Global Energy Development Research Articles

Current Status of Green Hydrogen Production Technology: A Review

As a clean energy source, hydrogen not only helps to reduce the use of fossil fuels but also promotes the transformation of energy structure and sustainable development. This paper firstly introduces the development status of green hydrogen at home and abroad and then focuses on several advanced green hydrogen production technologies. Then, the advantages and shortcomings of different green hydrogen production technologies are compared. Among them, the future source of hydrogen tends to be electrolysis water hydrogen production. Finally, the challenges and application prospects of the development process of green hydrogen technology are discussed, and green hydrogen is expected to become an important part of realizing sustainable global energy development.

Signatures of substorm onset in thermodynamic model of geomagnetic tail

Earlier, an entropy switch model (ESM) for substorm onset as a result of the development of localized inner magnetospheric interchange-ballooning instability, was suggested. Shown observations testify that the substorm onset is accompanied by the reversal and strong fluctuations in key magnetospheric parameters such as total magnetic field strength, plasma pressure, entropy, and some others. Independently, similar behavior was attributed to a thermodynamic theory, where the onset of a substorm is regarded as a consequence of global energy development in the geomagnetic tail. In the latter, the geomagnetic tail is taken as an open thermodynamic system with an infinite number of conserved energy links (CEL) to the external space environment, and the shaping of the substorm profile is ultimately controlled by the system properties of the tail. A comparison between the signatures of substorm onset in the ESM and CEL models is conducted, and correspondence between experimental data and theoretical results is discussed.

Research on typical operating conditions of hydrogen production system with off-grid wind power considering the characteristics of proton exchange membrane electrolysis cell

Hydrogen energy, with its abundant reserves, green and low-carbon characteristic, high energy density, diverse sources, and wide applications, is gradually becoming an important carrier in the global energy transformation and development. In this paper, the off-grid wind power hydrogen production system is considered as the research object, and the operating characteristics of a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis cell, including underload, overload, variable load, and start- stop are analyzed. On this basis, the characteristic extraction of wind power output data after noise reduction is carried out, and then the self-organizing mapping neural network algorithm is used for clustering to extract typical wind power output scenarios and perform weight distribution based on the statistical probability. The trend and fluctuation components are superimposed to generate the typical operating conditions of an off-grid PEM electrolytic hydrogen production system. The historical output data of an actual wind farm are used for the case study, and the results confirm the feasibility of the method proposed in this study for obtaining the typical conditions of off-grid wind power hydrogen production. The results provide a basis for studying the dynamic operation characteristics of PEM electrolytic hydrogen production systems, and the performance degradation mechanism of PEM electrolysis cells under fluctuating inputs.

Self‐Sustained Artificial Internet of Things Based on Vibration Energy Harvesting Technology: Toward the Future Eco‐Society

Clean energy has emerged as the focal point of global energy and power development. With the advancement of 5G technology and the Internet of Things (IoT), the demand for sustainable energy supply has become more pressing, leading to widespread attention to vibration energy harvesting technology. This technology enables the conversion of vibrational energy from natural phenomena such as ocean waves and wind, as well as machinery operation and human activities, into electrical energy, thus supporting the expansion of self‐sustained IoT systems. This review provides an overview of the progress in vibration energy harvesting technology and discusses the integration of this technology with self‐powered sensors and artificial intelligence. These integrations are reflected in the enhanced accuracy of environmental monitoring, increased efficiency in intelligent transportation and industrial production, and improved quality of life through intelligent healthcare and smart home. Such applications demonstrate the significant potential of self‐sustained artificial IoT in promoting environmental sustainability and elevating the level of intelligent living. In summary, exploring and applying vibration energy harvesting technology to support the autonomous operation of IoT devices is key to building a more sustainable, intelligent, and interconnected world.

