Fuel Cost Savings Research Articles

Economic Analysis of Sustainable Transportation Transitions: Case Study of the University of Saskatchewan Ground Services Fleet

The global transport sector of the world economy contributes about 15% of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in the world today, and this must be drastically curbed. To reduce GHG emissions and achieve carbon neutrality, the University of Saskatchewan’s Office of Sustainability has directed a green energy transition for the institution in recent years, leading diverse sustainability projects and agendas due to the importance of curbing climate change and advancing sustainability. However, there is a strong need to pursue deep decarbonization within the campus, and the university transport system is a critical operational area that the Sustainability Office has considered for decarbonization to achieve the net-zero agenda of the university. The motivation for this work stems from the directive of the Sustainability Office to transform the campus vehicle fleet as an identified area for curbing GHG emissions and meet the University agenda. This study was organized in partnership with the Sustainability Office and involved an economic benefit analysis of the campus fleet (consisting of 91 ICE vehicles) to determine if it was economically or financially feasible to transition from Internal Combustion Engines (ICEs) or PVs (Petrol Vehicles) to Electric Vehicles (EVs). The analysis used RETScreen Expert (a software for analyzing renewable energy technology projects) to model diverse transition scenarios. The variables of Payback Period (PBP), cash flow projections, savings made from transitioning (fuel cost savings and energy cost savings), benefit–cost ratio, and GHG emission reduction potential were analyzed. The findings revealed that the GHG emissions from the campus fleet could be reduced by 100%, resulting in the removal of 298.1 tCO₂ from the environment. The fleet manager could save $CAD 129,049 (88.9%) in fuel costs, and the return on investment could be achieved in year 5 but could be reduced to year 2 if the vehicles were put into constant and active use, eliminating idle times. Lastly, the Sustainability Office would achieve a GHG reduction revenue of CAD 14,906. These findings show that pursuing sustainable transport transitions in the transportation transition for a university campus is financially and economically viable and should be pursued vigorously. The contribution of this work provides examples and evidence to advance policy recommendations to aid the effective and efficient transitioning of the transportation sector, specifically for communities at the scale of university campuses.

Performance analysis and optimization of combined heat and power system based on PEM fuel cell and [formula omitted] type Stirling engine

In this study, a new arrangement of a combined heat and power (CHP) system is proposed, which is designed based on a dual-prime mover of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell and β type Stirling engine. By using this CHP system based on Stirling engine and fuel cell in hybrid form, the potential of performance improbvement of the system can be analyzed and the appropriate operation condition compared to using the CHP system based on one prime mover can be achieved.Also, two suitable thermodynamic models have been used for modeling the fuel cell and Stirling engine from energy, environmental and economic issues. In addition, the effects of Stirling engine speed, temperature, and fuel cell current density on power, electrical efficiency, CHP efficiency, fuel cost savings, the amount of annual CO2 emission reduction (ACO2ER) and payback period have been investigated for the CHP system. Then, an optimization method has been performed with the help of a two-objective genetic algorithm and the TOPSIS methods, and several optimal cases from different viewpoints of the CHP system are presented. The modeling results showed that to increase the CHP system's efficiency, the engine speed should be in the range of 1500 rpm and to increase the system's capacity, a higher engine speed should be used. Also, based on the payback period analysis, the system has higher economic performance at a higher rotational speed.I addition, increasing the fuel cell's temperature increases the system's power and electrical efficiency. The system's capacity increases with the current density, but the system's efficiency decreases. The optimization results showed that the engine speed, the fuel cell temperature, and the current density are recommended to be 3000 rpm, 94.5 °C, and 0.67 A cm−2, respectively. Suppose the main goal is to maximize the CHP efficiency and ACO2ER simultaneously, the CHP system should be started with a slightly lower engine speed of around 2126 rpm, a lower temperature of around 70.11 °C and a higher current density of around 0.93 A cm−2.

