Energy Integration Research Articles

Optimizing microgrid integration of renewable energy for sustainable solutions in off/on-grid communities

Rising energy costs, climate change impacts, and transmission losses have increased demand for renewable energy sources and decentralized solutions. As more people seek smart living and working environments, integrated smart microgrids powered by hybrid renewable systems have become attractive solutions for off-grid and on-grid communities. This study proposes designing a solar-wind-battery hybrid microgrid supplying a medical load et al.-Ain Al-Sokhna, Egypt. The optimization objectives aim to minimize the loss of power supply probability (LPSP %) and the levelized cost of energy (LCOE, $/kWh). A key consideration when designing and optimizing hybrid microgrids is the energy management strategy, which coordinates different generation sources and fluctuating load demand. Therefore, optimization algorithms were applied to balance energy flows while meeting loads, mitigating weather impacts, and preventing overcharging/deep discharge of battery storage. Models of wind turbines, photovoltaic panels, and battery storage were developed to simulate and analyze proposed microgrid operations. A multi-objective optimization approach evaluated LPSP and LCOE metrics using transit search, grey wolf, and particle swarm algorithms to find optimal system configurations. The optimization algorithms demonstrated varying performances in minimizing the multi-objective functions for the on-grid and off-grid microgrids. The particle-swarm optimization technique is the best solution for the off-grid system, which contains PV, wind, and battery storage, with a minimum LCOE of 0.3435 $/kWh and an LPSP of 4.5334%. Meanwhile, the transit-search optimization algorithm found the optimal solution for the on-grid configuration according to the objective function, yielding an LCOE of 0.116 $/kWh and an LPSP value of 3.0639 × 10−16. Statistical analysis confirmed that the algorithms generally exhibited stable and robust optimization capabilities. Of the methods, transit search was the most effective overall optimization approach.

Stability Analysis of DC Microgrids: Insights for Enhancing Renewable Energy Integration, Efficiency and Power Quality

In the current context of smart grids, microgrids have proven to be an effective solution to meet the energy needs of neighborhoods and collective buildings. This study investigates the voltage behavior and other critical parameters within a direct current (DC) microgrid to enhance system efficiency, stability, and reliability. The dynamic performance of a DC microgrid is analyzed under varying load and generation conditions, with particular emphasis on the voltage response and load-sharing mechanisms required to ensure stable operation. The findings indicate that specific control strategies, particularly droop methods, are effective in mitigating voltage fluctuations, enhancing power quality, and ensuring proper load distribution across multiple sources. This study also addresses significant challenges, including voltage regulation and fault resilience, to provide guidelines for designing robust and efficient DC microgrids. These insights are essential to inspire further advancements in control strategies and facilitate the practical deployment of DC microgrids as a sustainable solution for distributed energy systems, especially in scenarios prioritizing high DC load penetration and renewable energy integration.

A Comprehensive Life Cycle Carbon Footprint Assessment Model for Electric Power Material Warehouses

Electric power material warehouses are critical to optimizing power grid supply chains and reducing carbon emissions, aiding the power sector’s decarbonization and climate goals. Nevertheless, to our knowledge, there are no comprehensive assessments of the life cycle carbon emissions associated with storage warehouses, so the emission reduction potential of the ever-increasing number of automated technologies is still unknown. This study presents an extensive life cycle carbon footprint assessment model tailored for electric power material warehouses, and it encompasses both traditional and automated frameworks. Utilizing a process-based life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology, carbon emissions across five distinct stages are examined: storage buildings and facilities, loading and unloading, transportation, packaging, and information management systems. For this purpose, warehouses in Jiangsu Province, China, are employed as a case study. The results show that automating warehouses can achieve a reduction in total carbon emissions of 42.85% compared with traditional warehouses, with total life cycle emissions of 39,531.26 tCO2, and the transportation stage is identified as the predominant contributor. This research not only offers actionable recommendations for strategies, including renewable energy integration, intelligent control systems, and standardized packaging protocols, but also establishes a framework for future investigations of refining carbon accounting methodologies—particularly in underexplored domains such as packaging.

