Environmental Feasibility Research Articles

Techno-Economic and Environmental Analysis of Grid-Connected Electric Vehicle Charging Station Using AI-Based Algorithm

The rapid growth of electric vehicles in India necessitates more power to energize such vehicles. Furthermore, the transport industry emits greenhouse gases, particularly SO2, CO2. The national grid has to supply an enormous amount of power on a daily basis due to the surplus power required to charge these electric vehicles. This paper presents the various hybrid energy system configurations to meet the power requirements of the electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) situated in the northwest region of Delhi, India. The three configurations are: (a) solar photovoltaic/diesel generator/battery-based EVCS, (b) solar photovoltaic/battery-based EVCS, and (c) grid-and-solar photovoltaic-based EVCS. The meta-heuristic techniques are implemented to analyze the technological, financial, and environmental feasibility of the three possible configurations. The optimization algorithm intends to reduce the total net present cost and levelized cost of energy while keeping the value of lack of power supply probability within limits. To confirm the solution quality obtained using modified salp swarm algorithm (MSSA), the popularly used HOMER software, salp swarm algorithm (SSA), and the gray wolf optimization are applied to the same problem, and their outcomes are equated to those attained by the MSSA. MSSA exhibits superior accuracy and robustness based on simulation outcomes. The MSSA performs much better in terms of computation time followed by the SSA and gray wolf optimization. MSSA results in reduced levelized cost of energy values in all three configurations, i.e., USD 0.482/kWh, USD 0.684/kWh, and USD 0.119/kWh in configurations 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Our findings will be useful for researchers in determining the best method for the sizing of energy system components.

Technical and Environmental Feasibility Study of the Co-Production of Crude Oil and Electrical Energy from Geothermal Resources: First Field Trial in Colombia

In the oil and gas industry, there has not been a consistent, concerted effort to reduce global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the supply chain. In addressing this challenge, this study evaluates the potential GHG emissions reduction that may be realized through deployment of a geothermal power co-production system in two Colombian oil fields, compared to a base case where energy needs are derived through non-renewable sources such as gas and diesel. These geothermal power co-production systems make use of organic Rankine cycle (ORC) engines to convert the heat from produced oilfield fluids into electrical energy. The energy potential of this resource is evaluated through the exergy concept, and a life cycle analysis is implemented to calculate the carbon footprint using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2013 methodology. In the two oil fields of interest, OFA and OFB, the results show a maximum potential energy production of 2260 kWe for OFA and 657 kWe for OFB. The co-production of crude oil and electrical energy from geothermal resources suggests a possible a carbon footprint reduction of 19% and 11% for OFA and OFB, respectively, when compared to conventional power systems. In addition, four emissions scenarios are assessed where the current energy sources in these oil fields are substituted by gas, diesel, co-generated geothermal power, or a combination of the three while maintaining the average power output in each field. The highest carbon footprint reduction is found in Scenario 1, which replaces 100% of the liquid fuel consumption with purchased gas (gas provided by a third party and treated outside the system’s limits), thereby achieving carbon footprint reductions up to 54% for OFB. This research opens the prospect for the use of renewable energies in the oil and gas industry.

Assessment of the impact of battery selection on the feasibility of hybrid renewable energy systems

AbstractThis paper assesses the technical, economic, and environmental feasibility of photovoltaic (PV)/wind turbines (WT)/diesel generator (DG)/battery‐based hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) using lead acid (LA), lithium‐ion (LI), and iron Edison nickel‐iron (IE) battery technologies (BTs). The energy cost is optimized, and the obtained results are compared to select the best hybrid system. The LI battery employed in the PV/DG/battery system (206.43 kW PV, 50 kW DG, 53.04 kWh LI batteries, and 61.1 kW converter) performed comparatively much better, as levelized cost of energy (LCOE) was reduced by around 28% and 20%, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were reduced by 31% and 6% as compared to the LA and IE batteries employed in HRES, respectively. In addition, sensitivity analysis reveals that the capital cost of PV and the discount rate are more critical to determining the LCOE and renewable penetration. In contrast, the effect of the battery cost and inflation rate is relatively small. Finally, comparing the optimal resource configuration has confirmed that PV/DG/LI has significantly reduced LCOE (58% less than DG/LI) and GHG emissions (87% less than DG/LI).