The rise in female consciousness contributes to advancing household energy transition: Evidence from Chinese households

Gender is an indispensable dimension, gender equality and empowering all women are core elements in transitioning to sustainable energy. However, current research on how female consciousness impact energy fairness remains insufficient. To fill this gap, utilizing data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), encompassing 16,000 households and 43,147 respondents, we explore how female consciousness influences energy transition. The findings reveal that a rise in female consciousness contributes to advancing household energy transition, particularly in eastern and urban areas where this effect is more pronounced. Further moderating effect analyses indicate that improved levels of female education and heightened female income further enhance the effective utilization of female awareness in driving household energy transition. The study not only deepen our understanding of the relationship between female consciousness and energy transition but also provide a scientific basis for developing energy policies promoting gender equality in developing countries, thus fostering global gender equality and sustainable energy development.

Research on thermal mass flowmeter (TMF) measurement of coalbed methane (CBM) well production profile.

Developing coalbed methane (CBM) aligns with global climate change policies and sustainable energy development. Currently, methods for testing gas and water production profiles in CBM wells are diverse. A downhole constant-flow thermal mass flowmeter (TMF) was designed to address the difficulty of testing gas production above the liquid level in low-yield CBM wells. A computational fluid dynamics model with a 125mm diameter pipe was established to study the TMF's temperature field and thermal equilibrium time as the gas flow rate changes. The relationship curve between temperature, thermal equilibrium time, and flow rate changes was obtained. The effect of the TMF's installation angle and position in the wellbore on resolution was discussed. Experimental research on a multiphase flow simulation apparatus showed that the TMF has good response capability and testing accuracy in a gas environment. Measuring downhole flow rates using the thermal flow meters is feasible and meets the testing requirements of CBM wells.

Integration and Innovation of Renewable Energy Technology in International Cooperation Projects

In the tide of global energy transformation, the application of mechatronics technology in the new energy sector has become a pivotal force in advancing sustainable development. This paper thoroughly explores the integration of mechatronics with new energy sources such as solar and wind energy, aiming to enhance energy conversion efficiency, reduce costs, and stimulate technological innovation. By examining the current state of mechatronics technology in the research, development, manufacturing, and promotion of new energy equipment, this paper proposes a range of strategies and recommendations. These are designed to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, foster technological innovation, and enhance international cooperation to achieve sustainable global energy development.

Coupling Global Parameters and Local Flow Optimization of a Pulsed Ejector for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), as an important utilization of hydrogen energy, contribute to the sustainable development of global energy. Pulsed ejectors have a high potential for improving the hydrogen utilization of PEMFCs in the full operating range by circulating unconsumed hydrogen. In this study, a pulsed ejector applied to a 120 kW fuel cell was designed, and the flow characteristics were analysed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Based on the data from the CFD model, the global optimization of the ejector was carried out using the Gaussian process regression (GPR) surrogate model and the grey wolf optimization (GWO) algorithm. The local structure was then further optimized using an adjoint method coupling streamlining modification that takes into account the local flow characteristics. The CFD results showed that, under a fixed structure, increasing the pressure difference between the secondary flow and the ejector outlet would promote boundary layer separation, shorten the shockwave chain length, change the effective flow area of the secondary flow, and lower the entrainment ratio (ER). The analytical results from the GPR model indicated significant interactions among the structural parameters. The globally optimized ejector using GPR and GWO improved the hydrogen entrainment ratio from 1.42 to 3.12 at the design point. Furthermore, the results of streamlining local optimization show that the entrainment ratio increased by 1.67% at the design point and increased by up to 3.99% over the full operating range compared to the optimized ejector by global optimization.