Low-Frequency AC Multiport Asynchronous Grid Connection System to Optimize Generation Costs and Mitigate Bottlenecks

Renewable energy sources continue to increase due to the energy transition; thus, the generation output of conventional power sources is decreasing. The installation of renewable energy sources can lead to the concentration of these sources depending on geographical characteristics, which may cause bottlenecks between the renewable energy generation sites and load centers, and such bottlenecks can result in power shortages in load centers and may cause issues that limit the integration of renewable energy. Thus, this paper proposes the application of an LFAC multiport asynchronous grid connection system to solve these problems, where the frequency conversion device uses a variable frequency transformer (VFT). In addition, the installation location of the proposed LFAC multiport asynchronous grid connection system is selected using a grid partitioning technique, and the optimal power flow is performed to minimize the generation costs. The grid partitioning was conducted using the IEEE 39 bus system, and the feasibility of the proposed LFAC multiport asynchronous grid connection system was verified through simulation tests of the generation and load demands in the grid. In addition, the VFT control and optimal power flow control performances were confirmed through MATLAB/Simulink.

Green Features: A Pathway to Climate Change Mitigation in Gombe State University (GSU), Nigeria

The adoption of green features in the built environment has emerged as a promising pathway towards climate change mitigation. This article explored the role of green features in mitigating climate change concerns within the Nigerian context, with a focus on the case study of Gombe State University (GSU) as a case study. The study employed a multiple approach, including literature review, case study analysis, and content analysis of relevant documents, to investigate the implementation of sustainable sustainability initiatives at GSU. Key findings from the study revealed that GSU has made a significant stride towards climate change mitigation by successfully implemented various green initiatives, including afforestation, erosion control measures, renewable energy integration, and eco-friendly waste management. Specifically, the university has planted over 3,000 seedlings (including 500 date palms and other fruit and non-fruit trees) and established a mini-animal zoo park for animal conservation. These efforts have greatly demonstrated an improved eco-friendly and conducive learning atmosphere and mitigate the effect of climate change and in return reduced the carbon footprint and erosion control. The research concluded by demonstrating that green features can be a successful strategy for Nigerian universities to combat climate change and create sustainable campuses. Thus, recommending integration of green features into institutional policies, increased awareness campaigns within the educational sector, encouraging renewable energy adoption, implementing comprehensive waste management strategies, and further research on optimizing green features for the Nigerian context. By embracing these recommendations, Nigerian universities can serve as models for climate change mitigation and sustainable development, contributing to the country's efforts to achieve SDGs Goals 13.

Modeling, Control Study, and Power Management Strategy of a Hybrid Grid-Connected AC/DC Microgrid with High Integration of Renewable Energies and Green Hydrogen Sources

Abstract This first quarter of the 21st century is increasingly marked by population growth, digital and industrial de- velopments, growing need for electricity supply, and climate change. All this, to name just a few, have made the establishment of a stable, flexible, controlled, well-designed, extensive and clean power system a necessity. Conse- quently, distributed microgrid generation based on alternative/renewable energies and/or low-carbon technologies has emerged. In this paper, we study the modeling, the control, and the power management strategy of a grid-connected hybrid Alternating/Direct Current (AC/DC) microgrid based on a wind turbine generation system using doubly fed induction generator, a photovoltaic generation system, and storage elements including hydrogen storage system and batteries. Adequate modeling is described, and the overall system monitoring is presented and applied to manage appropriate power sharing and to control active and reactive powers, in order to match load and weather fluctuation behaviour. Simulations are carried out using MATLAB/Simulink simulation tool. Simulations reveal convenient re- sults in terms of the bidirectional interlinking converter capabilities regarding power balance establishment between the two subgrids, reactive power compensation to ensure a unity power factor, and DC-bus voltage regulation at 1200 V. In addition, the primary and secondary controls are approved for each distributed generation of the studied system to attain the assigned power references, regardless of whether the subgrid is heavily or lightly loaded throughout the four considered case studies, showing satisfactory tracking and interacting performances, and thus stimulating a stable system implementation.

