Potential Energy Source Research Articles

MXenes as Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion Applications: Advances and Prospects

Hydrogen as a potential future energy source provides a number of benefits in terms of sustainability, high energy density, and zero emissions. The production of hydrogen via water splitting is regarded as the cleanest and sustainable process. In contrast, fossil fuel combustion causes significant environmental problems through the production and release of secondary gases such as NOx, SO2, and CO2. It is vital to focus on reducing these harmful gases. CO2, a major pollutant produced by the combustion of fossil fuels and various human activities, plays a central role in the greenhouse effect and contributes to global warming. It is therefore imperative to actively eliminate and mitigate CO2 levels to preserve the global environment. MXenes and MXene‐based catalysts exhibit both outstanding hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance and CO2 reduction. In this review, recent progress is systematically examined and discussed in the preparation and utilization of MXenes as catalysts for HER and carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR). The discussion begins with a concise overview of the fabrication and characteristics of MXenes, followed by a comprehensive exploration of their efficacy as catalysts for HER and CO2RR.

Fast Pyrolysis of Municipal Green Waste in an Auger Reactor: Effects of Residence Time and Particle Size on the Yield and Characteristics of Produced Oil

The development of renewable sources for energy production has assumed a vital role in recent years, particularly with regard to the preservation of energy supplies and the environment. In this regard, municipal green waste (MGW) can be a potential renewable energy source if it is integrated with emerging technology, like pyrolysis. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the effect of residence time and particle size on the yield and composition of oil derived from MGW using fast pyrolysis in an auger reactor. The residence time and particle size were varied from 1 min to 4 min and 1 mm to 10 mm, respectively, while keeping the temperature constant at 500 °C. At a residence time of 3 min, a 2 mm particle size provided the highest bio-oil yield (39.86%). At this experimental setting, biochar yield of 27.16% and syngas yield of 32.98% were obtained. The characterization of produced bio-oil revealed that a total of nine functional groups were present in the bio-oil. The phenols were highest in amount, followed by aromatics and ketones. The increase in residence time decreased the amount of acidic compounds present in the bio-oil. The water content was decreased by ~11% and the calorific value was increased by ~6% with the increase in particle size from 1 mm to 10 mm. Other properties, such as viscosity, density, cetane number, and flash point, did not change significantly with the change in experimental conditions. With a calorific value of 25+ MJ/kg, although the bio-oil produced from MGW can be used for heating (such as in boilers and furnaces), the use of MGW bio-oil in engines requires appropriate upgrading through procedures like hydrodeoxygenation, catalytic cracking, esterification, etc.

Recovery of iron from copper slag using jatropha oil as a green reductant: Investigation of pyrolysis analysis, reaction kinetic and artificial neural network model prediction

Jatropha oil (JO) is a non-edible vegetable oil and a potential renewable energy source. In this paper, JO was proposed as a reductant to recover iron from copper slag (CS), and the effects of JO dosage, reduction temperature and reduction time on the recovery of iron by deep reduction of CS were investigated. Based on Coats-Redfern method, a thermogravimetric analyzer was used to explore the reactivity, mass loss behavior, and kinetic mechanism of CS reduction by JO, and to compare the reduction characteristics of anthracite and JO char when used as a reductant. Additionally, artificial neural network (ANN) modeling was used to predict the effects of reductant type, temperature, and heating rate on mass loss during CS reduction. The results showed that the optimum condition for CS reduction when JO was used as the reductant was 3 wt% JO at 1250 °C for 45 min, which resulted in 84.97 % Fe recovery and 94.58 % Fe grade in CS; the reduction mechanism of CS followed a one-dimensional diffusion model (D1); and ANN5 (15*1) was the optimum ANN model to predict the reduction of CS. This research introduces innovative strategies for the environmentally friendly and efficient recovery of iron from iron-containing furnace slag.

