Excessive Waste Research Articles

Zerohunger Link-Bridging Food Waste and Hunger Gaps-An Integrated Approach

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the UN estimates that 1.3 billion tonnes, or one-third, of the food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted, making food waste a major global issue. About 40% of food produced in India is wasted, and homes, restaurants, hotels, weddings, and other gathering places are major contributors to this problem. In India, a large number of nonprofit organisations are actively trying to collect excess food and provide it to people in need in order to alleviate hunger, malnutrition, and food waste. The objective of this proposed project is to manage a prepared food supply chain through the development of an innovative application, with the goal of addressing urban excess food waste and hunger-related fatalities. This programme will make it easier to connect surplus and deficient food resources within a community network by using an ERP paradigm. Administrators will be able to monitor donor and recipient information, assess hotels according on their contributions and input, and efficiently manage logistics thanks to the technology. Trusts and beneficiaries will be able to register, use a matching algorithm to find local food resources, choose and request food, communicate directly with donors, and offer insightful feedback. Donors will have the ability to sign up, enter the information of the food that is provided, reply to requests, and get in touch with recipients and trusts. Additionally, staff members and delivery persons will be equipped with the necessary tools to register, oversee pickups and deliveries, and send out timely alerts when they are finished. In the end, this all-encompassing strategy seeks to reduce food waste and lessen hunger in communities by establishing an effective and transparent method for the redistribution of excess food resources

A Smart Food Donation System using Mobile Technology to Reduce Food Waste

Food wastage is a significant global challenge, with approximately one third of food produced for human consumption, amounting to 1.3 billion tonnes, being lost or wasted according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN. In India, around 40% of food produced goes to waste, with sources such as weddings, events, restaurants, hostels, and households contributing substantially to this issue. Numerous non-profit organizations in India are actively working to combat hunger, malnutrition, and food wastage by collecting surplus food and distributing it to those in need. This proposed project aims to tackle urban excess food waste and hunger-related deaths by developing an innovative application designed to manage a cooked food supply chain. Using an ERP model, this application will facilitate the connection between surplus and deficient food resources within a community network. The system will empower administrators to oversee donor and recipient details, evaluate hotels based on their contributions and feedback, and coordinate logistics effectively. Trusts and recipients will have the ability to register, locate nearby food resources through a matching algorithm, select and request food, engage in direct communication with donors, and provide valuable feedback. Donors will be able to register, input available food details, respond to requests, and communicate with trusts and recipients. Furthermore, employees and delivery personnel will have the tools to register, manage pickups and deliveries, and provide timely notifications upon completion. This comprehensive approach aims to establish an efficient and transparent solution for the redistribution of surplus food resources, ultimately contributing to the reduction of food waste and alleviation of hunger in communities

Improvement of the Marking and Cutting Processes in a Textile Knitwear Company

Esta investigación servirá de antecedente para otras investigaciones que busquen mejorar los procesos productivos de empresas del sector textil y confecciones, planteando preventivamente una solución al excedente de tela que se origina durante el proceso productivo. Además, se abordará cómo mejorar el exceso de residuos de tela en el área de tizado y corte mediante la producción de accesorios y productos adicionales. Por consiguiente, al asignar correctamente los recursos para el mejor aprovechamiento de la tela de temporada, se reducirán costos, lo que mejorará la rentabilidad de la empresa de tejido de punto.

Effect of Strength and Durability of Sand Cement Brick Containing Recycled Concrete Aggregate and Cold Bottom Ash

Introduction The market price of brick has risen sharply due to the insufficient brick supply. Therefore, implementing RCA as one of the alternative materials for sand replacement is significant. The consumption of natural aggregate (NA) can be reduced by using the RCA. It is a good step to utilize recycled concrete to minimize the problem of excess waste materials. The results of using RCA and CBA as sand replacements contribute to better performance in compressive strength as compared to the normal brick. The density of the brick was also reduced by 4.95% as the RCA and CBA took place in the brick. Besides that, the water absorption was decreased when incorporating RCA and CBA in the cement brick due to less free water in the mix and fewer voids. Aims This study aims to ascertain the performance, strength, and durability characteristics of sand cement bricks incorporated with RCA and CBA as partial replacements for sand. Methods Percentages of 1.5%, 3.0%, 4.5%, and 6.0% of CBA and 15%, 30%, 45%, and 60% of RCA were chosen for partial sand replacement. The brick had dimensions of 215 mm in length, 65 mm in depth and 105 mm in width. Density, compressive force, and water absorption tests were undertaken after each of the three varied ratios of water to cement (1:5, 1:6, and 1:7). Results The finding indicates that with the optimum RCA and CBA replacement and the correct water to cement ratio, the performance of the new brick is better than the normal brick. Conclusion The optimum sand-to-cement ratio is 1:6, according to the overall results of selecting the optimal sand-to-cement ratio by density, compressive strength, and water absorption test. However, the result for the density value shows that the average brick density is inferior to the control brick. For all of the sample bricks, the compressive strength was best at a sand cement ratio of 1:6. However, as each of the samples complies with the British Standard criterion of less or equal to 15% absorption, it was determined that the sand cement brick's capacity for water absorption was sufficient.

