Energy Production Facilities Research Articles

Using methane hydrate to intensify the combustion of composite slurry fuels

Combustion of composite slurry fuels based on industrial and municipal waste is an effective way to both recover the said waste and address the problem of fossil fuel depletion. The flexible composition of such fuels can be adjusted to include raw materials available in any specific region of the world. Another benefit they provide is the opportunity to recover waste in different proportions to conventional fuels. There is, however, a problem of long ignition delay times of composite slurry fuels, especially if they contain a significant proportion of water or high-moisture wastes. Here we suggest intensifying their ignition by involving methane released from gas hydrates. Gas hydrates contain a large amount of water that reduces the concentrations of sulfur, nitrogen, and carbon oxides in flue gases. The experimental findings have shown that the involvement of gas hydrate reduces the ignition delay time of a coal-water slurry droplet by more than four times. Adding gas hydrate also contributes to higher combustion temperature and degree of fuel combustion. On the basis of the results obtained, we propose a coal-water slurry/gas hydrate co-combustion system for energy production facilities.

Active Energy Meters Tested in Realistic Non-Sinusoidal Conditions Recorded on the Field and Reproduced in Laboratory

Metrological characterisation of static energy meters under realistic low power quality conditions is a basic requirement for proper grid control and fair energy billing. The paper reports about a new proposed methodology, where the meters are tested under conditions directly recorded at installation sites. The waveforms of voltages and currents are sampled using a portable instrument; they are reproduced in laboratory conditions with a phantom power generator, with a bandwidth covering up to the 40th harmonic. The recording site is a photovoltaic energy production facility, having a a nominal power of 50 kW, at the coupling section to the grid. These waveforms were then reproduced in the laboratory, and tested on different models of single- and three-phase commercial static energy meters; the models chosen represent both energy meters used by energy providers at the point of common-coupling, and also meters typically used for in-line monitoring by end users. The quantity of interest is the reading error of the measured energy, when tested with the conditions reproduced from the on-field measurements, in comparison with a reference meter. All tested energy meter models comply with the present international documentary standards, which require tests under low power quality conditions; nevertheless, there are models that show unacceptable errors (up to 25%) in the measurement of active energy when tested with the on-field recorded waveforms. This suggests that the standardised testing waveforms might, in some cases, be not fully representative of the actual conditions encountered in the field.

Validation of a 3D Local-Scale Adaptive Solar Radiation Model by Using Pyranometer Measurements and a High-Resolution Digital Elevation Model.

The result of the multidisciplinary collaboration of researchers from different areas of knowledge to validate a solar radiation model is presented. The MAPsol is a 3D local-scale adaptive solar radiation model that allows us to estimate direct, diffuse, and reflected irradiance for clear sky conditions. The model includes the adaptation of the mesh to complex orography and albedo, and considers the shadows cast by the terrain and buildings. The surface mesh generation is based on surface refinement, smoothing and parameterization techniques and allows the generation of high-quality adapted meshes with a reasonable number of elements. Another key aspect of the paper is the generation of a high-resolution digital elevation model (DEM). This high-resolution DEM is constructed from LiDAR data, and its resolution is two times more accurate than the publicly available DEMs. The validation process uses direct and global solar irradiance data obtained from pyranometers at the University of Salamanca located in an urban area affected by systematic shading from nearby buildings. This work provides an efficient protocol for studying solar resources, with particular emphasis on areas of complex orography and dense buildings where shadows can potentially make solar energy production facilities less efficient.

Mechanism of Formation of Smog and some Adverse Effect of Smog on Environment and Human Being

Abstract: The formation of smog is a complex chemical process with significant implications for the environment and human health. This phenomenon primarily results from the interplay of various reactants and products, with its origins tracing back to specific sources. The key contributors to photochemical smog include nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, and the energy source that drives the reaction—sunlight. Notably, pollutants like nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons are byproducts of fossil fuel combustion, primarily emitted from coal-fired power plants and various energy production facilities. Additionally, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are generated when fossil fuels undergo incomplete combustion, as observed in activities like backyard burning and wood-burning stoves. Smog, characterized by a blend of airborne pollutants, poses significant threats to both human well-being and the environment. It can lead to a range of health issues, including respiratory difficulties, asthma exacerbation, heightened susceptibility to lung infections and colds, and eye irritation.

