Environmental Feasibility Research Articles

BASES OF MODERN MONITORING OF CYST NEMATODES

Identification of focal death of plants or significant deviations of uniformity and homogeneity of vegetation cover, based on the analysis of high-resolution satellite images or aerial survey by unmanned aerial vehicles, ensured the release of phytosanitary and problem phytocenoses with the aim of their primary nematological examination by traditional methods. It is established that the conventional route survey in two diagonals provides a higher probability of detecting nematode foci in the middle of the field (due to mixing and crossing routes) and less reliable – infection of the edge bands. Since the foci of cyst nematodes, especially in the initial stages of agrocenosis colonization, were more common in the edge bands, it is necessary to additionally select and analyze plant samples from all four sides of the field (envelope method) in order to increase the reliability of the diagonal examination. The probability of detection of heteroderosis foci was significantly increased when the agrocenosis was examined by the shuttle method with an interval between route lanes of 50 meters. For an objective assessment of the level of population of sod-podzolic, gray forest and other soil types with shallow bedding of the fertile layer, it is advisable to select nematological samples to a depth of 20 cm, and on chernozem to 30 cm. Cartograms of the prevalence of cyst nematodes with a detailed application of the spatial distribution of foci, their area and level of soil population are the basis for long-term planning, scientifically based choice and locally-differentiated application of various anti-nematode activities, depending on their economic payback and environmental feasibility. The long-term stay of populations within certain spatial boundaries is the main advantage of the prediction of their harmfulness and the local application of protective measures in the focal points of heteroderides that are clearly defined with the coordinate reference in comparison with actively migrating phytophages.

Biosynthesis of Ag nanoparticles and their immobilization on multifunctional ZnO materials–a step closer to environmental feasibility

In this study, the anti-oxidative potential of Simaba trichilioides was exploited to produce uniform Ag nanoparticles followed by their in-situ immobilization on a multifunctional magnetite–mesoporous ZnO composite (Fe3O4@mZnO). The strategy is to combine the advantages of solid supported catalysts and the green, available and non-toxic polyphenolic metabolites, acting as both the reducing and stabilizing agents, for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The new bioinspired catalyst (Fe3O4@mZnO-AE-1-Ag) was applied in the photodegradation of Rhodamine-B solutions and outstanding catalytic activity was achieved. Under the studied conditions, the catalyst could be easily magnetically isolated, and a single sample of the material could be used for at least 13 times (degradation higher than 80%) and 16 times (degradation higher than 70%). The material was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM and HRTEM), XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy), EDX (Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy), HPLC-DAD, and LC-MS.

Evaluating the benefits of Integrating Floating Photovoltaic and Pumped Storage Power System

Floating Photovoltaic systems have developed very fast in recent years. Compared to individual Floating Photovoltaic systems, further advantages, such as grid connectivity and energy storage, can be obtained when Floating Photovoltaic operates collaboratively with Pumped Storage Power Systems. This paper proposed an Integrated Floating Photovoltaic-Pumped Storage Power System and quantitatively assessed the potential of the integrated system in electricity generation and conservation of water and land resource. The study developed a coordinated operation model for the Integrated Floating Photovoltaic-Pumped Storage Power System, which employed a dual-objective optimization, namely to maximize the benefits of electricity generation and to minimize the energy imbalance at the same time. The dual-objective optimization was solved using the genetic algorithm method. Other benefits of the Integrated Floating Photovoltaic-Pumped Storage Power System, namely conservation of water and land resource, were also assessed. The proposed methodology was applied to a 2 GW Floating Photovoltaic farm and a 1 GW Pumped Storage Power System. Results indicated that the Integrated Floating Photovoltaic-Pumped Storage Power System has a great potential for gaining the benefits of electricity generation (9112.74 MWh in a typical sunny day averagely) and reducing energy imbalance (23.06 MW aggregately in one day). The coordinated operation provides the possibility to achieve a higher generation benefits without affecting the reliability of the grid, while the optimization method plays a key role of efficient coordination. In addition, the system would help to save 20.16 km2 land and 19.06 million m3 water a year due to the reduction in evaporation loss. The synthetic benefits greatly improve the economic and environmental feasibility of photovoltaic systems in reality.