Weathered bottom ash from municipal solid waste incineration: Alkaline activation for sustainable binders

Alkali-activated binders (AABs) stand out as promising candidates to replace ordinary Portland cement (OPC) since waste can be used as raw material for their manufacture. This study addresses the environmental feasibility of using weathered bottom ash (WBA) and metakaolin (MK) as alkali-activated binder precursors (AA-WBA/MK). Different proportions of WBA and MK were mixed (100/0, 75/25, 50/50, 25/75, and 0/100 wt%) with a mixture of waterglass (WG) and NaOH 8 M as an alkaline activator solution. The effect of increasing MK content was assessed from a chemical, physical, mechanical, and environmental perspective. The results revealed the formation of secondary reaction products of C-(A)-S-H, (C,N)-A-S-H, and N-A-S-H gels. The compressive strength of AA-WBA/MK binders decreased (from 61.6 MPa to 12.6 MPa) as the MK content increased. The monolithic tank test validated the use of AA-WBA/MK binders for construction purposes, although with some restrictions due to their content in As, Sb, and V. Finally, the encapsulation efficiency and mechanical performance of AA-WBA/MK binders was enhanced as the curing period increased.

Feasibility Study for Off-Grid Hybrid Power Systems Considering an Energy Efficiency Initiative for an Island in Ecuador

This paper shows the technical–economic, operational and environmental feasibility of four off-grid hybrid power systems to supply energy to the Cerrito de los Morreños community in Ecuador. These configurations consist of combinations of diesel generators, solar photovoltaic systems, and battery energy storage systems. Each configuration was simulated and the results were analyzed for two different load conditions: (1) the existing load profile and (2) a reduced load profile by incorporating an energy efficiency initiative. Homer Pro software was used to perform the simulations. The planning horizon for the simulations was selected to be 15 years. The results showed the diesel/photovoltaic/battery configuration with energy efficiency showed the best performance, which was achieved with a photovoltaic system of 160 kWp, the existing generator of 165 kW and a storage system of 283 kWh. The stand-alone diesel generator and photovoltaic/diesel configurations showed higher Net Present Costs, instability problems and higher CO2 emissions. Additionally, the configurations without energy efficiency had increases of between 15% and 40% higher costs compared to their respective energy-efficient scenarios. The information in this work could be useful for some organizations in Ecuador who are interested in investing in rural electrification projects with renewable energy to reduce and/or compensate their CO2 emissions.

Comparative holistic assessment of using vacuum insulated panels for energy retrofit of office buildings

This research proposes the application of a holistic methodology for the accurate assessment of financial and environmental feasibility of applying thermal insulation materials, including advanced materials such as vacuum insulation panels (VIPs), for energy efficient building retrofit. The methodology is applied to a case study in which different insulation materials, both traditional (Mineral wool; XPS) and advanced insulation (VIPs), are applied as internal insulation to a typical office building requiring retrofit. The building is simulated through dynamic performance simulation under different climate conditions to evaluate its annual energy needs. Financial and energy analysis including embodied carbon are performed using a proposed holistic approach. The financial feasibility highlighted traditional “heating only” approach might be lacking in correctly identifying energy savings, leading to overestimating for traditional materials with payback time as low as 6.4 years for mineral wool. The “holistic approach”, accounting for the heating and cooling loads and value of space saved, favours advanced materials such as VIPs as soon as the space reaches high enough value, with payback time between 1.3 and 4.2 years for locations investigated. However, the environmental assessment shows that mineral wool has significantly lower carbon payback time compared to VIPs. For VIPs to be competitive environmentally, lower impact core materials or alternatively higher percentage of recycled/reused fumed silica need to be considered in their production. The holistic methodology presented for the first time allows to consider the implications of embodied carbon of insulation materials used in building retrofitting along with the financial and operational energy considerations.

