High Energy Cost Research Articles

Biochemical Conversion of Food Waste for Energy and Agricultural Applications: Towards Sustainable Restaurant Operation in Nigeria

One of the major problems faced by many restaurants in Nigeria is high operational cost resulting from high cost of energy, food ingredients and waste disposal. Indiscriminate disposal of food wastes contribute to environmental problems such as global warming and the spread of diseases. This paper presents the design and fabrication of a biogas plant for the conversion of biodegradable food wastes into biogas and agri-supplements which can be used for domestic and commercial purposes such as cooking/heating and agricultural applications respectively. This study is geared towards the domestication of an existing technology that has not been taken seriously in Nigeria. the anaerobic digester consists mainly of the slurry inlet, the digester, gas holder and effluent discharge pipe. The slurry, a mixture of food waste and water was fed in to the digester and allowed to digest anaerobically to generate biogas consisting mainly of methane. The digestate, a harmless solid/liquid mixturewas applied as organic manure to a small portion of land in an agricultural experiment.Results of combustion tests in a locally fabricated torch presented a long, blue and quite flame, similar to that of LPG. Digested fed crops grew faster and yielded better. This projecthas the potential to enhance the operational sustainability of restaurants by lowering the cost of cooking and heating, while also supplementing vegetable supply.

A novel non-aqueous tertiary amine system for low energy CO2 capture developed via molecular dynamics simulation

The current technology for capturing CO2 using alkanolamine aqueous solutions is known for its high energy and capital costs. As a result, developing new absorbents for low-energy CO2 removal remains a challenge. An additional activator can promote CO2 absorption performance. However, it is based on experimental screening. In this study, based on molecular dynamic simulation, we have successfully developed a novel and energy-efficient CO2 absorbent by combining N, N-Dimethylethanolamine (DMEA), and ethylene glycol (EG), with different activators, including ethanolamine (MEA), ethylenediamine (EDA), and piperazine (PZ). The addition of these activators significantly enhances the CO2 absorption performance of DMEA-based absorbents. Among them, DMEA-PZ-EG exhibits the maximum CO2 absorption rate and capacity, achieving 6.35 (g-CO2/(kg-soln.·min.)) and 96.5 (g-CO2/kg-soln.), respectively, representing a 230.1 % and 206.35 % improvement over 2M DMEA-EG absorbent. Moreover, compared to a 30 wt% MEA solution, the energy consumption of DMEA-based absorbents is reduced by 33.93–51.56 %. The reaction products were characterized using various spectroscopic techniques, including Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and 1D and 2D Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (1H and 13C NMR). The NMR results confirmed that DMEA becomes protonated after CO2 absorption in the DMEA-EG mixture. The deprotonation of EG promote its reaction with CO2, resulting in the forming of EG carbonates. This assumption has been confirmed by the IR spectrum. Furthermore, the effect of activators on CO2 absorption has been analysed at the molecular level through molecular dynamics simulation and a new method is proposed to predict the CO2 absorption performance of non-aqueous solvents. Using non-aqueous DMEA absorbents presents a promising approach for improving CO2 capture efficiency, reducing energy consumption, and facilitating regeneration.

Sulphur/functionalized graphene composite as cathode for improved performance and life cycle of lithium-sulphur batteries