How Much Do Consumers Value Fuel Economy and Performance? Evidence from Technology Adoption

Abstract During historical periods in which U.S. fuel economy standards were unchanging, automakers increased performance but not fuel economy, contrasting with recent periods of tightening standards and rising fuel economy. This paper evaluates the welfare consequences of automakers forgoing performance increases to raise fuel economy as standards have tightened since 2012. Using a unique data set and a novel approach to account for fuel economy and performance endogeneity, we find undervaluation of fuel cost savings and high valuation of performance. Welfare costs of forgone performance approximately equal expected fuel savings benefits, suggesting approximately zero net private consumer benefit from tightened standards.

A novel stochastic model for flexible unit commitment of off-grid microgrids

This work proposes a novel two stage stochastic optimization approach for the Energy Management System (EMS) of MicroGrids (MG). It combines the scenario-based uncertainty characterization with the use of piecewise affine correction rules for the recourse decision. These rules are used by the EMS to set the commitment status of the programmable generators and to correct the storage management as a function of the realization of the uncertainty, measured in real-time. The novel stochastic model is integrated in a hierarchical EMS, based on two control layers: the first one employs the proposed stochastic approach to determine the daily strategic scheduling of the MG, and the second layer optimizes the real-time dispatch.. The proposed EMS is applied to a real-world case study of a rural MG. Results indicate that the proposed EMS outperforms state-of-the-art optimization approaches in terms ofservice reliability (99.8%) and fuel efficiency. Moreover, rolling horizon simulations of the proposed stochastic model showed 100% reliability, and 30% of fuel cost savings with respects to state-of-the-art methods. The novel EMS is then deployed on a laboratory-scale microgrid (Multi-Goods MicroGrid Laboratory, MG2lab), demonstrating secure and economic operations. A comparative analysis is made with respect to deterministic and standard stochastic two-stage approaches; the proposed solution outperforms the other models during real operations, with savings of fuel cost up to almost 10%.

Investigating the energy use in an Australian building: A case study of a west-facing apartment in Sydney

This study presents the simulation of retrofitting measures in a residential apartment located in Sydney based on energy consumption, building characteristics, and climatic conditions through energy audits. From the results, an upgrade to a casement aluminum framed double glazing window with a thermal conductance (U-Value) of 2.3 W/m2/oC, having an initial cost of $6,570, will save 41.2 % and 21 % of the energy used for heating and cooling equipment with a simple payback of 6.3 years and fuel cost savings of $1,046. In addition, 787kWh of electricity saved from white goods by investing $1,050 has a payback of 2.2 years and fuel cost savings of $472. Finally, the building will save 2.7 tons of GHG emissions, equivalent to three people reducing energy use by 20 % in Australia. The research is vital because retrofitting multi-residential buildings in Australia has not been fully explored, leaving 7.8 million existing buildings that are not energy efficient.

Energetic, economic, and greenhouse gas emissions assessment of biomass and solar photovoltaic systems for an industrial facility

The industrial sector is responsible for nearly 25% of direct and more than 35% of cumulative global energy-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study evaluates the feasibility and comparative analysis of on-site solar photovoltaic (PV) and biomass-fed boilers based on historical energy consumption and demand to reduce dependence on grid-supplied electricity and coal-fired boiler for a rice processing industrial plant. The analysis includes energetic, economic, and GHG emissions assessments and covers (a) Solar PV systems, (b) Biomass fuels, and (c) Co-firing scenarios. Financial analysis of solar PV considers both company-owned and bank-financed systems of fixed and double axis tracking technologies. Biomass fuels include 100% wood, 100% rice husk, and a 50%–50% wood-rice husk mix. Historical energy consumption shows that annual electricity demand is 4,479 MWh, costing $537,480 and producing 2,307 tCO 2 emissions. Feasibility of 1MW, company-owned fixed axis solar PV plant shows a yearly electricity production of 1,544 MWh with 0.031 $/kWh levelized cost and reducing 733 tCO 2 with a payback period of 2.8 years. The base case scenario for boiler operations consists of 3,746 tons of coal burning, costing $427,075 and producing 11,840 tCO 2 emissions. Rice husk fuel study shows a 19% fuel cost savings, a 1.7-year payback period, and 11,612 tCO 2 GHG emission reductions. It is concluded that biomass-based rice husk fuel feedstock is the most suitable renewable energy source (RES) for this industrial facility and can reduce 82% of cumulative annual GHG emissions. Furthermore, energy efficiency improvements and off-site carbon credits provide additional opportunities to achieve net-zero GHG emissions for plant operations.

