Reduce Energy Requirements Research Articles

Metabolomic Insights into Energy Utilization Strategies of Asiatic Toads (Bufo gargarizans) During Hibernation

Hibernation is a crucial adaptive strategy for amphibians, facilitating survival in harsh environmental conditions by lowering metabolic rates and reducing energy use. This study employed GC-MS and LC-MS metabolomics to systematically analyze the serum metabolome of Bufo gargarizans during hibernation, aiming to uncover its metabolic adaptation mechanisms. A total of 136 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) were identified, of which 115 were downregulated and 21 upregulated, mainly involved in amino acid, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism. KEGG pathway analysis showed that most metabolic pathways were inhibited in the hibernating group, underscoring a significant reduction in overall metabolic activity. Notably, while amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism were significantly reduced, lipid metabolism exhibited a distinctive adaptive response. Enhanced β-oxidation of fatty acids, including palmitoleic acid, arachidonic acid, and sodium caprylate, suggests a metabolic shift toward lipid-based energy utilization. The reduction in key metabolites like fumaric acid and succinic acid in the TCA cycle further supports the hypothesis of reduced energy requirements. These results enhance our current understanding of amphibian hibernation metabolisms and provide a targeted approach for future mechanistic investigations.

Win-Win More Sustainable Routes for Acetic Acid Synthesis.

Current efforts to decarbonize the chemical sector by using captured CO2 and electrolytic H2 typically lead to high production costs and environmental collateral damage. Hence, there is a clear need to look for alternative, more efficient synthesis routes that could pave the way for a fully sustainable chemical industry. Bearing this in mind, here, we evaluate the economic and environmental implications of two low technology readiness level (TRL) novel single-step synthesis routes for acetic acid production using CO2 as a raw material: gas-to-acid methane carboxylation and semiartificial photosynthesis. Using process simulation and life-cycle assessment, we determine that these pathways, under a specific set of assumptions, could outperform the business-as-usual methanol carbonylation process at their current development state in terms of global warming, human health, ecosystem quality, and resource scarcity impacts, showing no signs of burden shifting. Furthermore, these routes also result in lower production costs derived from the reduced energy requirement associated with a single synthesis step. Overall, our preliminary results of the low TRL technologies based on experimental data highlight the potential economic and environmental benefits of exploring alternative synthesis routes, which could help bridge the current fossil-based industrial landscape to a more sustainable future.

An extensive investigation of combined freeze-drying technologies for fruit conservation

Drying is one of the oldest methods for preserving perishable foods, and protecting fruits from microbial degradation, thereby extending shelf life. However, the bland taste and hard texture affect the marketability. This has led to the development of novel drying technologies in which, freeze-drying is one such non-thermal dehydration technique that offers benefits such as maintaining structure, texture, colour, rehydration rate, and nutritional quality. Freeze-drying operates below the triple point, using temperature and pressure to remove water via vapour concentration gradients, carefully balancing critical and eutectic temperatures to preserve the structure and prevent shrinkage. Despite these advantages, freeze-drying has notable drawbacks, including high processing time, production costs, and energy consumption making the technique less feasible. Several combination drying techniques have been implemented as pre- and post-treatments to address these issues, resulting in lower power consumption, cost efficiency, and good quality retention. Techniques such as infrared, microwave, ultrasound, and pulsed electric fields have been applied as pre-treatments or to support conventional freeze-drying processes. When combined with other techniques, freeze-drying can achieve greater energy, time, and cost savings. The review presents comparative studies highlighting these benefits and discusses how these techniques can align with sustainable food processing strategies by significantly reducing energy requirements.

Improving CO2 desorption performance in monoethanolamine solutions by adding titanium pyrophosphate catalyst

Catalytic CO2 desorption has emerged as a crucial strategy for enhancing the efficiency of CO2 capture and reducing energy requirements, thereby advancing chemical absorption methods. This study examines the catalytic effectiveness of titanium pyrophosphate (TiP2O7) in improving monoethanolamine (MEA)-based CO2 absorption and desorption processes, comparing its performance with other titanium-based catalysts, including titanium dioxide (TiO2), titanium tetrahydroxide (TiO(OH)2), and titanium carbide (TiC). In TiP2O7, Ti ions function as Lewis acid sites by accepting electron pairs (LASs), P2O74− anions act as proton carriers, facilitating rapid proton transfer as Lewis base sites (LBSs), and active hydroxyl groups on the surface, resulting from water molecule dissociation or the deprotonation reaction, function as Brönsted acid sites (BASs). These sites work synergistically to accelerate CO2 desorption. TiP2O7 outperforms the other catalysts tested, primarily due to its optimal Brönsted/Lewis (B/L) ratio. This characteristic is particularly advantageous for regenerating RNHCOO−, as the reaction predominantly follows a hydrogen transfer pathway facilitated by the BASs. Consequently, TiP2O7 enhances the CO2 desorption rate by 41.5% at a desorption temperature of 91 °C, while simultaneously reducing the relative heat duty by 13% compared to processes without catalysts.

Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Space Heating: Integrating Solar Air Heaters and Low-Cost Retrofitting Windows for Hilly Region of Kashmir

Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Space Heating: Integrating Solar Air Heaters and Low-Cost Retrofitting Windows for Hilly Region of Kashmir

Factorial experiment to identify two-way interactions between temperature, harvesting period, hydraulic retention time, and light intensity that influence the biomass productivity and phosphorus removal efficiency of a microalgae-bacteria biofilm.

Rotating algae biofilm reactors (RABRs) can reduce energy requirements for wastewater reclamation but require further optimization for implementation at water resource recovery facilities (WRRF). Optimizing RABR operation is challenging because conditions at WRRF change frequently, and disregarding interaction terms related to these changes can produce incorrect conclusions about RABR behavior. This study evaluated the two-way interaction and main effects of four factors on the biomass productivity and phosphorus removal efficiency of a microalgae-bacteria biofilm grown in municipal anaerobic digester centrate, with factor levels and operating conditions selected to mimic a pilot RABR at a WRRF in Utah. Two-way interactions harvesting period*light intensity (LI), harvesting period*temperature, and LI*hydraulic retention time (HRT) had significant effects on biomass productivity: at high temperature and low LI, highest biomass productivity was achieved with a 14-day harvesting period, but at medium temperature and high LI, highest biomass productivity was achieved with a 7-day harvesting period. At high HRT, highest biomass productivity occurred at low LI, but at low HRT, highest biomass productivity occurred at high LI. Phosphorus removal was strongly influenced by LI and occurred most rapidly during the first 2 days HRT, which suggests precipitation contributed significantly to phosphorus removal. These observations provide insight for further RABR optimization.

The Electrooxidation of Synthetic Bipyridyl Herbicide Wastewaters with Boron-Doped Diamond Electrodes: A Technical and Economic Study to Boost Their Application for Pollution Prevention in the Agricultural Sector

Boron-doped diamond electrodes (BDDEs) offer a highly efficient pathway to mineralize recalcitrant compounds due to their reduced energy requirements, fewer chemical inputs, and mechanical stability. In this work, the electrochemical degradation of paraquat (PQ) and diquat (DQ) was studied using an undivided cell (Condiacell®-type) at circumneutral pH, and under galvanostatic control. The roles of applied current density, volumetric flow rate, and herbicide concentration were systematically studied through a central composite design (CCD) using a closed-flow reaction setup. Under the best operating conditions (i.e., for PQ: 1.6 mA/cm2, 80 mL/min, and 70 mL/min, and 70 mg/L; and for DQ: 1.5 mA/cm2, 80 mL/min, and 73 mg/L), a spectrophotometric analysis evidenced that the herbicides were satisfactorily removed (ca. 100%) while mineralization degrees were above 90%. Furthermore, the produced effluents yielded significant increases in seed germination and root length, which suggest a reduction in toxicity. Energy consumptions of 0.13 and 0.18 kWh/g of TOC are reported with the electrochemical cells for the PQ and DQ treatments, respectively. The PQ and DQ treatments by electrooxidation are estimated to emit nearly 2.7 and 38.9 kg CO2/m3 of water treated, with a cost around USD 250/m3. Carbon emissions could be greatly decreased for PQ (0.28 kg CO2/m3) and DQ (0.40 kg CO2/m3) if electricity were generated from renewable resources. Although this study suggests that the use of BDDE can be considered as a green alternative for agrochemical removal due to lower carbon emissions, the environmental profile of the process is determined by the degree of renewability of the electrical grid of each country or region.

