Energy Region Research Articles

Regional energy consumption policy practice to promote low-carbon economy

IntroductionEnergy is the fundamental driving force for world economic and social development. However, the growth of carbon dioxide emissions and increasing environmental challenges are becoming increasingly problematic, limiting the pace of economic development.MethodsTo optimize the energy consumption structure and promote the development of low-carbon economy, this study took Shaanxi Province as an example to analyze the impact of low-carbon economy policy variables on the energy consumption structure dominated by coal. The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of policy variables on the evolution of energy consumption structure by constructing a system dynamics model. In addition, this study will explore policy optimization issues.ResultsThe error of simulation results was within ±10%. The consumption of non-fossil energy increased from 2,196,400 tons of standard coal in 2009 to 22.578 million tons in 2030, which is in line with the development trend. Under these four policy combinations, the share of coal will fall to 57.8 percent by 2030. In addition, the share of non-fossil energy sources will increase to 21 percent and the share of natural gas will reach 16 percent.DiscussionThe policy suggestions put forward in this paper are of great significance to the optimization of energy structure led by coal. The model constructed can be effectively applied to practical policy simulation and adjustment, and can provide reference for the development of low-carbon economic policies in other regions.

Research and Case Application of Zero-Carbon Buildings Based on Multi-System Integration Function

This study focuses on developing and implementing zero-carbon buildings through the integration of multiple systems to meet China’s carbon neutrality goals. It emphasizes the significant role of the building sector in carbon emissions and highlights the challenge of increasing energy consumption conflicting with China’s “dual carbon” targets. To address this, the research proposes a comprehensive framework that combines multifunctional envelope structure (MES) systems, photovoltaic power generation, energy storage, direct current (DC) systems, flexible energy management (PEDF), and regional energy stations. This framework integrates different technologies such as phase change materials, radiation cooling, and carbon mineralized cement, aiming to reduce carbon emissions throughout the building’s lifecycle. The method has been successfully applied in the Yazhou Bay Zero Carbon Post Station project in Sanya, Hainan, with precise calculations of carbon emission reductions. The carbon emission calculations revealed a reduction of 44.13 tons of CO2 annually, totaling 1103.31 tons over 25 years, primarily due to the rooftop photovoltaic systems. It demonstrates that the multi-system integration can reduce carbon emissions and contribute to China’s broader carbon neutrality goals. This approach, if widely adopted, could accelerate the transition to carbon-neutral buildings in China.

Potentiality of Nano Pb2O3–Enhanced Cement as a Nuclear Radiation Shield for Radiation Therapy Facilities

In the present investigation, the gamma and neutron shielding parameters of nano Pb2O3 incorporated into cement in proportions ranging from 0 to 5 wt% were determined using EpiXS and NGCal software. It was observed that the mass attenuation coefficient decreased with increasing photon energy. The introduction of higher concentrations of nano Pb2O3 into the cement resulted in a marked increase in the Pb K-edge. Cement samples enhanced with Pb2O3 content exhibited a pronounced peak in the effective atomic number in the lower energy regions. The exposure buildup factor showed a decrease in its value with increasing Pb2O3 content. Among the compositions used, pure cement with no Pb2O3 addition demonstrated a superior mass attenuation factor for both thermal and fast neutrons. A blend of 95% cement with 5% Pb2O3 emerged as the most effective gamma-ray shielding material within the tested energy range. A comparative analysis of this mix with other concrete types was conducted to evaluate its effectiveness as a shielding material. The findings suggest that this composition could benefit medical imaging and radiation therapy facilities.

A comprehensive quantitative lifecycle cost and environmental impact analysis model for computing infrastructure

This paper presents a comprehensive quantitative model for quantitative assessment of the lifecycle costs and environmental impacts of computing infrastructure, with a focus on internet data centers (IDCs) and high-performance computing (HPC) facilities. The key innovation lies in the integration of interdisciplinary cost evaluation and carbon emission methods for the establishment of this quantitative model. This framework, which outlines key cost components and carbon emission factors, enables the calculation of total costs, electricity expenses, and greenhouse gas emissions throughout the lifecycle of infrastructure. With IDCs as a case study, the research clarifies the intricate cost structure associated with equipment procurement, energy usage, land acquisition, and operational expenses. This paper provides an in-depth understanding of the cost structure and environmental impact of computing infrastructure in support of sustainable decision-making in its development.•Based on established cost estimation methods, such as Lifecycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) and the Analogous Estimating Method, this study examines costs across construction and operation phases.•The Emission Factor Method is used to quantify environmental impact, emphasizing the significance of regional energy mix and power usage effectiveness (PUE).