Highly Reusable Electrochemical Immunosensor for Ultrasensitive Protein Detection

AbstractThe detection and quantification of protein biomarkers in bodily fluids is important for many clinical applications, including disease diagnosis and health monitoring. Current techniques for ultrasensitive protein detection, such as enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and electrochemical sensing, involve long incubation times (1.5–3 h) and rely on single‐use sensing electrodes which can be costly and generate excessive waste. This work demonstrates a reusable electrochemical immunosensor employing magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and dually labeled gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for ultrasensitive measurements of protein biomarkers. As proof of concept, this platform is used to detect C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand 9 (CXCL9), a biomarker associated with kidney transplant rejection, immune nephritis from checkpoint inhibitor therapy, and drug‐associated acute interstitial nephritis, in human urine. The sensor successfully detects CXCL9 at concentrations as low as 27 pg mL−1 within ≈1 h. This immunosensor was also adapted onto a handheld smartphone‐based diagnostic device and used for measurements of CXCL9, which exhibited a lower limit of detection of 65 pg mL−1. Lastly, this work demonstrates that the sensing electrodes can be reused for at least 100 measurements with a negligible loss in analytical performance, reducing the costs and waste associated with electrochemical sensing.

Radiation-Assisted Assembly of a Highly Dispersed Nanomolybdenum-Functionalized Covalent Organic Framework.

Two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (2D COFs), featuring a large surface area and 1D pore structure, serve as promising scaffolds for anchoring functional guest compounds, which can significantly enhance their performance and thus expand their potential applications. Postsynthetic strategy for COFs functionalization is versatile but challenging because of their tedious procedure with high time and energy consumption, generation of excess reaction waste, and damage to COF crystallinity. We report in this work a general strategy for the synthesis of inorganic nanocompound-functionalized COF composites in a one-pot way. Specifically, a high-crystallinity nanoscale molybdenum compound is successfully introduced into a COF skeleton with high dispersion in situ during the crystallization process of the COF induced by gamma ray radiation under ambient conditions. The obtained COF@Mo composites exhibit remarkable sorption performance for methylene blue and many other organic dyes in aqueous solution with the advantages of ultrarapid uptake dynamics and high removal efficiency.

Biochar and Fe2+ mediation in hydrogen production by water electrolysis: Effects of physicochemical properties of biochars

Electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen can consume excessive renewable power and generate high-value hydrogen. Biochar-assisted water electrolysis for producing pure and green hydrogen, substituting the oxygen evolution reaction at the anode with biochar oxidation reaction (BOR), could significantly reduce the starting potential and increase the current density during water electrolysis, combining excessive renewable electricity and biomass waste utilization. However, slow BOR limits the electrolysis. In this study, the mediator of Fe2+ and biochars with different treatments were used to enhance the BOR in electrochemical experiments. Pickling pretreatment improves the performance of pyrolysis and hydrothermal biochars in BAWE containing Fe2+ media, especially the latter, which has the highest oxidation current density of 180 mA/cm2 at an anode voltage of 1.2 V vs. MSE. The effects of different oxygen-containing functional groups on the current density are determined by comparing different biochars before and after pickling. The abundance of –OH and CO groups favors the increase of oxidation current, while the C–O groups from anhydride and ether play a negative role. Pickling allows biochars to obtain a higher specific surface area and enrich its pores, thereby improving electrolytic performance. Further activation of KOH can increase the specific surface area and make the pore structure, especially the micropores, more abundant, which is conducive to the further increase of oxidation current. This work is expected to lead to a more efficient use of biochar in the BAWE process.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability in Water Supply: A Systematic Review