Renewables in Antarctica: an assessment of progress to decarbonize the energy matrix of research facilities

AbstractThis paper tracks the progress of renewable energy deployment at Antarctic facilities, introducing an interactive database and map specifically created for this purpose. Goals, challenges and lessons learnt from these operations are also reported. The data and assessments presented are based on a literature review of government reports, academic articles, online resources, news outlets and interviews conducted with personnel of Antarctic stations. As of 2021, 29 facilities have incorporated renewables in their energy systems, but only one permanent and four summer stations use renewables to meet more than 50% of their energy needs. Four main goals behind the development of renewable energy systems have been identified: fuel cost savings; reduction of the greenhouse gas emissions footprint in alignment with national decarbonization targets; electricity supply for scientific equipment during the winter months; and the development and/or testing of new technologies. The extreme weather conditions and complex logistics of Antarctica put both solar and wind systems under huge stress, which generates operational, technological and budgetary challenges that are also explored in this work.

Optimal scheduling of Egyptian grid with pumped storage hydroelectric power plant

Egypt's national development plan aims at diversifying energy resources and expanding on renewable energy generation technologies. However, the Egyptian national grid needs energy-storage components to stabilize its power supply when coupled with renewable energy due to the intermittent and random nature of them. The optimal power expansion plan has been reached using a production and costing software package electric generation expansion analysis system (EGEAS). Although pumped storage hydroelectric power plants (PSHPPs) have potential to be constructed in Attaqa Mountain, Egypt, it has not been considered in Egypt's optimal power expansion plan. This study proposes an optimal scheduling of Egypt's grid, adding PSHPP as a committed power plant. First, a mathematic formulation of Attaqa PSHPP is presented. Then, to reach the goal of economic dispatch, an optimal scheduling model of national grid is established with the consideration of both respective operation constraints and load requirements. The results of EGEAS simulation module showed that PSHPP operation for 20 years achieves a net fuel cost saving of 795 M$ as calculated from with and without PSHPP conditions at domestic subsidized fuel prices. More than double of this saving, 7778 M$, could be achieved if the net fuel cost savings are calculated at international fuel prices.

Technology Developments and Impacts of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles: An Overview

The scientific advancements in the vehicle and infrastructure automation industry are progressively improving nowadays to provide benefits for the end-users in terms of traffic congestion reduction, safety enhancements, stress-free travels, fuel cost savings, and smart parking, etc. The advances in connected, autonomous, and connected autonomous vehicles (CV, AV, and CAV) depend on the continuous technology developments in the advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). A clear view of the technology developments related to the AVs will give the users insights on the evolution of the technology and predict future research needs. In this paper, firstly, a review is performed on the available ADAS technologies, their functions, and the expected benefits in the context of CVs, AVs, and CAVs such as the sensors deployed on the partial or fully automated vehicles (Radar, LiDAR, etc.), the communication systems for vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure networking, and the adaptive and cooperative adaptive cruise control technology (ACC/CACC). Secondly, for any technologies to be applied in practical AVs related applications, this study also includes a detailed review in the state/federal guidance, legislation, and regulations toward AVs related applications. Last but not least, the impacts of CVs, AVs, and CAVs on traffic are also reviewed to evaluate the potential benefits as the AV related technologies penetrating in the market. Based on the extensive reviews in this paper, the future related research gaps in technology development and impact analysis are also discussed.

