High Environmental Performance Research Articles

Environmental Performance, Financial Constraints, and Tax Avoidance Practices: Insights from FTSE All-Share Companies.

Through its initiative known as the Climate Change Act (2008), the Government of the United Kingdom encourages corporations to enhance their environmental performance with the significant aim of reducing targeted greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050. Previous research has predominantly assessed this encouragement favourably, suggesting that improved environmental performance bolsters governmental efforts to protect the environment and fosters commendable corporate governance practices among companies. Studies indicate that organisations exhibiting strong corporate social responsibility (CSR), environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria, or high levels of environmental performance often engage in lower occurrences of tax avoidance. However, our findings suggest that an increase in environmental performance may paradoxically lead to a rise in tax avoidance activities. Using a sample of 567 firms listed on the FTSE All Share from 2014 to 2022, our study finds that firms associated with higher environmental performance are more likely to avoid taxation. The study further documents that the effect is more pronounced for firms facing financial constraints. Entropy balancing, propensity score matching analysis, the instrumental variable method, and the Heckman test are employed in our study to address potential endogeneity concerns. Collectively, the findings of our study suggest that better environmental performance helps explain the variation in firms' tax avoidance practices.

Physical climate risk: Stock price reactions to the historically most extreme European and United States heat waves since 1979.

Climate change has heightened the need to understand physical climate risks, such as the increasing frequency and severity of heat waves, for informed financial decision-making. This study investigates the financial implications of extreme heat waves on stock returns in Europe and the United States. Accordingly, the study combines meteorological and stock market data by integrating methodologies from both climate science and finance. The authors use meteorological data to ascertain the five strongest heat waves since 1979 in Europe and the United States, respectively, and event study analyses to capture their effects on stock prices across firms with varying levels of environmental performance. The findings reveal a marked increase in the frequency of heat waves in the 21st century, reflecting global warming trends, and that European heat waves generally have a higher intensity and longer duration than those in the United States. This study provides evidence that extreme heat waves reduce stock values in both regions, with portfolio declines of up to 3.1%. However, there are marked transnational differences in investor reactions. Stocks listed in the United States appear more affected by the most recent heat waves compared to those further in the past, whereas the effect on European stock prices is more closely tied to event intensity and duration. For the United States sample only, the analysis reveals a mitigating effect of high corporate environmental performance against heat risk. This study introduces an innovative interdisciplinary methodology, merging meteorological precision with financial analytics to provide deeper insights into climate-related risks.

Theoretical Analysis of Energy, Exergy, and Environmental-Related Aspects of Hydrofluoroolefin Refrigerants as Drop-In Alternatives for R134a in a Household Refrigerator

Abstract There are increasing trends to eliminate refrigerants with a high global warming potential (GWP) and use alternative environmentally friendly refrigerants in refrigeration systems. In this regard, this study presents a triple analysis of the energy, exergy, and environmental-related aspects of low-GWP hydrofluoroolefin refrigerants—R1234yf, R1234ze(E), and R1336mzz(Z)—as substitutes for the high-GWP R134a, which is used in a 200-liter household refrigerator having a 157 W cooling power. Pressure ratio, volumetric refrigeration capacity, power consumption, and coefficient of performance were studied as energy performance parameters. Exergy destruction rate and total exergy efficiency were studied as exergy performance parameters. Total equivalent warming impact was studied as an environmental performance parameter. All parameters were calculated under a condenser and ambient temperature of 30 and 40 °C, respectively, and a variable evaporator temperature of −5 to −30 °C. The outcomes revealed that R1234yf and R1234ze(E) give thermal performance close to R134a and higher environmental performance, while R1336mzz(Z) did not show thermal performance close to R134, nor did it show a clear improvement in environmental performance. R1234yf can be used as a direct replacement for R134a, but R1234ze(E) is considered a better alternative provided that the R134a compressor is replaced with a compressor with a higher displacement. The pure R1336mzz(Z) cannot be used in a refrigerator.