Detection of extended gamma-ray emission in the vicinity of Cl Danks 1 and 2

Abstract We report the detection of high-energy gamma-ray emission towards the G305 star-forming region. Using almost 15 years of observation data from Fermi Large Area Telescope, we detected an extended gamma-ray source in this region with a significance of ∼13σ. The gamma-ray radiation reveals a clear pion-bump feature and can be fitted with the power law parent proton spectrum with an index of −2.5. The total cosmic ray (CR) proton energy in the gamma-ray production region is estimated to be the order of $10^{49}\ \rm erg$. We further derived the CR radial distribution from both the gamma-ray emission and gas distribution and found it roughly obeys the 1/r type profile, though a constant profile is not ruled out. This is consistent with other similar systems and expected from the continuous injection of CRs by the central powerful young massive star cluster Danks 1 or Danks 2 in this region. Together with former detections of similar gamma-ray structures, such as Cygnus cocoon, Westerlund 1, Westerlund 2, NGC 3603, and W40, the detection supports the hypothesis that young massive star clusters are CR accelerators.

Study on the heat transfer performance of coaxial casing heat exchanger for medium and deep geothermal energy in cold regions

To accurately assess the heat transfer performance of a medium-depth coaxial casing heat exchanger, this study introduced the concepts of the annual stabilized mining stage and the effective thermal influence distance for each layer of non-homogeneous thermal storage. The study area was stratified into six layers based on the geothermal temperature gradient fitting results. The findings revealed that the maximum injected circulating fluid temperature for the mid-depth coaxial casing geothermal system was 37 °C, with a maximum mass flow rate of 16.67 kg/s. When the injected circulating fluid temperature increased from 2 °C to 25 °C, the duration of the annual stabilized exploitation stage extended from 23 to 26 years. Similarly, increasing the injected circulating fluid mass flow rate from 2.78 kg/s to 16.67 kg/s prolonged the maintenance period in the annual stable mining stage from 22 to 28 years. The study further indicated that the effective thermal influence distance for each layer of thermal storage was significantly impacted by varying injection circulating fluid temperatures. These results offered theoretical insights into the heat transfer performance of medium-depth coaxial casing geothermal systems under both short- and long-term operational conditions.

Transportation of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) via Long-Distance Low-Temperature Pipeline and Cascade Utilization of Cold Energy

In addition to methane, liquefied natural gas (LNG) typically contains valuable light hydrocarbons such as ethane, propane, and butane. Establishing LNG receiving stations for imported LNG can effectively alleviate regional energy supply-demand conflicts, optimize energy consumption structures, promote sustainable regional economic development, and improve ecological environments. The technology for long-distance low-temperature pipeline transportation of LNG facilitates the efficient transfer and cascading utilization of the cold energy contained in LNG, allowing for deep coupling with cold networks and natural gas pipelines, thereby promoting the integrated development of LNG, cold energy, and natural gas transportation. This paper systematically summarizes the current status of LNG long-distance low-temperature pipeline transportation technology, cold energy cascading utilization technology, pipeline regulation technology, and multi-network integration technology. It analyzes the key challenges these technologies face under new strategies and looks ahead to future development trends, aiming to provide scientific insights and directions for the application of LNG long-distance low-temperature transportation and multi-network integration in China.

