Clean Options Research Articles

Nuclear Waste Management in India Vis-A-Vis Sustainable Development: Policies and Practices

Energy is everything that comes from the sun to the air we breathe, to water and wind. Now the population is increasing and so is technology level, we are using Energy from every resource that is available on the earth. We now know that there are all forms of energy known to this planet upon which we base our civilization, some renewable, some non-renewable or in the language jargon of today: conventional or non-conventional that have a great deal to do with said improvement in quality of life. Energy is utilized by all sectors such as industry, commerce, agriculture, household, transport and also for telecommunication etc. Thus, in simplest terms Energy is Work done. We can go to the moon or expedition Antarctica just because of harnessing energy fuels. We are moving ahead in the era of modernism and among them, the dependency on energy is rising. Rapidly depleting all other forms of resources, the technology has now turned to nuclear capabilities. Nuclear is not just the largest source of energy, it is also a very clean option for producing power. The management of nuclear wastes in India is a crucial area that at the intersection of larger goals for sustainable development. With India in process of expanding its nuclear power programme by the year 2050 to meet energy needs and to cut down its carbon emissions, responsible management of nuclear waste will become even more vital, for environmental sustainability as well as public safety. Some even confirmed to the query Are we headed towards a nuclear future? & Is nuclear energy indeed be the answer to India's increasing power needs?

Improving Solar Panel Efficiency with Automated Dust Removal

The rapid growth of the global population has led to raise in energy consumption, resulting in a higher demand for energy production. This production is classified into two categories, conventional and non-conventional sources. Conventional sources of energy release a large amount greenhouse gas, which have detrimental effects on the environment. To combat these negative effects, it is crucial to transition towards non-conventional, renewable energy sources. Conventional energy is more sustainable and clean option compared to fossil fuels. Utilizing technology such as photovoltaic cells can greatly lessen our reliance on traditional energy sources. One challenge that renewable energy faces is the deposition of dust on solar panels, which can decrease their efficiency. Various coatings can be applied to prevent dust buildup, but they do not completely eliminate the issue. This study aims to investigate that how much effectively using an automated mechanical vibrator with a water injector to remove dust and debris from solar panels in which the efficiency of the panel is increased from 18% to 20 %. By improving the maintenance of solar panels, we can increase their efficiency and overall performance in generating renewable energy.

Application of Nanostructured Materials for the Remediation of Microbes Contaminated Water and Sustainable Water Treatment

Regardless of whether pollution originates from inorganic sources such as heavy metals, or organic waste such as industrial discharges; it poses a grave threat toward human health and environmental equilibrium. Air and water quality, soil health, ecosystem integrity—all can suffer negative impacts due to these pollutants with far-reaching effects on both public health and our surroundings. To alleviate this pervasive problem effectively: comprehensive strategies must be implemented that encompass strict regulatory measures; advocate for sustainable industrial practices – promoting environmentally conscious behaviors is also key, and recent decades have seen a marked rise in pollutants in water sources. Human existence depends on having access to clean water, yet numerous sources are now seriously contaminated. Fortunately, using several cutting-edge methods, nanotechnology provides intriguing and useful options for wastewater cleaning. Numerous pollutants, including germs, sediments, and dangerous chemicals like Mercury and Arsenic, may be removed using nanotechnology. The development of wastewater treatment alternatives is being aided by cutting-edge nanotechnology, which has the potential to improve the reuse of water, recycling, and restoration. This not only improves the quality and durability of the water over the long term, but also assures future generations will have access to it. Diverse procedures and strategies are now used in the field of water purification, many of which use nanomaterials. Nanofiltration is a particularly effective and straightforward technique. Low pressure water is used in this method to flow through nanofiltration filters; these filters may be quickly cleaned by simply back-flushing. Utilizing carbon nanotubes, which are recognized for their efficiency in eliminating a wide range of water contaminants because of their incredibly smooth interiors, is another benefit of nanofiltration. When compared to traditional microstructure materials, nanostructured materials, such as Ag (silver), Au (gold), metal oxides, and CNTs (carbon nanotubes), provide several advantages in the purification of water. They are excellent alternatives for tackling the urgent problems caused by water contamination because of their increased surface area and exceptional qualities. In conclusion, the use of nanomaterials in water filtration, such as Ag, Au, metal oxides, and CNTs, marks a huge step towards protecting our planet's most valuable resource. We can create a sustainable future where everyone has access to clean, secure drinking water by using the potential of nanotechnology.

