Development Of Energy Technologies Research Articles

Integrated management of abatement technology investment and resource extraction

As the need for increased renewable energy generation to meet climate goals grows, so does the demand for critical minerals in the industrial sector. This raises concerns about the availability of supply and the reliability of investment in critical minerals. Based on this, the study proposes an analytical framework for the integrated management of mineral extraction and renewable energy investments. Different from the previous strategy of separate management, this study has established an integrated model that utilizes new energy technology as the downstream application of emission reduction technology. It also utilizes copper, zinc, aluminum, rare earth elements, and other materials as the upstream raw material supply. In terms of minimizing costs, the entire supply chain process is optimized to achieve an empirical case. In addition, considering the significant uncertainty in the process of reducing emissions from new energy technologies, this study also incorporated a forward control stochastic programming method to model and solve it. We obtained confidence intervals for optimal technological investment paths and metal mining paths under various scenarios. Our findings indicate that: (1) Biomass, as a renewable energy technology with the lowest resource demand, should be prioritized for development. However, there is significant uncertainty surrounding the installed capacity of photovoltaics. (2) Copper ore reserves have little impact on the development of renewable energy technologies, while zinc ore and aluminum ore have a greater impact on wind energy and photovoltaics, respectively. (3) By optimizing the cut-off ratio of raw ore under a specific amount of ore storage, we can ensure the availability of materials needed for downstream energy technology.

Shewanella oneidensis-based artificial conductive micro-niche for hydrogen augmentation

The synergetic integration of living microorganisms and nonliving matrices into a new artificial micro-ecological system is a crucial challenge in bio-manufacturing especially towards the development of sustainable energy technology. Here we develop a way of creating a Shewanella oneidensis based conductive micro-niche to boost hydrogen production by integrating graphene, polydopamine and alginate. We reveal that both the respiratory metabolism induces localized hypoxic conditions inside the micro-niche and the wired-up extracellular electron reverses transfer pathway from the outer environment to the periplasmic hydrogenases, contributing to the enhanced hydrogen production rate which is about 12.7 folds enhancement compared with that of the free Shewanella oneidensis in solution. Significantly, the whole assembly process shows good biocompatibility, ensuring that the Shewanella oneidensis inside the micro-niche could maintain hydrogen production for 30 days. Overall, it is anticipated the hybrid integration of microorganisms and abiotic material will provide an effective strategy to modulate green biomanufacturer as well as enhance biological hydrogen production.

Unlocking the Technology Potential for Universal Access to Clean Energy in Developing Countries

Access to clean energy remains a major issue in developing countries, particularly Sub-Saharan Africa, despite successive policies and the assistance of international institutions or organizations. The United Nations (UN) launched some of the most ambitious initiatives with the Millennium Development Goals and, more recently, the Sustainable Development Goals and Power Africa, a United States (US) government initiative. Sub-Saharan Africa has an important potential in renewable energy for both biogas and solar photovoltaic energy, but they remain underexploited. This paper presents the challenges of access to clean energy in developing countries and the failure of remedial policies mostly based on public–private partnerships (PPPs) in the context of endemic poverty of rural populations. In addition, the development of modern energy technologies remains very limited. Appropriate reforms should be carried out to change the paradigm and allow universal access to clean energy. This paper also addresses the different structural barriers that hinder access to technology in Sub-Saharan Africa and the consequences of access to clean energy in the context of poverty.

Research and Application of New energy Digital System Based on BIM

With the continuous development of new energy technology, the installed scale of new energy is getting bigger and bigger, the market competition is becoming increasingly fierce, and the cost control of investment units, reference units and manufacturers in all aspects of new energy construction is becoming more and more strict. Promoting the application of BIM in new energy engineering projects can effectively reduce the cost in the design and construction stages, and more importantly, improve the efficiency of long-term operation of new energy power stations, and reduce capital investment. This paper focuses on the definition and development of BIM, key technologies and BIM-based new energy digital system, which manages the information model of new energy power generation projects, provides more effective and accurate management, and improves project operation efficiency.

Working cycle condition construction for electric wheel loader based on principal component analysis and cluster analysis

With the rapid development of new energy technology, cycle condition is significant for the design of powertrain system, whole machine economy, endurance, and other performance parameters of pure electric drive machines. Many cycle conditions of the passenger car industry have been defined. While that for the loader which has complex operation modes and working conditions, has less research on this aspect. Cycle conditions suitable for loader have not been constructed. To support the research and development of electric loader power system, the cycle conditions that can reflect the driving characteristics of electric loader are studied in this paper. According to the typical “V” cycle condition of loader, the actual driving condition data are collected and the kinematic segments are divided. The kinematic segments are grouped into five categories by using principal component analysis and K-means clustering algorithm to obtain the clustering center of each category. The working cycle condition is formed by extracting the combination of segments closest to the clustering center. Finally, based on AMESim simulation and whole machine test analysis, the error between the simulation and vehicle test results of the energy consumption is 3.4%. The accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed constructed cycle conditions are verified.