MANEJO NUTRICIONAL E CONSCIENTIZAÇÃO NA PREVENÇÃO DA OBESIDADE EM GATOS CASTRADOS

Feline obesity is one of the most prevalent health issues in cats, especially following neutering, a method used for population control. Neutering is an essential measure for public health and animal welfare, which is also associated with increased food intake in cats. This procedure leads to a hormonal decrease, resulting in a reduced energy requirement for the animal. This combination often leads to weight gain if nutritional control is not implemented. With this in mind, the aim of this study is to assess the knowledge of cat owners, through a questionnaire, about nutritional management for neutered cats, emphasizing their specific needs, challenges following neutering, and dietary strategies to ensure their health and quality of life. A total of 54 responses were included, revealing that no owner follows the manufacturer’s feeding recommendations. Most owners understand the importance of nutrition but practice improper feeding, including the provision of treats. However, all respondents indicated a willingness to improve the animals' nutritional management with appropriate guidance. To address these issues, an informational guide was developed to provide advice on appropriate feeding and care for cats post-neutering. This guide includes information on specific nutritional needs, the importance of dietary control, suggestions for physical activities, and general care to promote feline well-being. The initiative aims to support owners in implementing more informed and effective practices, helping to prevent issues such as obesity and promoting a better quality of life for their pets. Continuous education for owners is essential to ensure that neutered cats receive adequate care, thereby contributing to their health and happiness.

Key effects contributing to changes in energy imports in the EU-27 between 2000 and 2020: A decomposition analysis based on the Sankey diagram

Key effects contributing to changes in energy imports in the EU-27 between 2000 and 2020: A decomposition analysis based on the Sankey diagram

Influence of interelectrode distances in electrocoagulation: is there any possibility and advantages to operate at micro-distances with low-conductivity effluents?

It has been proposed for the first time to investigate the possibility to implement micro-inter-electrode distances in electrocoagulation (EC) in order to improve both the treatment and energy efficiencies compared to conventional EC cells with centimetric distances. The study has been performed in a microfluidic monopolar flow-by filter-press cell for the treatment of simulated and real low-conductivity (0.5-1mScm-1) laundry wastewaters. The influences of interelectrode distance (delec) (100-10,000μm), applied current density (japp) (10-200mAcm-2), and types of anode materials (iron, aluminium and stainless steel) have been studied. The removal of representative organic pollutant (i.e., paracetamol at 15mgL-1) as well as of total organic carbon (TOC) content (312mg-C L-1) from actual wastewater was noticed, including at micro-distances. Optimal treatment capacities were obtained with delec of 0.5mm (57% TOC removed), 3mm (58% TOC removed) and 10mm (41% TOC removed) and with japp of 70mAcm-2, 40mAcm-2 and 20mAcm-2 respectively, using stainless steel anode. It led to reduced energy requirement at micro-distances (16 kWh g-TOC-1 at 500μm) compared to millimetric gap (19 kWh g-TOC-1 at 3mm, 40 kWh g-TOC-1 at 10mm). Contrastingly, more sludge was generated with micrometric distance (172g-sludge g-TOC-1 at 500μm) compared to larger gaps (95g-sludge g-TOC-1 at 3mm, 87g-sludge g-TOC-1 at 10mm) due to higher optimal japp at low distances. The efficiency was maximal with an aluminium electrode, but this anode remained inapplicable with micro-distances using the current reactor design, given the high sludge production between the cathode and anode.

Crystal structure of the 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA synthetase (ADP-forming) from nitrosopumilus maritimus

The 3-hydroxypropionate/4-hydroxybutyrate (3HP/4HB) cycle from ammonia-oxidizing Thaumarchaeota is currently considered the most energy-efficient aerobic carbon fixation pathway. The Nitrosopumilus maritimus 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA synthetase (ADP-forming; Nmar_0206) represents one of several enzymes from this cycle that exhibit increased efficiency over crenarchaeal counterparts. This enzyme reduces energy requirements on the cell, reflecting thaumarchaeal success in adapting to low-nutrient environments. Here we show the structure of Nmar_0206 from Nitrosopumilus maritimus SCM1, which reveals a highly conserved interdomain linker loop between the CoA-binding and ATP-grasp domains. Phylogenetic analysis suggests the widespread prevalence of this loop and highlights both its underrepresentation within the PDB and structural importance within the (ATP-forming) acyl-CoA synthetase (ACD) superfamily. This linker is shown to have a possible influence on conserved interface interactions between domains, thereby influencing homodimer stability. These results provide a structural basis for the energy efficiency of this key enzyme in the modified 3HP/4HB cycle of Thaumarchaeota.

