur content in the waste used, and such approach in general permits to regulate the environmental characteristics of harmful substance emissions at the maximum acceptable level. Taking into account the application aspects of the technology for wet briquetting of materials, the paper reflects the main results of the obtained dependences of humidity on productivity according to the content of the binder component. The proposed algorithm for solving the problem makes it possible to rationally use of substandard combustible industrial waste to obtain a multicomponent solid fuel, while at the production stage, the energy and environmental aspects of the resulting fuel are taken into account with due consideration of the component composition of the fuel.

CURRENT STATE AND PROSPECTS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN KYIV CITY, UKRAINE

The aim of this paper is to determine upcoming trends for use of the energy potential of municipal solid waste in Kyiv city, Ukraine. The current state and development prospects of this area of waste management is considered. This article presents the approaches to the use of energy potential of municipal solid waste in Poland. It is demonstrated that the amount of Waste-to-Energy Plant in Poland has been growing dynamically after 2015. This approach is consistent with the goals set by the National Waste Management Strategy in Ukraine. An analysis of the energy potential of municipal solid waste in Kyiv showed that the energy efficiency of mixed solid waste incineration differs slightly from incineration of RDF combined with biogas. The main factors affecting the economic efficiency of thermal treatment of MSW are capital costs of the construction of plants with a high-quality system for flue-gas cleaning, operating costs of energy production and the cost of raw materials. Combined mixed waste incineration at Waste-to-Energy Plant entails only capital costs. The introduction of the technology of mechanical and biological treatment of MSW requires additional capital costs of the construction of MBT systems. Operating costs of the production of RDF and biogas increase fuel costs. It has been demonstrated that the most appropriate approach for burning of MSW in Kiev is the construction of a Waste-to-Energy Plant. The discrepancy between the amount of MSW produced in Kyiv city and the statistical population of the last is shown, which confirms that a significant number of unregistered residents live in the capital.

Modeling Green Energy Development Based on Sustainable Economic Growth in China

Industrial development of the economic system of any state is directly related to the use of energy potential. China’s industrial breakthrough is no exception. Today, China is one of the largest importers–consumers of oil, whose economy is extremely dependent on the energy market. The growing production and population, as well as climatic changes that directly determine the well-being of society, have become the causal basis for the development of alternative ways of generating energy. The aim of the study is to model the implementation of the sustainable development strategy in China through the production and use of biofuels. The simulation is made taking into account the following. The production capacities of Chinese licensed producers of fuel ethanol are calculated. The efficiency of bioethanol production from various types of biological raw materials is evaluated. An economic and mathematical model of bioethanol production is built. The article forecasts the profitability of bioethanol sales from various types of biological raw materials (sugar sorghum, corn) in Chinese and European markets. The study comprehensively reveals the features of the use of biofuels in an industrial country, taking into account geopolitical factors, social and market contexts, as well as technical analysis of the raw materials and production potential of Chinese companies. The article also interprets the economic processes associated with the introduction of biofuels in the ecological and economic systems of China. The article demonstrates other concepts regarding the consequences of the energy sector’s transition to the principles of energy production from biomass. The article shows the contradictory nature of the impact of biofuel production on the food market and the agricultural sector. The article analyzes possible social, resource and macroeconomic risks, and also indicates possible vectors for further research that might be aimed at diversifying the associated negative processes.

Fast feasibility assessment of water bodies free oscillations energy potential use

The author has developed an operational method of assessing the expediency of implementing innovative projects on the use of the hydropower potential of the natural oscillations of water in an uncertain hydrological conditions. It is determined that the total hydropower potential of Ukraine, in addition to natural runoff, are waves and currents, which are constantly offered innovations. It is shown that the capacities of the reservoirs determine their individual spectra, the construction of which is a time consuming study. Self-oscillations are excited by a single pulse external to the reservoir of power. Impulse external force acts Dolgoprudny wave is comparable with the natural oscillations of the reservoir frequency: periodic inlet-forming power of the Sun and moon; wind waves, which leads to f and Negev; the accumulation of water in one part of the reservoir, caused by the streams flowing into and flowing year or rainfall; abrupt variations in atmospheric pressure above the water surface or ice cover; seismic phenomena. Substantiates the connection between the external seal centrifugal force and the part of the fluctuations of the hydrometeorological characteristics of this sealing which is created by centrifugal force, and constructed a genetic method of long-term marine forecasts. The pond is seen as a generator of sasova waves and currents in an uncertain hydrological conditions. For the calculations applied the genetic method, the result of which is the construction of amplitude-frequency characteristics of oscillations of the pool, excited by an external force. Typical spectra level oscillations and currents of water bodies For decision making on the appropriateness of potential it is proposed to compare the calculated unit cost of electricity with the cost of energy produced by alternative methods. The characteristics of GES, which should be considered when assessing the feasibility of using the energy potential of natural oscillations of the reservoir.