Although access to clean and safe water is a fundamental human right, millions of people around the world lack this essential resource. Through their CSR initiatives, companies are promoting responsible and sustainable practices to ensure the appropriate use and management of water resources. Using a systematic review and PRISMA framework, this study examined the impact of CSR initiatives on sustainable water supply. A total of 108 articles were identified, and 33 were subjected to further reviews and analysis. This study found that CSR initiatives contribute to sustainable water supply through water conservation, water stewardship, responsible supply chains, and various educational and training initiatives. This study found that CSR initiatives have been effective in transforming behaviors and converting millions of people around the world into water activists. Corporations are also leveraging new technologies to enhance efficiency in their operations and minimize excessive water waste. This study also found that corporations must build responsible business practices through ethical, economic, and environmental responsibility. Although CSR initiatives can be too costly for many organizations, businesses can reduce costs through strategic partnerships and leveraging technological innovations to promote water conservation and hygiene.

Synergistic energy solutions: Solar chimney and nuclear power plant integration for sustainable green hydrogen, electricity, and water production

Globally, countries are strategically devising and implementing plans for hydrogen production, recognizing its status as the future's primary energy fuel. This study, conducted in Irbid, Jordan, serves as a case study focusing on producing green hydrogen by integrating a Solar Chimney Power Plant (SCPP) with a nuclear power plant (NPP). The innovative design of the proposed SCPP involves the incorporation of a water pool and an electrolyzer station, facilitating the production of desalinated water, green hydrogen, and oxygen, and leveraging the excess waste heat generated by the NPP to enhance the overall system performance. The proposed integration directly routes the excess hot air from the NPP tower into the SCPP's collector to enhance the temperature profile under the collector and the air velocity, boosting electricity and water production. This integration demonstrated a significant improvement over the conventional SCPP. Specifically, the SCPP+ NPP system produced 716 MWh/year, surpassing the traditional SCPP's output of 362 MWh/year. Furthermore, the proposed design exhibited substantial gains in freshwater production, yielding approximately 260,000 tons/year compared to the conventional SCPP's 140,000 tons/year. Ratio analysis indicates a positive correlation between integrated electricity generation and water output, emphasizing the sustained improvement in water production (average ratio ∼1.88) in the SCPP+NPP system. The proposed SCPP+NPP not only doubled its green hydrogen output, reaching 25 tons/year compared to the conventional SCPP's 13 tons/year, but also contributed a substantial 200 tons/year of oxygen, surpassing the traditional SCPP's 100 tons/year. The results underscored the superior performance of the proposed SCPP+ NPP across various metrics—hydrogen production, electricity generation, freshwater yield, and oxygen output—exhibiting a twofold improvement over the conventional SCPP. Consequently, implementing the integration between SCPP and NPP, emerges as a promising and viable solution for green hydrogen production in Jordan.

Unveiling Effectiveness of Lean Construction Practices: A Comprehensive Study through Surveys and Case Studies

Construction projects frequently encounter challenges such as stagnant productivity, excessive waste, cost overruns, and delays, contributing to sustainability issues. In response to these issues, Lean Construction (LC) has emerged as a methodology aimed at eradicating inefficiencies and wasteful practices. However, the construction industry has been slow to embrace LC, primarily due to a lack of comprehensive evaluations regarding its real-world effectiveness. This study seeks to thoroughly assess the effectiveness of LC when implemented in construction projects in Pakistan. The research involved conducting a survey among experts in the construction industry, utilizing a comprehensive questionnaire to evaluate the extent of LC adoption and its impact on construction project performance. The collected data underwent rigorous statistical analysis to ascertain the influence of LC practices on project outcomes. To validate the survey results, the study selected five case study projects for in-depth analysis. These case studies assessed how well the projects adhered to LC principles and examined the resulting effects on project delays, cost overruns, quality issues, rework, and health-related concerns. The findings consistently confirmed that a higher level of adherence to LC principles led to significant reductions in project delays, cost overruns, quality issues, and health-related problems. This analysis strongly supports the notion that a more extensive adoption of LC practices results in substantial improvements in project performance. By presenting these compelling results, this study offers valuable insights to the construction industry, providing a clearer path for the effective integration of LC practices. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-04-09 Full Text: PDF

Development and evaluation of immersive VR laboratories of organic chemistry and physics for students education