Development of a multi-objective optimization model for determining the optimal CO2 emissions reduction strategies for a multi-family housing complex

Measures to improve the building energy efficiency of deteriorated multi-family housing complexes (MFHCs) require trade-offs between economic and environmental feasibility, and therefore these aspects should be considered simultaneously. Towards this end, this study aimed to develop a multi-objective optimization model for determining the optimal CO2 emission reduction (CER) strategies for MFHCs that can be used not only by experts but also by non-experts. This study used integrated multi-objective optimization with a genetic algorithm as an optimization methodology. The developed model, which considers the five optimization objectives (i.e., initial investment cost, net present value, savings-to-investment cost, CER, and marginal abatement cost) at the same time, can review a total of 31,200 scenarios combined with four energy saving measures (i.e., insulation, window, lighting, and shading systems). To verify the feasibility of the developed model, this study conducted a case study targeting ‘D’ MFHC in South Korea. First, the accuracy of the calibration of the energy simulation model for ‘D’ MFHC (coefficient of variation of the root mean square error: 12.84%; mean bias error: 0.39%) satisfied the criteria of ASHRAE Guideline 14; second, I8 (expanded polystyrene board - type 1 (No. 4))-L3 (LED lighting installed in louvered ceiling) and I8 (expanded polystyrene board - type 1 (No. 4)) - L4 (ceiling-mounted light) were determined to be the optimal CER strategy (integrated multi-objective optimization score: 0.2252). The developed model can help building owners make the optimal decision on green modeling by entering simple information (e.g., region, total floor area, etc.).

Differential impacts of pesticides on Euschistus heros (Hem.: Pentatomidae) and its parasitoid Telenomus podisi (Hym.: Platygastridae)

Euschistus heros (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) primarily attack the pods and seeds of soybean plants, causing severe economic losses in Neotropical Region, and chemical control is essential to avoid these losses. Thus, insecticides more effective against this pest and less toxic to Telenomus podisi Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) - the main biological control agent of E. heros - should be used. In this report, we studied the differential acute impacts of pesticides used in Brazilian soybean against E. heros and T. podisi and evaluated their sublethal effects on the parasitoid to identify effective pesticides towards the pest with less harmful effect to the natural enemy. The LC50 of the insecticides to E. heros ranged from 1.20 to 533.74 ng a.i./cm2; the order of toxicity was thiamethoxam + lambda-cyhalothrin > acetamiprid + fenpropathrin > zeta-cypermethrin > acephate > imidacloprid. All pesticides were classified as slightly to moderately toxic to T. podisi based on the risk quotient. The exposure of T. podisi females to imidacloprid and the insecticide pre-formulated mixtures reduced the emergence of the offspring parasitoids by up to 40% whereas zeta-cypermethrin and the insecticides pre-formulated mixtures reduced offspring survival. The preferred order of choice of insecticides for the management of E. heros according to agronomic, toxicological, and environmental feasibility was the following: thiamethoxam + lambda-cyhalothrin > zeta-cypermethrin > acetamiprid + fenpropathrin > acephate > imidacloprid. Our study provides important and pioneer information to select insecticides for effective control of E. heros with lower impacts on T. podisi.

Acute toxicity and risk evaluation of the CSO disinfectants performic acid, peracetic acid, chlorine dioxide and their by-products hydrogen peroxide and chlorite

The ecotoxicological evaluation of combined sewer overflow (CSO) disinfectants, with their degradation products, is important for ensuring safe use. For this form of toxicity, data for organisms representing different trophic levels are needed. We studied the toxicity of the alternative disinfectants peracetic acid (PAA), performic acid (PFA) and chlorine dioxide (ClO2) and their degradation products hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and chlorite (ClO2−) on Vibrio fischeri and Daphnia magna. ClO2 was more toxic to D. magna (EC50 < 0.09 mg/L) and PFA was most toxic to V. fischeri (EC50 0.24 mg/L). EC50 of PFA, PAA, ClO2, H2O2 and ClO2− on D. magna were 0.85, 0.78, <0.09, 3.46 and 0.36 mg/L, respectively. Similarly, EC50 of PFA, PAA, ClO2, H2O2 and ClO2− on V. fischeri were 0.24, 0.42, 1.10, 5.67 and 30.93 mg/L, respectively. For both PFA and ClO2, the degradation in water was faster than for PAA, H2O2 and chlorite. Using these data together with literature values, we derived environmental quality standards. By combining these with typical concentrations of disinfectants used for CSOs, we estimated the dilution required for discharging CSOs after disinfection, which can be used for quick assessment of the environmental feasibility of disinfection systems at specific CSO sites. Minimal dilutions in the receiving water, in the orders of 44, 70 or 138-fold, are needed for ClO2, PFA and PAA, respectively. This highlights PFA as the most widely applicable disinfectant, taking into account both its efficiency and the lower risk of unwanted environmental effects.

