Fuel Power Generation Research Articles

Multi-criteria evaluation of slurry fuels based on coal and organic waste

The applicability of slurry fuels for power generation by direct combustion was assessed using multi-criteria decision making (MCDM). Slurry fuels based on coal slime and water with 5% additive of biomass waste (rice husk, sawdust and sewage sludge) were studied. was experimentally established that the use of biomass waste in the composition of slurry fuel improves the characteristics of sedimentation stability by 2.5–4.2 times, atomization parameters by 1.5–2.0 times and environmental indicators of the combustion process by 1.5–2.4 times. A multi-criteria assessment of the efficiency of using slurry fuels in comparison with widely used solid fossil fuels in thermal power engineering was carried out based on the obtained experimental results. The indicators of the highest relative efficiency for slurry fuels with additives of sewage sludge and rice husk in the temperature range of 700–900 °C are 10–12% higher than for the composition without additives.

Fuel transport mechanisms and power generation enhancement in air-breathing microfluidic fuel cells with discrete-hole anode

Current challenges in air-breathing microfluidic fuel cells (AMFCs) technology include insufficient fuel transfer and unsatisfactory power density. To address these issues, this study develops a three-dimensional computational model to optimize the performance of AMFC with a discrete-hole anode. This model reveals that the "petal-shaped" non-uniform fuel distribution is due to the shearing and dilution effects of the electrolyte. Additionally, discrete-hole structures such as size have a slight influence on fuel transport and current production, with performance deviations under 1.6%. Significant improvements are achieved by reducing the electrolyte flow rate and electrode length. Transitioning from a single cell with a long anode to a series/parallel stack of cells with short electrodes significantly boosts net power output and fuel utilization. Under optimal conditions, a maximum power density of 349.9 mW cm−3 and an output of 19.2 mW are obtained. This research provides valuable insights into fuel transport mechanisms and power enhancement strategies in the AMFCs, guiding the future design and optimization of microfluidic reactors for energy conversion.

Ni-Mo/Al2O3 catalyst for partial oxidation reforming of low concentration coal bed methane and its application on SOFC

Electricity generation via low concentration coal bed methane (LC-CBM) can save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is a very promising power generation device that can directly utilize various fuels for power generation, but the carbon deposition issue remains the critical challenge when using the traditional nickel-based materials as the anode. In this study, three types of 5Ni/Al2O3, 5Mo/Al2O3, and Ni-Mo/Al2O3 catalysts were prepared and characterized. The Ni-Mo/Al2O3 catalyst show better catalytic activity for CH4 conversion (99.4 %), CO selectivity (98.9 %), H/C ratio (2.15) and stability at 800 °C for 100 h. The single cell with LC-CBM external reforming Ni-Mo/Al2O3 catalyst achieved a peak power density of 0.669 W cm−2 at 800 °C and showed a significant improvement of 160 % compared to that of the direct LC-CBM cell. Additionally, the incorporation of Ni-Mo/Al2O3 catalyst for reforming could also prolong the stability of the cell at 750 °C.

Performance and emission profiles of petroleum nut (Pittosporum resineferum Hemsl.) biodiesel in combustion ignition engine-generator for power generation

One of the traditional fuels for power generation in the Philippines is the petroleum diesel (PD). However, its extensive usage contributes to environmental degradation, health risks and climate change concerns. Alternative fuels such as petroleum nut biodiesel (PNB) may address the increasing consumption of PD amidst depleting fossil reserves and related issues. This study aimed to produce, characterize, and observe the behavior of PNB as a fuel in a compression ignition (CI) engine-power generation system at various loads of 0 %, 25 %, 50 %, 75 % and 100 %. Petroleum nut fruits were collected, extracted of oil then transesterified to produce PNB. The performance and emission profiles of the latter were determined. Degumming increased the PNB yield by 24.28 %. Additional refining decreased colorants and impurities. Majority of the chemical and physical properties of the PNB showed comparable values with those of PD. Various blends of PNB-PD were prepared and tested in terms of their performance and emissions. The 20 % PNB mixed with 80 % PD (B20) showed the most efficient performance after 100 % PD with at least 3.95 % decrease, whereas PNB for specific fuel consumption (SFC) showed at most 30.78 % higher than all fuels for all loads. The heat release rate (HRR) increases with increasing %PNB in the PNB-PD blend. PNB generally showed the highest CO2 and NOx emissions with at least 16.67 % and 80.52 % lower with PD respectively, but the lowest for CO emission with at least 13.42 % difference compared with PD. Finally, the study confirms that CI engine-generator can be operated with 100 % PNB and its blends without engine modification.

