Reduction In Capital Cost Research Articles

Green Policies, Greener Wallets: How Cap‐and‐Trade Regulation Affects Cost of Capital

ABSTRACTAs one of the most efficient regulations on climate abatement, the cap‐and‐trade mechanism has been broadly adopted to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Although there are common concerns about the nexus between environmental regulations and financial markets, this paper investigates how cap‐and‐trade policy affects companies' cost of equity (COE) and cost of debt (COD) and explores the underlying mechanisms. By merging nationwide data from China's listed companies and exploiting the staggered introduction of cap‐and‐trade pilots as a quasi‐natural experiment, we apply a propensity score matching and difference‐in‐differences framework. We find robust evidence that cap‐and‐trade policy significantly decreases companies' COE by 0.341% and COD by 0.492%, respectively. The reduction in capital costs makes cap‐and‐trade an attractive policy that can ease financing burdens, promote sustainable investment, and facilitate green transformation toward carbon neutrality. Mechanism analyses suggest that cap‐and‐trade regulation affects cost of capital through environmental information disclosure and current ratio. This study enriches the literature on comprehensive outcomes of cap‐and‐trade regulation in emerging economies and offers implications for regulators, managers, and stakeholders navigating the transition toward a net‐zero future.

Research Goals for Minimizing the Cost of CO2 Capture when Using Steam Methane Reforming for Hydrogen Production

This paper presents a techno-economic assessment of adding state-of-the-art solvent-based CO2 capture technologies to greenfield steam methane reforming (SMR)-based H2 production plants and quantifies the impacts of improvements in CO2 capture technology. Current conventional capture technologies are reviewed, and future technologies in intermediate and long-term scenarios are analyzed. The results show that adding significantly more efficient solvent-based capture technologies leads to an equivalent rate of natural gas consumption as that of a conventional SMR plant without capture, despite capturing most of the CO2 and producing the same amount of H2. Overall, improvements in reboiler duty and reductions in capital costs can significantly reduce the cost of H2 production and cost of capture. Particularly, the reboiler duty of pre-combustion capture and the capital cost of post-combustion capture have the greatest impact. Based on the results, research goals are suggested. Solvent development is recommended—particularly pre-combustion solvents—for reducing the reboiler duties, and process schemes to reduce the capital costs. Costlier but more efficient solvents can be considered. A sensitivity analysis using natural gas price shows that technological improvements can reduce the impacts of high natural gas prices. The degree of economic feasibility of CO2 capture increases with improvements to the capture technology.

On Assessing a Potential Reuse of the Indonesian Post-Operation Offshore Oil/Gas Pipelines as A Cold-Water Pipe for an Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) System: A Thermal and Fluid Dynamic Perspective

One of the main issues arising in offshore oil and gas decommissioning is associated with significant required costs. Research assessing the potential reuse of the post-operation offshore oil and gas pipeline (POGP) in Indonesia for the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) system offer double the potential cost reductions in POGP decommissioning and OTEC development. In the context of OTEC development, research on increasing system efficiency makes a significant effort by modifying working fluids and usually by employing the assumption that the temperature of the cold seawater at the surface outlet of the Cold-Water Pipe (CWP) is practically the same as that at the inlet of the CWP at a depth of about 900 m. Unfortunately, this was not the case when the POGP was to be reused for the OTEC system because there was difficulty in applying additional insulation to the existing subsea pipelines. The temperature change in the cold seawater is even more critical considering that oil and gas operations at a depth of 900 m could be associated with more than 60 km of pipeline length to reach an onshore system for a typical seabed bathymetry. This paper assesses the potential reuse of the POGP as a CWP for the Ocean OTEC system. The temperature distribution within CWP is analyzed using a thermal and fluid dynamics approach. The results show that the reuse of POGP for the OTEC system could offer an excellent opportunity for capital cost reductions because the POGP has a remaining service life of over 20 years. However, the results of the analysis of heat and mass transfers show that the temperature change in cold seawater at CWP is about 3 to 6 oC, depending on the technical scenarios of the pipelines. The POGP used in the OTEC system could be suitable for a 20 kW OTEC system with practically no cost of pipelines, which usually accounts for a significant investment cost.

