Energy Savings Research Articles

Study of Load-based Energy Saving for Multi-layer Networks on Base Station

Study of Load-based Energy Saving for Multi-layer Networks on Base Station

Microwave-Assisted vs. Conventional Extraction of Moringa oleifera Seed Oil: Process Optimization and Efficiency Comparison.

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of microwave-assisted and conventional extraction using ethanol, hexane, and petroleum ether as solvents, and to optimize the process for extracting oil from Moringa oleifera Lam. seeds, with a focus on improving food-grade oil production. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to enhance the extraction process of the oil. Central composite rotational design (CCRD) was used to analyze the impact of solid-liquid ratio (x1), power (x2), and temperature (x3) on oil yield. The optimization identified the optimal conditions as a solid/liquid ratio of 1:38, power of 175 W, and temperature of 50 °C, achieving a 42% oil yield. Notably, the microwave-assisted extraction reduced the processing time from 8 h (using conventional Soxhlet extraction) to just 1 h. Conventional extraction with hexane and petroleum ether was also performed for comparison, resulting in similar oil content and fatty acid profiles, predominantly, oleic acid. FTIR analysis confirmed that the microwave-extracted oil contained fatty acids and had similar characteristics to the conventionally extracted oil. Thus, the use of ethanol as a green solvent in the microwave has shown significant improvement in terms of time and energy savings compared to the Soxhlet method with toxic solvents. This study concludes that microwave-assisted extraction with ethanol provides a more energy efficient, environmentally friendly, and time-saving alternative for food-grade oil production, aligning with advancements in food engineering and production.

Enhancing temperature and torque prediction in permanent magnet synchronous motors using deep learning neural networks and BiLSTM RNNs

This study aims to develop an effective method for predicting the temperature and torque of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSMs) using deep learning techniques, which is crucial for optimizing motor performance and ensuring longevity, particularly in the automotive industry. Various Neural Network (NN) architectures, including a Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) with a Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM) unit, were employed to model the complex relationships between motor parameters, such as stator winding, current, torque, and permanent magnet temperature. The findings demonstrate that an NN with two hidden layers (64 and 32 neurons) achieved an R2 score of 0.99 for both torque and temperature prediction, while the BiLSTM network effectively modeled temporal dynamics, leading to high-fidelity rotor temperature predictions. This research provides a novel application of BiLSTM RNNs in accurately predicting PMSM temperatures, offering valuable insights for industries reliant on these motors. Integrating these models into motor control systems can enhance operational efficiency, reduce overheating risks, and extend motor lifespan, contributing to energy savings and environmental sustainability by lowering energy consumption and reducing waste.

Just in Time Port Call Optimisation: Preliminary Regulatory Compliance Evaluation and Environmental Performance Assessment

Abstract Just in Time (JIT) arrival, as an operational measure towards shipping decarbonisation, promises increased energy savings and reduced emissions. Integrated digital systems targeting the optimisation of the port call process allow vessels to adapt their speed to avoid the “hurry-up-and-wait” syndrome, and thus, reduce their fuel consumption at a certain extend. However, there are a lot of concerns and challenges ahead for a wide adoption of such a solution, that are either related to the regulatory and standardisation frameworks, or to the realisation of the actual benefits of a JIT optimisation system. Thus, this paper attempts to shed light on some of these challenges, by focusing on the maritime regulatory framework around JIT operations and on emission reduction potential from speed adaptation. Results provide a baseline for regulatory compliance evaluation for such a system, and a preliminary environmental performance assessment from JIT arrival applied on an actual ship case. These insights and early results will be further explored within the EU-funded MISSION project towards a full appreciation of the JIT concept benefits and regulatory compliance, which will lead to its wide implementation.

Leverages of energy transition at home: a critical discussion of barriers and future trends

Abstract The transition of the residential sector to a more sustainable energy system is regarded as a crucial action. Thus, significant efforts have been spent to promote deep energy retrofitting of existing inefficient assets. In addition, in more recent times, academics have begun to consider the potential for behavioral change among households to generate energy savings for the sector. This has led to the emergence of a growing body of literature aimed at understanding how to mobilize energy demand reduction potential that can be prompted by households’ behavioral change. Based on findings from a systematic literature review by the Authors, the paper tries to speculate upon four main dichotomic approaches that are retrieved within. These include behavioral-driven versus technological-driven approaches, awareness-raising versus rewarding or incentive-based systems, structural measures such as home retrofitting or the shift to clean energy, and provisional measures such as subsidies and tax rebates for vulnerable consumers. The paper also considers individual/customized measures versus collective policies towards energy transition. Based on that, common grounds are sought to advance effective strategies enabling energy transition of the residential sector. The drivers and limitations of the various approaches are also discussed in this context.