Empowering Individuals for a Sustainable Tomorrow: Role of Life Skills Development

Prioritizing a sustainable future is paramount in global energy planning and development. Sustainable development, per the Brundtland Report, involves meeting current needs while safeguarding the ability of future generations to meet their own. Life skills, as defined by WHO, encompass positive abilities that empower individuals to tackle life’s challenges effectively. This paper delves into the role of life skills in shaping a sustainable future, informed by a systematic review of pertinent studies. It underscores the importance of integrating economic, environmental, and social factors into decisionmaking for enduring economic and environmental stability. Given that human actions profoundly impact all systems, including the economy, environment, and society, the focus on life skills becomes pivotal in achieving sustainability. Life skills bridge the gap between capabilities and essential functioning, enhancing individuals’ capacity to meet contemporary societal expectations and address social, economic, and environmental issues. Ultimately, sustainable development hinges on human actions guided by life skills, highlighting their pivotal role in securing a sustainable future.

Construction and Application of the Double Game Model for Direct Purchase of Electricity by Large Consumers under Consideration of Risk Factors

With the development of global clean energy and the implementation of carbon emission reduction policies, the direct purchase of electricity by large consumers has been increasingly promoted as a special form of electricity trading. Therefore, on the basis of the completion of low-carbon emission reduction targets in each country, how to rationalize the electricity purchase by large consumers in the electricity market so as to reduce their electricity purchase costs has become the main target of attention in each country. Currently, there are fewer studies in existing research on the direct electricity purchase strategy of large consumers under the consideration of the weight of consumption responsibility and risk. Based on this, this paper constructs a dual-game model for direct electricity purchase by large consumers based on the Stackelberg game and non-cooperative game theory. The concept of value at risk is further introduced, and the optimal strategy of direct electricity purchase by large consumers is proposed. The results of this study show that when market players make decisions on the purchase and sale of electricity, power suppliers will increase their biddings to obtain the highest returns, and large consumers can reduce the transaction costs by combining the medium- and long-term market with the spot market to purchase electricity. In the choice of electricity purchase market, with the increasing risk factor, large consumers shift from the risky spot market to the less risky medium- and long-term market and option market. This paper provides a reference for the issues of power suppliers’ contract bidding and large consumers’ electricity purchase strategy in the medium- and long-term contract transactions.

TODAY'S REALITIES AND PROSPECTS OF THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF HYDRO ENERGY IN THE WORLD AND IN UKRAINE

Traditional fossil fuels have a detrimental effect on the global environmental situation, which leads to stricter standards for environmental protection. Therefore, in recent years there has been a need to develop and master new technologies that make it possible to generate, store and transmit energy without or while minimizing emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, primarily CO2, which is referred to as the so-called “carbon footprint”. An emerging branch of global energy - hydrogen energy - is based on the use of a compound such as hydrogen as a means for accumulating, transporting, producing and consuming energy. Hydrogen is expected to transform the economy in four main application areas: transportation, industry, energy and utilities. The purpose of this review is to analyze the main trends and criteria for the successful development of global hydrogen energy, as well as to consider the state and prospects for the development of the emerging global and Ukrainian hydrogen energy markets. The article analyzes the development of the hydrogen energy market, discusses national programs to support this new branch of world energy and pilot hydrogen projects. Issues of production, consumption, accumulation, storage and transportation of hydrogen are considered. Ukraine is one of the EU's priority partners in the future hydrogen economy, as it has the necessary capacity for hydrogen production - both for domestic consumption and for export. In 2021, the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine joined the European Pure Hydrogen Alliance. Ukraine's potential for hydrogen production is currently being investigated. The possibility of using the national GTS for hydrogen transportation to Europe is also being studied. The results of the targeted comprehensive program of scientific research of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine regarding the creation of new materials, technological processes, structures and systems that could become the basis for the widespread introduction of hydrogen technologies in Ukraine are presented. An assessment of the state of the global and Ukrainian hydrogen markets and the prospects for their development in the coming years is provided.