An Investigation into the Suitability of GGBS and OPC as Low Percentage Single-Component Binders for the Stabilisation and Solidification of Harbour Dredge Material Mildly Contaminated with Metals

The occurrence of contaminated materials encountered during harbour dredging is becoming increasingly problematic for harbour and port authorities. The risks to human health, wildlife and port infrastructure of exposure to such contaminants necessitates the removal or containment of such risks. As with contaminated terrestrial sites the solidification and stabilization (S/S) of this material has been proven to be an effective alternative to disposing of contaminants off-site, typically via dumping at sea or in a landfill. Research, to date, on S/S has been focused on heavily contaminated sediments in large industrial ports. However, with tightening environmental regulations, the limits of acceptable contamination are generally decreasing. This means the number of port dredging projects requiring contaminant remediation is increasing. There is now a need to examine the effectiveness of S/S on harbour sites that are mildly contaminated from both an environmental and project feasibility viewpoint. To that end, this study examines the effectiveness of various S/S mix percentages of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) in retarding the leaching of contaminants from a mildly contaminated harbour site.

Dynamic analysis of the integration of electric vehicles in efficient buildings fed by renewables

This paper analyses the energy, environmental and economic performance of a future scenario where electric vehicles are connected to efficient buildings powered by building integrated flat-plate photovoltaic/thermal collectors, equipped with electric energy storage. The produced renewable electricity and thermal energy are exploited for building electrical and thermal applications. The surplus of produced electricity is stored into the electrical battery and used to charge the electric vehicle. The proposed system is modelled and dynamically simulated within the TRNSYS environment, where special attention is paid to the design of suitable system control strategies, aiming at optimizing the exploitation of the solar energy for electricity and heating purposes. To this aim, a sensitivity analysis is also carried out to find out the optimal system configuration. A case study analysis, relative to the weather zone of Naples (South Italy), is conducted to evaluate the energy, economic and environmental feasibility of the investigated scenario. Simulation results show that, with respect to a reference system, a remarkable reduction of electricity from the grid is achieved, corresponding to a primary energy saving equal to 57.66%. A reduction of 51.63% of CO2 emissions and a simple pay payback period equal to 11.64 years are achieved.

Rampant Development of Water Diversion Projects as a Threat to Fish Diversity: A Case of the Modi Khola

The current focus of the country in meeting the increasing demands for energy has led to the increase in number of river water diversion projects for hydropower generation. But the lack of proper guidelines and monitoring mechanism has resulted in rampant licensing of hydropower projects. There are no rules for determining the appropriate number of water diversion projects in a single river. By discussing the case of rampant water diversion projects in the Modi Khola, of western Nepal, this paper raises an important issue of environmental feasibility of projects in the context where, only the engineering and economic feasibility of a project is taken as the basis for project approval and implementation.

Performance evaluation for sustainability of wind energy project using improved multi-criteria decision-making method

Wind power can be an efficient way to alleviate energy shortage and environmental pollution, and to realize sustainable development in terms of energy generation. The sustainability assessment of a wind project among its alternatives is a complex task that cannot be solely simplified to environmental or economic feasibility. It requires the consideration of its technological and social aspects as well as other circumstances. This paper proposes a new method for selecting the most sustainable wind projects. The method is based on multi-criteria decision-making techniques. The analytic hierarchy process and entropy weight method are combined to determine the weights of evaluation indexes, and an innovative index-weight optimization method based on the Lagrange conditional extremum algorithm. The fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to the ideal solution is applied to rank wind project alternatives considering functionality and proportionality of the system. Moreover, the sensitive analysis is applied to verify the robustness of the proposed method. The applicability of the method is demonstrated on a case study from China, where three main wind projects are analytically compared and ranked. The results indicated that the sustainable level of calculated wind power can provide a reference point for the planning and operation of the wind project. The results show that the proposed method is of both theoretical significance and practical application in engineering.