Over the past years, significant advantages have been introduced to upgrade the performance of lithium-sulfur battery (Li-S) batteries since their prototype in the 1960s. Due to high theoretical energy density and cost efficiency, Li-S batteries have obtained great attention and have made great progress in the last few years. In this work, we developed the sulfur-attached few-layer graphene composite (S/FLG), sulfur-attached functionalized few-layer graphene using acetic acid (S/FLG-COOH) and sulfur-attached functionalized few-layer graphene using strong acid H2SO4 and HNO3 (S/FLG-OH) as a cathode material with high sulfur loading. The material’s structure is confirmed through XRD. The surface morphology is confirmed through SEM and elemental composition has been obtained through EDAX. The functional groups are confirmed through FTIR. The defect level and number of layers are confirmed through Raman characterization with an excitation laser wavelength of 532 nm. The electrochemical performance of three cathodes is also identified through EIS, CV, and GCD characterization. Meanwhile, highly developed defects and edges found in the functionalization of few-layer graphene using the strong acid (H2SO4 and HNO3) which consists of a hydroxyl functional group (FLG-OH) serve as polysulfide reservoirs to mitigate the shuttle effect. Among these cathodes, S/FLG-OH shows a high specific capacitance of 157.4 F g−1 and when applied as a cathode host on a coin cell it obtained a voltage of about 2.6 V. Well-performed S/FLG-OH cathode was used to fabricate the Coin Cell. The fabricated Coin Cell with S/FLG-OH as the cathode shows a stable potential over 50 cycles.

Efficiency in redundancy

In engineering, redundancy is the duplication of vital systems for use in the event of failure. In studies of human cognition, redundancy often refers to the duplication of the signal. Scores of studies have shown the salutary effects of a combined auditory and visual signal over single modality, the advantage of processing complete faces over facial features, and more recently the advantage of two observers over one. But what if the signal (or the number of observers) is fixed and cannot be altered or augmented? Can people improve the efficiency of information processing by recruiting an additional, redundant system? Here we demonstrate that recruiting a second redundant system can, under reasonable assumptions about human capacity, result in improved performance. Recruiting a second redundant system may come with a higher energy cost, but may be worthwhile in high-stakes situations where processing information accurately is crucial.

Energy-saving hydrogen production by seawater electrolysis coupling tip-enhanced electric field promoted electrocatalytic sulfion oxidation

Hydrogen production by seawater electrolysis is significantly hindered by high energy costs and undesirable detrimental chlorine chemistry in seawater. In this work, energy-saving hydrogen production is reported by chlorine-free seawater splitting coupling tip-enhanced electric field promoted electrocatalytic sulfion oxidation reaction. We present a bifunctional needle-like Co3S4 catalyst grown on nickel foam with a unique tip structure that enhances the kinetic rate by improving the current density in the tip region. The assembled hybrid seawater electrolyzer combines thermodynamically favorable sulfion oxidation and cathodic seawater reduction can enable sustainable hydrogen production at a current density of 100 mA cm−2 for up to 504 h. The hybrid seawater electrolyzer has the potential for scale-up industrial implementation of hydrogen production by seawater electrolysis, which is promising to achieve high economic efficiency and environmental remediation.

Efficient multi-objective rolling strategy of photovoltaic/hydrogen system via short-term photovoltaic power forecasting

Green hydrogen serves as an effective energy carrier for achieving sustainable development goals. However, the high production cost and intermittent renewable energy output cause obstacles to hydrogen production. Various electrolyzer control methods have been proposed to promote electrolyzers' efficiency. Traditional electrolyzer control methods may lead to significant differences in electrolyzer wear among large-scale hydrogen production systems. Hence, this paper proposes a multi-objective rolling strategy based on photovoltaic power forecasting to mitigate electrolyzer switch fluctuations, enhance hydrogen production efficiency, and better manage the electrolyzers. Initially, the trend of photovoltaic output is calculated based on the predicted values of the photovoltaic output from the particle swarm algorithm (PSO)-backpropagation (BP) model, and during the power ramp-up phase, some electrolyzers are activated in advance to expedite the cold start process and enhance the hydrogen production. Simultaneously, the electrolyzers' power distribution and operational status are adjusted in conjunction with the real-time power situation. Finally, a multi-objective rolling strategy is proposed to balance the operational indicators of the electrolyzers. The results indicate that the proposed method yields 4,952,642 Nm3 hydrogens over six months, which has increased by 5.37% and 9.00% compared to the simple start-stop and rotation strategy, respectively. Moreover, switch action times are reduced by 27.68% and 43.22%, respectively. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in significantly enhancing hydrogen production and improving the economic feasibility of photovoltaic/hydrogen systems.