Application and prospect analysis of microbial fuel cell technology

As global energy demand grows and environmental problems intensify, the search for clean, renewable energy solutions becomes especially urgent. This article reviews microbial fuel cell (MFCs) technology, a new type of clean energy technology that uses microbial metabolic activity to convert organic matter into electricity. Compared with traditional fossil fuel power generation methods, MFCs have significant advantages such as low pollution, low noise, and renewable. The working principle of MFCs, including the reaction process of anode and cathode, as well as the key factors affecting the performance of MFCs, such as the choice of anode and cathode materials, are discussed. In addition, the coupling applications of MFCs with other technologies, such as photocatalysis, electrofenton technology, microbial electrolysis (MEC) and constructed wetland technology, are discussed, which provide new possibilities for improving wastewater treatment efficiency and expanding the application field of MFC. Finally, the challenges and future development direction of MFCs technology are prospected, and key research directions such as improving energy conversion efficiency, reducing cost and enhancing system stability are pointed out.

The Integration of Renewable Energy into a Fossil Fuel Power Generation System in Oil-Producing Countries: A Case Study of an Integrated Solar Combined Cycle at the Sarir Power Plant

Libya is facing a serious challenge in its sustainable development because of its complete dependence on traditional fuels in meeting its growing energy demand. On the other hand, more intensive energy utilization accommodating multiple energy resources, including renewables, has gained considerable attention. This article is motivated by the obvious need for research on this topic due to the shortage of applications concerning the prospects of the hybridization of energy systems for electric power generation in Libya. The 283 MW single-cycle gas turbine operating at the Sarir power plant located in the Libyan desert is considered a case study for a proposed Integrated Solar Combined Cycle (ISCC) system. By utilizing the common infrastructure of a gas-fired power plant and concentrating solar power (CSP) technology, a triple hybrid system is modeled using the EES programming tool. The triple hybrid system consists of (i) a closed Brayton cycle (BC), (ii) a Rankine cycle (RC), which uses heat derived from a parabolic collector field in addition to the waste heat of the BC, and (iii) an organic Rankine cycle (ORC), which is involved in recovering waste heat from the RC. A thermodynamic analysis of the developed triple combined power plant shows that the global power output ranges between 416 MW (in December) and a maximum of 452.9 MW, which was obtained in July. The highest overall system efficiency of 44.3% was achieved in December at a pressure ratio of 12 and 20% of steam fraction in the RC. The monthly capital investment cost for the ISCC facility varies between 52.59 USD/MWh and 58.19 USD/MWh. From an environmental perspective, the ISCC facility can achieve a carbon footprint of up to 319 kg/MWh on a monthly basis compared to 589 kg/MWh for the base BC plant, which represents a reduction of up to 46%. This study could stimulate decision makers to adopt ISCC power plants in Libya and in other developing oil-producing countries.

Evaluating Offshore Wind as a Catalyst for Trinidad and Tobago’s Petrochemical Sector

This study introduces a comprehensive analysis of offshore wind resource potential in Trinidad and Tobago, leveraging both the Wind Atlas Methodology (WAM) and the numerical wind atlas methodologies to address the region’s sparse wind measurement data. Utilizing atmospheric re-analysis data, specifically the ERA5 dataset, in conjunction with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, a generalized wind climates (GWCs) for Trinidad and Tobago was generated. These GWCs, refined with topographical and roughness data, guide the siting of offshore wind farms within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), considering water depths and proximate onshore terrain influences. The study quantifies the economic feasibility of offshore wind through both a levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) analysis and by evaluating the value of redirected natural gas to the petrochemical industry. The LCOE, though currently higher than subsidized domestic electricity rates, is projected to decrease significantly by 2035. Notably, the value of displaced natural gas for petrochemical production offers substantial economic benefits, with potential payback periods for offshore wind investments well under a decade when considering 2021 methanol and ammonia prices. These findings underscore the strategic significance of offshore wind in Trinidad and Tobago’s energy mix. By transitioning to renewable energy sources, the nation can mitigate reliance on fossil fuels for power generation while optimizing natural gas usage in high-value sectors.