A meta-analysis of the schematic design process of deep retrofit projects

Deep retrofits of the existing building stock will be necessary to meet global emissions reductions targets. One building archetype, low-rise MURBs have been neglected in terms of research and funding for deep retrofits. A meta-analysis was conducted that compares and contrasts the schematic design approach taken for six such buildings in British Columbia which are scheduled to undergo deep retrofits with the goal of reducing GHG emissions by 80%. The analysis showed that design teams had converged toward common solutions for each building while achieving the GHG reduction target. The recommended measures include electrification of space and domestic hot water heating, adding insulation through overcladding, air sealing, ventilators for each unit, and double pane windows. A life cycle cost analysis showed that the economic viability of deep retrofits were dependent on energy price forecasts, capital cost reductions through market forces and transformation, or incentives cover the non-monetizable co-benefits of deep retrofits such as improved resiliency to climate-change or reducing overheating and air quality risks. The meta-analysis can help to streamline the early-stage and schematic design process for such buildings, which is critical to increasing the retrofit rate. This process could be replicated for other building types and construction archetypes.

Electrification pathways for sustainable syngas production: A comparative analysis for low-temperature Fischer-Tropsch technology

The electrification of chemical processes holds promise for a sustainable and climate-neutral chemical industry. This study explores pathways for electrifying syngas production, targeting its utilization in low-temperature Fischer-Tropsch (LT-FT) technology with a hydrocarbon production capacity of 222 kton/yr. Three electrified scenarios are juxtaposed against a reference case of autothermal reforming of biomethane. In the first two scenarios, H2 is produced via water electrolysis, with CO obtained either through CO2 electrolysis (Electrolysis case) or electrified reverse water-gas shift (E-rWGS case). The third scenario leverages captured CO2 and biomethane for electrified combined steam and dry reforming of methane (CSDRM case), exhibiting the lowest net emissions of 0.50 tonCO2/tonproduct. All electrified scenarios achieve net negative emissions under the EU's 2030 target of 40% overall renewable energy production. A detailed techno-economic analysis reveals significant feasibility challenges with the Electrolysis, E-rWGS, and CSDRM cases exhibiting a Levelized Cost Of Production (LCOP) of $501, $457, and $251 per barrel (bbl) of Fischer-Tropsch crude, respectively. Future projections suggest considerable capital cost reductions for electrolyzers, potentially rendering the Electrolysis case feasible, particularly under extremely low electricity prices of 3.3 $/MWh. Careful consideration of green electricity and CO2 utilization scenarios is vital for implementing CO2-negative technologies effectively.

Opportunities and constraints of hydrogen energy storage systems

Abstract In contrast to battery storage systems, power-to-hydrogen-to-power (P-H2-P) storage systems provide opportunities to separately optimize the costs and efficiency of the system’s charging, storage, and discharging components. The value of capital cost reduction relative to round-trip efficiency improvements of P-H2-P systems is not well understood in electricity systems with abundant curtailed power. Here, we used a macro-energy model to evaluate the sensitivity of system costs to techno-economic characteristics of P-H2-P systems in stylized wind-solar-battery electricity systems with restricted natural gas generation. Assuming current costs and current round-trip P-H2-P efficiencies, least-cost wind and solar electricity systems had large amounts of excess variable renewable generation capacity. These systems included P-H2-P in the least-cost solution, despite its low round-trip efficiency and relatively high P-H2-P power discharge costs. These electricity system costs were not highly sensitive to the efficient use of otherwise-curtailed power, but were sensitive to the capital cost of the P-H2-P power discharge component. If the capital costs of the charging and discharging components were decreased relative to generation costs, curtailment would decrease, and electricity system costs would become increasingly sensitive to improvements in the P-H2-P round-trip efficiency. These results suggest that capital cost reductions, especially in the discharge component, provide a key opportunity for innovation in P-H2-P systems for applications in electricity systems dominated by wind and solar generation. Analysis of underground salt cavern storage constraints in U.S.-based wind and solar scenarios suggests that ample hydrogen storage capacity could be obtained by repurposing the depleted natural gas reservoirs that are currently used for seasonal natural gas storage.