Environmental Justice for Children of Color: Energy Facility Pollution in Houston

Extensive prior research has been conducted on the imbalance between environmental hazards in majority-minority communities and majority-white communities and its negative physiological, psychological, and economic effects. This existing body of literature has suggested a positive correlation between environmental hazards and poor childhood development indicators. The study of the field is called “environmental justice”, founded on the belief that certain groups are disproportionately disadvantaged by negative environmental conditions induced by inequitable laws and policies. However, a clear correlation between environmental racism and minority childhood experiences has not been studied. This paper utilizes a proximity analysis between Houston-area schools and toxin-emitting energy facilities and survey-based research with a school community affected by such facilities in southeast Houston. Through this research, a clearer picture can be drawn of how policy and inaction have put children of color at a structural disadvantage over their wealthier, whiter counterparts. Results have established that urban development policies, the placement of energy production facilities, a lack of equitable urban planning boards, disinvestment in infrastructure, and carelessness by government officials have contributed to environmental inequality, with children being at a heightened risk of its negative effects. After assessing the findings of the inquiry concerning the negative developmental impacts of environmental inequality on children, future ramifications are discussed concerning suggestions for possible solutions.

Differential energy pricing of industrial park operator based on potential game considering public loss allocation

With development of industrial aggregation, the industrial park energy operator (IPEO) offers energy supply services to factories with varying energy consumption requirements. Nevertheless, the unified energy pricing model is not conducive to the park operator's ability to attain a justifiable recuperation of energy supply expenses. To address these issues, a differential pricing strategy for the potential game of IPEO is proposed in this paper to achieve clean and efficient operation of industrial electric-heat energy systems (EHES). Firstly, a mechanism for allocating public losses is established in the pricing process, and the power loss of the network is precisely allocated to the user side using the complex power tracking method. Second, a potential game model for IPEO and its users is established based on the different interests of the participants. IPEO releases energy prices to users by maximizing energy sales as a profit function and considering the output of energy production facilities and purchased electricity. The user minimizes the cost of energy by considering the profit function, which takes into account the energy storage discharge and flexible load adjustment. Finally, the feasibility and validity of the proposed model are verified by comparing several cases. The simulation results show that the proposed model can fully consider the autonomy of the game participants and effectively enhance the benefits of each participant.

Integrating solar chimney power plant with electrolysis station for green hydrogen production: A promising technique

This paper explores the use of Solar Chimney Power Plants (SCPPs) for the production of green hydrogen as a means to store excess electrical energy generated from renewable energy resources (RESs). The proposed structure produces electrical energy and distilled water by heating the air under the SCPP. The electrolyzer is integrated into the seawater pool and installed at the solar chimney's base. The weather conditions at the proposed location of the SCPP including solar radiation, temperature, humidity, and wind speed, are analyzed to assess their impact on the performance of the SCPP. The potential applications and economic feasibility of the SCPP are discussed, considering its contribution to renewable energy generation and the benefits of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier. The results show that solar radiation levels and favorable temperature profiles play an important role in the performance of the SCPP. The SCPP could produce 380,263 kW h of electrical energy and 139,443 tons of distilled water annually. The results also showed that the SCPP could produce 13,000 kg of green hydrogen and 173,224 kg of oxygen annually. The revenue generated from the production of H2 and O2 has improved the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) for the SCPP to 0.51 $/kWh and made it compete with other energy production facilities. Monthly variations in electrical energy, H2, O2, and distilled water production, highlight the dependence of hydrogen production on solar intensity and temperature. Overall, the research demonstrates the potential of SCPPs and hydrogen production as a sustainable and efficient solution for storing and utilizing excess renewable energy.