Investigating the Sustainable Impact of Seaport Infrastructure Provision on Maritime Component of Supply Chain

The aim of the research is to identify and quantify the direct economic effects resulting from the improved seaport nautical access and capacity expansion. This case study considers a regional port located in the Baltic sea and relates to port users, i.e., shipping operators and shippers. The effects were identified for maritime transport by comparing transport performance in two scenarios: with-the-investment and without-the-investment. Incremental calculus addresses freights (containers, dry bulk, and cereals) traded to and from the given port, changes in size of vessels, and the shipping route alternatives vis-a-vis adjacent ports in the range. Sustainable impact concerns generalized maritime transport cost, i.e., shipping operating costs and port-to-port transit time, as well as energy consumption and external costs of maritime shipping. To capture effects, daily and unit dry bulk, as well as container shipping cost, values of time, and marginal external costs were revealed in freight sea transport. As investigated, shipping operators and shippers will benefit from the reduction in ships’ operating (including ships’ fuel cost savings) and time cost, while the community will enjoy the reduction in externalities. However, the main economic effect is the reduction in shipping operating cost resulting from the increased vessel size (economies of scale).

Comparison of External Costs of Diesel, LNG, and Electric Drive on a Ro-Ro Ferry Route

Following the sustainable transport policy, environmental criteria are becoming a competitive factor within the maritime shipping industry. The use of greener fuels in internal combustion engines, including electric drive, is a measure that can reduce external costs of transport. Alternative fuels in maritime transport, benefits, and potential attainable savings have been examined on the Kamenari–Lepatane ro-ro ferry route in the Bay of Kotor located in Montenegro. The results indicate higher total fuel cost savings by switching to LNG compared with electric power. However, the external costs of the latter are considerably lower, especially using renewable energy sources rather than fossil ones in the production process. The results obtained, relative to the magnitude and assumed complete internalization of external costs, justify the incentive to use the renewable sources as energy providers on the examined ro-ro ferry route. Environmental criteria should play a decisive role in assessing the overall benefit value, under the current trends and regulations of emissions reduction in maritime transport.

Comparative analysis of conventional diesel-electric and hypothetical battery-electric heavy haul locomotive operation in terms of fuel savings and emissions reduction potentials

The paper considers a novel approach to heavy-haul of railway freight by means of combined operation of conventional diesel-electric and battery-electric locomotives either in single or joint (tandem) operation. A backward-looking quasi-static model of a battery-electric locomotive is proposed, based on the undercarriage of a decommissioned conventional diesel-electric locomotive equipped with a sufficiently-sized battery energy storage system. In order to facilitate power flow control from the battery-electric locomotive and to avoid deep battery discharges a suitable control rule is introduced aimed at modulating the driver power (throttle Notch) command in order to maintain the battery state-of-charge above the safe lower limit during discharging. The effectiveness of the proposed approach has been verified by means of simulations for the considered mountainous railway route driving scenario, including realistic railway track slope and speed limitations. The results show that between 22% and 30% fuel cost savings may be achieved, along with reduced emissions of exhaust gases by using the proposed battery-electric locomotive in combination (tandem) with the conventional diesel-electric one.

Economic Development Based on a Mathematical Model: An Optimal Solution Method for the Fuel Supply of International Road Transport Activity

Due to globalization and increased market competition, forwarding companies must focus on the optimization of their international transport activities and on cost reduction. The minimization of the amount and cost of fuel results in increased competition and profitability of the companies as well as the reduction of environmental damage. Nowadays, these aspects are particularly important. This research aims to develop a new optimization method for road freight transport costs in order to reduce the fuel costs and determine optimal fueling stations and to calculate the optimal quantity of fuel to refill. The mathematical method developed in this research has two phases. In the first phase the optimal, most cost-effective fuel station is determined based on the potential fuel stations. The specific fuel prices differ per fuel station, and the stations are located at different distances from the main transport way. The method developed in this study supports drivers’ decision-making regarding whether to refuel at a farther but cheaper fuel station or at a nearer but more expensive fuel station based on the more economical choice. Thereafter, it is necessary to determine the optimal fuel volume, i.e., the exact volume required including a safe amount to cover stochastic incidents (e.g., road closures). This aspect of the optimization method supports drivers’ optimal decision-making regarding optimal fuel stations and how much fuel to obtain in order to reduce the fuel cost. Therefore, the application of this new method instead of the recently applied ad-hoc individual decision-making of the drivers results in significant fuel cost savings. A case study confirmed the efficiency of the proposed method.