Beyond diffusion to sustained adoption of innovation: A case of smallholder poultry development in sub-Saharan Africa

ABSTRACT Enhancing smallholder chicken production and productivity is an integral component of agricultural development strategies in sub-Saharan Africa. The African Chicken Genetic Gain (ACGG) project has been testing, identifying, and disseminating tropically adapted improved breeds (TAIBs) in Africa to improve the production and productivity of the sector. We applied a multimethod approach and integrated analysis to explore the overall feasibility of TAIBs under smallholder management conditions and documented evidence for sustained adoption. We used data from a baseline survey, on-farm experiment, cluster-randomized study, and market assessment survey to analyse the technical, economic, social, and environmental feasibility of TAIBs adoption under smallholder management conditions. The multimethod approach attests TAIBs as a sustainable technological alternative to smallholder chicken producers in the region. Most smallholder farmers prefer TAIBs to indigenous breeds, and TAIBs-based production enhance producers’ consumption and income generation goals. Moreover, adopting these breeds generates higher economic gains, is socially viable, is technically feasible, and has mitigable environmental risks. However, sustained adoption requires delivery models, capacity building, marketing and financial models, and integrated risks reduction strategies. We argue that demonstrating innovations’ economic, social, technical, and ecological viability and enhancing access to efficient input and output markets are vital for sustained agricultural technology adoption.

Fundamentals of development of tourist and recreational potential of regions

The article considers the main aspects of the development of recreational tourism in the context of European integration. The study showed that the formation of competitive in the international market through the rational use of natural and cultural-historical potential and reconstruction of the existing material and technical base of recreational and tourist infrastructure, ensuring on this basis the implementation of environmental, economic and social interests in environmental protection. including the preservation of ecological balance and rational use of natural resources. It is proved that the use and implementation of the above tasks of regional policy to develop the balance of ecological and economic aspects of recreational tourism in the context of European integration, which will comprehensively combine environmental and economic feasibility and social efficiency and should become a quality regulatory mechanism and their functioning. This will increase the level of balance of the ecological and economic region, promote the rational use of recreational and tourist resources.

Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) potential in jet fuel production from forestry residues: A combined Techno-Economic and Life Cycle Assessment approach

In this study, the economic and environmental feasibility of a process configuration based on the Bioenergy and Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) concept is assessed. The research analyses the production of jet fuel from forestry residues-derived syngas via the Fischer-Tropsch (FT) technology. Further, the CO2 removed in the syngas cleaning section is not released to the environment, instead it is permanently sequestrated. The produced Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) has the potential to achieve negative emissions. The present research is a one-of-a-kind study for the jet fuel production within the BECCS concept. The process has been modelled within the Aspen Plus and Matlab software to obtain detailed and realistic mass and energy balances. Based on these balances, the technical, economic and environmental parameters have been calculated. Based on a plant that treats 20 dry-t/h of forest residues, 1.91 t/h of jet fuel are produced, while 11.26 t/h of CO2 are permanently stored. The inclusion of the CCS chain in the biorefinery increase the minimum jet fuel selling price from 3.03 £/kg to 3.27 £/kg. The LCA results for global warming show a favourable reduction in the BECCS case, in which negative emissions of −121.83 gCO2eq/MJ of jet fuel are achieved, while without CCS case exhibits GHG emissions equal to 15.51 gCO2eq/MJ; in both cases, the multi-functionality is faced with an energy allocation approach. It is, then, evident the significant environmental advantages of the BECCS process configuration. Nevertheless, financial feasibility can only be attained through the implementation of existing policy schemes and the formulation of new strategies that would reward negative emissions. The application of the UK’s policy “Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation” and a hypothetical scheme that rewards negative CO2 emissions, breaks-even the Minimum Jet fuel Selling Price (MJSP) at 1.49 £/kg for a certificate and carbon price of 0.20 £/certificate and 246.64 £/tonne of CO2.