STUDY OF THE APPLICATION OF PELLETS FROM TEXTILE MATERIAL WASTE AND BIOMASS MIXTURE IN INDUSTRIAL AND RESIDENTAL HEATING SYSTEMS

The efficient waste management hierarchy is based on four priorities, reuse, recycle, energy recovery, deposit.Efficient energy recovery from non-recyclable textile materials (waste to energy) principles we study in this paper. Energy recovery from the fuel pellets consisting of waste textile materials and biomass depends on many factors. One of the main is to create a competitive form for the newly offered fuel (pellets from a mixture of biomass and textile), as well using a new generation of small-scale energy production facilities. Using already existing applications for efficient waste management is one of the circular economy aspects we lay on in this paper.Roughly estimated that the quantities of textiles separately collected will increased from 65 000 to 90 000 tons per year across the EU-27 from 2025. Reuse and recycling outlets will need to be created, as the current sorting and recycling capacities are not sufficient to process the anticipated volumes. However, it is also expected that at least half of these additional volumes will comprise non-reusable textile waste with specific flame retardant (FR) treatment. It is known that flame retardant is hazard by its adverse environmental impacts of FRs in their production and disposal phases.The objective of the paper is to review opportunities of elaboration a new type of the fuel pellets, and using them in industrial heat pellet boilers and combined heat and power CHP systems.Elaborated the new pellets from biomass (prepared by plasticization method) and chopped textile waste sized till 2-3 mm (by method separative milling) were tested in controlled combustion processes.Experiments were carried out by adding different proportions of textile waste to biomass pellets and the results obtained are summarized in the article

Power-to-X in energy hubs: A Danish case study of renewable fuel production

The European Commission recently proposed requirements for the production of renewable fuels as these are required to decarbonize the hard-to-electrify parts of the industrial and heavy transport sectors. Power-to-X (P2X) energy hubs enable efficient synergies between energy infrastructures, production facilities, and storage options. In this study, we explore the optimal operation of an energy hub by leveraging the flexibility of P2X, including hydrogen, methanol, and ammonia synthesizers by analyzing potential revenue streams such as the day-ahead and ancillary services markets. We propose EnerHub2X, a mixed-integer linear program that maximizes the hub’s profit based on current market prices, considering the technical constraints of P2X, such as unit commitment and non-linear efficiencies. We investigate a representative Danish energy hub and find that without price incentives, it mainly sells renewable electricity and produces compressed hydrogen. A sufficient amount of renewable ammonia and methanol is only produced by adding a price premium of about 50% (0.16 €/kg) to the conventional fuel prices. To utilize production efficiently, on-site renewable energy sources and P2X must be carefully aligned. We show that renewable power purchase agreements can provide flexibility while complying with the rules set by the European Commission.

Actual issues of Russian energy sector development

The article is devoted to the consideration of the most pressing issues related to the development of the modern energy sector of Russia. Among them there are the technical obsolescence of energy production facilities, a huge amount of unused energy equipment, serious disruption of the innovation cycle in the energy industry, and inefficient management. The authors pay special attention to the difficulties associated with the ever-accelerating process of digitalization of economy in general and the energy industry in particular. The article also predicts the most probable possibilities for the emergence of environmental problems initiated by the development of renewable energy. The priority tasks for the development of the energy sector are determined. The list of the mentions tasks includes domestic power equipment competitiveness increasing; ensuring full utilization of energy capacities; restoration of the innovation process; improving the quality of strategic decisions; solving the problem of negative impacts of digitalisation.

Techno-economic analysis of PV systems installed by using innovative strategies for smart sustainable agriculture farms.

Hybrid renewable energy sources are sustainable and eco-friendly and challenge the alternative sources of conventional energy production facilities. Pakistan's present energy dilemma is a serious impediment to its economic progress. This paper proposes a techno-economic analysis of commercial-scale photovoltaic (PV) systems for commercial agricultural farms in Punjab, Pakistan. A survey was conducted to gather the load data of the farms from major cities of north, center, and south Punjab. For the PV system design, the K-means approach was used to cluster data from 93 farmers into nine clusters with similar electrical consumption. A complete technical, economic, and environmental study is undertaken of the PV systems deployed in five selected cities. The most practical locations are Attock and Multan, which have the lowest Levelized Cost of Energy at 5.52 and 5.37 cents/kWh, respectively. PV installations are nevertheless technically, economically, and environmentally feasible for all cities. Throughout its lifespan, the planned PV system has the potential for Faisalabad and Chiniot to minimize 154 metric tons of emissions, resulting in a greener environment.