Oscillating surge wave energy converter using a novel above-water power takeoff with belt-arc speed amplification

We investigate the performance of a novel power takeoff (PTO) featuring belt-arc speed amplification for oscillating surge wave energy converters (OSWECs), aiming to address the PTO design challenges of extremely low rotary speed and large torque under the low-frequency and large energy density ocean wave excitations. The belt-arc design significantly increases the rotary speed of the generator, enabling generator downsizing and decreasing the powertrain friction losses. The design also allows for placing the generator above water, eliminating the need for high Ingress Protection ratings for the generator and powertrain, and potentially leading to substantial reductions in capital and maintenance costs. Using the potential flow theory, the dynamics of the integrated system are analyzed, and key parameters are identified. To validate the numerical analysis, a 1:10 scale model is designed, fabricated, and tested in a wave tank. Performance evaluations are conducted under regular and irregular wave conditions, with quantified effects of parameter tuning. The results reveal an optimal wave-to-electric efficiency of 48% under regular wave excitation and 20% under irregular excitation. These findings underscore the effectiveness of the proposed novel PTO design in addressing the challenges of low rotation speed and large torque inherent in OSWECs, demonstrating its ability to efficiently convert wave power into electricity.

A comprehensive investigation of the use of freeze concentration appro aches for the concentration of fish protein hydrolysates

Fish protein hydrolysates (FPH) are inherently unstable in their liquid form, necessitating either freezing or dewatering for stabilization. Gentle methods such as freeze concentration can be used to remove water, this can be achieved by freezing water in solution by decreasing the bulk temperature below freezing point and separating pure ice crystals from concentrated solution. This approach serves as an alternative to techniques like evaporation and reverse osmosis for concentrating solutions that have high water content, significant nutritional value, and thermolabile compounds. This is crucial as many bioactive compounds degrade when exposed to elevated temperatures. Another notable advantage of this technology is its potential to reduce energy consumption by up to 40% when integrated into the FPH drying process. Although this technology is currently industrialized primarily for juices, it can achieve concentrations of up to 60°Brix and manage viscosities up to 400 mPa.s. Numerous studies have been dedicated to enhancing design and processes, leading to a 35% reduction in the system's capital cost and a 20% reduction in energy consumption. Moreover, freeze concentration can synergize with other concentration techniques, creating more efficient hybrid processes. This review aims to introduce freeze concentration as a superior option for preserving fish protein hydrolysates, enhancing their stability, and maintaining their nutritional and bioactive qualities.

Empowering Sustainability: Understanding Determinants of Consumer Investment in Microgrid Technology in the UAE

This study aims to analyze the determinants that influence the consumers’ disposition to invest in microgrid technology in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This research offers valuable insights for policymakers on investors’ motivations to develop strategies to foster microgrid technology adoption through end-user investments leading to a reduction in microgrid high capital cost. The study employed descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analyses to analyze the responses of a sample of property owners to a quantitative survey. The study examines such variables as strategic alignment, profitability, digitization, renewable energy utilization, CO2 emission reduction, and disaster recovery readiness. The data collected reveal a moderate level of understanding and cost-awareness of microgrid technology among the respondents, with a mean of 2.46 out of 5. Notably, the data highlight the significant influence of strategic alignment with the UAE’s national energy goals on the respondents’ inclination to invest in microgrids, with a strong positive correlation of 0.942 at the 0.01 level (two-tailed). By comparison, profitability and disaster recovery have a comparatively weaker correlation. Furthermore, based on the data collected during this study, it has been determined that there is a strong value added by the microgrid initiatives considering the UAE’s strategic direction and the positive influence of reduced CO2. The regression models used were highly significant at F = 85.690. There is an acceptable level of multicollinearity with VIF values ranging from 1.087 to 2.155. UAE Strategy has low collinearity. UAE Strategy emerges as the only significant predictor of willingness to invest (p < 0.001) in the stepwise regression analysis. The analysis shows that villa and townhouse owners are willing to invest in community microgrid given that it is aligned with UAE strategy and leads to CO2 emissions reduction.