Long-Term Forecast of Energy Demand towards a Sustainable Future in Renewable Energies Focused on Geothermal Energy in Peru (2020–2050): A LEAP Model Application

The present study aims to describe the potential sources of energy in Peru with the purpose of implementing them to achieve a sustainable system, taking advantage of the natural resources in the Peruvian land. To achieve this, three alternative scenarios have been defined and analyzed using the LEAP (Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning) software [Software Version: 2020.1.112]. The scenarios are as follows: the first one, the Business-as-Usual scenario, is based on normal trends according to historical data and referencing projections made by Peruvian state entities; the second one is focused on Energy Efficiency, the highlighted characteristic is taking into consideration the efficient conditions in transmission and distribution of electric energy; and the third one, centered on Geothermal Energy, focused on the development of this type of energy source and prioritizing it. The primary purpose of this analysis is to identify the advantages and disadvantages inherent in each scenario in order to obtain the best out of each one. In this way, the intention is to propose solutions based on Peru’s national reality or possible uses of the country’s energy potential to supply its energy demand. Currently, Peru’s energy demand relies on fossil fuels, hydraulic, and thermal energy. However, there is the possibility of transforming this system into a sustainable one by strengthening existing and growing energy sources such as solar and wind energy and new technologies for hydraulic and thermal energy, in addition to considering geothermal energy as the main energy source in the third scenario. The new system mentioned satisfactorily indicates that the CO2 equivalent emissions decrease significantly in the third scenario, with a 15.8% reduction compared to the first scenario and a 9.7% reduction in comparison to the second. On the other hand, the second scenario shows a 5.6% decrease in CO2 emissions compared to the first, resulting from improvements in technology and energy efficiency without requiring significant modifications or considerable investments, as in the third scenario.

Managing the kinetic energy of descending greywater in tall buildings and converting them into a valuable source

Harnessing energy from descending greywater (GW) in tall buildings (TBs) is an innovative concept that combines water management with renewable energy generation and applying simulation methods. This study proposes a novel approach to enhancing sustainable energy recovery in TBs by capitalizing on the kinetic energy inherent in descending GW. Greywater, derived from non-toilet fixtures such as showers, bathroom sinks, and washing machines, offers a readily accessible source of potential energy due to its gravity-driven flow through the plumbing system. This gravitational potential energy could feasibly be converted into useable electricity through the incorporation of specialized energy-recovery mechanisms, such as turbines, hydroelectric generators, and piezoelectric devices. The study addresses the technical, economic and environmental aspects of implementing this idea in TBs. It describes the challenges of system integration, maintenance requirements and adherence to regulatory standards, as well as the potential benefits in terms of water conservation and reduced reliance on conventional energy sources, through a comprehensive analysis encompassing modeling, experimental validation and feasibility assessments. The research offers insights into the potential viability of harnessing downward-flowing GW as an alternative and sustainable green energy resource.

Impedance Controller Design and Dynamic Solution of The Manipulandum

This article explains the dynamic solution of the manipulandum that interact with the human upper arm, controller design, model simulation and simulation results. Manipulandum design in this field are used in human-machine interaction experiments to understand human motor learning skills. While the subject of experiments is handled in the field of medicine, appropriate manipulandum design is the subject of the engineering field. In this article, the engineering qualities of the device were evaluated, its mathematical model obtained, dynamic model simulation made and control elements were examined, but the experimental use of this device, which is serve medical science were not discussed in this context. In the literature review; The manipulandum have a 2-dof, 5-link closed chain structure that moves in the horizontal plane, their movement is provided by 2 actuators, their interaction with the human upper arm is made with a fixed joystick (end-effector) on the 2nd link, their dimensions are smooth and compatible with the human upper arm. It is understood that the manipulandum must be of a size that can safely interact with the human arm. A conceptual design was made for the manipulandum and the movement parameters of the manipulandum were obtained by creating a kinematic model accordingly. While creating the dynamic model of the system; It is accepted that the manipulandum moves in the horizontal plane, therefore there is no effect of gravity, there is no spring, damper or similar potential energy source in the system, and there is heat loss due to friction. The dynamic model obtained with the Euler Lagrange Method (ELM) was compared with the system model obtained with the Simulink Simscape Multibody (SSM) tool in the Simulink environment; The consistency of model parameters (friction coefficients, moment of inertia, etc.) was mutually checked. Since human-manipulandum interaction requires force control, an impedance controller has been designed for the system dynamics, instead of classical controllers. The success of the controller on both the ELM dynamic model and the model created in SSM was examined and the results were evaluated. As a result of the simulations; It is understood that in order to achieve meaningful position and force control, there must be a proportional magnitude relationship between the torques applied to the model by the actuators and the force applied to the end-effector.