SUPPLY CHAINS FOR VALORIZATION OF OLIVE GROVE RESIDUES AND OLIVE OIL INDUSTRY BY-PRODUCTS: A REVIEW ON RESEARCH AND LITERATURE ON OLIVE BASED BIOECONOMY

The residual biomass produced in the olive sector is the result of the large quantity of olive groves and olive oil manufacturers that generate byproducts with a potentially high energy content. Until now, the disposal and management of pruning residues and olive oil by-products has generally represented disposal problems which lead to environmental problems rather than opportunities for additional revenue. In this context, this study aimed to define a roadmap for studies in Turkey to untap the potential of olive grove residues and olive oil industry by-products and residues, (i.e., olive tree prunings, olive leaves, olive pomace) that could be used to produce high-added value products in an integrated biorefinery or in a bioenergy power plant. This paper presents a review on recent research on the valorization of olive by-products in line with the circular economy principles and the bioeconomy strategy and presents the literature which applies to design and management of olive biomass supply chains. Main objective is to provide a conceptual framework for developing and deploying an effective bioeconomy utilizing olive prunings and olive oil industry byproducts conducting a preliminary review of the olive oil chain residues in Europe and Turkey comparatively, assessment of technical potentials, biomass supply costs and allocation of biomass collection sites and energy production facilities with different supply chain scenarios. Biomass resource assessment, biomass feedstock supply chain design and management, and logistics optimization require multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches. They need to be carried out properly in order to execute efficient projects in energy generation from biomass and/or extracting bio-commodities in biorefineries. Turkish researchers have adequate research on valorization methods for olive based biomass resources, but their studies are limited on general biomass supply chain design and particularly no research has been conducted for olive biomass resources. Taking all the aforementioned into account, the author proposes to conduct further studies on a biomass energy project including design of a supply chain network for energy valorization of olive grove residues and olive oil industry by-products in line with the common practice and being inspired by the leading countries like Spain and Italy, which will both contribute to circular business concept development and renewable energy capacity increase.

A Proposal to Connect Large Data Centers and Associated Power Plants in the Power System

Construction of large Data Centers (DCs) facilities is usually accompanied by facilities for the production of electrical energy. It is necessary to connect these objects to the electric power system (PS) in order to provide DC power supply, and to distribute the produced electrical energy from power plants. For this purpose, it is necessary to plan the utilization of existing and build new substations (SS). Due to optimal exploitation of existing resources and planning of new ones, while preserving the stability of the PS, the connections are made in conveniently selected places. The proposal for the place and method of connecting DC to the specific PS is dealt with in the first part of the paper. Existing elements of the SS which are meant for this purpose and new elements that need to be implemented, as well as their position in the PS, are listed. The second part of the paper refers to the method of connecting sources of electrical energy, which are part of DC in a broader sense, to the PS. A overview of the limitations for existing SS resources capacity and a proposal for building new SS is given. When connecting any of the mentioned objects, it is necessary to take care to preserve redundant power supply of the DC. Information exchange between DC communication systems, electrical energy production facilities and the PS enables quick and efficient reaction to possible disturbances or complete malfunction of individual DC facilities in a broader sense, parts of the PS, or PS as a whole. The proposal for communication connection of DC and PS is processed in the third part of the paper. At the end of the paper, a general conclusion is presented on the way to realize DC connection in a broader sense, based on the concrete example of realization that was previously described.

