Energy Reserves Research Articles

Life cycle assessment of the tiny house initiative in the United Arab Emirates

IntroductionThere has been a significant increase in global energy usage due to urbanization and population growth. The built environment is responsible for over one third of global energy consumption, carbon dioxide emissions, and over a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions. The United Arab Emirates building, and construction sector consumes 70% of the entire country’s electricity demand and uses large amounts of raw materials, accelerating resource scarcity. The tiny house offers several environmental and sustainability benefits that have contributed to its growing popularity.MethodsIn this study, the environmental impacts of a tiny house, built on the American University of Sharjah campus will be evaluated using life cycle impact assessment. A cradle-to-grave evaluation was conducted for the life cycle assessment of the tiny house, with a functional unit of 1 m2, using the ReCiPe 2016 V1.03 midpoint method.ResultsThe environmental impact associated with the production and operational phases was most severe, aligning with similar studies on residential buildings. In the material production phase, concrete and steel had the most significant environmental impacts, particularly in the climate change category. These results highlight the importance of focusing on sustainable innovations in material production and recycling to mitigate environmental impacts. The operational phase contributed to approximately 77% of the total carbon dioxide emissions over the 50-year lifespan of the tiny house, primarily due to energy consumption for heating and cooling.DiscussionWhile the findings align with previous studies on residential buildings, it is important to consider the context of a tiny house; its small size results in a significantly lower overall environmental impact compared to larger homes.

CHANGES IN THE GLOBAL ENERGY SECTOR CAUSED BY RUSSIA'S WAR AGAINST UKRAINE

Problems. The Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russia's refusal to accept the planned volumes of natural gas to the countries of the European Union caused a global energy and financial crisis, and changed the movement towards the development of renewable energy. the transition to sustainable and clean energy sources has become problematic for many countries. Objective. General review and analytical analysis of trends in the development of energy consumption and the introduction of renewable sources in electric power systems in 2017-2023 using the results of research International Energy Agency (IEA), listed in World Energy Outlook (WEO) [1-6]. Methodology of implementation Trends in the development of the world system of renewable power plants to ensure climate neutrality, zero emissions, and a clean ecological environment have been analyzed for the study of the topic article. The study of changes and ways to limit the negative consequences of hostilities in Europe and the Middle East was carried out according to the long-term plans of the IEA. Results. An overview of changes in the structure of energy resources in the world energy balance is presented. It is shown that the energy crisis has led to a sharp increase in the production of fossil fuels, primarily coal and oil. The construction of new capacities for the production of 250 billion tons of liquefied gas has begun. in order to stabilize fuel prices and reduce the price of electricity. Statistical and forecast information on the structure of the world energy balance and annual electricity production by types of generation is provided. The environmental negative consequences registered for the last three years are considered: increased CO2 emissions; air pollution with fine dust; pollution of soils and water horizons; changes in climatic indicators. The problems that have arisen for the implementation of new projects for the construction of renewable sources, the development of electric power infrastructure, security and reliability of power supply are analyzed. An analysis of the proposed measures under several scenarios to increase the production and use of solar, wind and nuclear energy, reduce dependence on traditional energy sources and the prospect of zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 is carried out. Conclusions. Actions aimed at reducing energy consumption, projected reduction in fuel prices, planned restarts of nuclear power and further implementation of renewable power plants – these are the proposed measures that make it possible to solve the problems that have arisen around the world. Confidence in meeting the tasks is confirmed by 83 countries and the European Union to meet their commitments to achieve zero carbon dioxide emissions on time and in full. Learning from the experience and directions of development of the world energy sector will create an opportunity for the rapid restoration of the energy structure in Ukraine in the post-war period.