Numerical investigation on knock intensity, combustion, and emissions of a heavy-duty natural gas engine with different hydrogen mixing strategies

With the continuous development of hydrogen energy technology, mixing hydrogen has become a potential method to enhance the performance of natural gas engines and reduce emissions. Aiming to offer guidance for optimizing strategies for mixing hydrogen from the perspectives of knock control and thermal efficiency enhancement, a three-dimensional model of a commercial heavy-duty natural gas engine is constructed based on the actual boundary conditions from a high load bench test. In this study, simulations were conducted under conditions where the hydrogen volume fraction ranged from 0% to 40%. The study explored the effects of two injection strategies, port fuel injection of hydrogen-enriched natural gas (PFI) and port fuel injection of natural gas combined with direct injection of hydrogen into the cylinder (PFI + DI), on engine knocking, performance, and emissions. Results indicate that for various injection strategies, there is an increasing trend in knock intensity (KI) with the higher hydrogen mixing ratio. When the hydrogen volume fraction exceeds 20%, the timing of direct hydrogen injection significantly affects KI. This effect is mainly caused by the distribution of unburned hydrogen at the knock onset crank angle (KOCA). Compared to other injection strategies, the PFI + DI strategy when the direct hydrogen injection time at 120°CA BTDC results in a high concentration of hydrogen near the spark plug at the ignition moment, combined with good mixture uniformity in the cylinder. This leads to the shortest CA0-10 and CA10-90, and achieves a maximum indicated thermal efficiency (ITE) of 44.68% under 20% hydrogen volume fraction. Compared to the original natural gas engine, the ITE increased by 2.9% and the NOx emissions increased by 166%, while the HC and CO emissions decreased by 88% and 53%.

Design and Optimization of Plasmonic Nanoparticles-Enhanced Perovskite Solar Cells Using the FDTD Method.

This study explores how plasmonic nanoparticles affect absorption, transmission, and reflection—three important performance metrics in organic-inorganic halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Through an investigation of different types of nanoparticles and their concentration in the composite layer, the study provides important information for improving PSC design in order to increase overall efficiency. The results highlight the importance of the type and volume fraction of nanoparticles in the composite layer, which influence the spectral characteristics of the solar cell, such as absorption, reflection, and transmission. These findings could encourage PSCs to be widely used as a practical and affordable renewable energy source, which would advance the development of affordable and efficient solar energy technologies.

A self-adaptive joint optimization framework for marine hybrid energy storage system design considering load fluctuation characteristics

Recently, with the development of new energy technologies, all-electric ships (AESs) with hybrid energy storage system (HESS) are becoming a promising solution to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. However, the high maneuverability of ships during the actual navigation places higher performance requirements on the HESS, which presents a nonlinear and multi-objective challenge for the HESS design. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the coupling between HESS sizing and energy management strategy (EMS). In this paper, a self-adaptive joint optimization framework (SJOF) for marine HESS design considering load fluctuation characteristics is proposed, which can find the optimal decision solution with excellent system economic and battery life performance for AES HESS design. Based on the rain flow counting (RFC) method, a multi-objective joint optimization method considering life cycle cost (LCC) and battery degradation index (BDI) is introduced into SJOF. Besides, a novel EMS including the self-adaptive segmentation mechanism (SSM) and power allocation is proposed, which can achieve the most efficient energy scheduling.

Recycling potential and development strategies of high-tech metals for low-carbon energy technologies

Low-carbon technology has become the focus of addressing global climate challenges but is facing the supply restriction of critical high-tech metals. Recycling has become a powerful measure to solve this issue. In the paper, a comprehensive recycling potential index (RPI) is constructed to evaluate the recycling potential of high-tech metals for low-carbon energy technologies in China from 2020 to 2050, and development strategies are proposed based on the evaluation results. The results indicate that the future trends of recycling potential show four evolution modes – either reaching or rapidly rising to a high level, increasing to the middle and middle-high level, unsteadily staying at the low and middle-low level, or remaining at a low and continuously decreasing level. According to the evolution trend, different strategies, including key development, reserves, digestion, and transfer, should be adopted in different stages. Co, Li, Dy, Nd, Tb, and Eu should be the focus of technology, funds and policy from both the government and enterprises due to their high recycling potential in the long term. Moreover, measures should be taken to encourage recycling and mitigate the supply risk of high-tech metals for low-carbon energy technologies, including tracking the development of low-carbon energy technologies, adjusting the list of critical high-tech metals, promoting recycling technology, and exploring substitute resources.