Improved understanding of thermal comfort could yield energy savings in heritage buildings

Abstract It is necessary to improve the understanding of thermal comfort to reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling in heritage buildings, which are often energy inefficient and where interventions are limited. Personal thermal comfort models based on measurements of environmental conditions and the individual’s physiological and subjective responses represent a potential solution to ensure the optimization of existing systems. Past research shows that lighting could impact thermophysiology and subjective perception of thermal conditions, but it is not clear whether the impact is sufficient to make light adaptation an appropriate solution to reduce energy consumption in heritage buildings, where people live and work. The research conducted under realistic semi-controlled conditions in an office environment of an existing building addresses this research gap. The paper presents the first partial simplified analyses and preliminary results of a wider ongoing study, mainly showing a correlation between skin temperature and air temperature and a partially promising effect of light on subjective thermal perception. Our research on the effect of light on thermal comfort does not provide definitive conclusions but rather highlights the need for further investigation in actual heritage buildings.

Combining expansion turbines, heat pumps, and low-temperature solar heat for enhanced primary energy savings in gas pressure regulating stations

According to previous studies, gas pressure regulating and metering stations (GPRMS) in Germany account for a primary energy consumption between 1.4 and 2.0 TWh/a for the preheating of natural gas flowing through. This work assesses the potential of reducing this consumption through the combined use of expansion turbines, heat pumps, and solar thermal collectors. For this purpose, operation data of 57 GPRMS of a German gas network operator are used to design systems combining in different scenarios two and three of these technologies in each GPRMS. Using an in-house model developed in Python the 57 systems are simulated over one year with an hourly time step. The results show a potential for the installation of expansion turbines with a total capacity of 3.57 MWel, leading, combined with the renewable heating technologies, to a reduction of more than 99 % of the original gas consumption for gas preheating. The results are then extrapolated to the whole country using scaling factors, showing a potential for feeding-in between 510 and 1,140 GWh/a of surplus electricity into the grid, on top of the almost complete elimination of the gas consumption for gas preheating. In total, the use of the complete technical potential available would lead to net primary energy savings between 1,710 and 3,650 GWh/a and net CO2-emission reductions between 470 and 1,010 kt/a. Overall, this work demonstrates that the combination of expansion turbines and heat pumps technically allows an almost complete decarbonation of the operation of GPRMS in Germany. In addition, significant amounts of electricity could be fed into the grid, especially during the winter months, which would contribute to decarbonise the electricity mix of the country. The amount of electricity fed into the grid can be increased with the additional use of low-temperature solar thermal systems. To exploit this potential in the future, current regulations should be adapted and targeted support programmes launched.

Speed and Route Planning in Evolving Weather for Efficient Voyages

Abstract Fuel-saving potential by optimizing speed as well as route has been studied in a wide variety of operating conditions on a trans-Pacific route. Analysis using different seasonal weather patterns and various ship speeds allows a more robust estimation of possible fuel savings. Up to 18% reduction in fuel consumption was observed on eastbound voyages and up to 13% savings could be obtained on westbound voyages. It was observed that higher energy savings can be obtained for longer voyage times. Because the share of added wave resistance in total resistance is higher for lower speeds and there is greater flexibility to speed up and slow down during the voyage. A detailed comparison between the hindcast and forecast of metocean data has been presented since actual fuel savings would depend on the accuracy of the weather forecast. For future work on operational optimization, it is suggested to use weather forecast data instead of hindcast for realistic estimation of fuel saving potential.

The Influence of Cuprum (II) Acetate (Cu (CH3COO)2) Dopant and Heating Temperature in The Fabrication of Thin Films of Barium Strontium Titanate (Ba0.4Sr0.6TiO3)

Abstract Barium Strontium Titanate (BST), or BaxSr1-xTiO3, is an excellent ferroelectric material that is widely used on thin film applications in microelectronic devices, making BST very essential to the tech industries. This research aims to fabricate Cuprum doped BST thin films at low temperature using the Chemical Solution Deposition (CSD) and spin coating technique, and then to analyze the thin film’s band gap energy from the UV-Vis curve, XRD Spectral and EDAX. The advantage lies in the use of low temperatures in which it allows a significant energy savings compared to other studies. Using the Kubelka-Munk method with the Tauc Plot relation, the bandgap energy values for each BST substrates were obtained. Without Cuprum (II) Acetate dopant, the Band Gap values of the thin film samples are 3.84 eV and 3.77 eV. With 3% concentration of Cuprum (II) Acetate dopant, we obtained smaller Band Gap values, which are 3.74 eV and 3.71 eV. Based on the XRD spectral analysis, the lattice parameters were determined with a tetragonal crystal structure. However, according to the EDAX analysis, the elemental composition obtained is not yet stoichiometric. This research is important to serve as a reference for other researchers and manufacturers to opt into fabrication of thin films with lower energy cost, provide guidance for researchers to have more flexibility in their own thin film fabrication.