Renewable Energy in India: An Overview and the Path towards Sustainable Development

The utilization of natural and energy resources began to manifest in the 19th century. Throughout the 20th century, energy usage escalated significantly. Currently, around 80% of global energy consumption is derived from the extraction of fossil fuels, including oil, coal, and gas. Renewable energy has grown increasingly vital as the world confronts the issue of alleviating the adverse effects of climate change and diminishing reliance on finite and polluting fossil fuels. Utilizing renewable energy sources is acknowledged as a crucial element in advancing sustainable development, which seeks to fulfill the requirements of the current generation without jeopardizing future generations. India, akin to other developing nations, is endeavouring to implement various strategies to guarantee a cheap and accessible energy supply for its socioeconomic and political sectors in pursuit of renewable energy advancement. India's Renewable Energy Goals stipulate an objective of attaining 500 GW of installed capacity by 2030. This study aim is to examine the several sources of renewable energy, including solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and biomass, to facilitate sustainable development in India. Strong policy support with stable and predictable regulations, effective grid integration strategies to manage variable renewables, dedicated funding for research and development, and strong public engagement are key findings to successfully implement the state-level renewable energy. Setting aggressive renewable energy capacity installation targets, easing grid integration through transmission infrastructure expansion, and offering financial incentives like subsidies and tax benefits are significant recommendations for India to promote renewable energy.

Thermodynamic and energy characteristics of carbonate soil-forming rocks and soils of the Western Ukrainian Region

The current stage of development of soil science is characterized by the intensive development of the energy-thermodynamic approach and the solution of theoretical and methodological issues that are directly related to the problem of assessing the energetics of soil formation. The article analyzes the influence of components of the geographical environment as factors of soil formation potential, highlights the features of the formation of various types of energy costs and energy balance during soil formation, and presents the energy and thermodynamic characteristics of carbonate soil-forming rocks and soils of the Western region of Ukraine. Based on energy and thermodynamic indicators (crystal lattice energy, Gibbs free energy and entropy), the ability to intensive soil formation and the suitability for biological development is determined by the characteristics of the studied soil-forming rocks, such as: eluvium of Turonian-Senonian deposits of writing chalk, eluvium of Turonian-Senonian deposits of chalk marls, eluvium of lithothamnian limestones of the Upper Badenian, eluvium of chemogenic limestones of the Upper Badenian, eluvium of clotted limestones of the Upper Badenian. The highest values of crystal lattice energy are characterized by short-profile and full-profile Rendzinas on eluvium of clotted limestones of the Upper Badenian within the Roztochchya-Opilya Upland Region. Significant reserves of internal energy in these soils are due primarily to the highest values of the energy of the crystal lattice of the soil-forming rocks on which they were formed. The lowest values of thermodynamic characteristics are observed in poorly developed and short-profile Rendzinas (Rendzic Leptosols, WRB) within the Voronyaky natural district of the Western Podilsky upland region, formed on the eluvium of Turonian-Senonian deposits of Cretaceous marl. Therefore, significant variability of internal energy in rendzins is due to the influence of various carbonate soil-forming rocks. The proposed results of the study of soil-forming energetics are extremely relevant, as they contribute to a scientifically substantiated solution to one of the most important problems of modern soil science, optimization of the level of soil safety management and reproduction of their potential fertility. Key words: energy-thermodynamic approach; soil formation potential; carbonate soil-forming rocks and soils; potential fertility.

Venezuela: chronicle of forced dialogue

This article examines the evolution of both domestic and foreign political life of Venezuela between October 2023 and February 2024. Some important events and developments, which, in our opinion, are worth analyzing, occurred at this time not on their own but under the influence of a number of internal (subjective) and external (objective) factors. In our opinion, internal ones should include, first of all, the extremely unfavorable economic situation that has developed in the country. One of the important external factors is the constant pressure exerted by the United States, which seriously affects the state of affairs in Venezuela. Another aspect of that nature is the negative environment in world energy prices that developed in the middle of the second decade of the 21st century. Particularly noteworthy are the policies of Nicolas Maduro’s cabinet related to the primaries held by the opposition in October 2023, sanctions pressure, as well as some relevant issues related to the new dimensions of the existing border conflict between Venezuela and Guyana around the oil-bearing Essequibo region.

