Option For Power Generation Research Articles

Potential Production of Fuel Pellets for Energy Generation and Utilization from Common Food Wastes Generated in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

The amount of solid waste generated in Nigeria continues to increase due to the rising population and poor waste management ethics. Consequently, the objective of this paper was to investigate the potential production of fuel pellets for energy generation and utilization from common food (rice, yam peel, potato peel, and eba) wastes generated in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria using appropriate standard methods. Data obtained show that the volatile matter and fixed carbon of the pellet obtained after drying were in the range of 68.2% to 78% and 10.62% to 12.62% respectively which showed good qualities of a combustible solid fuel. This study has been able to establish that the lower heating value of food waste pellet generated from some common food waste in Nigeria such as rice, eba, orange peel, potato peel and yam peel range from 16.114MJ/kg to 17.735MJ/kg. The dried sample has high volatile matter of 68.2% to 78%, fixed carbon of 10.62% to 12.72%, low ash content of 1.73 to 9.87% and considerably low sulphur content of 0.06% to 0.1% which is suitable for energy utilization. The low ash content and sulphur content revealed of the pellet also are highly desirable of solid fuels. The higher heating value of the pellets was between 16.114MJ/kg to 17.735MJ/kg. The pellets' competitive energy content and environmentally favorable properties make them an efficient option for heat and power generation, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions.

Analysis of blade's chord length with NACA0015 profile for enhanced wave energy conversion of Wells turbine

This paper investigates the enhancement of Wells turbine blades by modifying the chord length design parameter. The Wells turbine, a promising device in wave energy conversion systems, faces a limited operating range due to flow separation, which restricts its efficiency at higher flow rates. Enhancing the performance of the Wells turbine is crucial for effective wave energy exploitation. The computational simulations in this study are conducted using ANSYS Fluent. Turbine performance is evaluated based on non-dimensional torque, pressure torque, and efficiency, derived from solving the steady 3D incompressible Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes equations. The results are validated against reliable references, showing good agreement. The numerical findings reveal that altering the turbine chord length significantly impacts efficiency. Optimizing the chord length enhances the Wells turbine's performance in wave energy conversion, making it a more viable option for renewable energy power generation.

Storage Is the New Black: A Review of Energy Storage System Applications to Resolve Intermittency in Renewable Energy Systems

As the need for more sustainable methods of power generation becomes increasingly apparent due to the planet’s ever-deteriorating conditions, the quest for sustainable power generation intensifies. Among the options for sustainable power generation, the utilization of solar and wind power in large-scale applications is problematic due to the intermittent nature of their sources. Multiple solutions exist to counteract this intermittency, but energy storage systems are the most appealing. This article reviews the intermittency in renewable energy systems that rely on solar and wind, and how energy storage systems are utilized to mitigate this issue. While energy storage systems integrated into solar and wind power generation systems exhibit promising synergy and benefits, their full implementation is still hindered by a variety of challenges, which opens different fields of research to circumvent these challenges.

Dye sensitized solar cells: Meta-analysis of effect sensitizer-type on photovoltaic efficiency.

Dye sensitized solar cells: Meta-analysis of effect sensitizer-type on photovoltaic efficiency.

Review on Maximum Power Point Tracking Control Strategy Algorithms for Offshore Floating Photovoltaic Systems

Floating photovoltaic systems are rapidly gaining popularity due to their advantages in conserving land resources and their high energy conversion efficiency, making them a promising option for photovoltaic power generation. However, these systems face challenges in offshore environments characterized by high salinity, humidity, and variable irradiation, which necessitate effective maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technologies to optimize performance. Currently, there is limited research in this area, and few reviews analyze it comprehensively. This paper provides a thorough review of MPPT techniques applicable to floating photovoltaic systems, evaluating the suitability of various methods under marine conditions. Traditional algorithms require modifications to address the drift phenomena under uniform irradiation, while different GMPPT techniques exhibit distinct strengths and limitations in partial shading conditions (PSCs). Hardware reconfiguration technologies are not suitable for offshore use, and while sampled data-based techniques are simple, they carry the risk of erroneous judgments. Intelligent technologies face implementation challenges. Hybrid algorithms, which can combine the advantages of multiple approaches, emerge as a more viable solution. This review aims to serve as a valuable reference for engineers researching MPPT technologies for floating photovoltaic systems.