Prospects of electricity generation through the use of alternative sources such as waste tires processing products

The object of this study is a hybrid energy system that integrates the processes of recycling used tires with the use of alternative energy sources to design a sustainable and environmentally safe power generation system. The problem addressed in this study is to find effective methods for recycling waste tires for electricity generation, as traditional recycling methods are energy-intensive and lead to the loss of valuable resources. Three methods of tire processing have been considered: pyrolysis, thermal degradation, and mechanical grinding. The method of electricity generation using pyrolysis has demonstrated high environmental performance due to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a high rate of renewable energy (80 %). According to the results of the study, the use of 5 MW pyrolysis furnaces in combination with 500 kW solar panels provides a reduction in dependence on fossil sources, reducing CO2 emissions to 50.0 kg/year. The method has high capital costs (NPC USD 4.2 million), but the cost of energy production (COE USD 0.18/kWh) makes this method competitive in the long run. Thermal degradation provides a balanced approach in terms of energy efficiency (75 %) and environmental performance. Although its CO2 emissions are higher than in pyrolysis, the method makes it possible to obtain additional products that could be used in other industries, thereby increasing economic efficiency. Mechanical shredding has the lowest average energy costs (USD 0.12/kWh) and the lowest CO2 emissions (30.0 kg/year), making it ideal for cost-conscious businesses. The study confirms the possibility of effective integration of renewable sources with tire recycling methods. The practical use of the research results is possible during the implementation of grant projects for the recycling of used tires, and in the work of relevant government structures for devising a policy for the disposal of used tires

Sustainable environmental performance: A cross-country fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis empirical study of big data analytics and contextual factors

The rise of big data analytics has become crucial in aiding firms facing sustainability challenges, prompting researchers and practitioners to explore how this technology can contribute to environmental sustainability performance under specific circumstances. Based on the resource-based and dynamic capabilities view theory lens, it uses partial least square structural equation modeling and qualitative comparative analysis to explore the contribution of big data analytics-driven dynamic capabilities in innovation on environmental performance under enterprise factors and combinations of conditions. The empirical study gathered data from 319 Indian and American enterprises. The results demonstrate seven solutions with very high environmental performance, depicting core presence for big data analytics-driven dynamic capabilities in sensing, seizing, and transforming in an uncertain environment of dynamism and hostility in India and American firms. The synergy of big data analytics-enabled dynamic capabilities in sensing, seizing, and transforming shows an essential role in enhancing sustainable environmental performance for enterprises in the USA compared to those in India. Based on the configuration analyses, big data analytics significantly mitigates environmental dynamism and hostility challenges enterprises encounter. It consequently exerts a more pronounced influence on green performance, particularly within the service sector and small enterprises in the USA, through radical process innovation. Conversely, this impact is observed primarily among large product firms in India by incremental innovation strategies. This indicates that this emerging technology is essential to attend to the necessary aspects of the circular economy in developing and developed economies through specific configuration conditions.

A Janus WSi2P2As2 monolayer: A promising material for detecting NO2 with excellent sensitivity, selectivity, reversibility, and humidity resistance

Realizing highly sensitive, selective, humidity-resistant, and reversible detection of hazardous gas molecules with low detection limit in the air environment at room temperature is essential. Herein, we predict a novel two-dimensional Janus WSi2P2As2 material and propose a NO2 gas sensor with excellent response, selectivity, humidity resistance, and reversibility based on WSi2P2As2, by employing density functional theory, statistical thermodynamic modeling, and the non-equilibrium Green’s function approach. The Janus WSi2P2As2 monolayer is a stable semiconductor with a direct band gap of 0.85 eV and an intrinsic out-of-plane dipole moment. We study the sensing properties of the Janus WSi2P2As2 monolayer towards several typical toxic gases (NO, NO2, NH3, SO2, and H2S). All the gas molecules are physically adsorbed on the surface. Different adsorption energies and electronic structures are found for the top- and bottom-surface adsorptions due to the intrinsic dipole of the Janus WSi2P2As2. The experimental viability is characterized by the adsorption density and the recovery time. The statistical estimation of the adsorption density shows that the oxide gases can be adsorbed practically even at ultra-low concentration of part per billion (ppb) at room temperature. The rapid natural desorption of these toxic gases at 300 K indicates the recyclability of the WSi2P2As2 material. Furthermore, we evaluate the sensing performance of the WSi2P2As2-based gas sensor by the conductance change. The sensor exhibits ultra-response of 374 % and excellent selectivity towards NO2 molecules. Importantly, the sensor remains operating with high performance in the humid environment and air environment. These results demonstrate that the Janus WSi2P2As2 is a promising gas-sensing material for the NO2 detection.

Stock market reaction to mandatory sustainability reporting: Does carbon‐intensity and environmental, social, and governance reputation matter?

