Energy Technologies Research Articles

An innovative bi-level scheduling model with hydrogen-thermal-electricity co-supply and dynamic carbon capture strategies for regional integrated energy systems considering hybrid games

With the progression of hydrogen energy technologies, Regional Integrated Energy Systems (RIES) have become instrumental in fostering energy transitions and enhancements. However, the absence of adequate regulatory frameworks for hydrogen-based RIES, hampers the full exploitation of hydrogen energy's potential. Moreover, RIES systems do not intrinsically possess zero-pollution characteristics. To tackle these issues, this study introduces three major innovations: a bi-level scheduling model incorporating a hydrogen energy co-supply strategy, a dynamic carbon capture approach for RIES, and a multi-objective Kepler optimization algorithm (MOKOA) for solving the model. The MOKOA is tailored to assess the impacts of hydrogen energy and carbon capture on system operations, and the interactions among different energy stakeholders. The findings indicate that with dynamic carbon capture strategies, increasing the hydrogen energy utilization factor from 0.2 to 0.6 results in a 6.73% and 3.50% increase in returns for energy producers and energy dispatch centers, respectively. Despite a 1.35% increase in the comprehensive economic cost of IESs, carbon emissions decline by 2.54%, and total electricity generation from hydrogen fuel cells escalates from 856.83 kWh to 1869.41 kWh. This improvement in hydrogen utilization and concurrent reduction in carbon emissions markedly enhance the economic viability of RIES operations.

The structural, elastic, optoelectronic properties and hydrogen storage capability of lead-free hydrides XZrH3 (X: Mg/Ca/Sr/Ba) for hydrogen storage application: A DFT study

Perovskite hydrides are promising materials for hydrogen capacity application to achieve the US DOE on-board criteria. We have investigated novel perovskite hydrides XZrH3 (X: Mg/Ca/Sr/Ba) for H2 storage and transportation applications. In this study we investigates the physical properties of XZrH3 light materials for solid-state hydrogen storage application by incorporating the DFT framework with the CASTEP code. We have theoretically examined the structural, mechanical, electronic, optical, and hydrogen storage properties of these materials. The selected compounds were fully relaxed and optimized in the cubic phase space group Pm-3 m. Structural phase stability was confirmed through thermodynamic, and mechanical analyses. Mechanical properties, evaluated based on Poisson’s ratio, the Puagh’s ratio, and Cauchy pressure, indicate the ductile behavior with a preference for ionic bonding. The electronic structure analysis reveals the metallic behavior of these materials. Optical calculations were also performed to provide additional insights into the physical properties of H2 compounds. The gravimetric hydrogen storage capacities were calculated as 2.55, 2.25, 1.66, and 1.31 wt% for MgZrH3, CaZrH3, SrZrH3, And BaZrH3 hydrides respectively. The identified properties of XZrH3 suggest that these materials could significantly enhance hydrogen storage systems, with potential integration into existing energy technologies, offering a pathway toward more efficient and sustainable hydrogen-based solutions.

Dimerized Non-Fullerene Acceptor-based organic photovoltaics for Round-the-Clock functioning

Organic photovoltaics (OPVs) have emerged as a key sustainable energy technology capable of efficiently generating electricity from both direct sunlight and low-intensity indoor lighting. Despite ongoing research to improve their performance, limited efforts have been undertaken to develop OPVs that can operate consistently (24/7/365) under versatile lighting conditions. For effective utilization, OPVs must demonstrate efficient operation under both outdoor and indoor illumination conditions, generating sufficient electrical power to drive microelectronic devices. Low-bandgap non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) in OPVs are limited by low open-circuit voltage (VOC) under indoor lighting, restricting their performance. While high-bandgap NFAs can improve indoor power-conversion efficiency (PCE) by elevating VOC, they may often reduce outdoor performance owing to reduced light harvesting. Thus, we developed OPVs using the oligomeric dimerized NFA DYBO, which simultaneously achieved an excellent PCE of 16.7 % under simulated solar illumination and a remarkable maximum power output density (Pmax) of 0.079 and 0.396 mW/cm2 under a 5,200 K LED and halogen lamp (1000 lx), respectively, attributed to elevated VOC and reduced short-circuit current density (JSC) losses. The optimized OPVs demonstrated PCEs nearly equivalent to those of the current state-of-the-art under indoor illumination, with a remarkable Pmax capable of autonomously powering a variety of microelectronic devices.