A supplementary labor cost model for estimating the fixed capital cost of commercial-scale algae photobioreactors plants

Scaling up algae photobioreactors (PBR) for commercial production presents challenges in estimating fixed capital investment costs, particularly the labor costs associated with installing low-cost equipment. Using fractions of the equipment cost to estimate the installation labor cost does not necessarily provide a representative estimate for the labor cost as the labor required is no longer proportionate to the equipment cost. In this study, we developed a supplementary labor cost model to estimate equipment installation and overhead costs for scaling up algae PBRs using a manufacturing cost estimation approach. The model consists of four main steps: identifying and sequencing all processes, estimating labor time using the Methods-Time Measurement procedure, estimating process time, and calculating the overall labor cost. As a proof-of-concept, a pilot-sized PBR has been adapted from the literature to illustrate how to implement these four steps to estimate the labor cost for the commercial size. The model provides more accurate labor cost for fixed capital cost estimation to supplement existing fixed capital cost estimation methods. The model also provides insights into the main cost drivers in the equipment installation process that can be used for bioreactor redesign and further capital cost reduction.

Technoeconomic and Emissions Analysis of the Hybrid Redox Process for the Production of Acetic Acid with CO2 Utilization

AbstractThe production of oxygenated hydrocarbons, such as acetic acid, using captured CO2 is a promising pathway to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the chemical industry. The use of a chemical looping‐based hybrid redox process (HRP) is proposed to convert CO2 and natural gas into separate CO and syngas streams that can be used to produce various commodity oxygenates, while allowing the beneficial utilization of captured CO2. Here, a detailed technoeconomic analysis of HRP applied to the production of acetic acid is presented. Emissions and energy analyses show the ability of HRP to lower the CO2 emissions for acetic acid synthesis by 74% compared to a conventional steam and autothermal reforming route. HRP also offers a potential 34% reduction in capital costs. Compared to a dry reforming based acetic acid production route, HRP has the potential for significantly lower costs. If integrated with a low carbon energy source, HRP has the potential to achieve a negative emission of greenhouse gas (‐0.50 kg CO2 per kg acetic acid).

Real-world assessment of a decentralized food waste anaerobic digestion system: A test-bedding case study application

Addressing the global challenge of food waste, this research delves into the assessment of an on-site food waste treatment solution through a full-scale decentralized anaerobic digester (AD) system, specifically deployed at a Singapore hawker centre. Demonstrating efficiency in Singapore's tropical climate (29 °C) without external heating, the 10.8 m³ digester exhibited resilience over 234 days, navigating through real-world fluctuations in average organic loading rates ranging from 0.07 ± 0.02 to 0.81 ± 0.38 kgVS/(m3d). The normalized specific biogas production averaged 0.70 ± 0.48 m3/kgVS, accompanied by a methane concentration of 56.9 ± 2.9%. During peak performance, with an organic loading rate of 1.1 kgVS/(m3d), the system achieved an impressive volumetric biogas production rate of 1.18 m3biogas/m3reactor, equivalent to 1.1 m3/kgVS of specific biogas production per day. The energy assessment revealed consumption rates of 0.57–0.97 m3/kWh, positioning it comparably with commercialized biogas technologies in China and Taiwan. In the realm of microbiome composition, the prevalence of hydrogenotrophic methanogens, including Methanomicrobia, Thermoplasmata, and Nanoarchaeia, is notable. These methanogens showcase a remarkable tolerance to acetate, surpassing common aceticlastic methanogens by 11 times, thereby playing a pivotal role in enhancing the stability of the AD system over extended periods. On the economic front, the present AD system yielded losses ranging from SG$552,434 to SG$742,919, primarily due to a low payback period and substantial investment costs. Profitability becomes a possibility if there are significant reductions in capital costs and operator salaries. The challenges encountered during the operation of this decentralized system, along with the corresponding mitigation measures, are thoroughly discussed. Positioned as a promising test-bedding model, this application underscores its technical feasibility potential for sustainable food waste management through AD technology in Singapore. It stands as a replicable prototype, contributing to closing the food waste loop and advancing the bioeconomy.