AbstractWith a sample of 679 listed firms, integrating the event study method and cross‐sectional analysis, we examine the stock market reaction to mandatory sustainability reporting regulation in India. We find that (1) on average, investors react positively to such announcements; (2) the impact varies across different sectors; (3) affected and unaffected firms do not posit significant differences; (4) carbon‐intensive firms are positively impacted; and (5) high environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance is negatively associated with the event‐induced cumulative abnormal returns (CAR). One standard deviation change in ESG leads to −0.77%, −0.45%, and −0.61% significant changes in [+1,+5], [−5,+5], and [−7,+7] CAR, respectively. The findings align with the value relevance idea and the reputational risk theory but contradict the reservoir of goodwill hypothesis.

Вплив системи моніторингу і контролінгу на довгострокову стійкість підприємства

This article is dedicated to studying the impact of the monitoring and controlling system on the long-term sustainability of the enterprise. The study aims to analyze, systematize, and generalize the existing theoretical and methodological support for the implementation of monitoring and controlling systems, as well as to investigate the impact of these systems on the long-term sustainability of the enterprise. The article discusses the importance of an effective monitoring and controlling system for enterprises in the modern conditions of an unstable market environment. The study presents conceptual approaches to evaluating the effectiveness of such systems, focusing on their ability to maintain stability and competitiveness. The research substantiates the necessity of continuous control over key performance indicators to respond promptly to changes, optimize costs, and improve the accuracy of management decisions. Key aspects of evaluating the effectiveness of the monitoring and controlling system are presented, including data accuracy, decision-making speed, analytics quality, and flexibility in adapting to changing market conditions. It is found that data accuracy is fundamental to making correct management decisions, while the speed and promptness of decision-making contribute to increased competitiveness. Additionally, the importance of system flexibility, which allows for effective adaptation to external changes and forming a sustainable development strategy, is emphasized. The study revealed that monitoring and controlling systems should include economic indicators and technological metrics, such as data processing speed and the level of process automation. This ensures a reduction in human errors and an increase in productivity. Effectiveness is evaluated through quantitative indicators, such as productivity growth, cost reduction, product quality improvement, and customer satisfaction levels, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of the implemented systems’ effectiveness. The importance of ensuring the long-term sustainability of the enterprise through risk identification and income stability is substantiated. The study shows that enterprises can maintain a stable income level even in dynamic market conditions through effective risk management and adaptability to market changes. The research concludes that the monitoring and controlling system is an indispensable tool for enterprises aiming to achieve high performance, stability, and sustainability in the current economic environment. Keywords: monitoring and controlling system, monitoring, controlling, enterprise sustainability, long-term sustainability of the enterprise, effectiveness, performance.

Ground Source Heat Pumps in Buildings Revisited and Prospects

A large number of ground-source heat pump (GSHP) systems have been used in residential and commercial buildings throughout the world due to their attractive advantages of high energy and environmental performances. In particular, GSHPs constitute a proven renewable energy technology for space heating and cooling. This paper provides a detailed literature review of the primary aspects of GSHP systems. These include the technological characteristics of HPs and the main types and variations in GSHPs, along with their environmental impact. Other aspects addressed are the integration of GSHPs with other systems, as well as their optimal design and control and energy analysis. The important aspect of the system’s performance is also dealt with through case studies and also the barriers hindering the further adoption of GSHPs in buildings. Two important challenges for the adoption of GSHPs is their cost and environmental efficiency. Studies have shown that GSHPs can reach a >>24% lower environmental impact than air-source HPs, while today’s technology can allow for a payback period for installing a GSHP of <<5 years. Finally, based on the above review, the future challenges and prospects for the successful uptake of GSHPs is discussed. It seems that through the right steps, the wide adoption of GSHPs as an important form of ‘implemented’ renewable energy system can become a reality.

Dynamic linkage between environmental segments of stock markets: the role of global risk factors

ABSTRACT This study evaluates the links between representative indices of companies with high environmental performance and the propensity of such indices to economic and financial shocks. Five indices, representing environmental segments and four global macroeconomic and financial variables, were analyzed over a thirteen-year period, which included various crisis moments, such as the sovereign debt crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic and the onset of the Russia/Ukraine conflict. Using dynamic and nonlinear models, our research reveals statistically significant and consistent relationships between the variables under investigation, particularly during periods of global financial and pandemic crises. The analysis revealed that the VIXCLS is the most influential global risk factor, with certain risk factors being influenced by environmental segments, particularly Alternative Energy. This influence can create conditions conducive to contagion risk and diminish the benefits of portfolio diversification. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the connection between environmental investments and their vulnerability to significant global events and risks.