Reserve Technique in Integrating Large Sustainable Energy Sources: A Case Study of the Tunisian Grid

The increasing integration of sustainable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, into the national electricity grid presents significant challenges in terms of frequency control and grid stability. Additionally, the imbalance between electricity supply and demand introduces dynamic frequency variations. However, according to the literature, the impact of high penetration of renewable energy sources on the Tunisian grid has not been extensively analyzed using power system simulator for engineering (PSS/E). This research paper explores how the primary reserve technique participates to maintain frequency within acceptable ranges in the Tunisian electrical grid. Individual generators contribute to the total power output, thereby influencing frequency deviation. The primary frequency control action by each generator is proportional to its frequency deviation and inversely proportional to its governing drop, which measures the generator’s sensitivity to frequency changes. This paper analyzes frequency stability in the Tunisian grid under scenarios with and without different rates of sustainable energy source penetration, which barely reached 3.5% in 2023. In Tunisia, the use of sustainable energy is essential not only for ensuring grid stability but for combating climate change and reducing carbon emissions, aligning with the country’s environmental goals. The transition to sustainable energy significantly reduces the carbon footprint of the power sector, offering a sustainable solution for mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. Dynamic simulations were conducted for the isolated Tunisian system, separate from the interconnected grid, focusing on the critical scenario of the loss of a large electricity production unit. This study also examined the absence of sustainable energy integration and the effects of integration of different rates of renewable energy to evaluate the impact of reserves on the continuity of the Tunisian electrical service. Simulation results, which considered a 2023 grid model, show that with an integration trial of 20% renewable energy and, in the worst-case scenario, which represents the loss of the largest production group in the grid, the primary reserve of a given group—defined by the quantity of active energy—can be rapidly deployed to restore the balance between electricity supply and demand. Thus, reserves are a crucial solution for maintaining frequency within reasonable limits and ensuring the continuity of electrical services in Tunisia with varying rates from 10% to 20% integration of different sustainable energy sources.

Optimal capacity planning for power cogeneration and desalination plants with renewable energy integration

Optimal capacity planning for power cogeneration and desalination plants with renewable energy integration

The low-carbon economic scheduling method for regional integrated energy systems considering the joint integration of electric vehicles and concentrated solar power plants for wind power consumption

In northern China, there is a serious problem of source-load imbalance and significant wind curtailment, mainly due to the limitations of the “heat determines electricity” mode of operation of combined heat and power (CHP) units in winter. To further absorb excess wind power and overcome these limitations, this paper proposes an optimized scheduling method for a regional integrated energy system (RIES) based on source-load coordination. Firstly, on the supply side, the paper introduces the concept of a concentrated solar power (CSP) plant and an electric boiler for combined heat and power generation to provide heating, partially decoupling their operation mode from “heat determines electricity.” Secondly, on the demand side, the impact of electric vehicles (EV) is considered. A formula for the fluctuation ratio of peak-to-off-peak electricity prices is established, and EV charging and discharging are guided by electricity prices to fully exploit the demand response capability of dispatchable resources on the demand side. Charging loads during peak electricity consumption periods are effectively shifted to off-peak periods, aiding in peak shaving and valley filling. Finally, a tiered carbon trading mechanism is introduced. With the goal of minimizing the total cost of the RIES, an optimization scheduling model for the RIES is established, and the CPLEX solver is used for solving. Simulation results show that under source-load coordination scheduling, the overall efficiency of the system is significantly improved. It can further overcome the limitations of CHP units, enhance wind power consumption capacity, reduce carbon emissions, and improve the economic benefits of the RIES.