Effects of Primary Energy Consumption and Alternative Energy Patents on CO2 Emissions in China

China’s significant carbon emissions have attracted global attention, and the country has committed to reaching a peak in carbon emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. It is crucial to achieve this goal by effectively controlling the combustion of primary fuels and developing alternative energy technologies. The existing literature has studied the effects of primary energy consumption on CO2 emissions, alternative energy technology on CO2 emissions, and energy patents on CO2 emissions. However, there are few studies on the effects of the relationship between primary energy consumption and alternative energy technology patents. This study analyzes the effects of primary energy consumption and alternative energy patents on CO2 emission intensity and CO2 emissions per capita, and their relationship using canonical correlation analysis. Our results are as follows. First, CO2 emissions from natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas have positive effects (correlation coefficients of 0.102 and 0.275, respectively), while CO2 emissions from gasoline, fuel oil, diesel, and kerosene have negative effects on CO2 emission intensity (correlation coefficients of −0.767, −0.420, −0.138, and −0.035, respectively). Second, patents for devices for producing mechanical power from muscle energy have large positive effects on total CO2 emissions (correlation coefficient of 0.533). Finally, the more the patents utilize waste heat, geothermal energy, hydro energy, and wind energy, the higher the CO2 emissions from liquefied petroleum gas, gasoline, and crude oil, and the lower the CO2 emissions from diesel, which are conducive to controlling CO2 emissions. Therefore, energy policies will be more effective, improve the living environment, and promote sustainable development based on the CO2 emissions level from primary energy consumption and the control degree of CO2 emissions by alternative energy.

The impact of household digital transformation on household energy efficiency: Empirical evidence from Chinese households.

Carbon emissions from household consumption are an important part of global energy consumption, and household digital transformation is vital for realizing green and low-carbon development. Using data from the 2019 China Household Finance Survey, this study empirically examines the effect of household digital transformation on household energy efficiency. The results show that household digital transformation significantly improves household energy efficiency across all quantiles. This effect varies by consumption type, with the most pronounced improvements in food, housing, and other consumption categories. The impact is stronger for households with elderly members. Per capita household income and education level serve as important mediating and moderating mechanisms, respectively. Unlike previous macro-level studies, this research provides micro-evidence on the impact of household digital transformation on energy efficiency, explores the underlying mechanisms through income and education effects, and examines heterogeneous impacts across different consumption types and household characteristics. These findings offer important policy implications for leveraging digital transformation to enhance household energy efficiency and promote sustainable development.

Evaluation of enzymatic and non-enzymatic biomarkers of sublethal cadmium toxicity in the freshwater mussel (Unio tigridis).

Mussels are filter-feeding animals with a sedentary lifestyle and thus, they were accepted as good bioindicator animals to investigate environmental pollution. In this study, freshwater mussels (Unio tigridis) were exposed to cadmium (0, 30, 90, 270 µg Cd/L) for up to 21 days. Then, the responses of several biomarkers belonging to the antioxidant, osmoregulation and nervous systems, as well as the energy reserves of mussels were investigated. The animals were fed on laboratory-cultured algae (Chlorella vulgaris) during the experiments. Data showed that the exposure conditions did not cause mussel mortality within 21 days, though the levels of all biomarkers altered significantly (p < 0.05) compared to controls. Cadmium exposures significantly altered the activities of antioxidant enzymes in the digestive glands. Similarly, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the digestive glands significantly increased after cadmium exposures. Likewise, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and Ca-ATPase activity in the muscle significantly decreased. There were decreases in Na-ATPase and increases in Mg-ATPase activities in the gill. The total energy reserves of mussels significantly decreased, especially at the higher cadmium concentrations. This study showed that environmentally relevant cadmium concentrations could alter the levels of biomarkers belonging to different metabolic systems, emphasizing their possible usage in evaluating metal contamination.