A UV-resistant porous composite film for radiative cooling and enhanced hydrophobicity

Passive Daytime Radiative Cooling (PDRC) offers a promising strategy to reduce surface heat by reflecting solar radiation and emitting long-wave infrared radiation into space. However, the widespread application of PDRC is currently limited by challenges such as complex fabrication processes, high costs, and the materials’ susceptibility to outdoor aging. In this work, we fabricated a cost-effective, ultraviolet (UV)-resistant porous composite (UPC) film by phase separation technology. UPC films achieve high solar reflectance (0.92) and outstanding broadband longwave infrared thermal emissivity (0.975) by adjusting particle size and mass fractions of TiO2 particles embedded in Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). When applied to a drone, the films achieve a cooling effect of 12.6°C. Notably, the mid-infrared emissivity of UPC films remained stable after prolonged exposure to UV radiation (360 hours at an irradiance of 1 W/m2), with the reflectance decreasing by only 1.3 %. Software simulations were employed to evaluate the energy savings performance of UPC films in various urban environments, showing significant energy-saving benefits. Furthermore, after treatment with the modified solution, the surface contact angle of UPC films reaches 152.5°, providing excellent resistance to contamination. This work contributes to the advancement of low-cost, durable, and energy-efficient cooling solutions.

Assessing the Economic Viability of Prolonged Fuel Cycles in the Agricultural Sector: Impacts on Productivity and Sustainability

The prolonged fuel cycles in agriculture present a critical challenge for maintaining sustainable productivity, especially in the context of global energy scarcity and rising operational costs. The agricultural sector in China, which heavily relies on consistent energy supplies, faces growing pressure to adopt more efficient fuel cycles to ensure long-term economic viability. This paper aims to assess the economic viability of prolonged fuel cycles within China's agricultural sector by utilizing a comprehensive econometric model that evaluates the impacts on productivity, cost efficiency, and environmental sustainability. The study specifically examines how extended fuel cycles influence agricultural output and the overall financial stability of farming operations. Results indicate that prolonged fuel cycles significantly reduce operational costs by improving energy utilization efficiency, increase agricultural productivity by up to 12%, and mitigate carbon emissions by approximately 15% due to more efficient fuel use. Furthermore, the analysis shows that regions with higher fuel dependency face greater economic benefits from transitioning to extended fuel cycles. Policy implications suggest that the government should prioritize investments in energy-efficient technologies and provide subsidies for the adoption of prolonged fuel cycles to ensure sustainable growth in the agricultural sector while mitigating environmental impacts.

Supercapacitance and Photocatalytic Properties of Keggin Polyoxomolybdated-based 3D Supramolecular Compounds

Constructing efficient electrode materials and photocatalysts to tackle energy scarcity and water pollution is still extremely challenging. Here, four isomorphic Keggin compounds, namely {[M(Tetp)6][H3XMo12O40]2}·6H2O (M=Co/Ni, X=Si/Ge, Co-SiMo12, Ni-SiMo12, Co-GeMo12, Ni-GeMo12, Tetp = 4-[4-(2-Thiophen-2-yl-ethyl)-4H-[1,2,4]triazole-3-yl]-pyridine) were synthesized and directly used as electrode materials for supercapacitors and photocatalysts to reduce Cr (VI). In particular, the combination of polyoxometalates (POMs) that have abundant redox active sites with transition metal-organic compounds (TMCs) improves the internal ion/electron transport efficiency and photocatalytic activity. Specifically, Co-SiMo12 exhibits a higher specific capacitance value (588.46 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1) and the photocatalytic reduction efficiency (over 90%) of Cr (VI) in 25 min. This work provides a feasible scheme for supercapacitor energy storage and photocatalytic degradation of water pollutants.