An Enhanced Edge Computing Technique for Detection of Voltage Fluctuation in Grid-tied Renewable Energy

Renewable energy sources (RES) such as solar photovoltaic and wind are becoming the most attractive power generation options in many nations. Even while high penetration seems likely, power quality anomalies such as voltage fluctuation, harmonics, and frequency fluctuation associated with RES hinder seamless integration. The variability and unpredictability of these sources create the most oddities. In grid-tied renewable energy, monitoring power quality efficiently is crucial. Power grid monitoring solutions in related literature use sensor-based cloud and edge computing techniques. The existing systems struggle with excessive latency when delivering large amounts of generated data to the cloud. To fill this gap, a new approach for the detection and localization of voltage fluctuation is proposed in this study. The approach integrated three techniques namely; feed-forward neural network (FFNN), Stockwell transform, and anomaly-aware edge computing to detect and locate voltage fluctuation in a GtRE. Using MATLAB/Simulink, virtual emulation of a modified IEEE 33 Bus and a GtRE representing a section of Ado Ekiti (in Nigeria) low-voltage distribution grid are carried out for data generation and system evaluation. Feature extraction was carried out in a Python IDE using Stockwell transform. The voltage fluctuation events are detected and localized based on the extracted features using the trained FFNN model deployed and evaluated within three microcontroller-based computing devices. The proposed approach integrated anomaly-aware with edge computing to send only voltage data that are considered abnormal to a dedicated data center for visualization and storage. Performance evaluation of the proposed technique on the simulated GtRE demonstrates a significant decrease of 98% and 90% in latency when compared to cloud computing and conventional edge computing respectively. Comparison of the proposed approach to two closely related solutions in literature also demonstrates a 50% and 92.5 % reduction in latency. The contribution of the study is the reduced latency and minimal bandwidth utilization achieved by the implementation of the developed technique.

A new thermodynamic modeling method for Brayton cycle schemes based on heat flux of the heat source

A new thermodynamic modeling method for Brayton cycle schemes based on heat flux of the heat source

Editorial

technology develops and the way in which a person lives is improved, services and products become affordable to a greater number of people. The modern times brings not only comfort but also pollution. A lot of attention has been given to greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, air quality and how their effects can be mitigated and reversed. However, solid waste is also a source of pollution that must be addressed. According to the Unites States Environmental Protection Agency, 292.4 million tons of municipal solid waste was generated in 2018, the equivalent of 4.9 pounds per person per day. According to the same agency, 32.1% of that amount were recycled or composted. Energy recovery from combustion is a process used as one of the waste management strategies. Solid vegetable waste is shown to be a promising source of sustainable energy. Pyrolysis is a process that convert solid vegetable waste into chemicals as for example, crude oil and coal. Forest residues is gaining interest as a bioenergy feedstock that could avoid competition for land, reduce GHG emissions and contribute to meeting the renewable energy targets of the European Renewable Energy Directive. Pyrolysis and energy recovery from combustion is an attractive option for forest residue management in situations where allocating spaces for landfills is challenging and there is need of more efficient methods of generating energy from waste. Recent studies demonstrate that even forest residues with varying level of moisture can be a viable option for power generation using a Rankine cycle with cogeneration, where not only power is delivered but also heat is used in industrial processes. The mission of Thermal Engineering is to document the scientific progress in areas related to thermal engineering (e.g., energy, oil and renewable fuels). We are confident that we will continue to receive articles’ submissions that contribute to the progress of science.

Assessment of wind power potential and economic viability at Al-Hodeidah in Yemen: Supplying local communities with electricity using wind energy

Assessment of wind power potential and economic viability at Al-Hodeidah in Yemen: Supplying local communities with electricity using wind energy

Lithium-based water-absorbent hydrogel with a high solar cell cooling flux

Lithium-based water-absorbent hydrogel with a high solar cell cooling flux

Utilization of wood pellet for industrial use

The use of wood pellets for industrial uses has grown significantly in recent years due to their sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental advantages. Wood pellets have a wide range of industrial applications, including energy generation, heating, and manufacturing processes. They made from compacted sawdust and wood waste provide a renewable alternative to traditional fossil fuels, helping to cut greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. In the energy industry, wood pellets are a feasible substitute for coal in power plants, allowing for the transition to greener energy sources. Their stable quality and high energy density make them an appealing option for power generation, especially in areas trying to meet renewable energy requirements. Furthermore, wood pellets are rapidly being used in industrial heating applications such as boilers and furnaces across a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, food processing, and agriculture. Their efficient combustion properties and dependable supply chain make them an affordable option for enterprises looking to save operating expenses and carbon footprints. Technological developments in the pellet production process, along with governmental frameworks that encourage sustainable practices and renewable energy, are anticipated to propel market expansion. In summary, the use of wood pellets in industry presents a strong way to satisfy the rising need for environmentally friendly heating and energy sources. Wood pellets have the potential to be a key player in the shift towards a more sustainable industrial landscape by utilizing its renewable nature and environmental advantages.