Optimized low carbon scheduling strategy of integrated energy sources considering load aggregators

In the context of the global low-carbon energy development strategy, the massive influx of renewable energy leads to the instability of the power system, so it is necessary to carry out effective scheduling strategy and management mechanism for energy. On this basis, the Integrated Energy System including Electricity/Heat/Storage (EHSIES) is discussed in this paper. First, an ordered clustering method using a combination of simulated annealing and improved profile coefficients for load evolution number approximation is proposed. Second, a hybrid load clustering algorithm based on hierarchical clustering algorithm and K-means++ is presented and four types of load scenarios are obtained. Third, an Improved Harris Hawk Optimization (IHHO) algorithm based on the hybrid strategy is proposed and solved to the model of EHSIES. Finally, under the premise of the dynamic carbon trading mechanism considering historical compliance and load aggregator management, the scheduling strategies of flexible electric loads and thermal loads participating in EHSIES are discussed and solved by CPLEX. The results show that the solution time of IHHO is 50% and 33.3% lower than that of particle swarm optimization (PSO) and Harris hawk optimization (HHO), and the number of iterations is 76.6% and 56.25% lower than that of PSO and HHO, respectively. In addition, considering a flexible load aggregator and a compliance-based dynamic carbon trading mechanism in EHSIES scheduling can effectively reduce the actual operating cost by 27.37%, the source-side energy spill rate by 68.75%, and the carbon emission by 51.92% and improve the operating efficiency and economic benefits of EHSIES.

Feasibility study of a flexible hybrid energy model with power-hydrogen production in wastewater treatment plant

Renewable energy systems have garnered increasing attention as a viable solution to global warming and climate change. A key challenge in advancing renewable energies lies in ensuring energy stability, a concern effectively addressed through hybridization. Wastewater treatment plants, with their high energy consumption and potential for renewable energy integration, offer an opportune platform for implementing these systems. This paper introduces a flexible model for a hybrid energy system encompassing solar, wind, and biogas energy, seamlessly connected to the grid. The system is designed with three primary objectives: meeting the energy demand of the treatment plant, supporting the grid by selling excess energy during power outages, and generating green hydrogen. The treatment plant's average daily consumption is 10.28 MWh. Optimization using HOMER Pro resulted in the selection of System A as the most efficient configuration, comprising 1924 kW solar panels, two 1.5 MW wind turbines, a 500 kW biogas generator, a 578 kW converter, and a 1270 kW electrolyzer, with an initial cost of USD 2.41 million. The Net Present Cost (NPC) and Cost of Energy (COE), without factoring in hydrogen sales revenue, were determined to be USD 4.88 million and USD 0.057 per kWh, respectively. During the power blackout periods in July, August, and September, which are the main outage months, the system significantly improved grid stability by selling a total of 1515 MWh of energy, thereby providing crucial support to the grid. On average, the system produces 82.45 tons/year of green hydrogen, with hydrogen sales reducing the NPC to USD 657,000.The carbon reduction achieved by this system amounts to 1792 tons/year. In conclusion, the proposed hybrid energy system demonstrates the potential of multi-task energy models, shaping a future where diverse facilities meet their energy needs, enhancing sustainability in both individual systems and the broader grid. This study offers valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and activists striving to advance global clean energy and sustainable development goals.

The study of thermoelectric energy and mechanical properties by modifying carbon fiber fabric

With the acceleration of global industrialisation, the scarcity and depletion of the world’s energy resources has become a problem that no country can ignore. It is a serious obstacle to the long-term stable development of society. Exploring and developing new energy sources has become the trend of global energy development. In this paper, hydrogen peroxide is used to treat carbon fibre materials. In addition, the thermoelectric reinforcing agent Bi2Te3 is doped into carbon fibre film materials by electrochemical deposition for the purpose of measuring the Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity. Technical abbreviations will be explained at the first use. By investigating how changes in the surface structure of carbon fibre fabrics and the addition of bismuth telluride affect their thermoelectric properties, this study establishes a framework for improving the thermoelectric capabilities of carbon fibre fabrics. Experimental results show that carbon fiber fabric treated with H2O2 have excellent thermoelectric and mechanical properties.