Bio-methanol production from palm wastes steam gasification with application of CaO for CO2 capture: techno-economic-environmental analysis

The gasification of biomass as a source of energy has gained much attention due to their potential in generating valuable downstream products. In this study, the production of downstream methanol using sorption enhanced steam gasification of palm oil wastes is configured through the Aspen Plus® simulator. The CO2 capture is accomplished by deploying CaO, which is an economically viable technique. For this purpose, the flowsheet configuration for methanol production is evaluated from techno-economic and environmental feasibility perspectives using built-in Aspen Plus techniques considering the impact of three key operating parameters; temperature, steam flowrate and CaO flowrate on methanol production. The results of the economic and environmental assessments demonstrate a reduction in CO2 emissions with respect to the optimum CaO case at 52.7 tonnes CO2-e/h, and in comparison with the base case (90.7 tonnes) and the case without adsorbent regeneration (53.3 tonne) for the Palm kernel shell (PKS) biomass feedstock. Whereas, the reduction in CO2 emissions for empty fruit bunches (EFB) biomass feedstock with respect to optimum CaO case is approximated at 61.8 tonne CO2-e/h, and in comparison with the base case (86.6 tonne CO2-e/h) and the case without adsorbent regeneration (62.6 tonne CO2-e/h). This reduction is also associated with an increase in the capital cost at $120.2 and $119.7 million, and the total annualised cost at $155.4 and $153.1 million of the optimum CaO case for PKS and EFB, respectively. Whereas, $119.1 and $107 million in capital costs with $146 and $139 million in annualised costs are reported for the base case and $118.9 and $117.3 capital costs with $146.7 and $142.3 million annualised costs reported for the case without adsorbent regeneration with respect to PKS and EFB feedstocks, respectively. However, it is also associated with a comparable net profit per methanol production at $201, $132 and $208 million, respectively for the three cases of PKS feedstock, and $170, $130 and $179 million respectively for the three cases of EFB feedstock. The use of CaO and regeneration slightly increases the cost, however, it significantly reduces the CO2 emissions.

Ecopump: a novel thermoelectric heat pump/heat recovery ventilator system for domestic building applications

Abstract In recent years, there has been a risen interest in heat recovery systems for building applications due to concerns about the energy crisis and global climate change. In this paper, the intention to understand the performance of a window thermoelectric heat pump/heat recovery system (Ecopump) for heating has been developed. An overview to the prototype design, heat transfer model, experimental parameters and environmental feasibility is discussed. The variation of MATLAB modelling results followed the same regularity as the experimental results. The MATLAB model along with Revit has been used to simulate the Ecopump’s performance when installed in a sustainable house in the UK. From the calculation, Ecopump can provide 670 kWh heating energy and reduce 90.6 kg CO2 emissions per year. The proposed Ecopump system combined with window frame could be a promising technology to enhance space heating for domestic buildings while reducing energy consumption during daily ventilation. Further in situ experiments should be conducted to explore its comprehensive performance in the future.

Integrated soil washing and bioreactor systems for the treatment of hexachlorocyclohexane contaminated soil: A review on enhanced degradation mechanisms, and factors affecting soil washing and bioreactor performances