Multi-objective cropping pattern optimization and comparative assessment with the food-energy-water nexus

ABSTRACT Agriculture is the largest consumer of water, accounting for nearly 70% of global freshwater consumption, and it also uses about 30% of the world's energy. This creates an increasing challenge for the efficient use of water and energy resources while adequately meeting food demand. Therefore, understanding the interrelations between food, energy, and water resources is crucial. In this study, a multi-objective linear programming model was employed to identify alternative scenarios for optimal cropping areas that minimize water use in agriculture and maximize agricultural income. Different weight coefficients were assigned to these objective functions to generate various cropping scenarios. Once the optimal cropping patterns for each scenario were determined, parameters such as water use, energy requirements, agricultural revenue, and carbon dioxide emissions were calculated based on the food-energy-water nexus. The results for each alternative crop pattern scenario were then analyzed. The results indicate that prioritizing the objective of minimizing water use leads to an average reduction of 3.35% in water use, 1.18% in energy demand, and 0.26% in carbon dioxide emissions, while agricultural income increases by an average of 1% compared to the base scenario. Conversely, when maximizing agricultural income is prioritized, there is an average increase of 2.05% in agricultural income.

Isolation and characterization of novel bacterial strain from sewage sludge and exploring its potential for hydrogen production.

Hydrogen (H2) energy has garnered significant attention due to its numerous advantages. Nonetheless, for future commercialization, it is imperative to screen and identify strains with enhanced H2-producing capacities. In order to attain a high and consistent production performance, the conversion of biomass sources into H2 requires careful selection of the most appropriate H2-producing bacteria. This study aimed to isolate and identify a highly effective H2 producing bacteria from local sewage sludge and assess its fermentability for H2 production. The isolate was first identified by means of morphological, phenotypic, biological, and 16S rRNA investigations. A facultative anaerobe that produces H2 and is gram-negative was identified as Alcaligenes ammonioxydans strain SRAM. For the purpose of determining whether the isolate could produce H2 using glucose as the substrate, its fermentability was evaluated in 500 mL serum bottles. This strain demonstrated the ability to produce H2 from glucose under anaerobic environment, achieving a maximum H2 yield of 2.9mol H₂/mol of glucose. The highest rate of H2 production, 9.261 mmol H₂/ g dry cell weight per hr, was attained at 37°C and an initial pH of 6.8. This work effectively illustrated the use of a novel locally isolated strain in the biotechnological conversion of glucose to H2. This strategy offers an effective remedy for the world's energy instability in addition to addressing environmental issues related to industrial operations.

Energy crisis of 2021–2022 as a harbinger of a change in the global energy system

The energy mode concept, has been characterized. Energy patterns types, history of their formation and development have been summarized. The prerequisites for forming a new energy mode based on the increasing share of renewable energy sources and hydrogen raw materials in the energy production structure have been highlighted. The change of the energy structure will take place in the coming decades. The following scientific methods of research were used in the paper: literature analysis and analysis of statistical data. Data for the period from 1965 to 2022 were used. The purpose of the study is to identify the role of the energy crisis of 2021–2022 as a factor contributing to a new energy structure formation that will be implemented in the coming decades. The subject of the study is to analyze and evaluate the change of the energy pattern in the international energy market, and the object of the study is the world energy market.

The performance of renewable-rich wholesale electricity markets with significant energy storage and flexibility

This work investigates the technical and financial performance of deeply decarbonised wholesale electricity markets with uncertain variable renewable generation (VRG), uncertain demand and different types of flexibility. It first finds that different combinations of power reserves (i.e. power generation capacity) and energy reserves (i.e. energy storage capacity), can achieve adequate system reliability at similar total costs. However, use of only energy reserves never achieved adequate system reliability, and this looks to be a fundamental challenge to the reliability of systems with only energy reserves but no power reserves. Two independent aspects of wholesale market operations are then found to be the main determinants of system reliability: the length of the unit commitment (UC) schedule prior to dispatch and the degree of operational uncertainty of VRG during dispatch.It is then argued that reliable, least cost and efficient wholesale markets with dominant renewables need acceptably low levels of operational uncertainty of VRG, sufficient flexibility in generation and/or demand, and UC schedules that are significantly longer than the longest energy storage durations present. Rather than suggesting that innovation in market design is required, these results therefore suggest that different technical approaches should have important, future roles. These include mitigating the operational uncertainty of VRG via several potential means as well as flexible generation, battery storage of a few hours duration and flexible electrolysis. Long duration energy storage, however, may challenge market performance and all participants’ returns even if it supports system reliability.

Combined effects of fluoroquinolone antibiotic enrofloxacin and rising sea temperatures on the health of the Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis): exploring physiological, biochemical, and energetic balance dynamics.