On the impact of hollow silica powder on the performance of aerogel glazing systems in buildings: Results from laboratory and simulation analyses

Aerogel-based glazing systems are an effective solution to reduce space heating energy use in buildings, even if overheating risks in temperate climates exist due to the high solar transparency of the systems. This study analyzes the potential of an innovative solution, based on a mixture of granular aerogel and hollow silica powder, in small concentrations, to increase the reflectance of the aerogel layer and reduce solar transmission. A set of glazing samples, different in aerogel layer and powder concentration, were produced and test in laboratory to determine the relevant solar and thermal properties. It was found that at 7.5 % powder concentration the solar and light transmittance were reduced up 0.48 and 0.45 in a 0–1 scale, respectively. Analogously, the solar and light reflectance increased up 0.49 and 0.46, respectively. The thermal resistance of the system increased up to 0.18 m2K/W, peaking at 1.88 m2K/W for the 34 mm aerogel layer sample. The thermo-physical properties were used as input to simulate an office building in different climatic conditions; it was found that the proposed technology ensured total energy savings for 4 % powder concentration and higher; cooling energy savings were up to 21 % and total energy savings up to 21 %.

A Modeling Approach for Cargo Transportation Considering Energy Saving

This study presents a cargo transportation system management model that enables users to carry out the cargo process efficiently and economically. Cargo transportation is an important part of the transportation systems network. The advantages of cargo transportation are to ensure the safe delivery of products, save time and reduce costs. This study addresses the solution to the problems of high carbon dioxide emissions, and late and expensive deliveries caused by large distribution networks, by taking into account the density and logistics strategies of the cargo companies. The proposed cargo management system focuses on delivering cargo to destinations along the route that users are currently traveling on. This system is built around three main components: optimized route planning by an A* algorithm, a system model controllable through mobile and web interfaces, and nodes designated as drop-off and pick-up points for cargo. The A* algorithm runs with a reward matrix that also takes direction into account to calculate the optimal route. Users carry out the cargo management and tracking processes on mobile and web interfaces. Automatic nodes, which are the model prototype of the study, represent the cargo vending machines where users deliver/receive their cargo. Through this work, users can view and select cargo to carry while traveling between destinations and earn profits by acting as cargo carriers/drivers.

Dynamic Performance and Power Optimization with Heterogeneous Processing-in-Memory for AI Applications on Edge Devices

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, combined with the widespread proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, has significantly expanded the scope of AI applications, from data centers to edge devices. Running AI applications on edge devices requires a careful balance between data processing performance and energy efficiency. This challenge becomes even more critical when the computational load of applications dynamically changes over time, making it difficult to maintain optimal performance and energy efficiency simultaneously. To address these challenges, we propose a novel processing-in-memory (PIM) technology that dynamically optimizes performance and power consumption in response to real-time workload variations in AI applications. Our proposed solution consists of a new PIM architecture and an operational algorithm designed to maximize its effectiveness. The PIM architecture follows a well-established structure known for effectively handling data-centric tasks in AI applications. However, unlike conventional designs, it features a heterogeneous configuration of high-performance PIM (HP-PIM) modules and low-power PIM (LP-PIM) modules. This enables the system to dynamically adjust data processing based on varying computational load, optimizing energy efficiency according to the application’s workload demands. In addition, we present a data placement optimization algorithm to fully leverage the potential of the heterogeneous PIM architecture. This algorithm predicts changes in application workloads and optimally allocates data to the HP-PIM and LP-PIM modules, improving energy efficiency. To validate and evaluate the proposed technology, we implemented the PIM architecture and developed an embedded processor that integrates this architecture. We performed FPGA prototyping of the processor, and functional verification was successfully completed. Experimental results from running applications with varying workload demands on the prototype PIM processor demonstrate that the proposed technology achieves up to 29.54% energy savings.

Maximizing Growth and Yield Components: Comparative Analysis of Surface and Subsurface Drip Irrigation in Intensively Farmed Rice Systems

Water scarcity is a critical issue in arid and semi-arid regions worldwide, necessitating efficient irrigation methods in agriculture. This study evaluated the effectiveness of surface and subsurface drip irrigation systems in direct-seeded rice (DSR) followed by zero-till wheat or maize, compared to conventional puddled transplanted rice (PTR) systems. The two-year experiment, conducted at the International Rice Research Institute's South Asia Regional Centre in Varanasi, India, employed a randomized complete block design with eight treatments. Results showed that DSR followed by zero-till wheat with subsurface drip irrigation at 60-cm spacing significantly outperformed other treatments. This system increased rice grain yield by 6.52% and 18.82%, straw yield by 7.68% and 13.45%, and total biomass by 8.30% and 9.73% in 2020 and 2021, respectively, compared to PTR followed by zero-till wheat. Subsurface drip irrigation also led to improved plant growth parameters, including plant height and number of tillers, and enhanced yield attributes such as number of panicles and filled grains per panicle. The study concludes that subsurface drip irrigation in DSR systems offers a promising solution for sustainable intensification and efficient use of water and energy in rice-based cropping systems. However, long-term, multi-location trials are recommended to establish precise water and energy savings under various conditions.