Environmental regulation and renewable energy technology innovation: Firm-level evidence from China

Environmental regulation and renewable energy technology innovation: Firm-level evidence from China

The impact of artificial intelligence on the energy transition: The role of regulatory quality as a guardrail, not a wall

In recent years, the economic impact and environmental contribution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) have gradually become a new focus in academia. This study uses a panel data sample of 50 countries to explore the impact of AI on energy transition (ET), aiming to fill an important research gap. The results highlight several critical insights. First, AI has had a significant positive impact on facilitating the ET. This conclusion still holds after a series of robustness tests. Second, AI positively affects ET by promoting renewable energy technology innovation and upgrading the electricity structure, resulting in both technological and structural effects. Third, the impact of AI on ET is non-linear. Threshold effect models show that AI impacts ET differently at various levels of regulation quality (RQ), exhibiting a double threshold effect. AI hinders ET when RQ is lower than the first threshold value. When RQ is in the second range, AI significantly facilitates ET. However, when RQ exceeds the second threshold value, AI hinders ET again. These findings provide insights into the mechanisms of AI's impact on ET and emphasize that an appropriate level of regulation is crucial for AI to facilitate ET. Finally, this study analyzes heterogeneity and offers targeted policy recommendations.

Tuning Electrochemical Performance of Polymer Electrolyte Films through Metal Oxide Incorporation

AbstractWith the escalating global energy demand, the exploration of alternative, easily accessible, and cost‐effective energy sources has become imperative. The diminishing reserves of conventional energy resources underscore the urgency to transition towards renewable energy. Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) have gained prominence for energy storage electrochemical devices due to their high flexibility and favorable electrode–electrolyte interactions. This study focuses on synthesizing nano cuprous oxide (CuO) semiconductors via the precipitation method. The prepared CuO nanofiller is homogeneously dispersed into a polymer electrolyte solution. Utilizing the solution cast method, free‐standing polymer electrolyte films are fabricated, exhibiting commendable mechanical stability. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) serves as the host material, with potassium iodide (KI) salt, forming the basis for the polymer electrolyte. The resultant electrolyte films underwent comprehensive characterization for their electrical and optical properties. The investigation aims to identify the optimal composition of the electrolyte film with superior conductivity. The selected composition will be employed in the fabrication of various electrochemical devices, demonstrating the potential for enhanced energy storage applications. This work not only contributes to the synthesis of advanced solid polymer electrolyte films but also paves the way for the development of efficient and sustainable energy storage solutions in the realm of renewable energy technologies.

POLICY DRIVERS OF CHINA'S INTEGRATED ENERGY SERVICES: A CURRENT STATUS REVIEW

Conventional energy production and consumption patterns seriously restrict global sustainable development. In the energy transformation process, integrated energy services play a key role in integrating clean energy and renewing energy consumption patterns. The European Union, the United States, and Japan are leading in developing policy frameworks and integrating integrated energy services. This paper compares and analyzes how the European Union, the United States, Japan, and China respond to the challenges of energy transformation through different energy policy systems. The energy policy systems of the European Union, the United States, and Japan are discussed for reference by China. The review reveals that (1) assigning tasks based on the energy transformation strength of each region is conducive to accelerating the speed of carbon emission reduction in each region; (2) continuous government support and targeted incentives are conducive to attracting market capital, thereby stimulating the advancement of energy technology; and (3) formulating energy efficiency standards for basic equipment can lay a good foundation for energy transformation.

New opportunities in produced water management: A market-based approach to produced water trading

Produced water (PW) is a byproduct of oil and gas (O&G) production. Obtained alongside the more valuable energy products, PW is usually characterized by high levels of salinity and often contains many contaminants (chemicals, soluble and insoluble oil, organics, etc.) making it unsuitable for release without substantial treatment. Couple this with the fact that PW is typically obtained at multiple times the rate of oil or gas, and the added transport, treatment, and disposal costs become a serious challenge for operators. These realities have led to ad-hoc practices including cooperation between industry competitors to recycle, share, or otherwise mitigate PW costs. The National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) in partnership with the Ground Water Protection Council (GWPC) is pursuing novel technology solutions to address PW issues that complement or improve ad-hoc practices adopted by operators. In this paper, we observe that well-established market management practices used in electrical power generation have natural analogues in the PW supply chain. These parallels open up a new line of research where we view PW management as a market equilibrium problem, and explore solutions that foster active and data-based collaboration among operators through market structures similar to power markets, with the ultimate objective of improving PW management costs and recycling rates. We make a case for our observations, present a PW market clearing optimization model that shows how such a market system could operate in the O&G space, and provide an illustrative case study for demonstration.