Applicability Of Incineration Technology In Waste Management: Istanbul Case Study

The purpose of this study is to make a technological and financial forecast for the future construction of similar facilities based on feasibility data from the Istanbul Domestic Waste Incineration and Energy Production Facility, which was constructed to minimize environmental damage and give domestic solid wastes economic value, as opposed to storing and disposing of them. The study examined the initial investment and operating costs of the facility, the repayment time and profitability calculations, the financial and economic profitability of the project, and the cost and internal profitability rates for other waste disposal facilities to be established, in addition to comparisons with conventional waste management systems (storage or composting) and incineration techniques. By separating themselves as much as possible from conventional waste management systems, systems employing technological methods will be more realistic and cost-effective, both financially and in terms of the environment. To meet rising energy demands and lessen reliance on foreign sources, investments in sustainable renewable energy systems other than fossil fuels must be increased now. It is crucial to accelerate and support investments in environmentally friendly energy technologies through their development. This is the first study conducted in Turkey on obtaining energy by burning domestic solid waste as opposed to storing it.

Urban Hydrogen Production Model Using Environmental Infrastructures to Achieve the Net Zero Goal

Land available for energy production is limited in cities owing to high population density. To reach the net zero goal, cities contributing 70% of overall greenhouse gas emissions need to dramatically reduce emissions and increase self-sufficiency in energy production. Environmental infrastructures such as sewage treatment and incineration plants can be used as energy production facilities in cities. This study attempted to examine the effect of using environmental infrastructure such as energy production facilities to contribute toward the carbon neutrality goal through urban energy systems. In particular, since the facilities are suitable for hydrogen supply in cities, the analysis was conducted focusing on the possibility of hydrogen production. First, the current status of energy supply and demand, and additional energy production potential in sewage treatment and incineration plants in Seoul, were analyzed. Then, the role of these environmental infrastructures toward energy self-sufficiency in the urban system was examined. This study confirmed that the facilities can contribute to the city’s energy self-sufficiency and the achievement of its net-zero goal.

Conversion of Thermal Energy to Gas Flow Kinetic Energy in the Bionic Leaf Stomata

In the technical field, the potential energy of gas under pressure is converted into mechanical kinetic energy by means of special complex channels. Leaf stomata perform a similar function in plant leaves. The shape of leaf stomata channels is much more sophisticated compared to gas flow transformation channels in energy production facilities. There is a biological prototype of a heat engine in the leaf, where leaf stomata convert thermal energy into mechanical kinetic energy of the flow with a change in leaf temperature. The paper presents experimental research on thermal energy conversion into mechanical kinetic energy of the flow in plant leaf stomata. The values of biological heat engine in a plant leaf and the associated processes are minute. The operation of the biological heat engine in a plant leaf was proven by indirect experimental measurements. After applying a light source flux to a plant leaf and inducing a temperature change in the tissues of the plant leaf, the rotational movements of a freely hanging plant leaf about the suspension axis were studied. When studying the dependence of plant leaf rotation movements on the area of the plant leaf, it was found that at a 150 W light source, the angle of rotation increased as the area of the plant leaf increased. For a plant leaf with an area of 52.5 ± 1.9 cm2, the angle of rotation reached 165°; 29.1 ± 1.1 cm2—143°; 16.0 ± 0.8 cm2—92°; and 9.2 ± 0.6 cm2—44°. The angular speed of plant leaf rotation was from 0.070–0.262 rad/s. The influence of light sources on the rotation angle of the plant leaf was studied; when illuminating the active leaf area of 25.0 ± 1.0 cm2 of the plant with a 40 W power light source, after 11 s, the rotation angle reached 31°, 60 W—97°, 100 W—131° and 150 W—134°. The effect of light sources (from 40 to 150 W) on the angular rotation speed of the plant leaf varies at 0.049–0.213 rad/s, respectively.

Recent advances in agroforestry systems and their impact on agricultural development

Agroforestry contributes to soil health and the breakdown of hazardous chemicals, which helps to keep the environment in balance. In agricultural forestry, environmental factors play an important role. Agroforestry uses a variety of methods, including tree breeding and genetic exchange, to create new plant varieties. Agroforestry also plays an important role in the recycling of waste water through efficient treatment water plants. Agroforestry systems for cacao are critical to ensuring that the right number of pants can be grown for each variety. Cacao can help alleviate symptoms of depression, stress, high blood pressure, and heart disease if consumed in the correct amounts. Soils have the ability to replenish themselves at times, resulting in the growth of new trees. Growth can be stunted or even stunted completely in soils with poor drainage, too much water, or not enough water at all. There is no doubt that agroforestry methods such as the taungya system and silvopastoral system can help trees grow. By preserving sustainable development, we can use biofuels to power large industrial and commercial energy production facilities.