Advancements in Energy Efficiency Technologies in the U.S.: A Decade of Innovation and Impact

The United States, as the largest global energy consumer, has witnessed significant advancements in energy efficiency technologies over the past century, driven by policy interventions, technological innovation, and evolving environmental priorities. This study explores the evolution of energy efficiency from the foundational policies of the 1970s to recent legislative frameworks such as the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. It highlights major technological advancements across key sectors, including smart building systems, industrial energy innovations, renewable energy integration, and transportation efficiency. The economic and environmental impacts of these advancements are profound, with significant cost savings, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and enhanced sustainability. By analyzing the synergy between federal and state policies, private sector contributions, and cutting-edge technologies, this paper underscores the critical role of energy efficiency in mitigating climate change, fostering economic growth, and achieving long-term energy security and resilience. The findings emphasize the need for accelerated adoption, policy support, and innovation to overcome existing barriers and unlock the full potential of energy-efficient solutions

Cosmological amplitudes in power-law FRW universe

The correlators of large-scale fluctuations belong to the most important observables in modern cosmology. Recently, there have been considerable efforts in analytically understanding the cosmological correlators and the related wavefunction coefficients, which we collectively call cosmological amplitudes. In this work, we provide a set of simple rules to directly write down analytical answers for arbitrary tree-level amplitudes of conformal scalars with time-dependent interactions in power-law FRW universe. With the recently proposed family-tree decomposition method, we identify an over-complete set of multivariate hypergeometric functions, called family trees, to which all tree-level conformal scalar amplitudes can be easily reduced. Our method yields series expansions and monodromies of family trees in various kinematic limits, together with a large number of functional identities. The family trees are in a sense generalizations of polylogarithms and do reduce to polylogarithmic expressions for the cubic coupling in inflationary limit. We further show that all family trees can be decomposed into linear chains by taking shuffle products of all subfamilies, with which we find simple connection between bulk time integrals and boundary energy integrals.

Solar Energy Integration in Urban Gujarat: A Pathway to IGBC Certification

The integration of solar energy in urban Gujarat is a key strategy for sustainable development and energy challenges in growing cities. This paper explores the potential of retrofitting non-certified green buildings with solar technologies to meet IGBC certification standards, focusing on the Surat Solar City initiative. Gujarat's abundant solar resources and progressive policies are enabling urban areas to transition to renewable energy solutions through rooftop solar PV systems, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), and smart energy systems. Innovative technologies like transparent solar cells, solar paint, and hybrid systems are enhancing energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprints. Government incentives and net metering policies are driving adoption. Solar retrofitting projects in Gujarat, particularly in Surat, serve as scalable models for integrating renewable energy into urban infrastructure. Key Words: Solar retrofitting, IGBC certification, Smart energy systems, BIPV, Energy storage

Rule-Based Energy Management System to Enhance PV Self-Consumption in a Building: A Real Case

The building sector has an important role in the decarbonization of energy. Buildings energy management systems can act on flexible loads to contribute to the integration of renewable energies. This article presents the design, implementation and evaluation of a rule-based energy management systems (RB-EMS) in the frame of a collective self-consumption (CSC) system based on photovoltaic (PV) energy in the Technology Park of Izarbel, in Bidart, France. The RB-EMS acts on the heat ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system of one of the buildings involved in the CSC in order to maximize the PV energy self-consumption rate (SCR). Internet of things (IoT) has been developed and implemented in order to retrieve consumption, production and temperature data, and to be able to act on the HVAC. A new 5-step methodology has been developed to design and adjust the RB-EMS. This methodology is mainly based on tests carried out to find the relationship between ON/OFF states of the internal units of the HVAC and the heat pumps’ consumption. Finally, the RB-EMS is tested in heating operating mode. The results show that the RB-EMS allows obtaining a SCR of 89%, and that the users comfort limits are respected.