A solution to multi Objective Stochastic Optimal Power Flow problem using mutualism and elite strategy based Pelican Optimization Algorithm

A solution to multi Objective Stochastic Optimal Power Flow problem using mutualism and elite strategy based Pelican Optimization Algorithm

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

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

EPCMSDB: Design of an ensemble predictive control model for solar PV MPPT deployments via dual bioinspired optimizations

With the increasing demand for renewable energy, solar power has emerged as a promising option for sustainable power generation. However, the effectiveness and efficiency of solar power systems rely on the ability to effectively manage their performance, making it essential to develop efficient control models. This paper proposes a novel ensemble predictive control model for solar deployments using bio-inspired optimizations to improve load-connected solar deployments’ performance. The proposed model integrates multiple control devices, including Maximum Power Point Tracker, Proportional-Integral-Derivative, Proportional-Integral, and Fuzzy Logic Controllers, to selectively control the solar Photovoltaic systems. The proposed model incorporates a predictive control operation utilizing an LSTM-GRU (Long Short-Term Memory-Gated Recurrent Unit) with the VARMA (Vector Auto-Regressive Moving Average) model, which can accurately predict the future power generation of the solar system. This feature can facilitate efficient energy management and increase the system’s performance for different use cases. Implement a SEPIC (Single Ended Primary Inductor Capacitor) converter design to improve the system’s overall efficiency levels. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, the author conducted experiments using real-world data and compared the proposed results with other control strategies. The results demonstrate that the ensemble predictive control model based on bio-inspired optimizations outperforms the existing control models regarding accuracy, efficiency, and stability levels. The proposed model has the potential to significantly improve the performance of load-connected solar deployments, offering a more practical approach to solar power generation. The combination of predictive control operations with bio-inspired optimizations can facilitate the design of sustainable energy systems with higher efficiency and accuracy.

Optimization of an off-grid PV/biogas/battery hybrid energy system for electrification: A case study in a commercial platform in Morocco

The use of hybrid renewable energy systems is growing as a viable option for clean power generation, fueled by the increasing demand for sustainable energy sources and the need to reduce carbon emissions. In this context, this paper evaluates the optimal configuration, as well as the economic and environmental performances of a hybrid solar PV/biogas/battery energy system designed to provide electricity to a commercial platform in Berkane- Morocco. The optimization model aims to determine the optimal capacity of renewable energy systems achieving the most cost-effective levelized cost of electricity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and utilizing locally available renewable energy resources. The model was developed using HOMER software incorporating real-measured data for electricity demand, solar irradiance, and biogas availability. It was found that the PV/biogas/battery combination is very optimal in terms of cost and emissions savings in comparison with the use of only one source of power generation. The optimal design of the energy system results in 231 kW of PV modules, 170 kW biogas generator, a 140-kW converter, and a 201 kWh Li-Ion battery park. The optimization results in an LCOE of 0.280 $/kWh; Moreover, the proposed system would save almost 40 % of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in comparison with only biogas system. A sensitivity test has been performed, showing that the proposed hybrid system is sensitive to capital subsidies and discount rates. This study demonstrates the economic viability and environmental benefits driven by the integration of the hybrid of PV/Biogas/Battery system in Morocco, making it an attractive alternative for future sustainable development.

A statistically analysis to determine the use of renewable sources for campus lighting, case study of technical faculty of Kosova

<span lang="EN-US">Considering the ever-increasing demand for electricity and the current crisis in this sector, various ways of generating electricity have been studied. Most of them are based on hybrid technologies as a solution to replace the relevant resources during the absence. In Kosovo, as an economically poor country, such technologies are rarely used. Public lighting in some countries is still considered unaffordable due to high cost. This study further demonstrates an environmentally friendly option for power generation using hybrid PV and Wind systems. The current study presents the study that was carried out on the campus of the technical faculty in Pristina. The analysis has been done analytically, which has resulted in the need for 6 hybrid lighting systems to achieve a coverage of the lighting needs, which so far lacks lighting in this part of the campus. A total of 461,448 kWh can be generated during the year from the wind turbine system and 796.11 kWh from the solar photovoltaic system. Considering that we have an ever-decreasing cost of such devices and from the analysis done it results that these systems are cost effective and ideal solutions for such cases and similar needs which are vital needs today.</span>