Surface Contamination Measurement by Combining Detectors and Robots

Against the background of the rapid development of nuclear energy and nuclear technology, the number of places with radioactivity has gradually risen, which poses a significant safety hazard to human beings. Aiming at indoor radioactive places, this paper designs a detector that can be mounted on a robot, and experiments prove that this detector can accurately detect α-surface contamination and β-surface contamination. The surface contamination is measured using a combination of a remote-controlled robot and a detector.

Analyzing the Role of Values and Ideals in the Development of Energy Systems: How Values, Their Idealizations, and Technologies Shape Political Decision-Making

This study examines an important aspect of energy history and policy: the intertwinement of energy technologies with ideals. Ideals play an important role in energy visions and innovation pathways. Aspirations to realize technical, social, and political ideals indicate a long-term commitment in the design of energy systems, distinguishable from commitment to other abstract goals, such as values. This study offers an analytical scheme that could help to conceptualize these differences and their impact on energy policy. In the proposed model, two spheres of interaction are highlighted: a material sphere in which values and technologies co-evolve, and an imaginary sphere in which ideals interact with idealized technologies. Furthermore, the relation between these two spheres can be understood in different ways. This study examines three cases that are illustrative of the different roles of ideals in the development of energy technologies and visions: (1) the evolution of safety in nuclear reactor design; (2) visions of atomic power in France; (3) the political idealization of a tidal power scheme in the Severn Estuary. Finally, the developed model implies more general insights for the development of sociotechnical systems. Amongst others, it shows why certain projects and technologies remain a political, but not a techno–economic option.

Evaluating the potential benefits of float solar photovoltaics through the water footprint recovery period

In the context of higher demands on the development of clean energy technologies due to the issue of water shortage in China and the implementation of the 2060 carbon-neutral objective, floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems present novel opportunities for transforming the energy structure through land conservation and enhancement of power generation efficiency compared to conventional solar systems. However, there is currently a lack of comprehensive analysis on the potential benefits of FPV. Utilizing reservoir databases and employing a professional FPV system design, a methodology for determining the water footprint recovery period was introduced, which enables the assessment of potential FPV benefits. The water footprint recovery period for constructing FPV on 909 reservoirs in China was found that ranges from 1.86 yr to 10.48 yr. It is found that reservoir evaporation, latitude, and climate are closely related to the water footprint recovery period of FPV. Furthermore, by implementing FPV panels with an optimal tilt angle, covering 30% of the area in each reservoir, the annual electricity generation can amount to 1429.19 TWh, leading to savings of 5.76 billion m3 of water. This achievement corresponds to 19.41% of the national electricity consumption and a 6.86% reduction in the national residential water consumption in 2020. The overall economic benefit is 5.61 myriads RMB, equivalent to 5.76% of the national GDP. These benefits are unevenly distributed and mainly concentrated in areas with more reservoirs. The anticipated enhancement of FPV system benefits is foreseen with the ongoing development and implementation of future reservoir power infrastructure and energy storage technology. These results demonstrate the significant potential of installing FPV systems on the reservoirs in China. This study proposes a method to comprehensively evaluate the comprehensive benefits of constructing FPV in China and conduct a thorough analysis of the feasibility of FPV, which could provide reference for the development of regional industries and the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Effective Communication of Energy Science and Technology

Although research, development, and deployment of advanced energy technologies are essential for the clean energy transition, communication about these technologies is equally important to their success. Energy is part of everyday life; therefore, changes in energy systems should be accepted by communities and industries. Yet details about energy generation, transmission, and environmental impacts are complex. The combination of commonality and complexity requires communications to use visualization, localization, narrative, and understandable terminology to reach a range of stakeholders. Collaboration between technology experts and communications professionals builds integrity and accessibility of energy information that enables community‐based solutions for energy.

Study on engineering and aesthetic design in shape determination of wind turbine

This study discusses the importance of wind turbine design in achieving social acceptance. It examines the factors that determine the shape of wind turbines from two perspectives: engineering and aesthetics. Using the development of New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization wind turbines for remote islands in Okinawa as an example, in collaboration with an aircraft manufacturer. This study explores the differences and issues between two aspects, namely engineering design and aesthetic design, and proposes solutions. The following conclusions were drawn regarding achieving an integrated and aesthetically pleasing shape: (1) Engineering and aesthetic designs employ different methods and criteria for shaping a product. (2) Respecting the methodologies and processes of both disciplines and engaging in early-stage discussions on design concepts and approaches can facilitate smooth development. (3) It is recommended to integrate the design processes of engineering and visual tasks and proceed concurrently under the same operational system.