Techno-economic and life cycle analysis of a farm-scale anaerobic digestion plant in Iowa

There is growing interest in the use of anaerobic digestion to increase revenues in rural areas and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This study evaluates the economic and environmental feasibility of a farm-scale anaerobic digestion (AD) combined heat and power (CHP) plant co-located with a cattle feedlot. The study evaluates two different scenarios with six cases – Biomass Only (BO) scenario and Biomass and Glycerin (BG) scenario, targeting a power capacity of 950 kWe using combinations of manure, biomass, and crude glycerin. Beef cattle manure with approximately 10.15 wt% of biomass and 10 wt% of glycerin is added into the system. The internal rate of return (IRR) and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) were calculated for six cases. The IRR ranges between 3.51% and 5.57%, and the GHG emissions range between −82.6 and 498.52 g CO2e/kWh. Glycerin reduces the operating cost by 32%. These results indicate that AD CHP could be profitable at the farm-scale depending on various parameters. Sensitivity analysis indicates that power efficiency, operating capacity and waste generation per cattle have the strongest impact on the IRR, affecting it by over 40%, while glycerin and manure emission factors are the most important for GHG emissions affecting it by over 15%. Uncertainty analysis describes the role of feedstock choice and process performance on minimizing commercialization risks.

Utilization of hydrogen as clean energy resource in chlor-alkali process

Hydrogen produced from chlor-alkali plants in Jordan is typically wasted and vented to the atmosphere. If it is recovered and utilized then it can viably play a significant role for process heat on site. This study demonstrates how cleaner production can be applied to the chlor-alkali industry, with focus on utilization of hydrogen as energy resource. A chlor-alkali based on membrane cell process, in northern part of Jordan, was examined as a case of reusing excess hydrogen produced. In the baseline scenario, 47% of produced hydrogen was used in HCl production, 10% in controlling pressure difference, and the remainder was not used (i.e. 43% of hydrogen was vented into the atmosphere). The proposed cleaner production option was to install a hydrogen boiler next to the existing fuel boiler and utilize the hydrogen to generate steam for on-site process heating purposes. The effectiveness of this cleaner production option was discussed in relation to its technical and environmental feasibility. On-site utilization of hydrogen was found to provide 34% of the total steam needed at the full capacity. This in return yields a saving percentage of around 33.37% and a payback period of 0.947 year. From environmental perspective, theoretically, carbon dioxide emission reductions can be up to 1810 tons based on the chlor-alkali productions pattern for 24 consecutive months.

Wind is an alternative source of energy

Introduction: today, one of the most important problems of the world economy is a limited amount of traditional fuels, due to the consumption of which the needs of humanity for energy are being met. The chapter “Introduction” contains the definition of the term “alternative energy”, which is a set of ways to generate energy when using renewable energy sources. This chapter presents the need to search for renewable energy sources that will increase the ecological potential of the territories, as well as the energy and economic component. The prospects for the use of renewable energy sources have been highlighted, among which one of the most common alternative energy sources is wind. Methods: the chapter “Methods” describes the principles of operation of wind turbines. This chapter describes in detail the process of converting wind energy into mechanical energy. Also in the chapter “Methods” is a classification of existing installations along the axis of rotation with a description of the operation of each of them and highlighted four main ways to transfer wind power to the consumer. Results and discussions: the chapter “Results and Discussions” contains information on the economic benefits of using wind turbines in Russia, as well as a list of favorable regions for the creation of wind power stations. The structure of this chapter includes information on the environmental feasibility of the use of wind power plants, since wind generators compensate for carbon dioxide emissions. Conclusion: in the “Conclusion” presents conclusions that allow you to determine the positive aspects of the use of wind turbines, which include environmental friendliness, efficiency and affordability. It should be emphasized that the wind generator compensates for carbon dioxide emissions associated with its production, so that the use of this type of installation will create the most clean environment.

Platforms planning and process optimization for biofuels supply chain

Sustainable biofuel supply chain is a key to sustainable manufacturing and the future of production. Greener production is now becoming an order qualifier for the global competition. Modeling biofuel supply chains that achieve economic, social, and environmental feasibility is a challenge. This article develops biofuel platform planning and optimization that unifies biofuel product, production process and networks design into an umbrella of sustainable supply chain planning. A design of biofuel supply chain networks under various production paths is considered. The modeling results show that an optimum region of composition ratio between rice straws and waste cooking oils can be set within the range from 0% to 50%. Bio-diesel is favored over ethanol by occupying over 40% of the total biofuel outputs. However, ethanol yield is 99.1% and therefore it is sufficient to be directly mixed with gasoline at final depots. In terms of social contribution, it is estimated that the supply chain contribution to the case country GDP is about 0.17%. Looking at the above statistics, future research on global economic impacts and competitiveness of biofuel production is suggested.