Geology as Unconforming Infrastructure For the Hosting of Nuclear Waste

As the dramatic consequences of climate change finally begin to motivate governments around the world to explore how to move away from a dependence on fossil fuels, nuclear power is back on the agenda in the UK as a potential energy source. However, this new-found enthusiasm confronts a fundamental challenge—namely, that the radioactive wastes, accumulating since the very first nuclear power stations were built in the 1950s, have yet to be made safe for the long-term future. At the governmental level, there is a clear international commitment to the view that the most secure option for the management of radioactive waste matter is burial deep underground in an engineered geological disposal facility (GDF). Finland leads the international field, and the repository at Onkalo is expected to be fully operational by 2025. The Swedish government approved plans for the construction of an underground repository for spent nuclear fuel in 2022, with Canada, France, Japan, Switzerland, the UK, and the USA all actively engaged in siting and design initiatives. Strategies for generating public acceptance of geological disposal vary, as do the modes of engagement, the investments of time and money afforded, and the decision-making processes. These processes are conceptually and politically challenging. They require not only technical expertise and scientific understanding across an entire range of disciplines, but also the imaginative capacity to think across scales of time and space in what Ele Carpenter (2016: 14) has suggestively referred to as ‘reverse mining’.

Remoción y balance de masa en un reactor UASB en el tratamiento de agua residual de una industria chocolatera

Treatment is currently necessary for municipal and industrial wastewaters, given the decli- ning quantity and quality of available water. An anaerobic biological reactor is a suitable option for wastewater treatment because it generates biogas which contains methane, a potential source of energy. The objective of this research was to treat wastewa- ter from a chocolate industry with an applied organic loading rate (OLRappl) of 4.5 kg of chemical oxygen demand (COD)/m3/d and a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 10.3 h to obtain both, the removal efficiency, and the mass balance in terms of COD. Even though there were variations in the OLRappl and the TRH, the average removal efficiency of COD was 91%. The cal- culated mass balance in terms of COD was close to 100%.

Hybrid solar power plant for lighting power source in the politeknik negeri jember engineering department building

The sun is one of the potential renewable energy sources in Indonesia. One use of solar energy is to generate electricity. The Politeknik Negeri Jember Engineering Building already has a hybrid type solar power plant. However, it has not been utilized optimally because it is not connected to the building’s electrical network. This research aims to plan the connection of a solar power plant with an engineering building lighting system. The electrical network for the Engineering Department building that will be supplied by the solar power plant is the electric lighting system on the 3rd floor. The cable chosen is 4 mm2 with a cable length of 81 meters. Electrical connection from the solar power plant to the engineering building electrical network is carried out via an automatic transfer switch. If the condition of the electricity generated is adequate, the electricity will be connected automatically to the building’s lighting electricity network. If the electrical energy produced is insufficient or has run out, the lighting electricity network will automatically connect to the main electricity source. The building’s solar power plant is equipped with an internet of things system to monitoring its performance. The daily lighting electricity consumption is around 2.55 kwh.

Electrical properties evaluation of corn oil biodiesel mixed with lubricant as a potential source of energy

The main aim of this study is to assess the electrical characteristics pertaining to a biodiesel derived from corn oil and lubricant. The first step in the synthesis of biodiesel from corn oil involves the transesterification process. Subsequently, the biodiesel is combined with a base lubricant (20W-40T) in varying proportions, spanning from 5% to 40% of the overall volume. The measurement and analysis of biodiesel blends necessitate consideration of crucial electrical parameters, including breakdown voltage, resistivity, permittivity and electrical conductivity. The decrease in breakdown voltage, permittivity, and electrical conductivity that ensues from an increase in diameter may be attributed to the corresponding increase in diameter. Nevertheless, a positive association exists between the greater quantity of base lubricant and an elevation in resistivity. Despite the positive correlation between resistivity and diameter, this phenomenon persists. The potential cause for the enhancement of the electrical properties might be attributed to the dispersion of the fundamental lubricant.