A review of the harvesting methods for offshore renewable energy – advances and challenges

The present work offers general information about present-day and developments in offshore renewable energy, specially of wind, wave and the solar energy harnessing structures. In the introduction, the authors raise awareness of the despite more untapped potentials that exist in the oceans and the offshore Wind Energy Market that is experiencing a steep rise in the recent past due to technological advancement and the great policies that support this energy source. This mainly focuses on the very huge additionality of offshore wind power and the improvements in floating solar PV systems. Section three outlines an assortment of studies that were done by different writers on the strengths and weaknesses of offshore renewable energy technologies through a meta-analysis of the literature. The method of data extraction revolved around several factors, namely technological admissibility, resource identification, location and environmental and economic factors. The sources used comprised of scholarly articles published within the peer reviewed journals in the period of 2013 to 2024, to ensure that the study offered a comprehensive analysis on the technological advancements. The results and discussion section gives an analysis of the results achieved and demonstrates the developments in Offshore Wind Energy, Wave Energy Conversion, and Floating Solar PV Systems. Thus, offshore wind energy is described as the rapidly evolving segment and particular focus is made on the floating wind farms and their advancements in the aspects of power density and structural stability. Wave energy converters are discussed regarding their applicability to complement hybrid electricity production despite limited data on the devices’ performance. Another key feature is that the FFPV systems are reported to be more efficient and cheaper than the land mounted systems. Thus, the article emphasizes the need to produce the further literature on offshore renewable energy, political support, and cooperation between different sectors. It concludes that an offshore renewable energy has the potential for the future development due to advancement in the technology as well as due to environmental factors.

Modelling of Control Strategy for Sun Tracking of Concentrated Photovoltaic (CPV) Systems and Performance Analysis of Optical Losses Due to Tracking Errors.

Abstract Among the wide range of solar energy technologies, CPV remains a promising technology worldwide. The photovoltaic concentrator maximizes its efficiency through the use of optical concentration systems. But since optical concentration depends on direct solar radiation, maximizing the quantity of useful solar radiation received requires using a solar tracker that tracks the direction of the sun. To maximize collector efficiency, it’s crucial to choose tracking systems that align with the optical concentration factor. Inadequate focusing of direct solar radiation on the concentrator’s receiver can result in high optical losses, regardless of quality. This paper focuses on improving the accuracy and lowering the cost of the tracker trajectory generation strategy. A sun tracker simulator is first developed, allowing for the investigation of the impact of sun tracking performance a traditional control strategy is initially implemented that uses an astronomical calculation to follow the path of the sun. This strategy uses a sun position algorithm from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to generate the tracker trajectory and track the sun’s path. When tested on the simulator, as a result, this strategy demonstrated a level of accuracy that ensured a good balance between intricacy and accuracy. Then, An investigation study was conducted to determine how this solar tracker’s precision might affect its optical efficiency. the optical losses resulting from the tracking were calculated using the provided location, The optical loss calculated for this collector’s maximum tracking error is approximately 9%. The research methodology showed that the tracker precision satisfied the requirements of the optical system under study.

Exploring the convergence of Metaverse, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, and digital twin for pioneering the digitization in the envision smart grid 3.0

The ongoing evolution of the Metaverse, digital twin (DT), artificial intelligence (AI), and Blockchain technologies is fundamentally transforming the utilization of sustainable energy resources (SERs) within smart grids (SGs), ushering in the era of smart grid 3.0 (SG 3.0). This paradigm shift presents unprecedented opportunities to establish robust and sustainable energy trading frameworks between consumers and utilities within the SG 3.0 environment. The integration of DT, AI, and Blockchain technologies in the context of the Metaverse’s smart grids, facilitated by optimized communication protocols, represents a transformative approach. AI models play a pivotal role in predictive energy trading analysis, while DT assumes a crucial role in effectively managing diverse SERs within SGs. Simultaneously, Blockchain technology holds the potential to create a trusted and decentralized environment, laying the foundation for an energy trading system within the SG 3.0 universe of the Metaverse. This visionary convergence of DT and Blockchain sets the stage for a futuristic paradigm in SGs, establishing a robust energy trading and management foundation. This paper embarks on exploring uncharted research paths and unlocking new dimensions by surveying and delving into the convergence of the Metaverse, Blockchain, AI, and DT. Its primary objective is to drive the digitization of SERs within SGs, to revolutionize energy systems. The envisioned SG 3.0 represents a significant leap by amalgamating cutting-edge technologies in sustainable energy, paving the way for revolutionary advancements in SGs’ digitization, which aligns with and contributes to achieving the sustainable development goals outlined by the United Nations.