Resilient and sustainable energy supply chains: insights on sourcing and pricing strategies in a non-collaborative and collaborative environment

Energy supply chain resilience and sustainability are essential for dependable, ecologically responsible energy availability, reducing disruptions, and creating a sustainable future. In this regard, this study explores the resilience and sustainability of a single energy supply chain through two distinct scenarios. The focus is on a manufacturer capable of sourcing products from renewable and non-renewable power plants. Although the renewable power plant is the preferred clean option, disruptions may occur. On the other hand, the fossil fuel power plant offers reliability at the cost of environmental impact. The manufacturer employs two sourcing strategies based on disruption probabilities: single sourcing from just the renewable power plant and dual sourcing from fossil and renewable power plants. In the second scenario, a collaboration between the power plants is introduced. If a disruption occurs at the renewable power plant, it orders the fossil fuel power plant to generate electricity on its behalf. Using a game-theoretic approach, the research examines the effects of dual-sourcing techniques, and the efficacy of cooperation in minimising disruptions. It also examines the trade-offs between energy supply chain resilience and environmental sustainability. The results shed light on sourcing strategy decision-making and add to the literature on sustainable and resilient energy supply chains.

Recognizing iso-olefins as paramount intermediates for optimum isoparaffins production via CO hydrogenation

Synthesizing ‘high quality gasoline’ from syngas via will be a sustainable and clean option to ensure energy security. Herein, we rationally prove a hypothetical phenomenon that can enhance isoparaffins in the Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis (FTS) by employing iso-olefins as main intermediates. The experimental study comprised mass variation of ‘Na’ promoted ‘Fe’ with the addition of different zeolites as catalysts to convert syngas directly to gasoline ranged isoparaffins. The initial targets of olefins and iso-olefins were optimized over a the mesoporous SiO2 supporting Fe and Na phases. The iso-olefins were subsequently converted to isoparaffins over the zeolites. Among reactions investigated, the Fe-Na/SiO2 with (Fe = 20 wt%, and Na = 2 wt%) and HZSM-5(80) zeolite in the mass ratio of 1:2, stack in a dual bed configuration demonstrated highest selectivity for isoparaffins. A 53.5 % selectivity of isoparaffins was realized in 70.6 % selectivity for liquid hydrocarbons which represented a selectivity of 75.8 % of the total liquid hydrocarbons. The results from this work offer a new path into production and further studies focused on optimizing isoparaffins production from FTS reactions.

Preparing instruments for decontamination

Jenny Nixon follows the journey of dental instruments through the essential cleaning process required prior to the decontamination stage. Aim To outline the place of instrument cleaning within dental decontamination processes. Objectives To inform readers of the different options for pre-sterilisation cleaning. To present the relative benefits of some cleaning methods over others. To provide readers with information about the different stages involved in instrument cleaning in a dental practice.

A geospatial approach to understanding clean cooking challenges in sub-Saharan Africa

Universal clean cooking is a key target under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7, with implications for several other SDGs, such as good health, gender equality and climate. Yet, 2.4 billion people globally still lack access to clean cooking. The situation is especially dire in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where only 17% use clean options. We develop OnStove, an open-source spatial tool comparing the relative potential of different cookstoves on the basis of their costs and benefits, and apply it to SSA. Our results suggest a severe market failure as the currently most used solution, traditional biomass, produces the lowest social net-benefits nearly everywhere in SSA. Correcting this failure, which stems from multiple market and behavioural obstacles, would deliver significant health, time and emission benefits but requires identification and promotion of policies to transform cooking energy use. Spatial mapping offers a more nuanced understanding of the costs needed to deliver cleaner cooking transitions than was previously possible, which is useful for improved targeting of intervention strategies.