Improving the efficiency of frozen soils excavation using high-frequency vibration

Loosening machines occupy a special place for mechanization of earth-moving. Despite rapid development of new methods for soils excavation and specialized machines, the mechanical method of their destruction by rippers in the near future will remain the most effective in most operating conditions. This is explained by relative simplicity of rippers design, wide scope and versatility of their applications, high productivity and low cost per unit of work performed. Rippers play a special role while excavating rocky and frozen soils, and in the latter case, the issue of loosening is particularly relevant, since the area occupied by permafrost is 58% of our country, and together with seasonally frozen soils it covers almost 90% of its territory. One of the most rational ways to intensify the processes of loosening are high-frequency oscillations of the ripper working body in the sonic range using resonant magnetostrictive vibrators. A new approach to the design of a loosening process control system is needed, which covers a range of issues related to development of new principles and methods of automation. Only in this way it will be possible to significantly improve the technical and economic indicators of loosening machines, to avoid influence on them of significant fluctuations in quantitative and qualitative characteristics of soil. Analysis of loosening processes showed that earthworks in heavy soils using traditional methods and mechanisms of loosening are not sufficiently effective first of all due to insufficient use of energy potential of loosening machine. Therefore, one of the most important tasks that needs to be solved when introducing the methods of vibro-loosening of frozen soils is to increase energy efficiency of these processes. Since traditional methods for excavation of frozen soils require substantial energy costs of 5–6 kW per m3, the introduction of the proposed system makes it possible to reduce these costs by 15–20%.

Energy potential using landfill biogas and solar photovoltaic system: a case study in Brazil

This study aims to evaluate the potential of energy use by in MSW landfill sites by considering the use of landfill gas and solar photovoltaic system, through a case study. In the case of photovoltaic solar energy, it is considered that the system would be installed on the top deck of the landfill. For a Brazilian case study in a landfill consortium in Itajuba, south of the Minas Gerais’ State, the landfill gas generation was calculated using the LandGem® software. The optimum power and generator number for thermal power plant were obtained by a staggered method. The energy potential of a solar photovoltaic plant at this landfill was calculated using the PVSyst® software. During the considered periods, the analyses show that the two systems presented economic viability. There are positive effects when they are benefited as mini- and micro-distributed generation systems as preconized by the Brazilian National Electric Energy Resolution no. 482/2012 updated by the Resolution no. 687/2015. The biogas system could generate a total of 162.1 GWh for 30 years, and the solar system 15.1 GWh for 25 years of operation.

UTILIZATION OF SEWAGE SLUDGE

Sewage sludge utilization technologies must meet two requirements: the use of energy potential and ensuring that the products of their processing are not negatively affected by the environment. New technologies for the disposal of sediments that meet these requirements are being developed: pyrolysis, hydro pyrolysis, combined processes of fermentation and gasification, polygeneration, steam conversion, gasification of mixtures with other fuels, thermocatalytic reforming, three-stage gasification. Most of these technologies have not yet been commercialized. The energy potential of «fresh» sediments in Ukraine is estimated at 446 thousand tons of conditional fuel. Its use for the electricity production and thermal energy and secondary liquid and solid fuels is appropriate as being consistent with the global trend of decentralized energy development. The economically efficient, acceptable for Ukrainian conditions is the technology used to dispose of sediment, is their joint combustion with other solid fuels and waste in boilers of power stations and in cement kilns. For objects of decentralized energy, it should be preferred to the processes of gasification or pyrolysis of sewage sludge. Composting technology is acceptable to dispose of accumulated precipitates. Bibl. 27, Fig. 5, Tab. 3.