Advancements and Challenges in Adsorption-Based Carbon Capture Technology: From Fundamentals to Deployment.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) adsorption on solid sorbents represents a promising technology for separating carbon from different sources and mitigating anthropogenic emissions. The complete integration of carbon capture technologies in various industrial sectors will be crucial for a sustainable, low-carbon future. Despite developing new sorbents, a comprehensive strategy is essential to realize the full potential and widespread adoption of CO2 capture technologies, including different engineering aspects. This study discusses the pathway for deploying adsorption-based carbon capture technology in fundamental material science aspects, thermo-physical properties behavior at the molecular level, and industrial pilot scale demonstrations. When integrated with process simulation and economic evaluations, these techniques are instrumental in enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the capturing processes. While advancements in adsorption-based carbon capture technologies have been notable, their deployment still encounters significant hurdles, including technical, economic, and environmental challenges. Leveraging hybrid systems, renewable energy integration, and the strategic application of emerging machine learning techniques appear promising to address global warming effectively and will consequently be discussed in this investigation.

An RNN-CNN-Based Parallel Hybrid Approach for Battery State of Charge (SoC) Estimation Under Various Temperatures and Discharging Cycle Considering Noisy Conditions

With the increasing use of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries in electric vehicles (EVs), accurately measuring the state of charge (SoC) has become crucial for ensuring battery reliability, performance, and safety. In addition, EVs operate in different environmental conditions with different driving styles, which also cause inaccurate SoC estimation resulting in reduced reliability and performance of battery management systems (BMSs). To address this issue, this work proposes a new hybrid method that integrates a gated recurrent unit (GRU), temporal convolution network (TCN), and attention mechanism. The TCN and GRU capture both long-term and short-term dependencies and the attention mechanism focuses on important features within input sequences, improving model efficiency. With inputs of voltage, current, and temperature, along with their moving average, the hybrid GRU-TCN-Attention (GTA) model is trained and tested in a range of operating cycles and temperatures. Performance metrics, including average RMSE (root mean squared error), MAE (mean absolute error), MaxE (maximum error), and R2 score indicates the model is performing well, with average values of 0.512%, 0.354%, 1.98%, and 99.94%, respectively. The proposed model performs well under both high and low noise conditions, with an RMSE of less than 2.18%. The proposed hybrid approach is consistently found to be superior when compared against traditional baseline models. This work offers a potential method for accurate SoC estimation in Li-ion batteries, which has an important impact on clean energy integration and battery management systems in EVs.

Optimizing Integrating STATCOM technology into standard solar inverters in Retail or Residential Power

Abstract—Transforming Standard Solar Inverters into Inte- grating STATCOM Capabilities for Enhanced Reactive Power Management.This paper explores the potential of integrating STATCOM technology into standard solar inverters to improve power quality, grid stability, and renewable energy integration in homes.

Quantifying and Mitigating Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Egg-Laying Hen Farming: A Path Towards Carbon Neutrality

This study presents a comprehensive framework for assessing and mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in commercial egg-laying hen farming in Uttaradit Province, with the aim of achieving carbon neutrality within the poultry sector. Employing a detailed life cycle assessment (LCA) over a 450-day production period, this research identifies key sources of emissions, with feed consumption identified as the largest contributor, followed by water use and energy demands. To address these emissions, the study explores several innovative strategies: transitioning to solar photovoltaic systems for lighting and water pumping, shifting from diesel to biodiesel for fuel, and optimizing feed compositions. Additionally, advanced manure management practices are proposed to reduce methane and nitrous oxide emissions. Collectively, these interventions could significantly diminish the emissions associated with hen farming operations, thereby advancing environmental sustainability. This work not only provides actionable insights for poultry farms seeking to lower their emissions but also offers a scalable and adaptable model with broader implications for sustainable practices across the agricultural sector. The findings underscore the importance of renewable energy integration, feed optimization, and efficient waste management in mitigating the environmental impact of agriculture, thereby informing both policy and practice in the pursuit of carbon-neutral food production.