Impact of Iron Pyrite Nanoparticles Sizes in Photovoltaic Performance

With rising energy demand and depleted traditional fuels, solar cells offer a sustainable and clean option. In recent years, and due to its acceptable band gap, high absorption coefficient, and inexpensive cost, iron pyrite (FeS2) is a popular material for solar cells. Earth abundance and nontoxicity further boost its photovoltaic possibilities. The current study examined the influence of sulfurization at 350–400 °C on iron pyrite layers fabricated using spray pyrolysis. The morphology and size from TEM confirmed the XRD results of synthesizing a pyrite FeS2 with an average particle size of 10–23 nm at 350–400 °C, respectively. The direct band gap calculated by DFT as a function of temperature was found to be consistent with the experimental findings, 0.87 eV (0.87) and 0.90 eV (0.95) at 350 °C and 400 °C, respectively. We found high-performing photovoltaic cells on ITO/ZnO/FeS2/ MoO3/Au/Ag, obtained with an excellent quality of nanoparticles and nanostructures of FeS2 pyrite, which improved with the method of preparation and growth parameters.

Evolving Toward a Scalable Hyperloop Technology: Vacuum transport as a clean alternative to short-haul flights

The future transformation of transportation is set to fundamentally shape our modern civilization in reducing the global energy consumption from travel and the time needed to move. In the future climate vision of the European Union (EU), 90% of travel-related emissions will be omitted by 2050. To achieve this optimistic goal, one of the EU’s strategically proposed solutions is the vacuum train (vactrain) concept, known as the hyperloop transportation system (HTS) in 2013 (European Commission 2020). The hyperloop is currently viewed as the fastest way to cross Earth’s surface (Nøland 2021). It employs fully electric propulsion and, thus, it is seen as a clean option. The optimal routes that are relevant for implementation are found in traffic-intense intercity regions, which would generate sufficient throughput to pay back its infrastructure investment. Another driver is that European countries (e.g., France and Germany) have already proposed banning short-haul domestic flights where travel by rail is an option. Such policies could accelerate the push for new hyperloop projects as a promising alternative to rail. In this article, a technical path for affordable hyperloop development and implementation is presented.

Comparative study of drip irrigation systems using indoor amorphous photovoltaic panels

Solar energy is a clean and renewable energy production option and can be applied to pumping water. Pumping water with photovoltaic solar energy is one of the technologies that has stood out in the country. In this context, the work aimed to evaluate the different methods of a drip irrigation system as a function of the use of an indoor amorphous photovoltaic pumping system, without electrical energy storage. The study was installed at the State University of Western Paraná. Voltage and current data were generated by the photovoltaic panels; solar irradiation was measured by the pyranometer device; the water pump flow rate was determined using the flow meter and in-line drip tube types. Irrigation performance was determined by the water distribution uniformity coefficients (CUD) and Christiansen’s uniformity coefficient (CUC). Tests were performed on open and partially cloudy days. The experiment totaled 40 sampled data, half being collected on sunny days and the other half on partially cloudy days, at 9:45 am; 11:00 am; 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm. The methodology had the greatest influence on the CUD value. For the CUC parameter, the values were approximately 89% for the studied methods. Values remained under control for the Shewhart graph, but with the process capacity index affected.