The Impact of Environmental Regulations on the Export of Hangzhou Enterprises

This paper studies the impact of Hangzhou environmental regulation on the export of enterprises, and takes Hikvision as a case to analyze the input of the enterprise in green transformation and its impact on the export of overseas markets. Through the analysis of Hikvision's financial and ESG reports from 2019 to 2023, the following conclusions were drawn: Hikvision gained a competitive edge in the international market through green transformation measures; By promoting green production and product certification, Hikvision has enhanced its international reputation, and this responsible corporate image has contributed to the growth of its exports; Energy conservation and resource management measures have significantly reduced resource waste and energy consumption, thereby improving the company's profitability and competitiveness in the international market; Hangzhou's environmental regulations significantly promoted Hikvision's green innovation and had a positive impact on the company's export. The research shows that Hangzhou's environmental regulation policy has a positive impact on Hikvision's export.

Assessment of Power Equipment Operational Safety in the Sustainable Management of Residual Lifespan

Introduction. Ensuring the safe operation of energy facilities is a critical issue at all life cycle stages. It is associated with the adoption of management decisions when rescheduling and assessing the remaining resources, which are made based on a comprehensive assessment of the technical condition of the equipment, taking into account the economic efficiency and environmental requirements for further operation, which is the basis for technical and economic assessments. Aim and tasks. This study aims to develop a technical and economic assessment of the safe operation of power equipment to ensure sustainable management of the remaining service lifespan. Results. An algorithm for assessing pipeline system elements by the coolant environment is proposed, which allows for the pipeline load and changes in erosion and corrosion caused by coolant movement. It was proposed that the equipment be systematised by safety class and coolant. When conducting a technical and economic assessment, these parameters and the costs of extending the service life and upgrading the existing equipment were considered in the standard calculations of a certain type of equipment. For this purpose, mathematical models for calculating the residual life for each type, obtained and confirmed based on empirical studies, are proposed. Research findings into ensuring the reliability and safety of operation with various heat carriers have shown that it is necessary to consider low-cycle and high-cycle loads and erosion processes. It was found that the erosive wear rate is 0.3-0.4 mm/year for bending sections of the main circulation pipeline, where maximum loads occur relative to low-cycle and vibration loads, and the stress is 212.5 MPa when assessing the residual life of 7 years. Conclusions. The cost-effectiveness of reassigning the service life is reasonable, as it does not require additional investment in upgrading or replacing equipment subject to annual technical diagnostics. The systematisation of pipelines, improved codifiers, lifespan assessment models, and algorithms for evaluating the remaining life under various loadings enhance the regulatory framework for safe nuclear power plant operations and support technical and economic evaluations for extending their lifespan.

Proposal of Design about Electricity Bill on Door Knob to Cognize and Induce Behavior for Energy Saving

Proposal of Design about Electricity Bill on Door Knob to Cognize and Induce Behavior for Energy Saving

Lignin‐Based Macromolecular Photoinitiator for Non‐Migration, Self‐Adhesive, and Water‐Resistant Eutectogels toward Underwater Reliable Communication

AbstractHydrophobic conductive gels have attracted much attention in underwater sensing as the soft robots and wearable sensors. Among the various methods for preparing conductive gels, UV‐initiated polymerization shows advantages of rapid curing and significant energy savings. However, traditional commonly used photoinitiators in UV‐initiated polymerization often migrate or diffuse within conductive gels, especially with prolonged use or underwater, posing potential environmental and health risks. Herein, a novel lignin‐based macromolecular photoinitiator (L‐BF) is first designed by incorporating benzoylformate into the lignin backbone, demonstrating excellent UV absorption, high radical initiation efficiency, and hydrophobicity. Subsequently, hydrophobic eutectogels (HEG) are prepared via UV‐initiated polymerization using L‐BF as photoinitiator. The HEG shows excellent mechanical properties (toughness of 5.67 MJ m−3 and strain of 941%) and scarcely L‐BF migration underwater. Moreover, the hydrophobic network of L‐BF endowed HEG with hydrophobicity (water contact angle exceeds 110°; swelling ratio is <5.8%), superior underwater adhesion (255 kPa), even maintained excellent sensing performance (gauge factor of 4.69), and long‐term reproducibility (20 000 cycles) in air and underwater. Validation confirms the potential of HEG as an effective wearable sensor for underwater posture monitoring and communication, advancing the use of lignin and low‐migration conductive gels in marine exploration.