Barriers and strengthening strategies on the Korea safety laws for the application of hydrogen and ammonia as power generation fuels based on the expert survey

Hydrogen and ammonia have emerged as prominent next-generation clean energy sources pivotal for realizing a decarbonized society. However, their adoption has been marred by incidents ranging from leaks to fires, and explosions, underscoring the imperative for heightened safety protocols when utilizing these novel fuels. In light of this, this study scrutinizes Korean laws and regulations to assess the institutional framework governing the safe utilization of hydrogen and ammonia in power plants. Through this examination, four key limitations are identified: hydrogen laws do not comprehensively cover the entire hydrogen business sector, regulations regarding the revised usage of hydrogen and ammonia are either weak or absent, safety assessments in certain laws exclude new fuels, and there is a relaxation in requirements for appointing safety managers. This prompted an expert survey aimed at delineating strategies for improvement. A bespoke questionnaire, tailored to address the shortcomings of current legislation, was administered to 50 experts in the realms of decarbonized fuels or safety. Quantitative analysis of their responses revealed a consensus regarding the elevated risk posed by hydrogen and ammonia compared to conventional fuels, with hydrogen (72) deemed riskier than ammonia (65) and LNG (50). Moreover, a pressing need for bolstering the existing safety legal framework was highlighted. Notably, the survey underscored specific areas requiring attention, ranked in order of priority: the enactment of an Ammonia Act (78), augmentation of qualification requirements for safety managers under the Hydrogen Act (73), reinforcement of regulatory and technical standards, implementation of emergency response drills, classification of ammonia as a Class 4 hazardous material (70), and enhancement of criteria for appointing safety managers (59). Insights gleaned from the expert survey culminated in four improvements geared towards enhancing safety measures. There is a need to enact a stand-alone law specifically for ammonia, to strengthen standards for risk assessment and the appointment of safety managers. Additionally, there is a necessity to expand the scope of safety laws to include prevention and education initiatives, while also attempting to consolidate scattered laws for better coherence and effectiveness. This study advocates for comprehensive safety management systems to be established through extensive research preceding the commercialization of power plants utilizing new fuels.

Sustainable astronomy: A comparative life cycle assessment of off-grid hybrid energy systems to supply large telescopes

PurposeSupplying off-grid facilities such as astronomical observatories with renewable energy–based systems (RES) instead of diesel generators can considerably reduce their environmental impact. However, RES require oversized capacities to counter intermittency and comply with reliability requirements, hence shifting the environmental impact from operation to construction phase. We assess whether 100% RES scenarios are favorable from an environmental point of view and discuss the trade-offs in systems with backup fossil generators versus 100% renewable ones.MethodsIn this comparative life cycle assessment (LCA), we study various RES supply systems to power a new telescope in the Atacama Desert, Chile. We compare six setups, including 100% RES scenarios, namely, photovoltaics (PV) with batteries and hydrogen energy storage; high-renewable scenarios, with fossil fuel power generation next to RES and storage; and a system combining PV with diesel generation. We base system sizing on a techno-economical optimization for the start of operation in 2030. Foreground data stem from life cycle inventories of RES components since 2015 and 2030 electricity mix assumptions of production countries. We assess environmental impact in the categories climate change, mineral resource depletion, and water use.Results and discussionWe find that 100% RES and high-renewable scenarios result in emissions of 0.077–0.115 kg CO2e/kWh supplied, compared to 0.917 kg CO2e/kWh in the reference case with solely diesel generation. One hundred percent RES scenarios have a lower CO2e impact than high-renewable scenarios. However, the latter lower the mineral resource depletion and water use by about 27% compared to 100% RES scenarios. Applying hybrid energy storage systems increases the water use impact while reducing the mineral resource depletion.ConclusionsNone of the six energy systems we compared was clearly the best in all environmental impacts considered. Trade-offs must be taken when choosing an energy system to supply the prospective off-grid telescope in Chile. We find high-renewable systems with some fossil generation as the better option regarding power reliability, mineral resource depletion, and water use, while inducing slightly higher greenhouse gas emissions than the 100% RES scenarios. As remote research facilities and off-grid settlements today are mainly supplied by fossil fuels, we expect to motivate more multifaceted decisions for implementing larger shares of RES for these areas. To advance the LCA community in the field of energy systems, we should strive to incorporate temporal and regional realities into our life cycle inventories. To ease the path for upcoming studies, we publish this work’s inventories as detailed activity level datasets.