Human activity exposes organisms in marine ecosystems to numerous stressors, including rising seawater temperatures and antibiotic contamination. The present study investigated the impacts of environmentally relevant concentrations of the fluoroquinolone (FQ) antibiotic enrofloxacin (ENR), specifically 5 and 500 ng/L, in Mytilus galloprovincialis under ambient (20 °C) and predicted warming (25 °C) conditions after 14 days of exposure, followed by a 14-day recovery period in the absence of ENR. The chemical analyses revealed significant variability in bioaccumulation in mussel tissues. Physiological assessments showed decreased respiration and filtration rates post-exposure, with temperature-dependent recovery dynamics. Biochemical parameters indicated an increased metabolic capacity and energy reserves at higher temperatures, with a significant increase in energy expenditure. Notably, ENR induced significant DNA single-strand breaks in mussel gills and digestive glands, with temperature influencing DNA repair mechanisms. The combination of ENR and elevated temperatures exhibited additive or even synergistic effects on certain physiological and biochemical parameters, indicating a higher risk when these stressors act together. The Indipendent Action model (IA) results highlighted that the majority of observed effects in combined stressors were consistent with predicted values, with notable synergistic interactions in energy reserves and antagonistic responses in metabolic and physiological functions. These findings suggest that both stressors, acting alone and especially in combination, may pose a risk to marine bivalves such as mussels. Further research is needed to assess the impacts of FQs and ocean warming on ecosystem stability and non-target organisms.

Performance analysis and optimization of a combined cooling, heating and power system based on active regulation of thermal energy storage

The energy storage unit can significantly address the issue of mismatch between the energy supply and demand of the combined cooling, heating and power (CCHP) system. Therefore, this article proposes a micro-gas turbine coupled with low-concentrating photovoltaic/thermal CCHP system with thermal energy storage active regulation, which can change the thermoelectric output ratio of the micro-gas turbine. The impact of the volume of the heat storage tank and the changes in ambient temperature on the system's performance is analyzed. This system is optimized with the objective functions of primary energy consumption saving rate, carbon dioxide emission reduction rate, total annual cost saving rate and exergy efficiency maximization. The results indicate that increasing the volume of the thermal energy storage tank enhances the exergy efficiency. Furthermore, an increase in ambient temperature can improve the objective functions. The optimum comprehensive performance of this system is achieved when the thermal energy storage tank volume is 40 m³ and the gas boiler capacity is 241.16 kW. With the thermal energy storage active regulation, the primary energy consumption, carbon dioxide emissions and annual total cost of the system decline by 2.51%, 2.37% and 1.22%, and the system exergy efficiency improves by 1.98%.

Analysis of Qatar's electricity landscape: Insights from load profiling, clustering, and policy recommendations

Demand side management (DSM) is an important strategy for promoting sustainable consumption in resource-rich countries with high purchasing power and subsidized tariffs. Global energy and environmental resource consumption have increased rapidly due to advances in production and transportation, leading to inefficient and wasteful use of resources. DSM aims to address these issues by promoting efficiency. To implement appropriate DSM strategies, a greater understanding of consumer behavior is needed. To do so, load profiling and load clustering are two popular methods that can be used. This paper aims to i) summarize the most recent global load profiling and clustering works ii) use official smart meter data to understand key electricity consumption trends in Qatar, such as temperature-demand correlation, weekend vs. weekday, and public holiday consumption patterns, and iii) perform load clustering to propose policies that would help manage the electricity load in Qatar for its green growth. This study provides insights into the electricity consumption trends of various sectors in Qatar, including commercial, government, hospitality, and residential sectors. It was found that among all the sectors there were only two usage periods of the same time. There is naturally a strong correlation between temperature and electricity consumption throughout the sectors. Furthermore, it was observed that the consumption of the sectors is highly similar which leads to multiple sectors being present in the same cluster. Finally, policy changes are proposed based on the results to encourage demand response programs in Qatar.