Multicriteria environmental analysis for choosing alternative sources of electricity in isolated areas: the case of the Pantanal, Brazil

ABSTRACTUniversal access to electricity in isolated areas is a social imperative and a substantial challenge for service providers. One such area is the Pantanal, which is one of the world’s largest wetlands and located in the central-west region of Brazil. The energy supply to this region is complex not only due to technical aspects but also, and primarily, because of environmental issues such as large areas under environmental preservation and seasonal flooding. To incorporate environmental feasibility into decision-making for the electricity supply to remote areas, a survey of the environmental aspects of several supply alternatives was performed. Solar, wind and fossil-fuel power generation sources and the expansion of the conventional power grid were considered. Using multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA), these alternatives were scaled, scored and weighted to develop socioenvironmental indices, which express the socioenvironmental impact of the supply alternatives in the affected areas. The results, presented in the form of georeferenced maps, are essential for identifying and measuring the existence and scope of impact of the supply alternatives and represent an important support source for decision-makers.

Межфазное распределение сорбиновой кислоты при экстракции сополимером N-винилформамида с 1-винил-3,5-диметилпиразолом

С целью изучения экстракции сорбиновой кислоты из объектов со сложной матрицей изучено межфазное распределение сорбиновой кислоты в системе сополимер N-винилформамид – 1-винил-3,5-диметилпиразол – хлорид аммония. Рассчитаны коэффициенты распределения и степень извлечения консерванта при различных соотношениях фаз и концентрации раствора сополимера. Установлено влияние рН на экстракцию сорбиновой кислоты, предложен механизм ее взаимодействия с экстрагентом. Определение сорбиновой кислоты в водно-солевой фазе осуществлено методом капиллярного электрофореза в выбранных условиях.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; ЛИТЕРАТУРА&#x0D; &#x0D; Luk E., Yager M. Konservanty v pishevoy promyshlennosti. Svoistva i primenenie. [Preservatives in the Food Industry. Properties and Application]. Moscow, GIORD Publ., 2003, 256 p. (in Russ.)&#x0D; Mokshina N. Ya., Bykovskiy D. V., Shatalov G. V., Pakhomova O. A. Condensed Matter and Interphases, 2013, vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 423-427. URL: http://www.kcmf.vsu.ru/resources/t_15_4_2013_009.pdf (in Russ.)&#x0D; Korenman Ya. I. Koeffitsienty raspredeleniya organicheskix soedineny. Spravochnik. [Distribution Coefficients of Organic Compounds. Handbook]. Voronezh, Voronezh State Un-t Publ., 1992, 336 p. (in Russ.)&#x0D; Mokshina Ya., Bykovskiy D. V., Shatalov G. V., Pakhomova O. A. J. of Analyt. Chem., 2016, vol. 71, no. 2, pp. 201-204. https://doi.org/10.1134/s1061934816020106 &#x0D; Shatalov G.V., Luvlinskaya M. S. Pakhomova O. A., Mokshina N. Ya., Kuznetsov V.A. Russian J. of Applied Chem., 2016, vol. 89, no. 1, pp. 112-118. https://doi.org/10.1134/s1070427216010225&#x0D; Bykovskiy D. V., Kuznetsov V. A., Mokshina N. Ya., Poyarkova T. N., Shatalov G. V., Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedeniy Khimiya Khimicheskaya Tekhnologiya, 2014, vol. 57, no. 7, pp. 73-77. (in Russ.)&#x0D; Mokshina N. Ya., Pakhomova O. A., Shatalov G. V., Kosinova I. I. Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedeniy Khimiya Khimicheskaya Tekhnologiya, 2019, vol. 62, no. 1. pp. 4-10. https://doi.org/10.6060/ivkkt.20196201.5763 (in Russ.)&#x0D; Bykovskiy D. V., Mokshina N. Ya., Pakhomova O. A., Shatalov G. V., Luvlinskaya M. S. «Polymers-2017», Proceedings of the VII Rus. Kargin Conference, June 13-17, 2017, Moscow, 2017, p. 262. (in Russ.)&#x0D; Kirsh Yu. E. Poli-N-vinilpirrolidon i drugie poli-Nvinilamidy [Poly-N-vinylpyrrolidone and other poly-N-vinyl amides]. Moscow, Nauka Publ., 1998, 254 р. (in Russ.)&#x0D; Korenman J. I., Zykov A.V., Mokshina N. I., Bykovskiy D. V., Shatalov G. V. Russian Journal of Physical Chemistry A, 2011, vol. 85, no. 11, pр. 2000-2004. https://doi.org/10.1134/s0036024411110185&#x0D; Kartsova L. A. Problems of Analytical Chemistry. 18. Capillary Electrophoresis. Moscow, Nauka Publ., 2014, 438 p. (in Russ.)&#x0D;