Evaluation of readiness to commercialize research results with the IRL framework: a case study of ORC turbines in Indonesia

Indonesia's commitment to reducing the use of fossil fuels for power generation has encouraged the exploration of biomass energy from waste materials. Organic Rankine cycle (ORC) turbine technology that converts waste into electrical energy can be an opportunity for the development of waste power plants. The developed ORC turbine has not been assessed for innovation readiness level (IRL). To address this gap, a comprehensive evaluation of the IRL and technology readiness level (TRL) of the ORC turbine is essential. This study uses qualitative and quantitative methods, combining the IRL and TRL frameworks. The results reveal that the ORC turbine market is ready, although the technology is still in the early stages of development (IRL 2). In order to achieve IRL 3 and be prepared to enter the decline stage as part of the market evolution phase, intellectual property protection, product testing, and certification must be carried out. The establishment of a product certification agency with testing facilities to ensure turbine performance is required. IRL and TRL approaches can be used to determine the stages of research activities that can be achieved by looking at the availability of resources needed at each level.

Coal Share Reduction Options for Power Generation during the Energy Transition: A Bulgarian Perspective

The sustainable energy transition to a low-carbon and climate-neutral economy by 2050 requires a consistent increase in the share of renewable energy sources (RESs) at the expense of the share of fossil fuels. The coal power plants in the Republic of Bulgaria have provided about one third of the annually produced electric power for decades, utilizing mainly locally available sources of lignite. The present work aimed to review the progress of the energy transition, its rejection and acceptance at the national and international scene alongside the available research for cleaner coal combustion in Bulgaria, as well as discuss a Bulgarian perspective for coal share reduction options for power generation during the energy transition. A comprehensive review was carried out, based on freely accessible data such as research and open media articles, officially published field reports, legislative and strategic acts as well as validated statistical data. Three groups of critical gaps (socioeconomic, sociotechnical and cultural and political) were indicated, claimed to be capable of guiding the just transition. Key factors influencing the process dynamics were identified and categorized in the context of the critical gaps. The peculiar policy criteria for the carbon-intensive regions are as follows: the dominant energy carriers, existing infrastructure, involved actors and choice of strategy. The observations allowed us to conclude that in addition to the efforts achieved and ambitious political will, the identification of reliable technological and socioeconomic measures is needed more than ever (accompanied by interdisciplinary research involving the technical, social and environmental and policy factors), while renewables still have long way to go towards complete substitution of the fossil fuels for power generation, transport, and manufacturing. Limited literature was found for reducing the share of coal from currently operating Bulgarian coal-fired power plants (CFPPs). Herein, short- and/or medium-term measures for carbon emission reduction were discussed, capable of promoting the limited operation of existing CFPPs, thus paving the road towards a sustainable, long-term transition. These measures concerned the typically used power units in the largest CFPPs located at the Maritsa Iztok Mining Complex (MIMC). Analyses of the biomass production, supply and cost for the same type of power units were proposed, considering the use of 100% biomass. Estimated costs, unit efficiencies and power generation were discussed along with the evaluations about the land use, ensuring a given annual productivity of wood chips from fast growing plants, e.g., Paulownia.

Optimization and characterization of hybrid bio-briquettes produced from the mixture of sawdust, sugarcane bagasse, and paddy straw.