In science education, the use of laboratory experiments has a critical role. However, experiments can cause excessive material waste, and safety issues must be taken seriously. Virtual laboratories and simulations have become a useful and effective alternative to in-person, hands-on laboratories as a result of the educational possibilities afforded by information and communication technology. With virtual reality (VR), students can depict scientific phenomena through virtual practical experiments that use computer simulation. In this work, VR-based lab simulations of physics and chemistry experiments were introduced. Chemistry lab includes 3 experiments from organic chemistry (identify aldehydes using Tollen’s test, identify ketones using the 2,4-dinitrophenyl hydrazine test, and identify carboxylic acids using the sodium carbonate test) and physics lab includes 2 experiments on series and parallel current, accomplished through the use of the real-time 3D graphics and pre-rendered animations. Further, to assess the usability of the developed system, 20 students were surveyed as research subjects and they filled out the SUS survey after conducting the VR experiments in Oculus Quest 2. . The average score for the VR chemistry lab simulations was 92.63%, and, the average score for the physics lab was 93.38%, indicating a high level of performance and achievement among the participants. Further, in the comparative study evaluating knowledge retention and learning experience, the experimental group (VR, N=20) outperformed the control group (traditional, N=13), indicating a more favorable learning experience. All participants from the experiment group reported that virtual labs were easy to use. Overall, findings from the Knowledge Retention survey show that interactive laboratory activities enhance students’ understanding of chemical processes and practical skills.

Assessing the Financial Viability and Sustainability of Circular Business Models in the Wine Industry: A Comparative Analysis to Traditional Linear Business Model—Case of Georgia

In the contemporary global context, waste management and the judicious utilization of resources have emerged as pressing concerns. Consequently, the concept of a circular business model has gained prominence as a viable solution. This innovative model reframes waste not as a disposable byproduct but as an opportunity to generate new value, setting it apart from the conventional linear business model, particularly in financial, economic, and operational dimensions. Numerous industries grapple with the issue of excessive waste generation, among them the wine industry, notable for its substantial water and grape waste outputs. This predicament holds significant ramifications both on a global scale and within the specific context of Georgia. Yet, it also presents an innovative avenue for waste recycling. This study draws upon a comprehensive review of internationally recognized literature, noted for their scholarly significance and citation prevalence. In its practical segment, two distinct investment projects have been meticulously developed which seek to evaluate the financial viability of the circular business model in contrast to the conventional linear business model. The investment projects considered are as follows: 1. Under the framework of a linear business model, the company exclusively engages in the production and sale of wine. 2. Within the circular business model paradigm, the company not only produces wine but also harnesses waste processing to yield grape seed oil, which is subsequently marketed alongside wine bottles. Both models undergo rigorous scrutiny, employing a comprehensive analysis of key financial indicators essential for assessing project profitability and efficiency. The outcomes of this investigation reveal that, under identical capital investment conditions, the circular business model surpasses the linear model in terms of profitability. This underscores the potential for sustainable practices within the wine industry and the broader business landscape.

Step-rate-test as one of the strategies for managing formation water injection. Design and monitoring

The construction of a produced water management (PWM) system relies on a Step-rate-test strategy that integrates a novel technology for treating the bottomhole formation zone and adjacent fractures resulting from prior hydraulic fracturing. Step-rate-test technology is considered more environmentally friendly than hydraulic fracturing for several reasons. It doesn't require crosslinkers or proppants, and there is no discharge of liquids or other reagents onto the terrain or into water basins. This article discusses technical approaches to solving field service problems in injection wells. One of the strategies for managing produced water injection is Step-rate-test, which is considered the best choice in these operations. This strategy can also be used to solve the problem of disposing of excess fluid or waste after hydraulic fracturing. Advances in modelling, operation, monitoring, and evaluation provide the basis for minimising costs and preserving the environment. The connection between the object of work and the engineering works is established through quality targets and pumping requirements. Field example, such as Tevlinsko-Russkinskoye and Yuzhno-Yagunskoye, and results of data mining of them, demonstrate the significant impact of data differences on site selection. Field data indicates that injectivity decreases in matrix injection structures despite the injection of prepared fluid. It is acceptable to inject the fluid without prior preparation, provided that there is no well pad pump station, pipe end phase divider or similar equipment. The majority of rock structures become fractured during fluid injection, which affects the selection of technical equipment for the process. This article evaluates the propagation of fractures during the injection of prepared and unprepared fluids and their impact on well performance.

EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL OF AGRICULTURAL WASTE AS NATURAL RESOURCE-BASED ADSORBENTS FOR METHYLENE BLUE REMOVAL

Excessive agricultural waste in the agricultural industry leads to various forms of pollution, including water pollution. To address this issue, there's a growing interest in finding alternative methods. One approach is to utilize agricultural waste as natural resource-based adsorbents to eliminate contaminants, such as the case of methylene blue (MB) in this study. The study specifically focuses on using rice husk (RH) from a local rice mill in Perlis, Malaysia, to absorb methylene blue. The structure of rice husk, characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), reveals a coarser and more compact outer area, contributing to its absorption capacity for methylene blue. The study on rice husk involves three main aspects: contact time, adsorbent dosage, and dye concentration. The removal percentage of MB increased as the three studied adsorption parameters increased. The adsorption data were analyzed using Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms, with the the Freundlich Isotherms were found to be more suitable based on higher coefficient of correlation (R2) values compared to Langmuir. The pseudo-second-order kinetics model demonstrated a higher R2 value (1.00) compared to the pseudo-first-order model (0.747). The results indicate promising potential for addressing pollution through sustainable means and provide insights into the adsorption process under varying conditions.

Comparing Wood Chip Quality from Different Sources across the Southeastern United States

Abstract Global use of renewable energy has risen over the past few decades because of international energy policy changes, new legislation, and an effort to create a more sustainable energy source for a rapidly growing global population. One of these renewable energy sources is biofuels, specifically in the form of wood pellets created from wood chips. Wood pellet manufacturers in the southeastern United States must adhere to rigid quality-control standards of the European markets where their pellets are shipped and consumed. Thus, there is a need to improve our understanding of the factors that influence the quality of the source materials. Higher heating value (HHV), moisture content (MC), ash content, elemental composition, and size stratification are all important quality factors to consider when analyzing wood chips. Variations in these quality factors can cause longer drying times, blockages in feed systems, excess waste, and fluctuations in energy output. The objective of this study was to quantify these quality factors across multiple sources of wood chips. Softwood and hardwood in-woods chip samples as well as softwood mill residual chips were collected from thinnings and clear-cuts across the southeastern United States. Softwoods had a greater HHV and MC than hardwood chips, with 18,949 kJ/kg and 18,242 kJ/kg, respectively. Softwood thinnings had the highest HHV and lowest ash content. However, only 4 of the 60 samples analyzed were from softwood thinnings. This study provides an overview of the variation in wood chip quality across the southeastern United States.

ئاڵنگارییەکانی ئاسایشی ئاو لە هەرێمی کوردستان

This study investigates two fundamental challenges facing the water security in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. These challenges are identified as internal and external. Internal challenges are dealt with from two perspectives: one has to do with climate change that leads to decreasing the rainfall and increasing droughts both of which negatively affecting water revenues. The other one is human-related challenges that are associated with water utilisation and water management issues. Such challenges include the excessive use and waste of water as well as water pollution that results in the inability of water revenues (especially surface water such as rivers and lakes) to meet the needs of people in the region. The external challenges, on the other hand, are related to the current water policies pursued by the neighbouring countries of Turkey and Iran. These countries use the water resources located within their borders as a weapon against the Kurdistan Region. About 60% of the region’s water resources comes from Turkey and Iran. Consequently, the strict water policy implemented by these countries has exerted a considerable negative impact on the total amount of water needs in the Kurdistan Region. affected.

Approaching sustainability and circularity along waste management systems in universities: an overview and proposal of good practices

In recent years, the importance of sustainability and circularity in waste management systems has become increasingly evident. As the world grapples with the environmental consequences of excessive waste generation, it has become crucial to find innovative and sustainable solutions. Universities, as centres of knowledge and research, play a vital role in achieving sustainability and circularity in waste management. The key contribution of this study is to provide: 1) a systematic review of the existing literature concerning sustainable waste management systems (SWMS) implemented in universities; 2) an analysis of the studies presented in this paper identifying applicable approaches and sustainable practices to provide novel guidelines by including waste management system in a circular and sustainable model within universities. Through research, collaboration, education, implementation of sustainable practices, and support for entrepreneurship, universities can strongly contribute to the development and implementation of sustainable waste management practices. As the world continues to face the challenges of waste generation, universities will continue to be at the forefront of finding innovative, sustainable, and circular solutions.