Energy management in smart distribution networks: Synergizing network reconfiguration, energy storage, and electric vehicles with disjunctive convex hull relaxation

Efficient energy management is critical for modern distribution networks integrating renewable energy, storage systems, and electric vehicles. This paper introduces a novel approach combining network reconfiguration with disjunctive convex hull relaxation to optimize power flow, minimize energy losses, and enhance grid stability. Case studies on 33-node and 84-node networks showcase the model’s effectiveness, reducing energy losses to 0.939 MWh and 7.214 MWh, respectively, outperforming Big-M and McCormick methods. Additionally, the approach achieved a 78 % efficiency improvement, enhanced emissions control, and improved voltage regulation, demonstrating superior renewable energy integration. These results highlight the model's potential to provide a more efficient and sustainable energy management solution, addressing the challenges of modern power grids.

Technological Innovations and Renewable Integration in Smart Cities: Enhancing Sustainability, Governance, And Security

The research focuses on the multiple ways in which technological innovation in the management, governance, and security of renewable energies contributes to making smart cities capable of integrating renewable energy systems that lead to more sustainable, efficient governance, and security resilience for the cities. A literature review of Scopus has been done with the aim of asserting at the juncture of smart cities, technological innovation, and renewable energy integration. Co-occurring and co-authorship analyses have been performed by VOSviewer for mapping the key research themes, collaborative networks, and research gaps. Core research themes include smart cities, IoT, renewable sources of energy, urban planning, AI, big data - lots of them, actually. Key areas for concern comprise cybersecurity, social equity, human-centered design, and adaptation to climate change. International collaborations identified through co-authorship analysis mirrored strong contributions from Pandolfi Alessandra and Galiulo Valentina. There are major knowledge gaps with respect to addressing, for example, how combining the elements of energy efficiency and cybersecurity under one umbrella could be defined as a smart city. Contribute uniquely in this area, and analyze the effects that the aggregate technological innovations and integration of renewable energy have on enhancing urban sustainability, governance, and security. These advances indicate ways in which urban systems can be optimized in order to enhance quality of life and lend to more sustainable and resilient urban environments. This study synthesizes interdisciplinary research in a novel manner in pointing out new areas that smart city development has barely touched upon.

Examining the Nexus Between Renewable Energy, CO2 Emissions, and Economic Factors: Implications for Countries Marked by High Rates of Coronary Heart Disease

This study investigates the complex interconnections between renewable energy adoption, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and economic factors in 50 countries marked by high rates of coronary heart disease (CHD) between 2000 and 2020. Utilizing a sophisticated two-step system generalized method of moments (GMM) estimator and panel data method, our analysis reveals a significant negative impact of renewable energy on greenhouse gas emissions, emphasizing the role of sustainable energy sources in mitigating environmental and quality of life degradation. Additionally, our findings support the existence of the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC), demonstrating an inverted U-shaped relationship between gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and CO2 emissions. In line with nascent studies, the EKC for CO2 emissions suggests that as a country’s GDP per capita increases, the CO2 emissions initially rise but eventually decline after reaching a certain level of economic development, forming an inverted U-shaped relationship. Specifically, nations facing high cardiovascular heart disease mortality rates display an important link between renewable energy integration and improved environmental quality. These insights underscore the urgency for countries to transition rapidly to green energy, advocating for policies that promote renewable technologies through partnerships between the public, private sector, and government entities. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the necessity of innovative structural reforms in developing countries to stimulate economic growth beyond the EKC turning point, ensuring sustainable development while curbing their carbon footprint resulting from economic activities. Future research should explore the broader global contexts, considering variables like social capital and globalization to inform targeted policies aimed at safeguarding public health and the environment.