Evaluation of energy extraction from a geothermal resource in central Alberta, Canada using different well configurations

Geothermal energy harvesting offers a clean option for energy generation with nearly zero greenhouse gas emission. However, due to the lack of understanding of geothermal resource characterization (geological properties and distributions), optimal well placement and operation for energy generation, and energy return on energy invested, geothermal development has been slow. Recently, geothermal energy extraction is drawing attention for its global potential due to environmental concerns about carbon-intensive energy generation from fossil fuels. Here, we examine a potential case of geothermal energy extraction from a sandstone, moderate temperature, low permeability geothermal resource in Central Alberta, Canada, which has not been simulated before. We construct a detailed earth model of dimensions 1,000 m by 1,000 m horizontally and 2,800 m vertically from the surface to the geothermal reservoir using well log data. Heat losses along the wells are taken into account. From detailed geological modelling and thermal reservoir simulation, we demonstrate that different well configurations affect energy extraction from the geothermal resource. The results show that energy produced to energy invested ratio ranges from 1 to 6 GJ/GJ depending on the well configuration, operating rate, and permeability of the reservoir. The outcomes from the research suggest that geothermal development in Alberta will require careful design and operating strategy to yield useful energy returns.

Milling About

The world´s first hydrogen-powered rail milling machine will be put into service by the end of 2021, offering an clean option for track maintenance and promising significant cost savings

Can universities be a platform for climate mitigation? Exploring the impacts of carbon pricing in the university setting

ABSTRACT Climate Change is one of the most important threats in the world today and it is driven by the human-induced build-up of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere. Despite worldwide policy efforts from the Kyoto Protocol to the Paris Agreement, global emissions of GHG have continued to steadily increase over the past decade. Against this backdrop, many higher education institutions (HEIs) around the world began to engage in sustainable practices implementing green initiatives on their campuses. Using the waste disposal and the associated GHG emissions data from the academic community, this study describes how HEIs can assume a leadership role in climate mitigation through the implementation of a carbon pricing initiative. Specifically, this study estimates the economic costs of carbon emissions from waste and conceptualizes how revenues generated from carbon pricing can be rechanneled to support carbon reduction efforts in HEIs. By this approach, HEIs not only create incentives for campus users such as students and employees to choose cleaner options but also be able to understand their own carbon footprint and adjust strategy accordingly. While carbon pricing has long been regarded as an alternative approach to tackle carbon pollution, it has not been much discussed in the area of waste management. In this regard, this study attempted to fill this research gap by finding emission reduction potentials in waste management using carbon pricing as a mechanism.

Socio-Economic Determinants of Household Continued Use of Solid Biofuels (Fuelwood and Charcoal) for Cooking Purposes in Sub-Saharan Africa- Kenya’s Situation

Solid biofuels (fuelwood and charcoal) remain the primary source of household cooking energy in Kenya. This has negatively impacted forest resources, people’s health, local climate patterns, and the country’s economy. Understanding the determinants of household use of these traditional energy resources is useful in the designing of policies and strategies aimed at facilitating energy transitions towards clean options. The current study evaluated the role of socio-economic factors in the determination of household use of fuelwood and charcoal for cooking purposes in Kenya. A desk study was conducted using the 2015/2016 Kenya Integrated household budget survey data published by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS). Stepwise multiple regression using SPSS was run to determine how household size, female household headship, lack of education among household heads, ownership of housing unit, modern housing, access to credit, access to cash transfers, shock to household welfare, and household level of expenditure affect household utilisation of fuelwood and charcoal for cooking purposes. Results of the regression show that household ownership of a housing unit has a significant positive influence on household utilisation of fuelwood for cooking purposes. Access to credit has a significant negative influence on household charcoal utilisation, while both household expenditure beyond $71 and lack of education among household heads have a significant negative influence on household utilisation of fuelwood and a significant positive influence on household utilisation of charcoal. Therefore, the government of Kenya through its relevant authorities and agencies has a crucial role to play in ensuring that these socio-economic determinants of household use of solid biofuels are addressed. This is achievable through re-strategising, re-designing and designing policies aimed at facilitating households’ transition to clean energy alternatives and sustainable development.