THE MAIN TRENDS OF GENERATION AND MANAGEMENT OF AGRICULTURAL ENTERPRISES WASTE

The article examines the basis tendencies for waste generation of by agriculture, forestry and fisheries and its share in waste by economic activity and households in Ukraine. In the period 2010-2017 the maximum generation of this type of waste was observed in 2011, the minimum – in 2017; waste share – 2-3%. The main regulatory legal acts concerning the effective management of agricultural enterprises waste are analyzed. The necessity of changes in the domestic legislation in this area to meet European standards and the steps that have been taken are substantiated. The generation of the of primary crop waste in Ukraine was investigated, based on the gross collection of main agricultural crops and the waste yield coefficient. The management of agricultural waste of all classes of danger in Ukraine was analyzed in the following areas: inciniration for energy production, inciniration without energy production, recycling, disposal to specially designated places or objects. A positive trend has been obtained in reducing the volume of agricultural waste that has been disposed to designated areas or objects. It is determined that the most common way to effectively manage of plant waste is incineration, cost-effective - incineration with the aim of obtaining energy. The theoretical bioenergy potential of the primary crop waste in Ukraine was calculated in terms of the reference fuel, based on the heat of combustion of the waste of the respective crops. technical bioenergy potential of waste is analyzed, based on the coefficient of technical accessibility, taking into account the technology of harvesting crops and existing technologies for processing waste into energy. The economic potential of primary crop waste for energy production is calculated taking into account the energy use ratio. The results showed that waste potential of such crops as wheat, corn for grain and sunflower has the greatest potential for energy use. The problems in the field of waste management of agricultural enterprises in Ukraine, which today need urgent solutions, are identified.

Characteristics of agro and wood biomass combustion in the stream of inert material

Agricultural residual biomass presents a high potential for energy use around the world, often not utilized to a large extent due to its significant differences with respect to other biomass types, such as the one of wood origin. These differences are mainly related to the characteristics of its ashes (quantity and composition) which increase certain problematic phenomena during combustion, among them ash sintering. The main purpose of this article is the experimental study of these issues for various agro pellets and wood pellets, analyzed in various operating conditions in a laboratory reactor with a circulating bed.

Use of energy potential of thermal power plants in engineering infrastructure of the city

In the current energy market thermal power plants (TPP) must compete with other sources of thermal and electrical energy and at most of the city’s heat and power plants, there are significant reserves to improve efficiency associated with the use of the power potential of the TPP in the city’s engineering infrastructure. The article summarizes the developed technologies aimed at increasing the efficiency of TPP due to their use in urban engineering infrastructure in the following areas.

Experimental study on the ash behaviour in combustion of pelletized residual agricultural biomass

Agricultural residual biomass presents a high potential for energy use around the world, often not utilized to a large extent due to its significant differences with respect to other biomass types, such as the one of forest origin. These differences are mainly related to the characteristics of its ashes (quantity and composition) which increase certain problematic phenomena during combustion, among them bottom ash sintering and fly ash deposition. The main goal of this paper is the experimental study of these issues for four different agropellets made of residual agricultural biomass (one woody -vineyard pruning- and three blended with an herbaceous component -corn stover and/or barley straw-) and a forest wood pellet (used as a reference), evaluated under different operating conditions in a laboratory fixed bed reactor. The influence of inlet air flow and temperature on the sintering degree and deposition ratio has been analyzed in a systematic way. For the five biofuels, under tested conditions, a clear relation inversely proportional between air excess ratio and deposition ratio has been determined. Deposition was more substantial for the four agropellets; meanwhile the sintering degree was more important for the three with an herbaceous component. The information obtained in this research work is intended to help researchers and technologists to make choices regarding the design and operation of conversion systems adapted for agricultural residual biomass, enhancing its market penetration.

Assessment of energy potential of agricultural plants as a basis of bioenergetic management development in Ukraine