Environmental performance of an autonomous laser weeding robot—a case study

PurposeChallenges in sustainable development envisioned in the European Union for the agricultural sector require innovation to raise the efficiency of production and safety of farming processes for farmers and ensure food safety for consumers. One of the key productivity factors in plant production is effective weeding. The WeLASER project aimed to develop a high-power autonomous vehicle with lasers to control weeds. To be sustainable, the invention should have a high environmental performance in the whole life cycle perspective, including its production, use in agriculture, and end-of-life phase. In the publication, a life cycle assessment (LCA) of the WeLASER weeding robot is presented. The aim was to identify weak and strong aspects of the invention in environmental terms and provide suggestions for its improvement.MethodsThe machinery was characterized based on technical data provided by the developers, relevant literature, Ecoinvent 3.8 database, and own calculations. The quantitative assessment of environmental impacts was performed using the Simapro tool. For interpretation Recipe 2016 method (egalitarian perspective) was applied.ResultsThe results show that the energy issue related to autonomous laser-based weeding machine operations is the most challenging. It is related to impacts on climate change indicators and fossil fuel depletion. Production phase is characterized with impacts on human toxicity and is related to extensive application of electronic and electric components in the robot.ConclusionIn comparison with other weeding techniques, the high-power autonomous vehicle with lasers to control weeds shows potential for environmentally efficient use of the machinery in practice. Achieving high performance in the life cycle perspective requires improvements in the design, operational features, and smart application in agricultural practice enhanced through expertise, guidance, and advice.

An all paper based triboelectric nanogenerators with high output performance in extreme environment manufactured by multi-layer papers forming technology

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are regarded as a promising technology to drive the development of flexible/wearable electronics and self-powering sensor. Application of cellulose paper as the triboelectric positive materials makes TENGs more environmentally friendly. However, the limited output performance and stability in harsh environments and oxidation and corrosion of the metal electrodes have limited the practical application of cellulose paper based triboelectric nanogenerators (CPTENGs). Here, we have integrated cellulose paper-based triboelectric material and electrode in one sheet by using multi-layer forming technology in paper industry; the upper triboelectric layer shows excellent triboelectric positive performance, hydrophobicity and acid and alkali resistance, while the bottom electrode exhibits promise conductivity. The all CPTENGs can yield a maximum open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 227.1 V, a short-circuit current (ISC) of 6.9 μA. Furthermore, the VOC values of the all CPTENGs increase from 0.02 V to 225.1 V at the load resistance of 100 Ω∼10 GΩ; and a power density of 520 mW·m−2 is also obtained at a load resistance of 30 MΩ. Moreover, the VOC of CPTENGs not only retains up to 78 % of its initial value at a high relative humidity of 90 %, but also almost maintains unchanged in a wide range of the pH environment (pH = 1∼13). More importantly, the CPTENGs can be readily matched with paper-based zinc supercapacitor (P-ZISC) to act as an all paper based self-charging power system (PSCPS). The PSCPS is capable of driving various miniaturized electronics, such as electronic watch, temperature/humidity indicator, demonstrating its potential application in a sustainable power source for portable and green electronics.

Partial Exsolution Enables Superior Bifunctionality of Ir@SrIrO3 for Acidic Overall Water Splitting.

The pursuit of efficient and durable bifunctional electrocatalysts for overall water splitting in acidic media is highly desirable, albeit challenging. SrIrO3 based perovskites are electrochemically active for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), however, their inert activities toward hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) severely restrict the practical implementation in overall water splitting. Herein, an Ir@SrIrO3 heterojunction is newly developed by a partial exsolution approach, ensuring strong metal-support interaction for OER and HER. Notably, the Ir@SrIrO3-175 electrocatalyst, prepared by annealing SrIrO3 in 5% H2 atmosphere at 175 °C, delivers ultralow overpotentials of 229 mV at 10 mAcm-2 for OER and 28 mV at 10 mAcm-2 for HER, surpassing most recently reported bifunctional electrocatalysts. Moreover, the water electrolyzer using the Ir@SrIrO3-175 bifunctional electrocatalyst demonstrates the potential application prospect with high electrochemical performance and excellent durability in acidic environment. Theoretical calculations unveil that constructing Ir@SrIrO3 heterojunction regulates interfacial electronic redistribution, ultimately enabling low energy barriers for both OER and HER.