Computational studies on the airflow developed by the building-integrated passive solar energy system

Ventilation and cooling demand are expected to rise in the next decades. Sustainable standalone solar passive air ventilation technique could be one of the clean options. In this study, a building-integrated passive solar energy technology (BIPSET) consists solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar still, was implemented for attaining multiple outputs, such as air ventilation, power and clean water in a building prototype proposed based on Chief Minister's solar powered green house scheme, Government of India. Solar PV and solar still were connected separately with single chimney using necessary duct connections. The heat gain in the PV panels was used for air ventilation inside the building. Computational fluid dynamics analysis was carried out in SOLIDWORKS-2017 Flow simulation software to study the airflow behaviour, such as air change per hour, heat gain and efficiencies in the building-integrated system. The results are in good agreement with experimental values for both sunny and cloudy conditions. This solar still duct arrangement reduced the airflow inside the building in noon hours by 30%. However, it improved the airflow by 8% in the evening hours. The present system is in accordance with standards like ASHRAE 62.1–2010 and GRIHA, which indicates its commercial applicability. Moreover, the environment analysis indicates that the system offers CO2 savings of 17.5 kg/year by adopting passive air ventilation. A modified integrated system was proposed to utilize the heat energy from the solar still for air ventilation by altering the duct arrangements.

Solar energy and its estimated contribution to the energy demand of residential apartments in India through their envelopes: a technical and commercial approach

ABSTRACT On-site deployment of renewable energy capacities for buildings in the cities is a prerequisite for most of the building energy codes in India. As residential energy consumption increases at a rapid rate due to intensive electrification and increased affordability, it is appropriate to generate it on-site to decongest the grid. Solar PV is viewed as a clean option in India with average peak sunshine of 4–6 kWh/day (1kWh = 3.6 MJ). In urban areas, the envelopes of dense residential towers for both rooftop and façade are seen as viable options to generate electricity. This research explores the solar potential of residential envelopes to meet energy demand. Solar energy potential of residential envelopes was mapped on the roofs and façades through color solar insolation mapping in DIVA–for–Rhino, and the amount of solar PV energy that could be generated was calculated. This amount was matched with the energy demand of residential blocks obtained from a survey conducted by a published source. By investigating the techno-commercial potential of residential blocks in representative cities in each of India’s four climate zones, it was found that rooftop photovoltaics RTPV would contribute up to 65–100% of common facilities (lifts and lights) consumption for Ground+20 floors. Facade offset was above 100% for all the cities for south- and west-facing façades for Ground+20 floors for common facilities. The payback period for common services’ energy consumption was economically attractive with around 6–7 years for rooftop and façade PV, as they have higher electricity tariffs than the individual household consumption tariff rate. The novelty of this research was in identifying the façade PV potential for multistory residential buildings for each of India’s climates. The study’s findings illustrate that rooftop and building integrated photovoltaics enable residential buildings to move toward self-reliance with respect to their energy needs, thereby contributing to decreased carbon emissions. Green building consultants, developers, and consumers will view this research as a viable means to reduce carbon footprints of residential buildings.

From gangue to the fuel-cells application

Hydrogen, which is a new clean energy option for future energy systems possesses pioneering characteristics making it a desirable carbon-free energy carrier. Hydrogen storage plays a crucial role in initiating a hydrogen economy. Due to its low density, the storage of hydrogen in the gaseous and liquids states had several technical and economic challenges. Despite these traditional approaches, magnesium hydride (MgH2), which has high gravimetric and volumetric hydrogen density, offers an excellent potential option for utilizing hydrogen in automobiles and other electrical systems. In contrast to its attractive properties, MgH2 should be mechanically and chemically treated to reduce its high activation energy and enhance its modest hydrogen sorption/desorption kinetics. The present study aims to investigate the influence of doping mechanically-treated Mg metal with 5 wt% amorphous Zr2Cu abrasive nanopowders in improving its kinetics and cyclability behaviors. For the first time, solid-waste Mg, Zr, and Cu metals were utilized for preparing MgH2 and amorphous Zr2Cu alloy (catalytic agent), using hydrogen gas-reactive ball milling, and arc melting techniques, respectively. This new nanocomposite system revealed high-capacity hydrogen storage (6.6 wt%) with superior kinetics and extraordinary long cycle-life-time (1100 h) at 250 °C.