Battery energy storage system facility implementation noise control and sound abatement considerations

Newly constructed or upgraded renewable energy production facilities are increasingly featuring battery energy storage system (BESS) components and their ancillary electrical transmission equipment such as inverters and transformers. While the batteries may represent state-of-the-art technology and may be relatively quiet sources of noise emission, the means for providing adequate battery thermal management involve operation of ventilation fans and refrigeration system components that represent traditional noise control and sound abatement challenges. This paper presents four sample scenarios of BESS implementation (distributed outdoor-exposed equipment, distributed enclosed equipment, concentrated outdoor-exposed equipment, and concentrated enclosed equipment) and their common and unique noise control needs. Conceptual noise control and sound abatement options for each of these needs are presented, along with typical non-acoustical considerations that often influence or even constrain or prohibit option feasibility and cost. The assessment presented herein should therefore help inform developers and constructors of BESS-featured facilities where sufficient control or abatement of noise emission may be critical to project success.

METHODOLOGICAL BASIS FOR A COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFICIENCY OF ENERGY PRODUCTION BY ENERGY-ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS

The solution to the problem of energy saving and improving environmental security can be provided only by a systematic approach, which should be based on the analysis of the efficiency and environmental friendliness of energy production. 
 A methodology was developed and implemented to assess the qualitative state of operation of specific thermal power facilities by energy and environmental characteristics in real time, taking into account the set of energy, environmental, passport and normalized performance of its units, facilities and devices. 
 The methodology in practice allows in a complex to determine simultaneously the level of energy efficiency and environmental safety with an assessment of compliance with the level of permissible values for concentrations of pollutants and hazardous substances of the working area and their hazard class. In this case, indicators and parameters of monitoring of various processes of each individual element and component of the energy production facility as a whole, which uses as a source of energy organic fuel, are used.
 According to this methodology of comprehensive energy-environmental assessment of operating conditions of energy facilities can be compared different in design, thermal, environmental and other scale characteristics of thermal energy cycles, facilities, installations, units and other thermal energy equipment and optimize the choice of energy source for heat and energy production under different schemes of layout of units within the cycles.
 Application of the methodology of assessment of energy-ecological efficiency of thermal energy processes allows to assess the energy-ecological feasibility of modernization or reconstruction of facilities in order to achieve the best performance of their operation in the heat and energy supply systems of various sectors of the country's economy. The use of the method is demonstrated by the example of calculating the coefficient of energy and environmental efficiency for energy boilers of different capacities.

Geospatial Approaches to Model Renewable Energy Requirements of the New Capital City of Indonesia

Predicting how a planned city will develop and expand after its construction, and which resources, such as energy, the city will need over time is only possible if one can rely on similar examples and reliable models. Given the existing spatial plans for the design of the new capital city of Indonesia, there is a need to develop and compare city development scenarios–in spatial expansion, population size, resource, energy and food requirements. A combination of various geospatial data approaches can address this knowledge and assessment gap. This article investigates spatial expansion, forest encroachment and sustainable energy infrastructure requirements using open access geodata and models. The hypothesis is that the constitution of the new capital city of Indonesia can rely on existing energy infrastructures but may also need to rely on additional resources. The research approach was to collect and integrate different types of geospatial data related to land use, terrain characteristics and population growth assumptions and connect these to both urban growth models and predictions and energy. This relied on land use change methodologies and urban growth models to simulate and predict spatial effects, with ca particular focus on the expansion of energy requirements. The choice to focus on energy requirements additionally required a comparison of different kinds of energy sources, such as solar and wind energy. The conclusion is that all design and expansion scenarios indicate a possible spatial conflict between locating sustainable energy production facilities with maintaining ecologically sensitive areas. A possible solution is to make use of existing mining infrastructures to enhance sustainable energy production and to make use of dual land and water solar energy systems.