Enhancing Resilience and Efficiency in Power System: A Five‐Level Dynamic Planning Model

Researchers consider the planning of power systems to be of utmost importance, and due to its significant budget, further studies on the resilience of energy systems are necessary. Therefore, a five‐level dynamic model is developed to improve resilience to natural disaster events. The initial level focuses on expansion planning and system uncertainties, specifically examining the utilization of wind turbines in the proposed energy hub to incorporate the thermal energy market together with demand response program. Its purposes are to improve resilience, minimize input transmission costs, and minimize operating costs. The second level is related to the corrective actions that the system operator should take after the accident for network reconfiguration. The earthquake‐induced and attack events, considering unknown events, are modeled and assessed in the third level. Generation expansion planning is performed at the fourth level. As with the whole model, this level tries to improve resilience. The fifth level deals with transmission expansion planning to boost resilience, and the capability of transmission switching is regarded as a low‐cost correction factor. The first level optimizes energy hub according to the differential evolutionary algorithm, but the next four levels employ a robust symphony orchestra search algorithm. Finally, the dynamic planning model proposed here is employed on a Garvers 6‐bus system and then on a 400 kV 52‐bus Iranian power grid. According to the findings, the proposed planning model demonstrates a reduction in capital costs of transmission switches by up to 26%. Also, the expected profit of the generation units increases by as much as 3.75%. Accordingly, the results show that the model is both feasible and effective.

Techno-economic optimization of hybrid energy systems for zero energy buildings in remote communities: a case study from Turkey

This study evaluates the economic efficiency and viability of optimizing hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) for zero-energy buildings (ZEBs) in remote communities, with a specific focus on Ankara, Turkey, in response to the increasing demand for renewable energy driven by concerns over fossil fuel scarcity, environmental sustainability, and rising conventional energy costs. Using the Hybrid Optimization Model for Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER) program, known for its advanced algorithms that accurately model and optimize hybrid systems by considering factors such as weather data, load profiles, and equipment specifications, we perform a comprehensive techno-economic analysis. We explore five different HRES configurations, combining photovoltaic (PV) panels, wind turbines (WT), diesel generators (DG), and battery storage systems, to determine the most cost-effective and reliable solution for powering approximately 30 rural households. The analysis reveals that the optimal configuration includes 107 kW of PV, three 10 kW WT, a 10 kW DG, and 45 units of 7.15 kWh batteries, demonstrating a net present cost (NPC) of $568,431 and a cost of energy (COE) of $0.257/kWh. This setup achieves significant annual energy production of 165,068 kWh from PV, 96,329 kWh from WT, and 27,100 kWh from DG. This configuration maintains a high state of charge (SoC) in the battery storage, ensuring system stability and extending the battery lifespan. The system's ability to consistently meet load demands with minimal reliance on the DG highlights its superior techno-economic synergy compared to other scenarios. Sensitivity analysis reveals that a doubling of fuel prices increases COE by 14% and NPC by 13%, while a 40% reduction in PV and WT capital costs decreases COE and NPC by approximately 16% and 18%, respectively. Furthermore, declining expenses associated with PV and WT installations emphasize the ongoing affordability of renewable energy solutions. These results provide valuable insights for the deployment of cost-effective and reliable HRES in similar remote locations, contributing to the broader goal of sustainable energy solutions for ZEBs.

Economic viability of Li-ion batteries based on the price arbitrage in the European day-ahead markets

The accelerating increase in the power capacity of intermittent renewable energy sources has a significant impact on the operation of power systems. First, it causes a growth in electricity price volatility in energy markets. Second, it requires balancing the system to meet the demand also in windless hours at night. Li-ion batteries, as a promising energy storage technology, are considered a response to the abovementioned challenges. However, their use must generate profits to encourage potential investors. With this in mind, the objective of this paper is to examine the economic profitability of Li-ion batteries based on price arbitrage in the European day-ahead market. For this purpose, 7 years of data from 22 European markets are analysed. These data are multiplied to maintain the volatility of electricity prices within the entire lifetime of the energy storage system. The results provide for each country (i) sets of hours of electricity purchase and sale that corresponds to hours of storage charging and discharging, (ii) a number of charging/discharging cycles, (iii) potential profits of transactions in day-ahead markets, and (iv) net present values of investments for current and projected costs. The study contributes to the existing literature by pointing out the most competitive markets for Li-ion batteries, depending on economic results, market size and renewable generation in power systems. The results of NPV are below zero in each case analysed when the current capital cost is considered. However, a reduction of capital costs increases the profitability of the system, indicating Finnish and Romanian markets as the most competitive for Li-ion batteries.