Boosting lactic acid photocatalytic synthesis from biomass sugars: The synergistic effect of N-doped carbon dots on ultrathin carbon nitride

The green and sustainable production of lactic acid via photocatalytic conversion of biomass-derived sugars is highly significant owing to its enhanced efficiency and reduced energy requirements. Consequently, the investigation has engineered a metal-free photocatalyst (NCDs/CCN), consisting of N-doped carbon dots (NCDs) and ultrathin carbon nitride (CCN). This catalyst has an enhanced light absorption range, facilitating a marked acceleration in the separation rate of photogenerated carriers. It has demonstrated the capability to achieve a lactic acid yield of up to 87.6% in just 90min with a mere 20mg catalyst concentration in a xylose-alkali system. Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) and quenching experiments indicate that superoxide radicals (·O2-) are the primary oxidizing active species in the photocatalytic system, followed by h+, ·OH, and 1O2. DFT analysis suggests nitrogen doping enhances interaction with xylose, lowering adsorption energy and accelerating lactic acid generation, thus improving economic feasibility and sustainability.

Evaluation of the synergistic effect of magnetic nanoparticles and Ferrocene-Based 1,2,3-Triazolyl compounds as burning rate catalysts for solid rocket Motors

Evaluation of the synergistic effect of magnetic nanoparticles and Ferrocene-Based 1,2,3-Triazolyl compounds as burning rate catalysts for solid rocket Motors

Process Development and Techno-Economic Analysis for Combined and Separated CO2 Capture-Electrochemical Utilization

Process Development and Techno-Economic Analysis for Combined and Separated CO2 Capture-Electrochemical Utilization

Literature study: The Efficiency of Aquaponic Systems in Fish and Crop Production: A Case Study in an Urban Environment

Aquaponics is a system that integrates fish cultivation with plant cultivation in a mutualistic symbiotic manner. This system uses wastewater from fish as nutrients for plants, while the plants clean the water through root filtration. This paper aims to analyze the efficiency of aquaponic systems in fish and plant production, with a focus on case studies conducted in urban environments. The analysis results show that the aquaponics system in fish and plant production in urban environments can achieve a high level of efficiency. This system is more efficient than conventional cultivation methods bein terms of water use cause water can be reused and not wasted. Efficiency in energy use is also visible because aquaponic systems reduce energy requirements for water circulation and environmental maintenance of plants. In addition, analysis of the nutritional efficiency of the aquaponic system shows that nutrients from fish waste can be utilized optimally by plants so that the use of additional fertilizer can be reduced. This has positive implications in terms of cost savings and reduced environmental impact. This case study shows that aquaponic systems are a potential solution to increase the efficiency of fish and plant production, especially in urban environments where land and resources are limited. Apart from production efficiency, this system also has additional benefits, such as local food production, reduction of organic waste, and development of sustainable agriculture.

A Comparison of a Three Blade and Five Blade Wind Turbine in Terms of the Mechanical Properties Using the Q-Blade Software

يمكن لتوربينات الرياح المنتشرة في مزارع الرياح على نطاق المرافق أن تدعم تلبية رغبات الطاقة المستقبلية وتقليل انبعاثات ثاني أكسيد الكربون عن طريق تقليل متطلبات الطاقة من الوقود الأحفوري. مع ارتفاع درجة حرارة الهواء على مدار اليوم، تزداد سرعة الرياح بسبب تدرجات درجة الحرارة، والتي تنتج تدرجًا في الكثافة / الضغط، مما يؤدي إلى حركة الهواء التي تواجهها توربينات الرياح. اعتمادًا على تضاريس الأرض، يمكن أن تواجه الرياح وتوجه في الوديان بين التلال وفوقها حيث تتدفق وتتبع منحنيات الأرض. تنتج هذه التضاريس زيادة في سرعة الرياح في القمم والتلال. في هذا العمل، تم تصميم شفرة دوار توربينات الرياح الأفقية الصغيرة للعمل في ظل سرعة الرياح المنخفضة، باستخدام برنامج (Q-Blade). استنادًا إلى نظرية عنصر الشفرة (BEM). مع الجنيح NACA3712. تم استخدام دوار ثلاثي الشفرات ودوار بخمس شفرات بناءً على نوع التوربين وحجم الدوار لتوليد الطاقة الميكانيكية من طاقة الرياح. تم إجراء مقارنة وتحليل قوة التوربين ومعامل القدرة ومعامل عزم الدوران عند سرعة رياح منخفضة ((1m/s-8m/s وتم الحصول على نتائج دقيقة للغاية. وجد أن أفضل أداء يمكن أن يعمل فيه دوار توربيني ثلاثي الشفرات بقدرة توربينية تبلغ (955W) كما تم الحصول على قدرة التوربين ((582W للدوار خماسي الشفرات. وجد أن تصميم توربينة رياح أفقية صغيرة بخمس ريش أفضل من التوربين بثلاث ريش ومناسب للعمل في المناطق ذات سرعة الرياح المنخفضة وبكفاءة عالية مقارنة بحجم التوربين.