Investigations about the remediation of Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), a persistent organic pollutant of global concern, have been extensively reported to treat the HCH contaminated soil. The difficulty arising due to desorption and long ageing procedures of this hydrophobic organic compound in the soil, make it necessary to exploit techniques like soil washing or addition of surfactants, for enhancing the mass transfer rate of hydrophobic compounds. However, this technique gives rise to the generation of a large quantity of waste solution containing the pollutant and various other toxic substances. Moreover, it is challenging to deal with the complex soil washing solution, and thus a follow-up treatment of such washing solution is essentially required before its discharge. This follow-up treatment could be the bioreactor system to efficiently treat the pollutant in the wash solution, thereby reducing the amount of contaminated soil that has to be treated. Among many suggested remediation methods and treatment technologies, integrated soil washing and post-treatment with the bioreactor system could be an environmentally viable method for the remediation of HCH contaminated sites. This review focuses on the soil washing procedures applied so far for the HCH contaminated soil and various factors affecting the efficiency of separation of the target pollutant. Furthermore, the environmental and reactor design-related factors are also discussed for degradation of HCH in the reactor system. Finally, advantages and environmental feasibility of this proposed combined technology and the challenges that need to be encountered are envisaged.

The implementation strategy of Ecosystem Approach to Aquaculture (EAA) shrimp commodities in Pinrang District, South Sulawesi

This study aims to develop a strategy for the sustainability of shrimp aquaculture using an ecosystem approach or EAA in Pinrang Regency, South Sulawesi. A series of analyzes were carried out, namely the environmental carrying capacity analysis of aquaculture using pond environmental feasibility standards, analysis of critical factors for the sustainability of aquaculture using multidimensional scaling analysis, analysis of the sustainability status of aquaculture using pairwise comparison analysis and analysis of shrimp aquaculture management strategies based on EAA. using hierarchy process analysis. The results showed that the following strategies were needed: a) accelerating spatial planning and implementing programs in accordance with the directions for spatial use and control; b) institutional strengthening of capital cultivators in order to complement and improve facilities and infrastructure in accordance with the SOP; and c) increasing the level of education and providing a social and economic security system for members of the shrimp farming community

Development of a tool to optimize economic and environmental feasibility of food waste chains

The Sustainable Development Goal 12.3 focuses on food and its inedible parts that exit the supply chain and thus are lost or wasted. This work addresses the food waste problem by presenting the development of a tool to design business models to reduce the production of food waste. This has been developed within the LIFE16 project iRexfo, coordinated by the University of Perugia. The tool aims at transferring the results obtained in a pilot region (Umbria, Italy) to 4 other regions in Europe. It has been coded in Python and has a graphical user interface (GUI) to insert inputs and display outputs. The GUI has been developed in FLASK and it is hosted in the website of PythonAnywhere. A case study on the application of the software is also presented, mainly based on data retrieved in the Umbria region, Italy. Together with economic analysis, also, environmental assessment is performed.

Techno–economic–environmental feasibility study of a photovoltaic system in northern part of Iran including a two-stage multi-string inverter with DC–DC ZETA converter and a modified P&O algorithm

Abstract Inverters play a significant role in the configuration of grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems. The perturb-and-observe (P&O) algorithm is a common method to derive the maximum power from grid-connected inverters; however, the possibility of losing maximum power due to sudden changes in radiation is a significant drawback of this control strategy. To overcome this barrier, the two-stage multi-string inverter using the ZETA DC–DC converter and a novel P&O algorithm has been proposed to increase the efficiency of these systems. The proposed inverter has been simulated in MATLAB/SIMULINK software. To investigate the performance of the proposed inverter, technical, environmental and economic feasibility studies have been performed for the construction of a 5-kW PV power plant in a northern city of Iran (Sari) using the RETScreen software developed by Natural Resources Canada. On the other hand, most feasibility studies for power-plant construction are based on the concept of inverter peak efficiency, which leads to non-optimal system design due to the short operation duration of the inverter at this value. However, the weighted European efficiency has been used in the feasibility study for more accurate computations. Moreover, the performance of the proposed inverter is compared to that of a two-stage multi-string inverter using a conventional P&O algorithm and the single-stage (central) inverter. The simulation results indicated that the proposed inverter injects 7.6 MW of power into the grid per year. Moreover, it prevents the emission of 88 tons of CO2 (over 20 years), which is equivalent to saving 1883.5 litres of gasoline per year.