From waste to sustainable production: Experimental design and optimization of sustainable concrete using response surface methodology and life cycle assessment

This study focuses on a holistic approach to investigate the engineering properties (microstructural, mechanical, environmental, and economic) of sustainable concretes produced using recycled aggregate and supplementary cementitious material (SCM). Compressive strength tests was conducted on 24 sustainable concrete series for the mechanical properties. Statistical analyses were performed using the response surface methodology, and mathematical models were developed considering the strength values obtained. Developed model-based optimization solutions were applied to determine the mix proportions of the optimization series containing lower cement dosage and SCM with the same hardened concrete properties as the reference concrete series. Considering these mix proportions, life cycle assessments were performed and environmental and economic properties were compared. A comparison of Ref-6 and Opt-6 series reveals that the global warming potential (GWP), energy consumption (EC), and waste generation (WG) values are 422.4-330.9 kg CO2 eq, 1294-1044 MJ, and 1294-1222 kg, respectively. This situation resulted in a reduction of 21.7% in GWP values, 19.3% in EC values, and 5.6% in WG values. Similarly, the economic comparison of these series indicates that the total cost values are 81.9-75.7 €, respectively, resulting in 7.7% reduction. Finally, Scanning Electron Microscopy analyses were conducted to examine the microstructural properties. The use of fly ash at 10% improved the microstructure properties and increased the C-S-H gel formation. It is thought that the process of transition from these waste materials to sustainable production is of critical importance, especially in places that are heavily damaged after devastating earthquakes and where large amounts of waste materials are generated.

CO2 to fuel: Role of polymer electrolytes on efficiency and selectivity

Global primary energy consumption, which heavily depends on fossil fuels, is on track for depletion, with projections suggesting exhaustion by 2100. This trajectory is further compounded by the persistent rise in atmospheric CO2 levels, currently at 420 ppm, which significantly contributes to climate change and its detrimental environmental consequences. To address this urgent challenge, various strategies have been proposed, including CO2 capture and storage, as well as its conversion into usable fuels. Leveraging the abundance of CO2 as a carbon source, coupled with sustainable energy resources such as solar, wind, and thermal energy, holds promise for generating value-added goods while mitigating environmental harm. This review focuses on the electrochemical reduction of CO2, presenting a dual-pronged approach aimed at decreasing atmospheric CO2 levels. The imperative to simultaneously combat declining atmospheric CO2 concentrations and advance cleaner, sustainable energy sources underscores the urgency of this endeavor. Specifically, we highlight the pivotal role of diverse polymer electrolytes, encompassing cation, anion, and bipolar membranes, in facilitating electrochemical CO2 reduction. Exploring the impact of functional groups within these membranes on CO2 reduction reaction provides insights into potential advancements in synthesis of eco-friendly fuel from conversion of CO2.

The use of copper sulfate to control mussel (Mytella strigata) invasive events in the Penaeus vannamei shrimp farming: Doses, effects, and depuration

The global production of Pacific white shrimp Penaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931) has increased annually with advances in farming techniques. However, like any open system, it is subject to economic losses from invasive organisms, predators, and diseases. The lagoon mussel Mytella strigata, which massively invades culture ponds, reduces the primary productivity necessary for raising juvenile shrimp and is typically treated with copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4.5H2O) as a molluscicide. In the search for copper sulfate doses that are effective for controlling M. strigata and cultivating P. vannamei, the mean lethal concentration for mussels (LC50; 0.57 mg CuSO4.5H2O L−1) and shrimp (LC50; 2.91 mg CuSO4.5H2O L−1) was estimated. Subsequently, the acute effect of CuSO4.5H2O on biometry and endogenous energy reserves by exposing shrimp to a dose of 1.20 mg CuSO4.5H2O L−1, and the amount of metal accumulated and detoxified from the soft tissue and exoskeleton (lethal for mussels and sublethal for shrimp) was evaluated for 12 d, followed by a detoxification period for 5 d. A significant reduction in body mass in CuSO4.5H2O-exposed shrimp was observed. Copper content was higher in the exoskeleton of CuSO4-exposed shrimp (146.3 ± 26.2 μg Cu g−1), decreasing significantly with depuration (97.9 ± 26.0 μg Cu g−1). In the soft tissue, 53.3 ± 9.8 μg Cu g−1 was accumulated, decreasing to 6.2 ± 1.3 μg Cu g−1, showing a higher percentage of detoxification (88.3 %) compared to the exoskeleton (48.5 %). Protein, carbohydrate, and lipid concentrations were not altered during copper exposure and depuration. The results suggest that sublethal exposure to CuSO4.5H2O does not affect survival, and although shrimp biomass decreased (19 % compared to control), there was no effect on their biochemical composition. Our research recommends using 1.2 mg L−1 of CuSO4.5H2O to control specific events of mussel invasion, which could be included within protocols of low environmental impact and cost.