Environmental Aspect in Infrastructure Planning Using Starlet-Perdana Model

Starlet-Perdana stands for Stabilisasi & Rancangbangun Lereng Terpadu – Perkuatan Dayadukung Tanah (Stabilization & Design Integration of Slope – Strengthening of Soil Bearing Capacity). The research is carried out in the northern parts of Bandung Basin at Cilengkrang and Jatinangor areas, around the foot of Gunung Manglayang and Jatinangor. The soil and rock materials are from weathered volcanic rocks. Areas that have been identified as landslide-prone are required some geotechnical engineering as well as direction in environmental management and monitoring. This paper presents a model of slope stability and soil bearing capacity to support infrastructure planning. This paper explains the relationship of slope with Factor of Safety (FS), application of Starlet model, soil bearing capacity, and improvement of expansive soil. The research activity began with a literature study, field survey as well as data collection, field analysis and laboratory analysis of soil / rock mechanics, delineation of landslide-prone areas, analysis of the relationship between slope and Factor of Safety (FS), calculation of soil bearing capacity, map data processing. Infrastructure planning needs to have a strong and long-term element, so the direction of the environmental management and monitoring is required as one of the efforts in environmental feasibility studies.

Exploring the Environmental Feasibility of Integrated Sanitation Systems for Uganda

Exploring the Environmental Feasibility of Integrated Sanitation Systems for Uganda

Techno-Economic and Life Cycle Impacts Analysis of Direct Methanation of Glycerol to Bio-Synthetic Natural Gas at a Biodiesel Refinery

An economic and environmental feasibility study were carried out on the thermochemical conversion of glycerol to medium methane content biological synthetic natural gas (bio-SNG). A plant that processed 497 kg·h−1 of glycerol to bio-SNG was modelled as an on-site addition to a soybean biodiesel plant based in Missouri (USA) that produced 30 million litres of soybean biodiesel per year. Assuming the glycerol contained only 80 wt% free glycerol, the bio-SNG could substitute up to 24% of the natural gas at the soybean biodiesel plant. The discounted cash flow analysis showed it was possible to generate positive NPVs and achieve internal rates of return within the hurdle rate (12%) for biomass gasification technologies. From the environmental analysis it was found that the bio-SNG could reduce global warming potential by 28% when compared to conventional natural gas in the USA and translates to roughly 7% reduction in biodiesel natural gas emissions, if the maximum 24% of natural gas were to be substituted by bio-SNG. The work highlights the potential to divert waste glycerol to an onsite energy vector at soybean biodiesel plants with minimal change to the main biodiesel production process and potential reductions to soybean biodiesel global warming potential.

Thermoeconomic and environmental feasibility of waste heat recovery of a data center using air source heat pump

Currently, the vast amount of heat generated by electronic equipment in the data canters is removed using high energy consumption mechanical systems. Hence, there is a good potential to use waste heat recovery systems for space heating purposes in order to reduce the energy consumption, energy cost as well as pollutant emissions. In present study, the feasibility of using the air source heat pump (ASHP), as a waste heat recovery system operating with different refrigerants, in a 54-racks data center in Mashhad city of Iran has been investigated to save the electrical energy consumption of the mechanical cooling as well as the natural gas fuel consumption of the adjoining office building with area of 416 m2. The energy-environmental-economic analysis results indicated that around 35000 m3/year natural gas saving, 20.8 MW h/year electrical energy saving, 121 tons/year CO2 emission reduction and 25000$/year cost saving can be achieved through using the proposed waste heat recovery system. Furthermore, the proposed system, with a payback period of 2.5 years, can improve the power usage effectiveness (PUE), energy reuse factor (ERF) and energy reuse effectiveness (ERE) of the data center.