Performance enhancements and NOx emission reductions using novel exhaust-driven hybrid gas turbine inlet air-cooling techniques

For combined cycles, gas turbine inlet air-cooling (GTIAC) increases the mass flow rates of both air and the generated steam of the heat recovery steam generator and hence power output. The introduction of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) to reduce NOx emissions necessitates the application of GTIAC to overcome the adverse effects of gas turbine (GT) inlet air heating that accompany EGR. For a hot-humid climate, the r5egular cooling methods consume a significant amount of energy while desiccant and inlet-fogging are not effective. The main purpose of this study is to introduce innovative exhaust-driven hybrid GTIAC techniques that can reduce effectively the inlet temperature of the combined cycle in a hot-humid climate without consuming a substantial amount of energy and examine the effects of applying such techniques on the performance and NOx emissions. In this paper, a thorough analysis for the effect of increasing ambient temperature ( To) and relative humidity ( RHo) on the performance and NOx emissions of the air-cooled GT combined cycle (ACGTCC) is presented and the novel exhaust-driven hybrid (NE-DH) GTIAC systems of desiccant-ejector, ejector-refrigeration, and desiccant-ejector-refrigeration are applied to ACGTCC and optimized for maximum power output. The 1-D model at the double choking was used to model the performance of the ejector GTIAC technique. The results indicate that applying NE-DH GTIAC techniques results in gains in power, which vary between 0.31% and 0.6% per °C rise in To and an efficiency improvement of up to about 0.5 percentage point and significant reductions in both capital and maintenance costs compared with applying the refrigeration GTIAC system. The introduction of ejector and desiccant cooling decreases NOx emissions further and adds no additional equipment cost if implemented together with EGR or some CO2 capture techniques. A suggested plan for GTIAC that reduces NOx emissions by up to 25% is presented.

Impacts of electric field-magnetic powder coupled membrane bioreactor on phenol wastewater treatment: Performance, synergistic mechanism, antibiotic resistance genes, and eco-environmental benefit evaluation

A novel electric field-magnetic powder coupled membrane bioreactor (EM-MBR) was constructed, which was superior on improvement of phenol treatment performance and sludge characteristics, and mitigation of membrane fouling. EM-MBR enhanced the phenol degradation via the improvement activity of phenol degrading enzymes. The EPS contents and SVI of EM-MBR were significantly reduced by 49.3 % and 58.7 % than that of the conventional MBR, respectively. Moreover, EM-MBR successfully reduced fouling rate by 57.0 %, delaying the membrane resistance. The EPS contents were positively correlated with the SVI and fouling rate, implying that the sludge settleability was strengthened by improving the properties of EPS with the assistance of electromagnetic, thus mitigating the membrane fouling. Microbial co-occurrence network demonstrated that EM-MBR enriched phenol-degrading and EPS-degrading genera correlated to Fe redox cycle. Furthermore, the activation of the antioxidant system in the EM-MBR resulted in the suppression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, consequently impeding the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Co-occurrence patterns of MGEs and ARGs revealed that intercellular binding facilitated by ist and Integrase may account for the horizontal transfer of ARGs. The reduction of unit capital costs (15.63 %), running costs (53.00 %), and total average carbon emissions (15.18 %) indicated that EM-MBR was environmentally beneficial.

Development of the automatic system for switching on the generating equipment for parallel operation with the electric power system

RELEVANCE. Synchronization is an algorithm of actions to switch on synchronous generators for parallel operation with the power system and is an integral part of the power generation process. In practice, the process of synchronization involves some difficulties. The developed automatic synchronization device is digital and is integrated into the microprocessor terminal of the CPA-M complex, allowing to solve the arising problems by means of synchronization using different methods, including the developed method of accelerated synchronization.THE PURPOSE. Create a comprehensive automated synchronization system based on the CPA-M microprocessor terminal (manufactured by a Novosibirsk company) with a variability of methods. Analyze existing synchronization devices, synthesize traditional synchronization methods, create a non-traditional intermediate method on their basis and integrate it into the automated system. Develop algorithms for the measuring and logical units, as well as for the synchronization system output unit. Experimental testing of algorithms by feeding real signals from voltage sensors on a physical model with a rotating synchronous machine (12 kW generator under test).METHODS. The problem of research studied using theoretical and practical approaches. Theoretical methods - analysis, synthesis and classification. Practical methods - modeling in MatLab® environment, comparison, experiment, observation.RESULTS. The paper describes the architecture, construction principles, settings selection of the synchronization system, as well as the interaction of its logical part with adjacent units (measuring unit, output unit). The work gives a comprehensive description of the system setup and integration of its measuring and logic parts into the CPA-M microprocessor terminal with a test on a physical object.CONCLUSION. The system has extended functionality compared to analogs, allowing the use of traditional methods and the developed method of accelerated synchronization. The results predict reduction of capital costs for automation systems, as one device provides synchronization on several circuit breakers and reduction of generator operation costs, as using this system, machine parts exposed to unacceptable thermal and mechanical effects. The development is relevant for the elimination of emergencies in the power system and reducing thermal and dynamic impacts on the generator. The social importance of the project is the exclusion of the human factor. The prospect of using the development - in the educational process of the university and at real power facilities, in particular on large synchronous generators.