The feasibility of heavy battery electric trucks

Summary Research on the decarbonization of transport often concludes that heavy battery electric trucks are infeasible due to the incompatibility of long driving distance with high energy use and low specific energy and high costs of batteries. However, emphasis is often placed on battery electric range matching that of diesel trucks, instead of overall competitiveness. We model battery electric trucks that use high-power fast charging, enabling smaller batteries and showing that the economics of battery electric trucks per ton-kilometer improves with greater weight, driven by increasing load capacity as well as increased energy savings as a function of weight. Furthermore, we show that previous findings that the competitiveness per kilometer is worse for heavy trucks than for lighter trucks are very sensitive to assumptions about the battery cost per kWh and lifetime of the battery pack. Given the rapid development of batteries, we conclude that the economic feasibility of heavy battery electric trucks might have been generally underestimated.

Strategically Targeting Plug-In Electric Vehicle Rebates and Outreach Using “EV Convert” Characteristics

To expand markets for plug-in electric vehicles (EVs) beyond enthusiastic early adopters, investments must be strategic. This research characterizes a segment of EV adoption that points the way toward the mainstream: EV consumers with low or no initial interest in EVs, or “EV Converts.” Logistic regression is utilized to profile EV Convert demographic, household, and regional characteristics; vehicle-transaction details; and purchase motivations—based on 2016–2017 survey data characterizing 5447 rebated California EV consumers. Explanatory factors are rank-ordered—separately for battery EVs (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEVs), to inform targeted outreach and incentive design. EV Converts tend to have relatively “lower” values on factors that might have otherwise “pre-converted” them to EV interest: hours researching EVs online; motivation from environmental impacts and carpool-lane access; and solar ownership. PHEV Converts more closely resemble new-car buyers than other EV adopters, and BEV Converts actually tend to be younger and less-frequently white/Caucasian than new-car buyers. BEV Converts also tend to: lack workplace charging, be moderately motivated by energy independence, and reside in Southern California or the Central Valley. Predictors that not only help target consumers, but also help convert them, include rebates for BEV consumers and, modestly, fuel-cost savings for PHEV consumers.

Solution Proposal for Utilization of the Waste Heat in Refrigeration Systems

The possibility for utilization of waste heat from processes in the food industry is presented in this paper. The need for reuse of waste heat comes from the fact that energy consumption in industrial companies is uneconomical and that environmental pollution has increased. Therefore, one of the method of reuse of waste heat that is applicable in industrial processes is presented in the paper. Potential primary energy savings is presented by implementing the waste heat recovery in the food factory. The paper presents a simplified solution proposal for installation of heat exchangers with the aim of utilizing the waste heat of the refrigerant. The results showed that by the implementation of simple heat recovery significant annual fuel energy savings can be achieved as well as fuel cost savings.

Fuel economy valuation and preferences of Indian two-wheeler buyers

India has experienced exponential growth in sales of two-wheelers due to their high fuel economy and easy manoeuvrability in congested traffic conditions. Understanding Indian consumers’ valuation of fuel economy while purchasing a two-wheeler is crucial to evaluate whether Indian two-wheeler buyers are myopic with regards to future fuel costs. However currently, there exists no quantification of the value that Indian two-wheeler buyers ascribe to fuel economy. We address this gap in the literature by analyzing revealed preference survey data from more than 8000 respondents across India, who purchased a new two-wheeler in 2018. Discrete choice models, including standard conditional logit and flexible mixed logit, are used to infer estimates of the discount rate that Indian consumers apply to obtain the present value of future operating cost at the time of two-wheeler purchase. The results of conditional logit indicate that the annual discount rate is below 10% for Indian two-wheeler buyers with monthly household incomes above 15,000 rupees (∼US$215 in 2018; ∼73% of the sample). Mixed logit suggests substantial heterogeneity in discount rates across respondents at a given income level. The median of the mixing distribution is close to the conditional logit estimates, which leads to a conclusion that an average Indian two-wheeler buyer ascribes a high value to future fuel cost savings. Besides, our analysis provides various insights into Indian consumers’ preferences. For instance, style/looks, fuel economy, comfort, and brand (in decreasing order) are the top four factors that influence two-wheeler purchase decisions of Indian consumers.