Clean Energy and Long Run Dynamics of Output, Labor and Capital Stock: Evidence from China

Clean energy has sparked the importance of a sustainable environment and economic production in China. The concerns of climate and global warming can be solved with the adoption of clean energy. This study investigates the potential long-run connection amid economic production, labor, and capital stock with clean energy employing data from the years 1990-2020 in China. The combination of long-run estimates with Granger causalit678y has been employed. The observed output indicates that there is a long-run connection among these variables in an equilibrium sense. Also, changes in clean energy are significant in explaining changes in economic production. The outputs of the causality test corroborate that clean energy is causing economic production. The estimated elasticity of clean energy with respect to production is statistically significant in the long run. The findings imply that the development of new energy technologies for clean energy should be incorporated into the energy mix to balance the supply-demand gap.

ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INNOVATIVE METHODS IN ENERGY

The global energy landscape is undergoing a transformative shift as the demand for energy continues to grow due to industrialization, urbanization, and population expansion. Traditional energy sources, particularly fossil fuels, have long dominated the energy sector, contributing to significant environmental challenges such as climate change, air pollution, and resource depletion. As a result, there is an urgent need to develop and implement innovative energy technologies that can meet growing energy demands while minimizing environmental impact. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of contemporary innovations in the energy sector, with a focus on the integration of renewable energy sources, optimization of energy conversion processes, and the deployment of advanced energy management systems. These innovations are assessed in terms of their potential to enhance energy efficiency, sustainability, and reliability. By synthesizing the latest research findings and practical implementations, this study aims to identify key trends, challenges, and opportunities in the ongoing transition towards a more sustainable energy future. Keywords: renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, integration, energy consumption.

Structure-Activity Relationships in Oxygen Electrocatalysis.

Oxygen electrocatalysis, as the pivotal circle of many green energy technologies, sets off a worldwide research boom in full swing, while its large kinetic obstacles require remarkable catalysts to break through. Here, based on summarizing reaction mechanisms and in situ characterizations, the structure-activity relationships of oxygen electrocatalysts are emphatically overviewed, including the influence of geometric morphology and chemical structures on the electrocatalytic performances. Subsequently, experimental/theoretical research is combined with device applications to comprehensively summarize the cutting-edge oxygen electrocatalysts according to various material categories. Finally, future challenges are forecasted from the perspective of catalyst development and device applications, favoring researchers to promote the industrialization of oxygen electrocatalysis at an early date.

A model for assessing the economic impact of renewable energy adoption in traditional oil and gas companies

The adoption of renewable energy presents significant economic implications for traditional oil and gas companies. This paper proposes a model for assessing the economic impact of integrating renewable energy into traditional oil and gas operations, focusing on cost efficiency, revenue potential, and overall financial performance. The model evaluates key metrics, including capital investment, operational cost savings, revenue generation from renewable energy projects, and potential impacts on profitability and shareholder value. By incorporating various renewable technologies such as solar, wind, and geothermal, the model provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the financial benefits and challenges associated with transitioning to cleaner energy sources. The model incorporates both direct and indirect economic impacts, such as reduced energy costs, enhanced energy security, and improved corporate reputation. It also considers the effects of regulatory incentives, including tax credits and subsidies, which can influence the financial viability of renewable energy projects. Additionally, the model examines potential risks and uncertainties, such as market volatility and technological limitations, which can affect the economic outcomes of renewable energy investments. Case studies of traditional oil and gas companies that have successfully integrated renewable energy are analyzed to illustrate the practical application of the model. These case studies demonstrate how companies have achieved cost reductions, diversified revenue streams, and enhanced their long-term financial resilience through renewable energy adoption. The paper concludes that while the initial investment in renewable energy technologies can be substantial, the long-term economic benefits—including cost savings, revenue growth, and alignment with sustainability goals—can significantly outweigh the challenges. By adopting the proposed model, oil and gas companies can better assess the economic implications of renewable energy integration and make informed decisions to drive sustainable growth and profitability.