Sustainable economic growth and increase in the level of population wellbeing, the diminution of energy dependence of Ukraine from the neighboring countries can only be achieved through the use of different types of biofuels, the practice of which is confirmed by the experience of other countries. One of the most promising types of fuel is agricultural plants, or rather the waste that remains after harvesting. The purpose of this study is to assess the energy potential of agricultural plants in Ukraine on the example of the Lviv region with an idea that it might reduce the energy dependence of Ukraine on Russia and other countries and will become a basis for improving the national energy management system. Assessment of the energy potential of agricultural plants was carried out on the example of the Lviv region. This assessment is based on all three components of the energy potential of agricultural plants (both theoretically and technically feasible and economically justified).According to the results of calculations, waste of wheat, other grain crops and rape has the largest energy potential. In particular, the energy potential of agricultural biomass of the Lviv region makes theoretically possible (maximum) 2.1 million tons of fuel equivalent, technically achievable 0.915 million tons of fuel equivalent (including losses), and economically expedient (optimal) 0.74 million tons of fuel equivalent. The evidence revealed in the study confirmed the fact that Ukraine has sufficient energy potential use of agricultural crops. All these measures correspond to the state strategy for the development of the energy potential of Ukraine. Considerable attention is paid to the need to form an optimal management system for the use of energy potential of agricultural plants in Ukraine. Given the significant economic efficiency of agricultural wastes, the expediency of its use as biofuels has been substantiated. The most effective in energy terms are grain crops (wheat, barley), which should be preferred in the process of biomass creation.

Composition and Behavior of Sunflower Seeds (Helianthus annuus L.) From Plants Treated with Magnetic Fields for Energy Potential Use of Biomass

Undoubtedly, with the different effects of climate change, the companies producing biofuels have turned their attention to the woody and herbaceous species, for their energy use. Although these processes are based on the different agroindustry chains that are developed at local, regional, national or international level, depending on the type of soil, vegetation and predominant climate presented in each of them. For this reason, the industry transformation sector must go hand in hand with the primary sector, ensuring a large amount of volume in the production of biomass with characteristics desired by the processors of plants for the use of bioenergy improving the production techniques. Having said that, this research evaluated the composition and initial behavior in a second generation of the sunflower seeds (Helianthus annuss L.) of plants that were treated during their germination phase with induced magnetic fields. The magnetic strengths of 14µT and 422µT to which the mother plants were subjected were generated with coils of 300 and 1200 turns, handling an exposure time of 60 min, 180 min, 300 min and 15 days (permanent). Subsequently evaluating seeds in relation to variables such as germination and initial seedling growth (% of germination, fresh biomass and dry biomass, leaf area, chlorophyll, in addition, to development indicators); in the same way, the watery activity, the protein nitrogen content, the ethereal extract or crude fat content, the ash content and the crude fiber were determined on the seeds of the first generation. On the other hand, the experimental design was subject to the initial conditions of culture of the mother plants being a factorial design in relation two components field intensity x time of magnetic induction. The best results were evidenced in those plants coming from seeds of mother plants treated with fields with lower intensity and with a longer exposure time.

Assessment of Rural Energy sources and Energy Consumption pattern in West Shewa and East Wellega Zones, Oromia Regional National state, Ethiopia

The study was conducted in West shewa and East wollega zones; Oromia Regional State with objective of the study is to identify the major rural source of energy consumption in the study area and to identify constraint and potential of energy use in the study area. About 141Male and 39 Female households were interviewed by structured questionnaire and data were analyzed by descriptive statistics under SPSS software. The characteristic of rural Energy source utilization , the majority of respondent uses firewood about 91.1% and about 16.9% the respondent uses agricultural residue for the purpose of baking Enjera , Firewood is the first widely used energy source, about 57.2% of the respondent uses Firewood and about 22.8% of the respondent uses charcoal for the purpose of heating mostly. About 55% the respondents uses kerosene and the respondent's uses small size solar only about 20% for purpose of lighting. Electricity, battery cell, biogas was the lowest level energy sources of study area. In study area even if some rural HHs with access to electric service , they did not use for the purpose of Enjera baking as well as heating , only use for the purpose of lighting in study area. The main reasons for preference of biomass energy consumption in the study area is ease of access, cultural preference, cheap pricesandthe last reasons for choice biomass energy consumption is convenience when they used and no alternative source. Small HHs uses the available alternative energy technology like biogas, modern charcoal stove (leqach), Mirt stove, small size solar energy. Firewood and Agricultural residue were the potential energy sources in study area and unlike Agricultural research, lack of Research on Rural energy sources, lack of effective rural energy technology, socio-economic problem to accept available rural energy sources, lack of information where and how alternatives rural energy technology were identified as constraints of rural energy sources in study area. To fill these knowledge gap AERC, should be planned to introduce new Rural Energy sources and Woreda water, mine and energy office should disseminate the available alternative technologies for rural households.