Effects of electrochemical active surface area of Cu on electrochemical CO2 reduction in acidic electrolyte using Cu nanoparticles on surfactant-treated carbon

Electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) presents a viable approach for transforming CO2 into valuable products. Traditional employment of neutral or alkaline electrolytes in CO2RR aims to avoid the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, the usage of such electrolytes has intrinsic limitations on the availability of CO2 due to homogeneous equilibrium reactions, resulting in high energy costs for electrolyte regeneration. Lowering the pH of electrolytes can mitigate this concern and facilitate industrially relevant efficiencies. While recent studies show promising results for CO2RR in acidic environments using flow cells, the translation of conventional electrocatalysts from neutral or alkaline conditions to acidic conditions remains unclear. Hence, our investigation focuses on assessing the impact of surfactant-modified synthesis methods on CO2RR performance in acidic electrolytes.We first synthesized Cu nanoparticles on surfactant-treated carbon black by employing various surfactants: hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), sodium dodecyl sulfate, and Triton X-100, representing cationic, anionic, and nonionic surfactants, respectively. The objective of this synthesis was to investigate how surfactants influence the size and distribution of Cu nanoparticles (Cu NPs), the electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) of Cu, and, consequently, the performance of CO2RR in acidic electrolytes. The findings reveal that Cu NPs on carbon black show a different profile of size and distribution depending on the surfactant used for synthesis, resulting in varied ECSA. In addition, ECSA plays a crucial role in the production of C2H4 in an acidic medium, determining the onset potential and production rate of C2H4 while maintaining original Cu activity. In summary, surfactant treatment not only controls the size but also enables the uniform distribution of Cu NPs on carbon black. Consequently, Cu NPs exhibiting larger ECSA demonstrate enhanced efficiency in the production of C2H4 compared to counterparts with smaller ECSA under acidic environment.

Energy Audit and Alternative Energy Source for Sustainable Processing of Cassava Products in Oyo State, Nigeria

Recently, the increase in electrical energy tariff in Nigeria coupled with the epileptic electricity supply has led to the rise in production cost and price of cassava products. In this study, an audit of the electrical energy used in three cassava processing industries (Niji farm, ATMANCorp Nigeria, and Psaltry International Limited) in Oyo state, Nigeria was carried out and biofuels as an alternative energy produced from cassava processing waste to enhance the sustainability of cassava processing are presented. The audit investigates the cost of energy consumption in producing different cassava products, ranging from garri, cassava flour, and cassava starch. The computation and analysis of energy use were carried out using the spreadsheet on Microsoft Excel. The results showed that the observed monthly energy consumed with the cost of the energy for Niji farm, ATMAN Corp Nigeria, and Psaltry International Limited were 45002.16 kW/h (NGN1,330,560), 65581.92 kW/h (NGN1,668,535), and 923774.40 kW/h (NGN27,501,120) respectively. The analysis also observed that bioenergy such as bioethanol, biodiesel, biomass, or biogas produced biochemically from cassava processing by-products can be used as a suitable biofuel to run types of machinery in cassava processing. This study proffers a solution to the high cost of energy used in cassava processing industries thereby reducing the production cost resulting in lower prices of cassava products in the market.

Kinetics and mechanisms of non-radically and radically induced degradation of bisphenol A in a peroxymonosulfate-chloride system