Harvesting energy vibration derived from the rotational speed of a A 4-stroke engine

The utilization of vibration energy from a 4-stroke engine as a potential source of electrical energy. Previous studies have focused on analyzing the vibration characteristics and frequency response functions of the 4-stroke engine, but there is a lack of research on harnessing vibration energy as a source of electrical energy. Therefore, this research aims to fill this gap by developing a system to harness the vibration energy from the 4-stroke engine, making it a primary focus of the study. The method employed is an experimental study involving data collection using an FFT Analyzer and Matlab. The research results indicate the presence of several mode shapes in the 4-stroke piston motor. The energy harvesting device utilized is of the electromagnetic type. However, the research reveals that the utilization of vibrations from the 4-stroke piston motor as a source of electrical energy is still not efficient and requires further development. There are various mode shapes in the 4-stroke piston motor at different rotational speeds, but the electromagnetic energy harvesting device used is unable to generate significant electrical energy. Therefore, this research provides a foundation for conducting further research in utilizing the vibrations of a 4-stroke piston motor as a more efficient source of electrical energy

Deep Learning Models to Reduce Stray Light in TJ-II Thomson Scattering Diagnostic.

Nuclear fusion is a potential source of energy that could supply the growing needs of the world population for millions of years. Several experimental thermonuclear fusion devices try to understand and control the nuclear fusion process. A very interesting diagnostic called Thomson scattering (TS) is performed in the Spanish fusion device TJ-II. This diagnostic takes images to measure the temperature and density profiles of the plasma, which is heated to very high temperatures to produce fusion plasma. Each image captures spectra of laser light scattered by the plasma under different conditions. Unfortunately, some images are corrupted by noise called stray light that affects the measurement of the profiles. In this work, we propose the use of deep learning models to reduce the stray light that appears in the diagnostic. The proposed approach utilizes a Pix2Pix neural network, which is an image-to-image translation based on a generative adversarial network (GAN). This network learns to translateimages affected by stray light to images without stray light. This allows for the effective removal of the noise that affects the measurements of the TS diagnostic, avoiding the need for manual image processing adjustments. The proposed method shows a better performance, reducing the noise up to 98% inimages, which surpassesprevious works that obtained 85% for the validation dataset.

Biodegradation of polyethylene by the marine fungus Parengyodontium album

Plastic pollution in the marine realm is a severe environmental problem. Nevertheless, plastic may also serve as a potential carbon and energy source for microbes, yet the contribution of marine microbes, especially marine fungi to plastic degradation is not well constrained. We isolated the fungus Parengyodontium album from floating plastic debris in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre and measured fungal-mediated mineralization rates (conversion to CO2) of polyethylene (PE) by applying stable isotope probing assays with 13C-PE over 9 days of incubation. When the PE was pretreated with UV light, the biodegradation rate of the initially added PE was 0.044 %/day. Furthermore, we traced the incorporation of PE-derived 13C carbon into P. album biomass using nanoSIMS and fatty acid analysis. Despite the high mineralization rate of the UV-treated 13C-PE, incorporation of PE-derived 13C into fungal cells was minor, and 13C incorporation was not detectable for the non-treated PE. Together, our results reveal the potential of P. album to degrade PE in the marine environment and to mineralize it to CO2. However, the initial photodegradation of PE is crucial for P. album to metabolize the PE-derived carbon.