Ternary system based on polyaniline, graphene, and acrylic matrix applied to thermoelectric systems

AbstractThermoelectric (TE) materials have attracted attention for offering a green option for power generation, due to their ability to convert thermal energy into electricity. In recent years, a promising way to achieve efficiency in TE properties has been proposed based on composites of conjugated polymers, such as polyaniline (PANI), and carbon nanomaterials such as graphene (GR). Since polyaniline and GR composites are promising fillers for organic thermoelectric materials (OTE), we expanded their investigations for a ternary system (TS), providing materials with multiple functionalities, and high performance. In this research work, a TS based on an acrylic matrix (ACR), GR, and PANI was successfully prepared through the combination of in situ polymerization of aniline in contact with GR and mechanical mixture of the resulting hybrid with an ACR. Structural and morphological characterization confirmed that GR affected PANI morphology and crystallinity. The band gap determination by Tauc's relation indicated the occurrence of π‐π interaction between the chains and an increase of the electrical conductivity of the composites allowed to infer a synergistic effect. The measured Seebeck coefficient reached a maximum value of −17.02 μVK−1 and the highest power factor obtained was 4.94 μWm−1 K−2 for the ACR/PANI sample, indicating a material with promising thermoelectric properties.

Thermal energy storage with flexible discharge performance based on molten-salt thermocline and thermochemical energy storage

Thermal energy storage with flexible discharge performance based on molten-salt thermocline and thermochemical energy storage

The impact of petrol subsidy removal on the adoption of solar power in Nigeria

For decades, the Nigerian government has subsidized the price of petrol, making it one of the lowest in the world. Historically, the country has relied significantly on petrol subsidies to make energy more affordable to its inhabitants. This policy, however, has imposed a significant budgetary burden, fostered smuggling and corruption, and discouraged investment in renewable energy sources. Additionally, it cuts down on the resources that governments may devote to achieving other development goals as well as sustainable development goals. With a growing global emphasis on renewable energy sources and the need to reduce carbon emissions, Nigeria faces the challenge of transitioning from its traditional reliance on fossil fuels to more sustainable alternatives. To determine the impact of petrol subsidy removal on the adoption of solar power in Nigeria, we present a cost analysis comparing the acquisition and operation of a 2.5 kVA solar PV system to that of a petrol generator of the same capacity. The cost analysis shows that the solar PV system is a more cost-effective and sustainable option for power generation than petrol generators, especially in the long term. The paper emphasised the need of harnessing Nigeria's tremendous solar potential and reducing carbon emissions through solar power adoption. The study also shed light on the potential benefits and challenges of promoting solar energy as a viable alternative to traditional electricity supply in Nigeria.

Life cycle assessment of repurposing abandoned onshore oil and gas wells for geothermal power generation

The annual global growth rate for geothermal power generation between 2021 and 2030 is targeted to be 13 % to meet net-zero emissions by 2050. Repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells (AOGWs) presents a strategic alternative to boost geothermal power by minimising the drilling requirements. This study performed the first cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment to evaluate the environmental performance of three options for geothermal power generation from repurposed oil and gas wells: i) two completely AOGWs (R-GEOdouble); ii) a single completely AOGW (R-GEOsingle); iii) two semi-AOGWs (R-GEOsemi - still in operation but with high water-cut). Their results are then compared with a business-as-usual geothermal power plant (GEObau). All 18 impact categories of the ReCiPe 2016 midpoint methodology plus cumulative energy demand have been analysed in detail, with background data from the Ecoinvent v3.8 database. R-GEOsemi is deemed the most promising repurposed system, exhibiting the lowest values in 11 impact categories. Specifically, R-GEOsemi produces 34 %, 23 %, and 14 % less CO2 eq./kWh when compared to GEObau, R-GEOdouble, and R-GEOsingle, respectively. Conversely, R-GEOdouble performed the worst in 12 impact categories, and the second worst in the rest of the indicators. Meanwhile, GEObau achieved the lowest impacts in nine categories when compared with repurposed systems, indicating the reduction of drilling and construction activities cannot always guarantee the mitigation of all environmental impacts. Sensitivity analyses showed that a longer lifetime could lower environmental impacts, but increasing annual power generation is constrained by site-specific factors. A ‘breakeven’ point analysis revealed that 85 % of repurposed systems' impact indicators could match GEObau if their lifetime reaches 30 years, but this remains uncertain. The findings of this study will be of interest to national and local governments developing future policies aimed at renewable energy transformation from oil and gas industries.