Hydrophilic or Hydrophobic? Optimizing the Catalyst Microenvironment for Gas‐Involving Electrocatalysis

AbstractElectrocatalysis plays a key role in the development of renewable energy technologies. Along with the design of electrocatalysts, the microenvironment around catalytic sites has received increasing attention because it affects the distribution and mass transport of reaction species and impacts the reaction kinetics. In this Concept article, we highlight some mechanistic insights into the effect of microenvironment on gas‐involving electrocatalytic reactions, including CO2 reduction, 2‐electron oxygen reduction, and hydrazine oxidation, demonstrating their sensitivity to the wetting properties of microenvironment. For reactions with a gaseous reactant, a moderately hydrophobic microenvironment can greatly enhance the mass transport of gaseous species to accelerate the reaction kinetics while improving the stability of gas‐diffusion electrodes. In contrast, for reactions with a liquid reactant and gaseous product, a hydrophilic microenvironment improves the exposure of catalytic sites to the reactant, while a hydrophobic microenvironment benefits the reaction on the other end by accelerating the diffusion and detachment of generated gas bubbles, which would otherwise block the catalytic sites from the reactant. These understandings and insights can provide important guidelines on the control and optimization of catalyst microenvironment for the development of efficient electrolyzers.

Life Cycle Assessment of a Gas Turbine Installation

Gas turbine installations (GTIs) are widely used to generate electrical and thermal energy, mainly by burning gaseous fuels. With the development of hydrogen energy technology, a current area of particular interest is the use of GTIs to burn hydrogen. In order to assess the prospects of using GTIs in this way, it is necessary to understand the carbon emissions of gas turbines within the larger context of the entire hydrogen life cycle and its carbon footprint. The article provides an overview of results from previously published studies on life cycle assessment (LCA) of complex technical devices associated with the production and consumption of fuel and energy, which are most similar to GTIs when it comes to the complexity of LCA. The subject of analysis was a set of GTIs located in Russia with a capacity of 16 MW. An assessment of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per MWh of electricity produced showed that at different stages of the GTI life cycle, the total carbon footprint was 198.1–604.3 kg CO2-eq., of which more than 99% came from GTI operation. Greenhouse gas emissions from the production and end-of-life management stages are significantly lower for GTIs compared to those for other complex technical devices used to generate electricity. This is an indicator of the strong prospects for the future use of GTIs.

Hybrid-nanofluid magneto-convective flow and porous media contribution to entropy generation

PurposeThis paper aims to present a numerical study that investigates the flow of MgO-Al2O3/water hybrid nanofluid inside a porous elliptical-shaped cavity, in which we aim to examine the performance of this thermal system when exposed to a magnetic field via heat transfer features and entropy generation.Design/methodology/approachThe configuration consists of the hybrid nanofluid out layered by a cold ellipse while it surrounds a non-square heated obstacle; the thermal structure is under the influence of a horizontal magnetic field. This problem is implemented in COMSOL multiphysics, which solves the related equations described by the “Darcy-Forchheimer-Brinkman” model through the finite element method.FindingsThe results illustrated as streamlines, isotherms and average Nusselt number, along with the entropy production, are given as functions of: the volume fraction, and shape factor to assess the behaviour of the properties of the nanoparticles. Darcy number and porosity to designate the impact of the porous features of the enclosure, and finally the strength of the magnetic induction described as Hartmann number. The outcomes show the increased pattern of the thermal and dynamical behaviour of the hybrid nanofluid when augmenting the concentration, shape factor, porosity and Darcy number; however, it also engenders increased formations of irreversibilities in the system that were revealed to enhance with the permeability and the great properties of the nanofluid. Nevertheless, this thermal enhanced pattern is shown to degrade with strong Hartmann values, which also reduced both thermal and viscous entropies. Therefore, it is advised to minimize the magnetic influence to promote better heat exchange.Originality/valueThe investigation of irreversibilities in nanofluids heat transfer is an important topic of research with practical implications for the design and optimization of heat transfer systems. The study’s findings can help improve the performance and efficiency of these systems, as well as contribute to the development of sustainable energy technologies. The study also offers an intriguing approach that evaluates entropy growth in this unusual configuration with several parameters, which has the potential to transform our understanding of complicated fluid dynamics and thermodynamic processes, and at the end obtain the best thermal configuration possible.