Comparative performance of sustainable anode materials in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for electricity generation from wastewater

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a promising technology to generate electricity from wastewater and reduce the organic content. Whilst there has been a significant enhancement in MFC efficiency arising from the introduction of novel materials and cell designs, challenges remain with respect to the performance, cost, and sustainability of anode materials. This paper reports the development of single chamber MFCs with a focus on novel, cost-effective, and recycled carbon-based anode materials, including Recycled Water Filter Block/Powder (RWFB/RWFP), Recycled Chopped Carbon Fibre (RCCF), Carbon Felt (CF) and Graphite Flexible powder (GFG). Anodes prepared from GFG were shown to provide high power density (342.8 mW/m2), followed by RCCF, CF, RWFP, RWFB and CF (77.6, 71.8, 59.0 and 57.9 mW/m2, respectively). Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) reduction was measured initially and at day 30, with GFG anodes observed to remove 83% of the initial load, compared to RCCF, RWFB, RWFP and CF anodes, where COD reductions of 69%, 61%, 65% and 73% were observed, respectively. Electrochemical analysis and biofilm imaging confirmed recycled materials were colonised by microorganisms and performed to high standards. GFG offers significant promise as an anode material, with excellent performance supported by a reduction in capital cost of up to 90% in comparison to CF. The use of recycled carbon material as MFC anodes shows promise, but requires additional work to improve the stability and durability of systems to permit scale-up.

Heat transfer improvement using additive manufacturing technologies: a review

To provide a comprehensive review of additive manufacturing use in heat transfer improvement and to carry out the economic feasibility of additive manufacturing compared to conventional manufacturing. Heat transfer improvement is particularly interesting for different industrial sectors due to its economic, practical, and environmental benefits. Three heat transfer improvement techniques are used: active, passive, and compound.According to numerous studies on heat transfer enhancement devices, most configurations with strong heat transfer performance are geometrically complex. Thus, those configurations cannot be easily manufactured using conventional manufacturing. With additive manufacturing, almost any configuration can be manufactured, with the added benefit that the produced parts’ surface characteristics can enhance heat transfer. It can, however, lead to a significant pressure drop increase that will reduce the overall performance. In the given article, a comparison of the capital cost of a 100 MW parabolic trough power plant has been carried out, considering two types of solar receivers; the first is manufactured using conventional methods, and the second uses additive manufacturing. The heat transfer of the new receiver configuration is investigated using computational fluid dynamics through ANYS Fluent.Although the cost of additive manufacturing machines and materials is high compared to conventional manufacturing, the outcome revealed that the gain in efficiency when using additive-manufactured receivers leads to a reduction in the number of receiver tubes and the number of solar collectors needed in the solar field It implies a considerable reduction of parabolic trough collector plant capital cost, which is 20.7%. It can, therefore, be concluded that, even if initial setup expenses are higher, additive manufacturing could be more cost-effective than traditional manufacturing.With the reduction of the parabolic trough collector plant capital cost, the levelized cost of electricity will eventually be reduced, which will play a role in increasing the use of solar thermal energy.No review studies discuss the manufacturing potential and cost-effectiveness potential of additive manufacturing when producing heat transfer improvement equipment, especially when producing long pieces. In addition, the paper uses a novel receiver configuration to investigate the economic aspect.