Bisphenol A, a hazardous endocrine disruptor, poses significant environmental and human health threats, demanding efficient removal approaches. Traditional biological methods struggle to treat BPA wastewater with high chloride (Cl−) levels due to the toxicity of high Cl− to microorganisms. While persulfate-based advanced oxidation processes (PS-AOPs) have shown promise in removing BPA from high Cl− wastewater, their widespread application is always limited by the high energy and chemical usage costs. Here we show that peroxymonosulfate (PMS) degrades BPA in situ under high Cl− concentrations. BPA was completely removed in 30 min with 0.3 mM PMS and 60 mM Cl−. Non-radical reactive species, notably free chlorine species, including dissolved Cl2(l), HClO, and ClO− dominate the removal of BPA at temperatures ranging from 15 to 60 °C. Besides, free radicals, including •OH and Cl2•−, contribute minimally to BPA removal at 60 °C. Based on the elementary kinetic models, the production rate constant of Cl2(l) (32.5 M−1 s−1) is much higher than HClO (6.5 × 10−4 M−1 s−1), and its degradation rate with BPA (2 × 107 M−1 s−1) is also much faster than HClO (18 M−1 s−1). Furthermore, the degradation of BPA by Cl2(l) and HClO were enlarged by 10- and 18-fold at 60 °C compared to room temperature, suggesting waste heat utilization can enhance treatment performance. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of direct PMS introduction for removing organic micropollutants from high Cl− wastewater. It further underscores the critical kinetics and mechanisms within the PMS/Cl⁻ system, presenting a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternative for wastewater treatment.

Challenges Faced by The Chemical Industry in Strengthening the Bioeconomy in Brazil

Objective: This study aims to discuss the chemical industry's role in developing new bioeconomic systems in Brazil. Theoretical Framework: The bioeconomy provides significant opportunities for Brazil. By exploring the country's biodiversity and environmental resources, bioeconomic systems can drive the development of innovative technologies and high-value products across various sectors. Additionally, the bioeconomy plays a crucial role in generating quality employment and preserving ecosystems. Achieving this optimistic scenario depends on the efforts of the Brazilian chemical industry in research and development (R&D). Method: This research is documental and descriptive. We reviewed several sectoral reports focusing on the obstacles to using renewable inputs from Brazilian biodiversity in the chemical sector's value chains. Results and Discussion: Brazil's bioeconomy systems face limited R&D investments due to structural bottlenecks related to the national tax system, logistical infrastructure, and high energy costs. These issues have reduced the competitiveness of the Brazilian chemical industry. Furthermore, increased imports of Chinese chemical products following the Ukraine War and the subsequent industry idleness can exacerbate these structural constraints and further erode the chemical sector's R&D funds. Research Implications: The structural problems described in this article can delay the development of renewable energy sources and innovative bioproducts. Originality/Value: We show that the chemical industry possesses the technology and scale necessary to integrate into Federal Government programs in the bioeconomy field. However, the sector's structural problems and low R&D investments tend to inhibit the development of new bioeconomic systems. Brazil must overcome these challenges to establish itself as a global bioeconomy powerhouse.

Electrically Induced Crystal Field Distortion in a Ferroelectric Perovskite Revealed by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance.

The magnetoelectric material has attracted multidisciplinary interest in the past decade for its potential to accommodate various functions. Especially, the external electric field can drive the quantum behaviors of such materials via the spin-electric coupling effect, with the advantages of high spatial resolution and low energy cost. In this work, the spin-electric coupling effect of Mn2+-doped ferroelectric organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite [(CH3)3NCH2Cl]CdCl3 with a large piezoelectric effect was investigated. The electric field manipulation efficiency for the allowed transitions was determined by the pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance. The orientation-included Hamiltonian of the spin-electric coupling effect was obtained via simulating the angle-dependent electric field modulated continuous-wave electron paramagnetic resonance. The results demonstrate that the applied electric field affects not only the principal values of the zero-field splitting tensor but also its principal axis directions. This work proposes and exemplifies a route to understand the spin-electric coupling effect originating from the crystal field imposed on a spin ion being modified by the applied electric field, which may guide the rational screening and designing of hybrid perovskite ferroelectrics that satisfy the efficiency requirement of electric field manipulation of spins in quantum information applications.