Infrastructures of power: Governance by energy systems and infrastructure

This paper suggests a synthetization of three classic approaches to analyze infrastructures as interconnected compositions that subtly distribute power and governance. We draw upon conceptualizations within large technological systems (LTS), Internet governance, and information infrastructures (II), and connect them to our own extensive research in energy infrastructure and systems spanning over a decade. This combination serves as the bedrock for our methodological work, which we establish here as pivotal signposts for the study of governance by infrastructures. Rooted empirically in energy research, we advocate for scholars to expand these methodologies to other infrastructures, such as the Internet and II, to illustrate how governance operates across diverse infrastructural networks and their intersections. Our empirical examples draw from studies in smart grids and smart energy technologies, electricity supply management and markets, and energy computer modeling. These diverse cases are utilized to inform the proposed methodological approach.

The Effect of Clean Energy Technology Infrastructure Development on Regional Economic Growth in Indonesia

This study investigates the effect of clean energy technology infrastructure development on regional economic growth in Indonesia. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected from 70 respondents across different regions using a Likert scale ranging from 1 to 5. The analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26 to examine the relationship between clean energy infrastructure and regional economic performance. The results show a strong positive correlation between clean energy technology infrastructure and regional economic growth, with a statistically significant relationship. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis indicates that clean energy infrastructure development significantly predicts economic growth, while geographic location and government policy also play important roles. These findings suggest that investments in clean energy infrastructure are crucial drivers of regional economic development and highlight the need for supportive policies to maximize the benefits of renewable energy projects. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in advancing sustainable development through clean energy initiatives.

An Experimental Study on Algae Biodiesel with Nano-additives for Engine Performance and Emission Reduction

Introducing nano-additives like aluminum oxide and cerium oxide into the B20 blend biodiesel exhibited encouraging outcomes of combustion efficiency and emission reduction. These additives likely catalyzed combustion, leading to more complete fuel burn and lower emissions. Additionally, the presence of nano-additives might have facilitated better fuel atomization and distribution within the combustion chamber, resulting in enhanced engine performance. The results indicate that adding nano-additives to biodiesel blends has significant potential for reducing environmental impact and enhancing engine longevity and efficiency. Moreover, the utilization of nano-additives represents a promising avenue for addressing the dual challenges of energy sustainability and environmental preservation. By harnessing the synergistic effects of nano-scale materials, such as aluminum oxide and cerium oxide, in biodiesel formulations, engineers and researchers can strive towards developing cleaner and more efficient propulsion systems. This holistic approach underscores the importance of cooperation across disciplines between materials science, engineering, and environmental studies to advance the frontiers of sustainable energy technologies. The study attempted to improve combustion efficiency and reduce emissions by introducing nano-additives like aluminum oxide and cerium oxide into B20 biodiesel. The outcome showed enhanced engine performance, more complete fuel burn, and significant potential for reducing environmental impact.

Investigation of the mechanical equivalent of heat using aluminum and brass cylinders

This study explores the mechanical equivalent of heat through controlled experiments using aluminum and brass cylinders. By mechanically rotating these cylinders against a friction band, the conversion of mechanical energy into heat is quantified, demonstrating a fundamental thermodynamic process. The experiment is designed to calculate the specific thermal capacities of the metals and evaluate the efficiency of energy transformation. Results validate the concept that mechanical energy, when converted through friction, becomes thermal energy—affirming the principles outlined in the conservation of energy. This work not only reinforces classical thermodynamics but also enhances our understanding of material properties under thermal stress, offering insights applicable to industrial applications and renewable energy technology. The findings underscore the practical implications of energy transformations in material science and engineering, contributing to the development of more efficient thermal management systems in various technological fields.

Microbial oil from R. opacus: Sustainable biodiesel production

Generating additional and efficient biodiesel routes will rely heavily on advancements in clean energy technologies along with the creation of novel fermentation tactics and analyses. To create biofuels of the second generation from alternative carbon sources other than food, oleaginous microbes with the capacity to accumulate methyl esters of fatty acids (FAMEs), such as Rhodococcus species, can be utilised. These "micro biorefineries" offer a technique to convert waste streams from industry and agriculture into fungible fuels or compounds that can be used as building blocks for other substances and chemicals. Due to their similar content to typical raw materials like plant-based oils, oils from bacteria have become a feasible substitute to create biodiesel from raw material. The fact that they do not compete for arable land or with food for people or animals is another benefit of them. Using hydrolysate as the only source of carbon, a carbon and energy balance for the model species R. opacus was assessed in this study. A favourable energy balance was shown by the method. The viability of bacterial oil as a biofuel substrate was also assessed by measuring the lipid fatty acid profile and cetane number. Also, an analysis of the oil yields from bacterial, microalgae and plant-based oils is shown in terms of how much land each uses. The findings revealed that R. opacus oil production is significantly more than plant-based oils (650 times) and microalgae (30 times).