Full-Scale Implementation of RES and Storage in an Island Energy System

The field of energy, specifically renewable energy sources (RES), is considered vital for a sustainable society, a fact that is clearly defined by the European Green Deal. It will convert the old, conventional economy into a new, sustainable economy that is environmentally sound, economically viable, and socially responsible. Therefore, there is a need for quick actions by everyone who wants to move toward energy-efficient development and new environmentally friendly behavior. This can be achieved by setting specific guidelines of how to proceed, where to start, and what knowledge is needed to implement such plans and initiatives. This paper seeks to contribute to this very important issue by appraising the ability of full-scale implementation of RES combined with energy storage in an island power system. The Greek island power system of Astypalaia is used as a case study where a battery energy storage system (BESS), along with wind turbines (WTs), is examined to be installed as part of a hybrid power plant (HPP). The simulation’s results showed that the utilization of HPP can significantly increase RES penetration in parallel with remarkable fuel cost savings. Finally, the fast response of BESS can enhance the stability of the system in the case of disturbances.

Enhanced Lagrange relaxation for the optimal unit commitment of identical generating units

Intelligent generation scheduling for seamless integration of uncertain and volatile renewable sources constitutes a crucial solution in delivering future low carbon energy. System operators need to devise effective flexibility adequacy plans for their power systems so as to guarantee power balance and ensure feasible and economical operation over different time horizons and under different generational, environmental and technical constraints. In this work, the authors propose a novel approach for addressing the unit commitment problem of identical generating units, based on Lagrange relaxation framework. The proposed method is characterised by a double decomposition formulation to determine the optimal path for the commitment of identical heat-rate units. This approach is tested and compared to conventional Lagrange relaxation on systems with a number of generating units in the range of 20–100. The proposed approach completely outperforms the conventional alternative in terms of total fuel cost savings, as well as the number of required iterations. In addition, the required iterations are found to increase linearly with system size, which is favourable for large-scale implementations.

Modified C-17 taxi procedures: a fuel cost savings exploration

Purpose This study aims to explore the viability of using C-17 reduced-engine taxi procedures from a cost savings and capability perspective. Design/methodology/approach This study model expected engine fuel flow based on the number of operational engines, aircraft gross weight (GW) and average aircraft groundspeed. Using this model, the research executes a cost savings simulation estimating the expected annual savings produced by the proposed taxi methodology. Operational and safety risks are also considered. Findings The results indicate that significant fuel and costs savings are available via the employment of reduced-engine taxi procedures. On an annual basis, the mobility air force has the capacity to save approximately 1.18 million gallons of jet fuel per year ($2.66m in annual fuel costs at current rates) without significant risk to operations. The two-engine taxi methodology has the ability to generate capable taxi thrust for a maximum GW C-17 with nearly zero risks. Research limitations/implications This research was limited to C-17 procedures and efficiency improvements specifically, although it suggests that other military aircraft could benefit from these findings as is evident in the commercial airline industry. Practical implications This research recommends coordination with the original equipment manufacturer to rework checklists and flight manuals, development of a fleet-wide training program and evaluation of future aircraft recapitalization requirements intended to exploit and maximize aircraft surface operation savings. Originality/value If implemented, the proposed changes would benefit the society as government resources could be spent elsewhere and the impact on the environment would be reduced. This research conducted a rigorous analysis of the suitability of implementing a civilian airline’s best practice into US Air Force operations.