A hydrate reservoir renovation device and its application in nitrogen bubble fracturing

Abstract. Natural gas hydrate (GH) is a significant potential energy source due to its large reserves, wide distribution, high energy density, and low pollution. However, the gas production rate of past gas hydrate production tests is much lower than the requirement of commercial gas production. Reservoir stimulation technologies like hydraulic fractures provide one potential approach to enhance gas production from GH. The reservoir reformation behavior of the hydrate-bearing sediments (HBSs), particularly sediments with a high clay content, is a complex process during a hydraulic fracturing operation which has been poorly understood and thus hardly predictable. This paper presents an experimental facility that was developed to analyze the hydraulic fracture mechanism in synthesized HBSs. This facility can be used to form GH in sediments, conduct visual observation of hydraulic fracturing experiments, and measure the permeability of HBSs under high-pressure (up to 30 MPa) and low-temperature conditions (from 253.15 to 323.15 K). It is mainly composed of a pressure control and injection unit, a low temperature and cooling unit, a cavitation unit, a visual sapphire reactor, and a data acquisition and measurement unit. The hydraulic fracture module consists of a gas cylinder, fracturing pump, hopper, proppant warehouse, and valves. The sapphire reservoir chamber is applied to observe and measure the fracture of HBSs during hydraulic fracturing. The permeability test module is composed of a constant-flux pump and pressure sensors, which can evaluate the permeability performance before and after the hydraulic fracture in HBSs. The fundamental principles of this apparatus are discussed. Some tests were performed to verify hydraulic fracture tests, and permeability tests could be practically applied in the HBS exploitation.

Potential Use of Andean Tuber Waste for the Generation of Environmentally Sustainable Bioelectricity.

The growing demand for agricultural products has increased exponentially, causing their waste to increase and become a problem for society. Searching for sustainable solutions for organic waste management is increasingly urgent. This research focuses on considering the waste of an Andean tuber, such as Olluco, as a fuel source for generating electricity and becoming a potential sustainable energy source for companies dedicated to this area. This research used Olluco waste as fuel in single-chamber microbial fuel cells using carbon and zinc electrodes. An electric current and electric potential of 6.4 ± 0.4 mA and 0.99 ± 0.09 V were generated, operating with an electrical conductivity of 142.3 ± 6.1 mS/cm and a pH of 7.1 ± 0.2. It was possible to obtain a 94% decrease in COD and an internal resistance of 24.9 ± 2.8 Ω. The power density found was 373.8 ± 28.8 mW/cm2 and the current density was 4.96 A/cm2. On day 14, the cells were connected in earnest, achieving a power of 2.92 V and generating enough current to light an LED light bulb, thus demonstrating the potential that Olluco waste has to be used as fuel in microbial fuel cells.

Effect of nano-SiO2 particles on THF hydrate induction time and its distribution

Clathrate hydrate has been studied for a few decades as a potential alternative energy source and gas storage medium. The direct engineering application of hydrate is still struggling due to the slow formation rate and the ambiguity of induction time. To understand the effect of nanoparticles on the hydrate nucleation induction time, we used different amounts and magnitude sizes of nano-SiO2 particles as promoter to observe the Tetrahydrofuran (THF) hydrate induction time under repeated experiments. We conducted a statistical analysis method based on Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K–S) test and probability-probability plot (P–P plot) test for the analysis of induction time. The results showed that the logarithmic normal distribution can be used to describe the distribution of THF hydrate induction time with addition of nano-SiO2 under repeated experiments. The expected value and variance of induction time vary with particle sizes of different magnitudes at different mass concentrations, showing different effects of nano-SiO2 on hydrate formation and dispersion of induction time. There is a critical condition (with different sizes or mass concentrations) for the influence of nano-SiO2 particles on the THF hydrate induction time, which determines the promoting or inhibiting effect of nano-SiO2 particles on THF hydrate formation.