Environmental Relationship In Investment Project Feasibility Studies

The paper discusses the theoretical concepts underlying the environmental feasibility study by defining the nature of the investment project, the theoretical frameworks for feasibility studies in general, and ecological feasibility in particular, to accomplish the paper's objective of emphasizing the environmental feasibility study's impact and significance for the project and society as a whole. The ecological research conducted by those responsible for the feasibility study concluded that it contributes to mitigating adverse effects on society. It accurately defines the expected returns on the project. One of the most critical recommendations must be made, which is a law granting a license to establish the project or not. The article seeks to elucidate the theoretical principles underpinning the examination of environmental feasibility and the implications for the project and society at large. The findings indicate that ecological feasibility studies reduce the potential risks associated with establishing specific projects that could harm society's and the environment's public health, and how critical they are for the project among feasibility studies (financial, legal, economic, etc.).

Evaluation of magnesium chloride waste recovery: A case study in nanofertilizers

The present work details a case study for the valorization of the magnesium chloride hexahydrate waste MgCl2.6H2O, resulting from the magnesiothermic reduction of silica carried out to produce solar grade silicon, aiming to evaluate the potential use of this residue as raw material for the development of new products or sustainable applications. Thus, the systematic CPQvA evaluation was used, which aims to characterize the waste, using classification, potentiality, quantity/feasibility, and applicability criteria, to connectits potential application with the technological and environmental feasibility as alternative raw material. The chemical and mineralogical characterization of the MgCl2.6H2O residue (P-sub) was carried out, as well as an equivalent commercial product (P-com) for comparison purposes. The results indicated that the P-sub presents an excellent performance in terms of chemical composition and an adequate degree of purity for the application in the synthesis of nano-MgO nanoparticles with a high potential to produce nanofertilizers.

What is the best scenario to utilize landfill gas? Quantitative and qualitative approaches for technical, economic, and environmental feasibility

The feasibility study in technical, economic, and environmental aspects was performed for various landfill gas utilization scenarios: Hydrogen, electricity, methanol, formic acid, and dimethyl ether production.

The Effect of Length and Content of Fiber on Glass Fiber and Basalt Fiber‐Reinforced Granite Residual Soil

Fiber‐reinforced soil boasts fewer cracks, higher energy absorption, and higher residual strength. With the well‐established concept of carbon neutralization, it is necessary to reduce the dependence on high carbon‐emitting reinforcement materials such as cement and concrete. The need for resource recycling has led to the development of reusing construction waste as the raw material for slope and embankment reinforcement. The purpose of this study is to analyze the reinforcement performance and environmental feasibility of glass and basalt fiber on granite residual soil with the content of 3%, 4%, and 5% and the length of 6 mm, 9 mm, and 12 mm. The reinforced samples were subjected to static impact load tests and SEM analysis to study its mechanical properties, microcharacteristics, and structure before and after reinforcement. Results show that the incorporation of 3% glass fibers of 6 mm has the best reinforcement effect on GRS, while the incorporation of 4% basalt fibers of 6 mm also has a good reinforcement ability. Glass fiber performs better than basalt fiber under the optimal content and length. SEM results indicate that glass fibers bind the soil particles more closely, thereby increasing their friction and leading to higher compressive strength. When the length and content of fiber exceed a certain range, the fibers are prone to cross and knot and fail to fill between soil particles, so the fiber and soil particles are separated, which lowers the strength of the soil. It is concluded that both glass fiber and basalt fiber can be well used for reinforcing GRS for higher bearing capacity and fewer cracks at the given proportion and length. Fiber length and content were considered when reinforcing GRS with different fibers in this study.

Economic and Environmental Feasibility of Recycling Flexible Plastic Packaging from Single Stream Collection

Economic and Environmental Feasibility of Recycling Flexible Plastic Packaging from Single Stream Collection