Electrochemical Water Splitting for Scale Hydrogen Production: From the Laboratory to Industrial Applications

AbstractHydrogen energy is an important carrier for global energy transformation and development due to its advantages of rich sources, green and carbon‐free, and wide application. The generation of clean hydrogen can be achieved through electrochemical water splitting driven by renewable energy, which has gained wide attention, but its large‐scale industrial application still faces challenges. This review summarizes the research status and bottleneck of industrial hydrogen production via electrolysis in developing electrocatalysts and optimizing electrolytic systems. It highlights that the deviation of electrocatalysts developed in the laboratory and their industrial application in the working environment and evaluation indicators should be corrected. Combining material recycling from solid waste with the recyclable design of electrocatalysts is necessary to achieve low‐cost and sustainable production of high‐performance electrocatalysts. In addition, the future design of hybrid water electrolysis with low energy consumption and the ecological cycle issues that should be addressed in the industrial water electrolysis system are discussed.

Comprehensive Study on Microscopic Pore Structure and Displacement Mechanism of Tight Sandstone Reservoirs: A Case Study of the Chang 3 Member in the Weibei Oilfield, Ordos Basin, China

With the continuous growth in global energy demand, research and development of unconventional oil and gas reservoirs have become crucial in the field of energy. This study focuses on the Chang 3 reservoir of the Yanchang Formation in the Ordos Basin, Weibei Oilfield, China. This reservoir is a typical tight sandstone reservoir, and its microscopic pore structure and displacement mechanism are essential for the efficient development of tight oil. However, the reservoir faces challenges such as complex microscopic pore structures and unclear displacement mechanisms, which hinder the efficient development of tight oil. In light of these challenges, through various studies including core observation, high-pressure mercury injection tests, water flooding experiments, oil-water two-phase relative permeability measurements, and stress sensitivity experiments, it was found that the Chang 3 reservoir exhibits strong microscopic heterogeneity. The pore-throat distribution characteristics mainly present two types: single peak and double peak, with the double peak type being predominant. The reservoir was classified and evaluated based on these characteristics. The improved injection ratio and properties enhance oil displacement efficiency, but an increase in irreducible water saturation has a negative impact on efficiency. The stress sensitivity of the reservoir fluctuates between weak and strong, with permeability being sensitive to net confining pressure. It is recommended to pay particular attention to the stress-sensitivity characteristics during reservoir development. The research results provide a scientific basis for the optimized development of tight oil reservoirs in this region, promote the sustainable development of unconventional oil and gas resources, and have significant theoretical and practical implications.

Liquid hydrogen superconducting transmission based super energy pipeline for Pacific Rim in the context of global energy sustainable development

The global energy issue is undergoing transformation owing to various factors, such as climate change and geopolitics. In the long term, the primary pathways to achieve sustainable energy development remain the clean energy and global cooperation. As the largest energy consumption centers, the Asia Pacific and North America possess complementary energy profiles and developmental needs for cooperation. This paper analyses various electricity or hydrogen transmission technologies suitable for the Pacific Rim energy system. The liquid hydrogen superconducting energy pipelines possess the potential to fulfill the demands of long-distance and large-scale energy transmission. Building upon this technology, a super energy pipeline project connecting East Asia and North America across 12 time zones was proposed. It is composed of pipelines and relay energy stations, which can realize large-scale storage and transportation of renewable energy as well as the diversified energy supply at terminals. The techno-economic evaluation of the project has been comprehensively conducted, and the investment can be recovered within 10 years. The project is expected to boost the progress of renewable energy, ensure regional energy security and promote the sustainable development of global energy.