Dynamic scheduling of electricity demand for decentralized EV charging systems

The rapid growth of electric vehicles (EVs) has brought forth new challenges to the power grid. Further, the simultaneous charging of EVs could lead to peak demand, potentially causing overloading, voltage swings, and other grid-related problems. To address these issues and lower the high energy costs faced by EV owners and grid operators, EV charging must be optimized. The study proposes an innovative strategy that utilizes decentralized charging systems to lessen the impact of EVs on the grid. A decentralized EV scheduling strategy offers scalability. Thus, making it suitable for a large EV population and it remains resilient to the dynamic arrivals of the EVs. The approach aims to balance the load on the grid and improve the effectiveness of charging operations. To achieve this, a convex optimization problem has been developed to effectively regulate the charging procedure, taking into account the distinct attributes of each EV. The mechanism operates by dividing time into several intervals. Each electric vehicle in the system autonomously adjusts its charging rate during the assigned time slots, with the goal of minimizing individual charging expenses. Moreover, the system demonstrates flexibility in deciding when to charge and discharge, allowing prioritization based on individual EV battery levels and power grid conditions. As a result, the cost analysis was conducted using the number of EVs and the average group size. A comparison of computational times between centralized and decentralized systems was undertaken to demonstrate the efficacy of the system.

Technical and economic assessment of hybrid PVT solar systems compared to independent solar thermal and photovoltaic collectors in high-temperature zones: A case study in Mexicali, Mexico

This study analyzes the technical and economic feasibility of hybrid photovoltaic/thermal (PVT) solar energy systems, comparing them with independent flat plate solar thermal collectors (FP) and photovoltaic (PV) modules. Using TRNSYS software, different configurations were simulated under the climatic conditions of Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico. The results indicate that, although independent FP and PV systems exhibit better energy performance in terms of energy production and solar fraction, PVT collectors offer higher specific global energy production (electrical + thermal). However, the economic feasibility of PVT systems is limited due to high investment and maintenance costs, coupled with the low cost of thermal and electrical energy in the study region. Independent FP and PV collectors also face similar economic challenges, with return on investment extending beyond the 20-year lifespan of the project. Additionally, the low thermal energy demand for domestic hot water in the studied region negatively impacts the efficient utilization of these systems. This analysis suggests that in contexts where available installation space is limited, PVT systems can be an efficient solution. However, in scenarios with sufficient space and high energy costs, energy generation with separate equipment remains more viable. Moreover, climatic conditions and DHW demand affect the efficiency of the systems. The discrepancy between solar energy generation and hourly DHW demand necessitates the implementation of TEST, which significantly increases costs and impacts the economic viability of the project.

Microphase separation regulation of polyurethane modified phenolic resin aerogel to enhance mechanical properties and thermal insulation

Applications of aerogels are commonly restricted by their complicated preparation route, high energy cost, brittleness and poor mechanical properties. Herein, a facile synthesis route for mechanical robust polyurethane (PU) modified phenolic resin (PF) aerogel was developed. The aerogel was prepared via polymerization of PU and phenolic resin (PF) followed by direct ambient pressure drying, sub-10 nm scale co-continuous phase structure was realized via control of kinetics of sol–gel reaction. The regulation of phase structure significantly enhanced mechanical properties of aerogels, which showed compressive strength and modulus of 29 MPa and 112 MPa, respectively, at 60 % strain without notable collapse. Furthermore, these aerogels showed excellent thermal insulation properties at both room temperature and high temperature. They exhibited superior dynamic ablative thermal protection at 1200℃ in oxygen-acetylene ablation test. This facile, inexpensive, environment-friendly methodology for aerogel preparation expands the application scope of aerogels in the field of thermal insulation under harsh environments.