Sustainable packaging innovations and their impact on HSE practices in the FMCG industry

Sustainable packaging innovations have emerged as a critical avenue for addressing environmental concerns and enhancing operational efficiency within the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry. This review delves into the multifaceted impact of sustainable packaging innovations on Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) practices within this sector. With the escalating global focus on environmental sustainability, FMCG companies are increasingly integrating sustainable packaging solutions into their operations. These innovations encompass a spectrum of approaches, including recyclable materials, biodegradable packaging, lightweight designs, and renewable resources. Such initiatives aim to mitigate the adverse environmental effects associated with traditional packaging practices, such as excessive waste generation and carbon emissions. The adoption of sustainable packaging innovations profoundly influences HSE practices in the FMCG industry. Firstly, it fosters a culture of environmental responsibility, prompting companies to prioritize eco-friendly materials and production processes. This shift aligns with regulatory standards and societal expectations, reducing the ecological footprint of FMCG products while enhancing brand reputation. Moreover, sustainable packaging innovations significantly impact health and safety aspects within FMCG operations. By reducing the reliance on non-biodegradable materials and hazardous substances, companies minimize occupational health risks for workers involved in packaging production and handling. Furthermore, lightweight packaging designs contribute to safer transportation and distribution practices, mitigating the likelihood of accidents and injuries along the supply chain. The integration of sustainable packaging innovations also engenders operational efficiencies within FMCG companies. Through optimization of packaging materials and processes, organizations can achieve cost savings, resource conservation, and enhanced supply chain resilience. These benefits bolster long-term competitiveness and profitability while reinforcing the commitment to HSE principles. Sustainable packaging innovations represent a transformative force within the FMCG industry, reshaping HSE practices and fostering a paradigm of environmental stewardship. As companies continue to prioritize sustainability in packaging strategies, they stand to realize tangible benefits in terms of regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and brand differentiation. This review underscores the imperative for FMCG stakeholders to embrace sustainable packaging innovations as a cornerstone of responsible business practice in the 21st century.

Packaging plastic waste from e-commerce sector: The Indian scenario and a multi-faceted cleaner production solution towards waste minimisation

E-commerce has been disrupting the retail marketplace with its rapid growth in India over the past few years. Multiple socio-economic factors, including the Digital India initiative, the transition towards a cashless economy, and the rise in consumer electronics and internet users, were crucial in creating a shift in consumer perceptions favouring e-commerce. One of the hidden consequences of e-commerce acceptance is the rising packaging plastic problem. It has typically employed unwanted secondary and tertiary packaging, often considered necessary for transportation. E-commerce has also given rise to multiple shopping instances, which were previously non-existent and thus contributed to excessive packaging plastic waste. However, until recently, the e-commerce sector in India has managed to escape the shackles of the plastic waste management legislation and was considered a free rider. This study aims to investigate the key factors aiding the growth of the e-commerce sector, the packaging plastic problems amplified by the e-commerce sector, the legislative backdrop, and a case study on how various e-commerce platforms have adapted to the changing policy landscapes. A multi-faceted solution integrating optimisations at the pre-shipping, post-shipping and legislative framework levels is proposed. The recommendation from this study can trigger a transformative change in reducing the packaging plastic waste generation and creating a sustainable e-commerce industry in the country.

Efficiency Assessment of a Combined Heat and Power Plant Using Exergy Analysis

This study conducted an exergy analysis of a cogeneration power plant utilizing gas turbines, air compressors, combustion chambers, heat recovery steam generators, heat exchangers, and pumps. The study performed an extensive exergy analysis of the system, focusing on each component's process and calculating its base efficiency while tabulating the corresponding exergy degradation. Relevant equations for mass, energy, and exergy were identified to determine optimal control volume conditions for an optimal system and boundary conditions that would enhance the design and reduce exergy destruction. The research project developed revisions and modifications necessary to the base system, utilizing available parameters and boundary conditions, to enable a second law analysis, improve the overall efficiency, and reduce irreversibility and the loss of exergy. The proposed modifications included the remodelling of the cogeneration plant by applying additional processes to utilize the excessive waste heat in the plant. The study further optimized the plant's efficiency by modifying individual system elements that yielded minimal exergy destruction to the overall design. The proposed modifications explored the best-case alteration on optimizing overall plant efficiency with minimum irreversibility compared to the initial analysis done. The technical contributions of this research project are the revisions and modifications that enabled a second law analysis and improved the overall efficiency of the cogeneration power plant.