Net-zero produced water strategy on gas production in marine gas hydrate bearing sediment

Gas hydrates, commonly found in deep marine sediments, have been considered a potential long-term energy source. Recent field trials demonstrated that well depressurisation, converting solid gas hydrates into fluid in situ, is the most efficient method for gas production. However, this process involves continuously pumping a large volume of water from the ocean that cannot be simply disposed of due to environmental concerns. The produced water, with temperature, salinity and residues different from those of shallower seawater, could impact marine species, habitats and ecosystems if directly discharged into the sea. Storing or transporting this water for treatment is economically impractical. Furthermore, as hydrate dissociation increases sediment permeability, water production rates rise over time. Therefore, re-injecting produced water into gas hydrate reservoirs emerges as a promising net-zero produced water strategy. This study investigates the effects of produced water re-injection on gas productivity and sediment deformation through coupled thermo-hydro-chemo-mechanical numerical analysis. The results indicate that re-injecting the water could improve gas productivity but may cause heave and differential displacement near the injection well. This highlights the importance of considering thermo-hydro-chemo-mechanical processes in comprehensively evaluating energy production strategies and suggests that further studies are necessary for future commercial gas production from gas hydrate reservoirs.

Energy Harvesting Fractal Antenna for Charging Low Power Devices

Radio frequency energy harvesting (RFEH) is a prospective technique that uses electromagnetic waves which waste in the air to create energy. This cutting-edge technology offers the ability to wirelessly charge battery-free gadgets, making it a potential alternative energy source for use in the future. Fractal antenna systems are a type of antenna that is characterized by their self-similarity and ability to operate over a wide range of frequencies. The proposed design combined two popular fractal shapes in one design. This one design combines the advantages of the other two designs. This research presents a novel multi-band fractal slot antenna design and optimization method for RFEH systems. The fractal antenna designs that were simulated using the CAD design suite, as well as the final design and performance that captured multiple bands are described. The rectifying and matching networks are next evaluated, and the ADS (Advanced Construct System) software is used to construct and simulate each circuit. Additionally, the voltage regulator, energy storage, and application are addressed along with the required voltage to completely function a wireless sensor node, which may be utilized in many applications including wearable technology and intelligent traffic systems (ITS) that control roads to improve environmental quality. Finally, experimental results demonstrated good agreement with simulations that had a high radiation efficiency and gain.

Energetics and Transfer of Submesoscale Brine Driven Eddies at a Sea Ice Edge

Abstract During polar winter, refreezing of exposed ocean areas results in the rejection of brine, i.e., salt-enriched plumes of water, a source of available potential energy that can drive ocean instabilities. As this process is highly localized, and driven by sea ice physics, not gradients in oceanic or atmospheric buoyancy, it is not currently captured in modern climate models. This study aims to understand the energetics and lateral transfer of density at a semi-infinite, instantaneously-opened and continuously re-freezing sea ice edge through a series of high resolution model experiments. We show that kilometer-scale submesoscale eddies grow from baroclinic instabilities via an inverse energy cascade. These eddies meander along the ice edge and propagate laterally. The lateral transfer of buoyancy by eddies is not explained by existing theories. We isolate the fundamental forcing-independent quantities driving lateral mixing, and discuss the implications for the overall strength of submesoscale activity in the Arctic Ocean.

Crop Residues Based Pellets Market Opportunities in India

Ever increasing use of fossil fuels such as coal and oil, contributing significantly to global warming and a great deal of harm to the environment. It is of utmost necessity to develop green sources of energy not only to generate power but most importantly to reduce the impact of energy production on the environment. In addition to the climate challenges, we are now facing challenges related to high energy prices and the high risk of supply shortages. Energy and, in particular, the clean energy is an important topic that needs special attention by the scientific community World-wide and, more so, in the context of the developing countries. Renewable energy should be looked as the most important instrument for the socioeconomic development, eradication of poverty and unemployment and an instrument of rural development. Amongst potential renewable energy sources, biomass can play an important role in achieving a net-zero carbon emissions and can be used to produce electricity, transportation fuels, or chemicals. Development of small to medium size technologies for power production in order to allow the exploitation of low value feedstocks, such as biomass residues from forest management, agro-industrial, agricultural sectors and wood industries, are of importance, especially in the context of the developing country, like India. It is in the above context that to address many challenges, such like biomass collection, processing, storage and its transportation to the point of ultimate utilization an important idea to develop decentralized model involving Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), farmers cooperatives, etc. in production of crop residue pellets or terrified pellets at village level, has been discussed in the present paper.