Internally connected porous PVA/PAA membrane with cross-aligned nanofiber network for facile and long-lasting ion transport in zinc–air batteries

In response to the growing interest in next-generation wearable devices, the demand for high-performance, safe, and flexible power sources has increased. Flexible zinc–air batteries (ZABs) based on gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) have emerged as promising candidates for wearable power sources owing to their high energy density, safety, and cost efficiency. However, persistent electrolyte evaporation through the air cathode poses a significant challenge, resulting in poor lifespan characteristics that impede practical applications. In this study, we developed a polymer composite-type GPE composed of cross-aligned nanofibers (NFs) of a polyacrylic acid (PAA)-based framework embedded in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix. Upon immersion in a liquid electrolyte (6 M KOH), the superabsorbent PAA spontaneously generated an internally connected porous (IP) structure adjacent to the aligned PAA NFs. These pores served as directional water channels, facilitating rapid hydroxide ion conduction and yielding a remarkable ionic conductivity of 235.7 mS cm−1. The PVA matrix acts as both a packaging material and the main body of the GPE, providing good dimensional stability and mitigating the swelling of PAA, even under conditions of high electrolyte uptake, while also ensuring high flexibility. The IP-PVA/PAA composite GPE demonstrated a high power output, rate performance, and excellent lifespan in flexible ZABs. Furthermore, successful operation at various bending angles provides empirical evidence supporting the viable application of flexible ZABs.

An Ice‐Dissolving‐Crosslinking Method for Efficient and Large‐Scale Preparation of Polyelectrolyte Monoliths with Ultra‐Stability in Aqueous Environments

AbstractIce‐templating is a versatile method for constructing macro‐porous hydrophilic polymer materials. However, the ice‐templating method is generally limited by high energy cost and low efficiency for large‐scale fabrication. Further, due to its hydrophilic nature, the constructed materials are vulnerable to water swelling and have poor structural stability. Here, an Ice‐Dissolving‐Crosslinking (IDCr) method is developed for efficient and large‐scale preparation of polyelectrolyte monoliths with ultra‐stability in aqueous environment. Specifically, Ice‐Dissolving in water‐miscible organic solvent is responsible for pore creation, while subsequent Crosslinking ensures pore structures stabilization. The macro‐porous architecture of materials, taking sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a polyelectrolyte example and trimesoyl chloride (TMC) as the crosslinker, CMC‐TMCIDCr is made much stabler as compared with the case of conventional Lyophilization‐Crosslinking technique (CMC‐TMCLC). The IDCr method is applicable to various hydrophilic polyelectrolytes and hybrids for long‐time use in water and brines, as exemplified by CMC‐TMC‐carbon nanotubes monolith, which exhibits high performance in solar thermal desalination process. This novel approach opens up new opportunities for the construction of porous monoliths with efficient preparation and excellent water stability.

Drying and quality characteristics of intact-shell, cracked-shell and kernel walnuts under sequential infrared pre-drying and hot air drying

The conventional walnut drying method by using hot air exhibits low drying efficiency. Prolonged drying processes at low temperatures decrease drying performance and lead to high energy use, cost and product loss. This research employed sequential infrared (IR) pre-drying followed by hot air drying to investigate the drying and quality characteristics of intact-shell, cracked-shell, and kernel walnuts. The obtained results revealed that the drying time for conventional hot air-dried intact-shell walnuts, IR pre-dried intact-shell walnuts, IR pre-dried cracked-shell walnuts, and IR pre-dried kernels were 240, 130, 70, and 40 min, respectively. The quality characteristics of all dried walnuts conformed to industrial quality standards (with lightness, L > 40; peroxide value, PV < 1.0 meq/kg oil; and acidity value, AV < 1.2%), thereby improving the microbial safety of the dried products in comparison to the fresh walnuts. The conventional hot air drying resulted in increased specific energy consumption (31.56 MJ/kg) and kernel energy cost (0.041 $/kg), while the sequential IR pre-drying followed by hot air drying ranged between 26.81 and 7.76 MJ/kg and 0.022–0.013 $/kg, respectively. In conclusion, IR pre-dried cracked-shell walnuts and IR pre-dried kernels maintained the product quality and safety with reduced drying time and energy use. This work provided valuable insights for the walnut industry to improve the drying efficiency and produce walnuts with preserved quality and safety.