Моделирование суверенного кредитного риска с учетом экологической эффективности

This study contributes to the evaluation of the role of the eco-efficiency factor in explaining sovereign credit risk. The purpose of the study is to develop a model of sovereign credit risk taking into account the environmental efficiency factor. The sample includes the following countries: Argentina, Belgium, China, China, Egypt, Germany, Greece, Nigeria, Pakistan, Portugal, Spain. 58 % of the world’s countries are categorized as investment grade, indicating that more than half of the countries have high and very high solvency. Using the multiple regression method, the factors affecting the sovereign credit rating are identified: GDP per capita, annual change in inflation, international reserves, private sector credit, total public debt, and environmental performance. The results show a strong positive relationship between credit rating and GDP per capita, private sector lending volume, indicating that countries with better GDP per capita have lower credit risk. To prove the relationship between environmental and credit risk, two multiple regression models were constructed: without and with the environmental factor. The results show that including the environmental factor in modeling a country’s credit rating is appropriate because it improves the quality of the model. According to the two comparison criteria, the model including the environmental factor had better results; the coefficient of determination was larger and the approximation error was smaller. Countries have different environmental situations and different degrees of environmental policy management. There is a relationship between environmental and credit risk of countries, but the environmental situation of a country is not the only determinant factor affecting credit risk. If a country has a high environmental performance index value, it may have an average sovereign rating and vice versa. The scientific usefulness of the study lies in the fact that the constructed model can be used by investors, creditors, rating objects to calculate their own values of sovereign credit ratings.

MeshID: Few-Shot Finger Gesture Based User Identification Using Orthogonal Signal Interference.

Radio frequency (RF) technology has been applied to enable advanced behavioral sensing in human-computer interaction. Due to its device-free sensing capability and wide availability on Internet of Things devices. Enabling finger gesture-based identification with high accuracy can be challenging due to low RF signal resolution and user heterogeneity. In this paper, we propose MeshID, a novel RF-based user identification scheme that enables identification through finger gestures with high accuracy. MeshID significantly improves the sensing sensitivity on RF signal interference, and hence is able to extract subtle individual biometrics through velocity distribution profiling (VDP) features from less-distinct finger motions such as drawing digits in the air. We design an efficient few-shot model retraining framework based on first component reverse module, achieving high model robustness and performance in a complex environment. We conduct comprehensive real-world experiments and the results show that MeshID achieves a user identification accuracy of 95.17% on average in three indoor environments. The results indicate that MeshID outperforms the state-of-the-art in identification performance with less cost.

Green bonds as the driving force of environmental performance – the European perspective

This paper identifies regions with high environmental performance by assessing the size of green bond issuance in European countries from a cause-and-effect perspective. Cluster analysis and descriptive statistics were used to meet this research objective. The research subject was the size of green bond issuance, understood as the driving force for the green economy in European countries. The main findings of the research show a strong correlation between the size of green bond issuance and environmental performance. Due to limited access to source data, the analysis of green sources of financing was restricted only to the size of green bond issuance, excluding other funding sources. Identifying the regions with high environmental performance and high value of green bond issuance will allow for an effective support plan for pro-ecological actions by using soft and complex tools of green policy, bearing in mind existing limitations, too. This approach determines groups of countries that share similar features, i.e., the ones that take advantage of green projects financed by the issuance of green bonds and simultaneously have a high environmental performance index.

Spatio-temporal pattern assessment of China's environmental performance and its spatial drivers: evidence from city-level data over 2003-2019.