Primary Frequency Control in Isolated Microgrids Using Thermostatically Controllable Loads

Hybrid renewable energy sources (RES)-diesel systems are now being considered as an economic, attractive and clean option for remote isolated microgrids, to offset diesel consumption by displacing generation from conventional units; however, system security and stability is a challenge as the penetration of RES increases. In this context, Demand Response (DR) can be used to increase grid flexibility, improve efficiency, and facilitate the penetration of RES. Thermostatically controllable loads (TCLs), i.e., electric water heaters (EWHs), air conditioners (ACs), and ground source heat pumps (GSHPs), are ideal candidates to participate in such a DR strategy, since their power consumption can be controlled without affecting consumer comfort. Therefore, this paper presents novel, computationally efficient, and adequate thermo-electrical dynamic models of ACs and GSHPs, along with an existing model of EWHs, to adapt and improve a decentralized DR strategy for Direct Load Control (DLC) for primary frequency regulation in hybrid isolated microgrids. Different cases studies are presented for a real microgrid to analyze and compare the system frequency response and determine the adequacy of the proposed approach and models, demonstrating their effectiveness for primary frequency control provision to facilitate higher RES penetrations.

Costs of clean heating in China: Evidence from rural households in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region

Abstract To address severe air pollution, the Chinese government plans to replace most residential coal stoves in northern China with clean heating devices by 2021. Coal stove replacement started in the “Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH)” region and is expanding throughout northern China. Removing coal stoves reduces air pollutant emissions and hence is beneficial for both air quality and public health, as well as offering greenhouse gas mitigation co-benefits. However, there is little discussion of the economic costs of various clean heating technologies. In this study, we estimate total annual costs (TAC, annualized capital costs plus annual operating costs) for rural households, across cities/counties in the BTH region, to replace their coal stoves with several prevalent clean options—air-source heat pumps with fan coils (ASHPwF), electric resistance heaters with thermal storage (RHwTS), natural gas heaters (NGH), and clean coal briquettes with improved stoves (CCIS). We find: 1) Without subsidies, CCIS have the lowest TAC of all clean options. TAC of unsubsidized CCIS approximately doubles TAC of raw coal with improved stoves (RCIS), while unsubsidized electric/gas heaters cost 3–5 times more than RCIS. Thus, it is important for governments to financially support households' replacement of their coal stoves with clean heaters to facilitate widespread adoption. 2) With subsidies, CCIS have the lowest TAC in all regions except Beijing. In Beijing, generous subsides make ASHPwF—the most energy-efficient option—have the lowest TAC. In Tianjin, TAC of subsidized ASHPwF are slightly higher than CCIS and NGH. Throughout Hebei, except for a few severely cold northern counties where gas prices are high, subsidized NGH have lower TAC than ASHPwF and RHwTS. 3) Cost competitiveness of ASHPwF increases as heat demand increases, (e.g., higher desired indoor temperatures, larger home sizes, etc.) indicating that ASHP are good options for households with larger home sizes and commercial buildings. 4) Substantial potential exists to reduce heating expenses by improving building energy efficiency particularly in severely cold regions. 5) Cost advantages of NGH vary sharply with gas prices.

Renewable Energy Powered Charging Stations - A Brief Review

Vehicular pollution is one of the major sources of pollution. To facilitate the green mobility initiative in India the Government is putting lots of effort. The increase in the number of cars on roads increased the need for more fuel. After the industrial revolution in the 18th century, cars slowly started becoming a necessity. More people started buying cars. Recent studies showed that the use of conventional fuels leads to global warming and also increased stress on non-renewable resources. The introduction of electric vehicles and subsidies provided is a good welcome. These measures would be useful when one of the factors ie. the power for these e-vehicles is provided form clean sources. The authors in this paper have tried to review and explore the various clean options available for the charging stations. How to cite this article: Sharma S. Renewable Energy Powered Charging Stations -A Brief Review. J Adv Res Alt Energ Env Eco 2020; 7(1): 28-32. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2455.3093.202005