PKCδ is an activator of neuronal mitochondrial metabolism that mediates the spacing effect on memory consolidation.

Relevance-based selectivity and high energy cost are two distinct features of long-term memory (LTM) formation that warrant its default inhibition. Spaced repetition of learning is a highly conserved cognitive mechanism that can lift this inhibition. Here, we questioned how the spacing effect integrates experience selection and energy efficiency at the cellular and molecular levels. We showed in Drosophila that spaced training triggers LTM formation by extending over several hours an increased mitochondrial metabolic activity in neurons of the associative memory center, the mushroom bodies (MBs). We found that this effect is mediated by PKCδ, a member of the so-called 'novel PKC' family of enzymes, which uncovers the critical function of PKCδ in neurons as a regulator of mitochondrial metabolism for LTM. Additionally, PKCδ activation and translocation to mitochondria result from LTM-specific dopamine signaling on MB neurons. By bridging experience-dependent neuronal circuit activity with metabolic modulation of memory-encoding neurons, PKCδ signaling binds the cognitive and metabolic constraints underlying LTM formation into a unified gating mechanism.

Crystalline Antimony Selenide Thin Films for Optoelectronics through Photonic Curing.

Thermal annealing is the most common postdeposition technique used to crystallize antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) thin films. However, due to slow processing speeds and a high energy cost, it is incompatible with the upscaling and commercialization of Sb2Se3 for future photovoltaics. Herein, for the first time, a fast-annealing technique that uses millisecond light pulses to deliver energy to the sample is adapted to cure thermally evaporated Sb2Se3 films. This study demonstrates how photonic curing (PC) conditions affect the outcome of Sb2Se3 phase conversion from amorphous to crystalline by evaluating the films' crystalline, morphological, and optical properties. We show that Sb2Se3 is readily converted under a variety of different conditions, but the zone where suitable films for optoelectronic applications are obtained is a small region of the parameter space. Sb2Se3 annealing with short pulses (<3 ms) shows significant damage to the sample, while using longer pulses (>5 ms) and a 4-5 J cm-2 radiant energy produces (211)- and (221)-oriented crystalline Sb2Se3 with minimal to no damage to the sample. A proof-of-concept photonically cured Sb2Se3 photovoltaic device is demonstrated. PC is a promising annealing method for large-area, high-throughput annealing of Sb2Se3 with various potential applications in Sb2Se3 photovoltaics.

Towards Energy Efficient Cloud: A Green and Intelligent Migration of Traditional Energy Sources

Geographically distributed cloud data centers (DCs) consume enormous amounts of energy to meet the ever-increasing processing and storage demands of users. The brown energy generated using fossil fuels is expensive and significantly contributes to global warming. Considering the environmental impact caused by the high carbon emissions and relatively high energy cost of brown energy, we propose the integration of renewable energy sources (RES), especially solar and wind energy, with brown energy to power cloud data centers. In our earlier study, we addressed the intermittency of renewable energy sources, where we replaced the random initialization of artificial neural network (ANN) edge weights with the harmony search algorithm (HSA)-optimized assignment of weights. This study incorporated reliably forecast solar and wind energy into the input parameters of our proposed green energy manager (GEM), for cost minimization, carbon emission minimization, and better energy management of cloud DCs, to make our current study more reliable and trustworthy. Four power sources, on-site solar energy and wind energy, off-site solar energy and wind energy, energy stored in energy storage devices, and brown energy, were considered in this study and simulations were carried out for three different cases. The simulation results showed that case 1 (all brown) was 58% more expensive and caused 71% higher carbon emissions than case 2.1 (cost minimization). Case 1 (all brown) was 39% more expensive and had 80% higher carbon emissions than case 2.2 (carbon emission minimization). The simulation results justify the necessity and importance of the GEM, and finally the results proved that our proposed GEM is less expensive and more environmentally friendly.