Irreversibility and thermal performance of nonlinear radiative cross-ternary hybrid nanofluid flow about a stretching cylinder with industrial applications

SignificanceThe suspension of nanoparticles in the base fluid has significant attention from researchers and industries with an aspect of improving the thermo-physical properties of the fluid. The significance is more prominent for ternary hybrid nanofluids by improving energy production, storage and efficiency, and play a huge role in global sustainable energy development and cleaner energy production. AimThe aim of the present problem is to analyze the flow and thermal behavior of a cross-ternary SWCNT, MWCNT, and GO nanoparticles composite water-based ternary hybrid nanofluid past a stretched cylinder. Thermal expansion phenomena feature joule heating and non-linear thermal radiation under convective conditions. Research methodologyTransformed nonlinear equations are solved numerically by the homotopy analysis method. The flow feature with the physical interest quantities such as skin friction and Nusselt number has been displayed through graphs and tables. Further, the optimized entropy of the system with the Bejan number has been discussed and displayed through graphs and tables. A comparison was made with the existing literature. Each graph features a comparison of ternary hybrid, hybrid, and mono nanofluid with other significant physical parameters. Major conclusionEntropy generation is observed to nonlinearly slow down with improvements in the Brinkman and radiation parameters, while a reverse procedure develops for the Bejan number with the above parameters. An improvement in Weissenberg and curvature parameters accelerates the fluid velocity and heat transfer rate, while fluid motion is controlled by an increase in magnetic field strength. Outcomes may help to understand the performance of the ternary hybrid nanofluids applications in different industries under certain circumstances.

Steel slag source-derived FeOOH for enhanced BiVO4 photoelectrochemical water splitting

Green, healthy, and sustainable energy development has always been the cornerstone of global energy development. In this study, industrial waste steel slag was utilized as the raw material, and FeOOH was loaded onto a BiVO4 surface using the impregnation method. The optimized photoanode exhibited a lower onset potential and higher surface activity, achieving a current density of 3.08 mA/cm2 at 1.23 V vs. RHE, and dramatically enhancing the oxygen and hydrogen production efficiencies of the entire system. The incorporation of FeOOH from a steel slag source improves the photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting capacity and broadens the steel slag utilization pathways for more economical and green energy use. This study combines the high value-added utilization of solid waste with the field of PEC, presenting a novel approach.

Increasing the Efficiency and Security of Integrated Power System Operation Through Heat Supply Electrification in Ukraine

Introduction. The paradigm of global energy development is the priority of renewable energy sources (RES), namely, wind (WPP) and solar (SPP) power plants. This process has been evolving despite the fact that these renewable energy sources, by their physical nature, are unable to provide either a stable frequency of generated energy or a guaranteed power.Problem Statement. The current threatening situation in the Integrated Power System (IPS) and in the energy market of Ukraine is caused by the hypertrophied development of SPP and WPP in the structure of Ukraine’s IPS and excessive preferences given to RES by the “green” laws.Purpose. The purpose of this research is to create a fundamentally new structure and basis of the electric-heat system operation, which unite the IPS of Ukraine and the system of centralized heat supply (CHS), by electrifying the CHS through the use of autonomous RES energy and the capacities of nuclear power plants (NPP), in order to ensure the profitability ofUkraine’s energy market and the guaranteed profitability of RES.Material and Methods. Information of NEC Ukrenergo for 2021 and periodic energy publications; system analysis for established electrical, hydraulic, and temperature modes of joint operation of IPS, CHS, WPP, and SPP for a fundamentally new organization of their interaction.Results. Management based on the “green” tariff laws has led to a significant unprofitability of the Ukraine’s energy market. The greenhouse gas emissions during the use of RES in the IPS have increased several times, as compared with such emissions, in the case of the structure of the IPS without RES. The new principle of interrelationships between IPS, CHS, WPP, and SPP ensures high manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, reliability, and environmental friendliness of each component.Conclusions. The combination of IPS and CHS structures solves several problems of the national importance: the problem of frequency and power stabilization in the IPS automatically solves; the energy market of Ukraine gets rid of USD 15 billion loss anually; it allows saving 7.28 billion m3 natural gas and reducing the carbon dioxide emissions by 98 million tons in CO2 equivalent.