Investigations of optoelectronic, magnetic, and transport properties of Zintl-phosphides BaX2P2 (X=Cd, Sn, Cu) for green technology: First principle calculations

One way to decarbonize the world's energy generation is through thin-film photovoltaics (PV), there are significant problems with elemental abundance, stability, or performance with the thin-film solar absorbers that are now on the market. We present the optoelectronic and transport properties of Zintl-phosphides BaX2P2 (X = Cd, Sn, Cu) using first-principles calculations based on density functional theory. Our calculations show that increasing the band gap of Cd/Sn and Cu-based phosphides from 0.5 to 4.0 eV enables fine adjustment of bandgaps, structure, and optoelectronics, broadening the material's potential applications in the semiconducting industry. Strong absorption occurs in the energy range of 4–8 eV; it concluded that their optical characteristics, such as natural and imaginary dielectric functions, refractive index, and absorption coefficient, might make them useful in optoelectronic and photovoltaic applications. In the 50–800 K temperature range, power factor (PF), electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and Seebeck coefficient were investigated. With PFs of approximately 7.5 × 1010 W/K2ms, respectively, the compound demonstrated a considerable potential utility in thermoelectric devices. An assessment of radiation shielding performance was conducted using the XCOM tool across a broad energy range ranging from 15 keV to 15 MeV. The findings indicated that the mass attenuation coefficient (GMAC) values increased proportionately of BaCd2P2, BaSn2P2, and BaCu2P2 samples. The GMAC peaked for all sample compositions at around 0.015 MeV, with values spanning from 42.94 cm2/g for BaCd2P2 to 51.96 cm2/g for BaCu2P2. Nevertheless, when elevating the energy level beyond 15 keV, a notable decline in GMAC values was observed. This is likely mostly attributable to the predominance of photoelectric interactions at lower energy levels. These compounds' strong absorption patterns and high PF make them promising materials for thermoelectric and photovoltaic applications.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH IMPACTS OF AGRICULTURAL WASTE COMBUSTION FOR BIOENERGY: A TOXICITY AND EMISSION REVIEW

This study examines the environmental and health impacts caused by the release of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from the combustion of biomass and agricultural waste. Today, bioenergy plays a crucial role in global energy systems, accounting for 70 % of renewable energy consumption, 9.5 % of total primary energy supply, and 13 % of global gross final energy consumption. However, environmental pollution remains one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century, with serious implications for human health, biodiversity, and climate change. PAHs, released during the incomplete combustion of organic fuels, are particularly concerning due to their carcinogenic and mutagenic properties. This review aims to evaluate the emissions of PAHs during biomass combustion, with a focus on fuel types and combustion conditions. It synthesizes data from over 30 contemporary scientific sources, comprehensively analysing PAH formation and distribution in flue gases, and identifies the key factors influencing these emissions. The research reveals that PAH emissions vary significantly depending on the type of biomass, combustion conditions, and the control measures employed. Open burning of agricultural residues generates much higher PAH concentrations compared to controlled combustion in stoves or furnaces. The analysis assumes consistent data reporting across studies and acknowledges that real-world conditions may differ from laboratory settings, potentially affecting emission levels. The findings underscore the importance of implementing effective emission control strategies to reduce environmental and health risks, particularly in regions like Ukraine that rely heavily on biomass as an energy source. By addressing a critical gap in the literature, this review enhances understanding of the long-term impacts of bioenergy on environmental health and sustainability and advocates for updating Ukrainian regulatory legislation with modern methodological procedures.