Biomass briquetting is a viable densification technique that converts waste biomass materials into useful products and alternative energy. This work explores the characteristics and optimization of hybrid bio-briquette production by combining crop residues (paddy straw) and solid biomass materials (sawdust and sugarcane bagasse). A total number of 20 briquettes were fabricated with three input factors: sawdust (SD), sugarcane bagasse (SB), and paddy straw (PS) based on the faced-centered central composite design (FCCCD) approach in the laboratory to investigate the calorific value (CV) and ash content (AC). The bomb calorimeter technique was used to evaluate the briquette's calorific value and ash content. The proposed work focused on optimizing the briquette input parameters (SD, SB, and PS) and output responses (CV and AC) using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and response surface methodology (RSM) and hybrid artificial neural network-integrated with multi-objective genetic algorithms (ANN-MOGA). This study shows that the MOGA-ANN-based model results in the best value of CV (17.07 MJ/kg) and AC (1.95%) with optimal input parameters SD (39.99 g), SB (29.02 g), and PS (69.02 g). The optimal results observed from the MOGA-ANN model have also been validated experimentally. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy investigation reveals that biomass briquettes are the sustainable and environment-friendly option of fossil fuels for power generation and indoor cooking. The study suggests a strategy for minimizing agro-waste, which may be converted into future fuel in the form of briquettes.

Dual-fuel engines using hydrogen-enriched fuels as an ecological source of energy for transport, industry and power engineering

Displacing internal combustion engines (ICE) from the passenger car sector does not mean displacing it from all industries and specific applications. Thanks to the analysis of data on compression ignition (CI) engines used in the world, it is possible to prepare ready-made solutions for the most common engines in selected industries or for those whose greenhouse gas emissions will be the largest and most expensive for their owners in the coming years. The basic solution presented in this article gives the possibility of powering the engines with the most ecological currently known alternative motor fuels and using the already existing methane transmission infrastructure around the world. Their greatest advantage is their availability and low carbon content, which allows to minimize carbon dioxide emissions, both by burning hydrogen-enriched fuels and by increasing the efficiency of the engines modified by dual fuel supply system. Properly made external dual-fuel installation allows to improve the thermal efficiency of the CI engine. Work on this issue may help in the development of, for example, high-efficiency flex fuel power generators, which, as the current situation in Ukraine shows, are worthy. Thanks to the diversification of power sources for power generators, the countriesy is able to increase the reliability and security of energy supplies even in difficult conditions, such as armed conflict or natural disasters.

Technical–Economic Analysis for Ammonia Ocean Transportation Using an Ammonia-Fueled Carrier

This study performed a technical–economic analysis for ship-based ammonia transportation to investigate the feasibility of international ammonia transportation. Ammonia is considered to be a vital hydrogen carrier, so the international trade in ammonia by ship will considerably increase in the future. This study proposed three scenarios for transporting ammonia from the USA, Saudi Arabia, and Australia to South Korea and employed an 84,000 m3 class ammonia carrier. Not only traditional very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO)/marine diesel oil (MDO) but also LNG and ammonia fuels were considered as propulsion and power generation fuels in the carrier. A life-cycle cost (LCC) model consisting of capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX) was employed for the cost estimation. The results showed that the transportation costs depend on the distance. The unit transportation cost from the USA to South Korea was approximately three times higher than that of Australia to South Korea. Ammonia fuel yielded the highest costs among the fuels investigated (VLSFO/MGO, LNG, and ammonia). When using ammonia fuel, the unit transportation cost was approximately twice that when using VLSFO/MDO. The fuel costs occupied the largest portion of the LCC. The unit transportation costs from Australia to South Korea were 23.6 USD/ton-NH3 for the LVSFO/MDO fuel case, 31.6 USD/ton-NH3 for the LNG fuel case, and 42.9 USD/ton-NH3 for the ammonia fuel case. This study also conducted a sensitivity analysis to investigate the influence of assumptions, including assumed parameters.