A comprehensive assessment of China's environmental performance (EP) and an investigation into its driving factors are essential prerequisites for advancing environmental protection efforts. However, existing studies have often exhibited a one-sided EP evaluation approach and lacked a systematic perspective. Consequently, this study has adopted a holistic approach by integrating environmental protection and pollution within the same theoretical framework. We have employed the "P-S-R" model to comprehensively assess the EP of 272 cities from 2003 to 2019. Concurrently, we have applied the spatial Durbin model to analyze EP drivers utilizing three spatial matrices. The findings of this study reveal several vital insights. Firstly, the mean EP value for China is 0.1138, indicating a low level, but it demonstrates a consistent upward trend over the years. When comparing cities with high EP, they are predominantly situated in northern China, northeastern China, and certain areas along the southeastern coast. Secondly, from a spatial perspective, the directionality of EP exhibits a trend from "northeast to the southwest," with the center of gravity located in and around Zhumadian, Henan Province, gradually shifting towards the northeast. The majority of cities fall within the H-H and L-L clusters, displaying significant positive spatial autocorrelation effects. Thirdly, EP drivers encompass a wide range of factors, including economic development, urbanization, resource dependence, industrial structure, infrastructure construction, environmental regulation, government regulatory capacity, scientific and technological innovation, and foreign direct investment. These drivers also exhibit significant spillover effects. Finally, the characteristics of EP development vary between resource-based cities (RBCs) and non-resource-based cities (non-RBCs), as well as among the eastern, central, and western regions. Moreover, there are disparities in the driving factors' direct, indirect, and overall effects. Consequently, we must propose tailored strategies and recommendations to enhance EP, considering the heterogeneous effects of influencing factors across different city types, regions, and collaboration approaches.

Easy-regeneration Mn-doped ZIF-67 derivate adsorbent with ultra-high adsorption capacity for tetracycline hydrochloride in wastewater

Adsorption capacity and reusability are critical to the practical applications of metal–organic framework (MOF)-based adsorbents. In this work, an easy-regeneration ZIF-67 derivate adsorbent (Mn-ZIF-400) was synthesized by calcining the manganese-modified MOF ZIF-67 (Mn-ZIF-67) precursor at 400 °C in air for the first time. Mn-ZIF-400 reveals an ultra-high adsorption capacity for tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) (qmax = 1191.5 mg⋅g−1 at 308 K at pH = 4) in a wide pH range (pH = 3–10) owing to its great surface area (816.2 m2⋅g−1), surface polyvalent metal ions (Co2+/Co3+, Mn2+/ Mn 3+/ Mn4+), abundant surface oxygen species (including –COOH, –OH etc.) and π-electrons from benzene-ring. The adsorption mechanism of TCH on Mn-ZIF-400 belongs to the monolayer chemisorption mainly by π-π conjugation/π-cation interactions, hydrogen/coordination bonding, and pore filling. It also can maintain high adsorption performance in an actual aqueous environment. More importantly, Mn-ZIF-400 showed enhanced water stability and reusability after modification and no obvious loss in adsorption capacity in four recycles via simple water washing, being a promising adsorbent for antibiotic elimination.

Climate‐related performance and stock price crash risk

AbstractWe examine how environmental performance affects future stock price crash risk. Previous literature shows that legitimacy threats, stemming from environmental risk, lead firms to be particularly sensitive about environmental disclosure and performance. However, we hypothesise and find that under specific conditions, relating to lower operating performance, firms that have higher environmental performance also have higher future stock price crash risk. Further analysis shows that such firms may also have lower readability and more confident tone in their 10‐K annual reports. We attribute these findings to impression management utilising environmental performance along with disclosure misdirection practices, where managers of firms with negative news, attempt in some cases to draw the attention of the users of financial reports by obfuscating annual reports for bad news hoarding purposes. Even though in the current year such practices may have a negative effect for stock price crash risk, future stock price crash risk increases due to the dissemination of the negative news in the market. Overall, our results show that environmental disclosure may be used, under certain conditions, as a tool for impression management, which along with financial reporting distraction practices, leads to higher future stock price crash risk.

Parameter evaluation for a hybrid marine system combining solid oxide fuel cells and overexpanded steam-injected gas turbine

The article focuses on the development of decarbonized marine power systems, consisting of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) and gas turbines (GT), aiming to provide high economic and environmental performance. Currently, the potential of such systems is not fully realized due to issues related to the insufficient reliability and durability of the fuel cells themselves, as well as suboptimal heat utilization processes in the gas turbine section of the power plant. In contrast to previous research, this study demonstrates the prospects of using the steam-injected gas turbine (STIG) cycle and overexpanded turbine to improve the heat recovery conditions of exhaust gasses from fuel cells, enhance the efficiency of the power system, and increase the longevity of its key components. To achieve this, a corresponding mathematical model was developed, and optimization calculations for the proposed system cycle were conducted. Adopting the proposed cycle with a steam-injected gas turbine resulted in a 4.4 % increase in efficiency compared to traditional schemes. Such a system could be utilized in the design of advanced marine power system for the next generation.