Small energy benefits of in-wake flying in long-duration migratory flights.

During long-distance migrations, some bird species make use of in-wake flying, which should allow them to profit from the upwash produced by another bird. While indirect evidence supports energy saving as the primary benefit of in-wake flying, measurements are still missing. We equipped migrating northern bald ibises (Geronticus eremita) with high-precision global navigation satellite system data loggers to track their position in the flock. We estimated birds' energy expenditure through different proxies, namely dynamic body acceleration (DBA), heart rate and effective wingbeat frequency. During active flapping flight, DBA estimates dropped off when in-wake compared with when not-in-wake. In addition, effective wingbeat frequency decreased, suggesting an increased use of intermittent gliding flight during in-wake periods. Heart rate varied greatly among individuals, with a clear decrease during gliding-corroborating its energy-saving function. Furthermore, we found consistent proof for decreased heart rate during in-wake flying, by up to 4.2%. Hence, we have shown that flying in the wake of another individual reduces birds' DBA, heart rate and effective wingbeat frequency, which could reflect reduced energy requirement.

Elucidating the use of pressure-recovery diagrams for analyzing energy consumption in reverse osmosis desalination

Elucidating the use of pressure-recovery diagrams for analyzing energy consumption in reverse osmosis desalination

Impact of impeller design on anaerobic digestion: Assessment of mixing dynamics, methane yield, microbial communities and digestate dewaterability

The efficiency of anaerobic digestion (AD) processes is intricately tied to mixing quality. This research investigates the influence of two impeller types, namely a helical ribbon impeller (HRI) and a pitched-blade impeller (PBI), on key aspects of AD. The investigation encompassed mixing dynamics, methane production, microbial communities, and the previously unexplored impact on digestate dewaterability. Results show that agitation with the PBI exhibited stratification, with bottom layer total solids (TS) values of 3.1% for the PBI and 2.6% for the HRI. Nevertheless, methane yield remained unchanged, averaging 286 LN/kg volatile solids (VS)added. Slower mixing with the HRI achieved more uniform mixing and reduced energy requirements. Additionally, impeller type significantly affected digestate dewaterability, leading to a 3.8% increase in TS of the dewatered sludge when using the PBI. These findings highlight the importance of considering mixing not only for methane production and reduced maintenance but also for achieving optimal digestate dewaterability.

Improving Net Energy Efficiency of Dimethyl Ether Production Process by Methanol Dehydration

Dimethyl ether (DME) is a source of fuel that produces clean energy for the future. Methanol can be used as a raw material for the manufacture of DME as a natural gas that is treated for synthesis. This paper evaluates how to improve net energy efficiency in DME production and how to review the net energy efficiency calculations in DME production. Methods used for production of DME are methanol dehydration, thermodynamics examination, also improving the net energy efficiency of DME with the addition of the heat exchanger (E-100), the addition of a heater (E-104) before entering a column (T-102), and moved the mixer position before the heater (E-100). By modifying the addition of a heat exchanger (E-100), heater (E-104), and changing the position of the mixer in DME production, it has been proven that it can reduce energy requirements in the dimethyl ether synthesis process from methanol and increase net energy efficiency by up to 98.83%. The results of the case study indicate that the addition heat exchanger (E-100) able to reduce the heater load after the creation process and remove the cooler (E-101) that existed before creation, then the addition of the heater (E-104) serves to reduce the load of Qcond2 and Qreb2 on columns (T-102), also the position of the mixer for the methanol recycling flow is moved before the heater (E-100) is intended to remove the heaters (E-103). Copyright © 2024 by Authors, Published by Universitas Diponegoro and BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).