Effect of Inert Species on the Static and Dynamic Stability of a Piloted, Swirl-Stabilized Flame

Abstract Carbon sequestration and utilization has been proposed as a method for decarbonizing high-efficiency industrial gas turbines operating on natural gas fuels for power generation and industrial markets. To increase the efficiency of the carbon removal process from the exhaust stream of the turbine, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) can be used. EGR recycles a portion of the engine exhaust into the inlet, increasing the concentration of inert species in the exhaust stream to improve the performance and cost-effectiveness of CO2 separation systems. This strategy can, however, reduce the oxygen concentration in the air, leading to changes in flame stabilization in the combustor. In this study, we investigate the effect of air diluted with inert gases of different compositions and the impact that these mixtures have on flame static and dynamic stability. A swirl-stabilized flame in a single-nozzle, variable-length combustor is used to measure the flame behavior for oxygen concentrations of 15–21% by volume. A constant adiabatic flame temperature test matrix is conducted to mimic operation in an industrial gas turbine. High-speed chemiluminescence imaging is used to determine the change in flame shape and dynamics for each gas composition. As the oxygen concentration decreases, the flame lifts from the centerbody, resulting in an aerodynamically stabilized flame at the lowest O2 concentrations. Different compositions of gases result in different flame shapes, where higher levels of N2 in the diluents result in more flame stabilization in the outer recirculation zone as compared to those with higher levels of CO2. The flame oscillation mechanisms also change with oxygen concentration, where the lifted flames at low O2 levels exhibit an ignition/extinction oscillation mode as compared to a vortex-shedding-coupled oscillation mode at high O2 levels where the flame is stabilized on the centerbody. Companion chemical kinetics simulations are used to explain changes in the flame's shape and behavior.

Biomass-to-power: Opportunities and challenges for Nigeria

Power is needed for the growth and development of any country. The Nigerian power sector continues to face tremendous challenges, especially in the areas of power generation and sustainability in the electricity value chain. Successive governments have carried out several reforms, but these problems persist. The major causes are tied to the lack of diversity in the country’s energy mix and over-dependence on non-renewable fossil fuels for power generation. With Nigeria’s growing power demand and the Federal Government’s commitment to renewable energy for reduced carbon emission, the potential of biomass in power generation can no longer be overlooked. Biomass is a renewable resource that is abundant in supply in Nigeria. Biomass resources can be obtained from multiple sources and has very low net carbon emission. Its immediate addition to Nigeria’s energy mix would aid the country in meeting its 2030 goal of increasing renewable power generation by 45% and reducing greenhouse emissions by 20%. This paper therefore studies the history of power generation in Nigeria and the challenges encountered so far. It then looks at biomass resources availability in the country, their viability as feedstocks for power generation, and biomass-to-power conversion processes. The challenges of this alternative power solution are identified and recommendations given. If these can be implemented, the biomass-to-power solution can significantly address the issues of low power generation and carbon emission. It would help improve energy security, environmental sustainability, circular economy, and economic opportunities for those in the biomass and power supply chain in Nigeria.

A net-zero emissions strategy for China’s power sector using carbon-capture utilization and storage

Decarbonized power systems are critical to mitigate climate change, yet methods to achieve a reliable and resilient near-zero power system are still under exploration. This study develops an hourly power system simulation model considering high-resolution geological constraints for carbon-capture-utilization-and-storage to explore the optimal solution for a reliable and resilient near-zero power system. This is applied to 31 provinces in China by simulating 10,450 scenarios combining different electricity storage durations and interprovincial transmission capacities, with various shares of abated fossil power with carbon-capture-utilization-and-storage. Here, we show that allowing up to 20% abated fossil fuel power generation in the power system could reduce the national total power shortage rate by up to 9.0 percentages in 2050 compared with a zero fossil fuel system. A lowest-cost scenario with 16% abated fossil fuel power generation in the system even causes 2.5% lower investment costs in the network (or $16.8 billion), and also increases system resilience by reducing power shortage during extreme climatic events.