A review of microbial fuel cell and its diversification in the development of green energy technology

The advancement of microbial fuel cell technology is rapidly growing, with extensive research and well-established methodologies for enhancing structural performance. This terminology attracts researchers to compare the MFC devices on a technological basis. The architectural and scientific successes of MFCs are only possible with the knowledge of engineering and technical fields. This involves the structure of MFCs, using substrates and architectural backbones regarding electrode advancement, separators and system parameter measures. Knowing about the MFCs facilitates the systematic knowledge of engineering and scientific principles. The current situation of rapid urbanization and industrial growth is demanding the augmented engineering goods and production which results in unsolicited burden on traditional wastewater treatment plants. Consequently, posing health hazards and disturbing aquatic veracity due to partial and untreated wastewater. Therefore, it's sensible to evaluate the performance of MFCs as an unconventional treatment method over conventional one to treat the wastewater. However, MFCs some benefits like power generation, stumpy carbon emission and wastewater treatment are the main reasons behind the implementation. Nonetheless, few challenges like low power generation, scaling up are still the major areas needs to be focused so as to make MFCs sustainable one. We have focused on few archetypes which majorities have been laboratory scale in operations. To ensure the efficiency MFCs are needed to integrate and compatible with conventional wastewater treatment schemes. This review intended to explore the diversification in architecture of MFCs, exploration of MFCs ingredients and to provide the foreseen platform for the researchers in one source, so as to establish the channel for scaling up the technology. Further, the present review show that the MFC with different polymer membranes and cathode and anode modification presents significant role for potential commercial applications after change the system form prototype to pilot scale.

Sustainable Societal Transformation: Shaping Renewable Energy Technologies in Transport

Traditional transportation systems are increasingly scrutinized for their environmental footprint, driving the need for sustainable alternatives. Recent developments in renewable energy technologies have paved the way for Electric Vehicles, Hydrogen Fuel Cells, Biofuels, Solar-Powered Vehicles, and Hybrid Systems, all of which offer environmentally-friendly solutions. However, the successful integration of these technologies into existing transport systems presents challenges such as infrastructure development, policymaking, public perception, and societal acceptance. Sustainable transportation encompasses more than technology and economics. It addresses societal inclusivity, environmental conservation, and long-term viability. Social equality ensures equitable access to transport, economic considerations highlight short-term costs and long-term benefits, and health and well-being are affected by sustainable transportation patterns. Community engagement, though challenging, is essential to craft locally tailored solutions and foster a collective sense of ownership. These facets form the foundation for a greener, healthier, and more inclusive transport system. The global shift towards renewable transport technologies is multifaceted, integrating political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal dimensions. Using the PESTEL method, the complex transition towards renewable transport technologies can be understood, especially in contexts like Ukraine. Given its unique socio-political landscape, Ukraine's move towards sustainable transport is influenced by multiple factors, including international climate agreements, economic restructuring, public perception, and technological advancements. Ukraine's transport sector, heavily reliant on fossil fuels, has the potential to transform using its abundant renewable resources. Tapping into these resources can offer numerous benefits, though technological and infrastructural challenges persist. Strategic investments and embracing renewable technologies are key for Ukraine to build a sustainable transport and societal framework.

Using Patent Data to Evaluate the Knowledge Dissemination of the Offshore Wind Power Industry

Many countries use the offshore wind power technology as renewable energy for sustainable development. In this study, we will focus on the knowledge dissemination of the offshore wind power technology. Not every country has the ability to develop their own offshore wind power technologies. The knowledge dissemination on sustainable technology could bridge the technology gap among the developer and promote the development of sustainable clean energy technology. Some objective evaluation indicators of knowledge dissemination will be carried out in this research and help to find appropriate companies to assist the local industry on offshore wind power industry. The public patent information is used to build a model to bring evaluation indicators about knowledge dissemination. These evaluation indicators include the revealed symmetric technological advantage index (RSTA), the knowledge density index ( <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">D_c,m,t</i> ), and the relatedness knowledge base index ( <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">R_c,r,t</i> ). For RSTA, <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">D</i> and <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">R</i> indicators, Siemens Aktiengesellschaft, Vestas Wind Systems, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, and Aloys Wobben have higher values, which can be evaluated to have the higher degree of knowledge dissemination in the field of offshore wind power technology. Unlike previous studies that only using patent bibliographic data alone, employ evaluation indicators can extract more information about the knowledge dissemination. This study presents a promising method to evaluate the degree of knowledge dissemination in offshore wind power technology by using patent data.