A novel GBDT-BiLSTM hybrid model on improving day-ahead photovoltaic prediction

Despite being a clean and renewable energy source, photovoltaic (PV) power generation faces severe challenges in operation due to its strong intermittency and volatility compared to the traditional fossil fuel power generation. Accurate predictions are therefore crucial for PV’s grid connections and the system security. The existing methods often rely heavily on weather forecasts, the accuracy of which is hard to be guaranteed. This paper proposes a novel GBDT-BiLSTM day-ahead PV forecasting model, which leverages the Teacher Forcing mechanism to combine the strong time-series processing capabilities of BiLSTM with an enhanced GBDT model. Given the uncertainty and volatility inherent in solar energy and weather conditions, the gradient boosting method is employed to update the weak learner, while a decision tree is incorporated to update the strong learner. Additionally, to explore the correlation between photovoltaic power output and historical time-series data, the adaptive gradient descent-based Adam algorithm is utilized to train the bidirectional LSTM model, enhancing the accuracy and stability of mid- to long-term time-series predictions. A prediction experiment, conducting with the real data from a PV power station in Sichuan Province, China, was compared with other methods to verify the model’s effectiveness and robustness.

Knowledge of Energy Resources and Next Generation Energy Choice Behaviour: A Case Study of Kazakhstan

Renewable energy (RE) is key to averting the climate crisis, and public support is central to its successful implementation. In this study, we examined the impact that knowledge of energy policy and energy issues has on public support for different energy types. This was achieved through the use of an online survey of residents of Kazakhstan. As a resource-rich developing country with a history of nuclear testing, Kazakhstan provides an interesting case study. In this paper, we statistically analyze the effect of individual knowledge of energy policy on the choice behavior for next-generation energy, including RE, in Kazakhstan. First, those who support fossil fuel power generation knew that Kazakhstan has abundant natural gas reserves, and those who support wind and solar power generation were aware that Kazakhstan has huge potential for such forms of power generation. It was clear that knowledge of the positive and negative aspects of fossil fuel, nuclear, wind and solar power generation had an impact on the preferences of the respondents. Second, the reasons given for supporting RE included: unlike fossil fuels, there was no danger of them being exhausted; the rise in adoption of RE technology globally; reduction in carbon dioxide emissions; and, addressing climate change. Third, although many women were aware of the advantages and disadvantages of RE, there were high levels of both support and opposition. Respondents with lower income and lower educational attainment tended to oppose RE. People living in East Kazakhstan, the site of nuclear tests, tended to support RE, but due to the high rates of subsidy to the price of electricity, many people preferred the status quo. Finally, preference for next-generation energy in Kazakhstan was associated with higher awareness of the need to protect the global environment.

Protonic Ceramic Electrochemical Cells with Dry Reforming of Methane for Electricity Generation, Chemicals Manufacturing, and Greenhouse Gas Mitigation

The massive exploration and utilization of fossil fuels for power generation and chemicals manufacturing have contributed to worldwide economic growth. However, these activities lead to significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which primarily include CO2 and CH4. The technologies, which intensify power generation with chemicals production from CO2 and CH4, will reduce the carbon footprint and address associated challenges. Dry reforming of methane (DRM, CH4 + CO2→ 2CO + 2H2) in electrochemical devices, which converts both CO2 and CH4 to a mixture of CO and H2 (i.e., syngas), and electricity, could be leveraged to achieve simultaneous power generation, chemicals manufacturing, and GHG mitigation. In this talk, we will present our novel protonic ceramic electrochemical cells (PCECs) for achieving this objective. The current PCECs with internal DRM suffer from poor performance, high operating temperature, and short durable operation, which is mainly ascribed to the lack of highly active and coking tolerant DRM catalysts that could be chemically and physically compatible with PCECs. This talk with present an oxide-supported in-situ exsolved Ni-Ru catalyst, which has been carefully designed and computationally validated as a highly active and coking-tolerant DRM catalyst. This DRM catalyst significantly enhances the catalytic activity and coking tolerance, which consequently lowers the operating temperatures of PCECs, with excellent fuel cell performance durability demonstrated. An exceptional peak power density of 0.94, 0.65, and 0.30 W cm-2 has been attained at 650 °C, 600 °C, and 550 °C, respectively, setting a record of PCECs for DRM.