Multi-pronged strategies for enhancing building envelopes toward nearly-zero energy in hot climatic regions

Abstract Growing concerns about climate change and rising energy demands necessitate advancements in building energy efficiency. This study investigates the effectiveness of radiative coatings and thermal insulation, both individually and combined, in reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint for buildings in hot and humid climates. This research contributes to a growing body of knowledge by comprehensively evaluating the combined effects of these strategies. A comparative analysis was conducted using data on energy usage and carbon emissions.
The research highlights the effectiveness of envelope-enhancing techniques in reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. The application of radiative coating led to a significant 13.1% decrease in energy usage, totaling 681.95 MWh, and corresponding emissions of 482.14 tons of CO2. Radiative coating offers the most cost-effective solution with an LCOS of $0.045/kWh. When integrating thermal insulation with radiative coating, there was a substantial 12.0% reduction in energy consumption, amounting to 690.39 MWh, and emissions of 488.11 tons of CO2. The integrated model provides significant energy savings at a slightly higher LCOS of $0.052/kWh, making it a balanced choice between efficiency and cost-effectiveness compared to using thermal insulation alone. Moreover, the study emphasizes that the combination of Glazing Integrated Photovoltaic (GIPV) with radiative coating can lead to the creation of nearly zero-energy buildings, resulting in a significant energy savings of 34.9%. These results underscore the efficacy of these technologies in achieving significant energy savings and environmental benefits.
This study demonstrates that radiative coatings significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon footprints. The combined method with thermal insulation reduces energy, suggesting further optimization strategies in hot and humid conditions. The results of this investigation recommend utilizing Glazing Integrated Photovoltaic (GIPV) to achieve nearly zero-energy buildings. Such integrated solutions not only improve energy efficiency but also make a substantial contribution to environmental sustainability in the building sector.

Investigation on induced smectic phases in double hydrogen bond liquid crystal complexes derived from aromatic carboxylic acids: Experimental and quantum chemical approaches

In the present study, double Hydrogen bond liquid crystal (HBLC) complexes in different mole ratio (1:1 and 1:2) have been isolated from symmetrical aromatic dicarboxylic acid of non-mesogenic compound 1,3-Phenylenediacetic acid (1,3-PDA) and mesogenic compound 4-n-dodecyloxybenzoic acid (12 OBA). Fourier transform infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) explores the presence of functional groups in the title complexes. Formation of H-bond between 1,3-PDA and 12 OBA is experimentally confirmed by observing the FTIR peak at 3639 cm−1 (1:1 ratio). Induced mesophases and its textures along with transition temperatures are analyzed using polarizing optical microscope (POM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The layered structures (smectic phases) and their molecular mechanism has been analyzed using density functional theory (DFT). Further, the establishment of H-bond in the title complex has been investigated with the aid of optimized geomentry, molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) and reduced density gradient (RDG) analysis. The band gap energy of title complex (1:1) is calculated by UV–Vis spectrometer and the same has been justified by HOMO-LUMO studies. Maximum absorption in the UV region and moderate bandgap energy (Eg = 4.22 eV) of the title complex clearly indicates its potential application in NLO, optoelectronics and laser tuning devices. In addition to that, LC parameters and its effect on mesophase are reported using experimental and computational methods.

CANDLES-III detector: Low-background spectrometer for studying neutrino-less double [formula omitted] decay of 48Ca

The CANDLES-III detector was installed at the Kamioka Observatory in Japan to investigate the double β decay of 48Ca. This system combines an undoped calcium fluoride scintillator with a long attenuation length (larger than 100 cm), and a two-phase liquid scintillator, thereby serving as a larger-mass detector of 305 kg (contains 350 g of 48Ca) while maintaining a high energy resolution (σ=2.6% at Q-value of 48Ca double beta decay). Low-background conditions are achieved in the energy region of interest by improving the light yield and collection efficiency of the detector system, allowing to access a high energy resolution, as well as by installing passive and active radiation shielding, and using pulse-shape analysis. This paper describes the details of the detector including its site and data acquisition system and presents its performance characterization.

Energy, environmental, economic, and social assessment of photovoltaic potential on expressway slopes: A case in Fujian Province, China

Expressway slopes within the boundary of expressway construction land have the potential to be transformed from conventional land use to valuable utilization through the installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems. Considering the continuous increase in expressway mileage, the PV potential could be enormous; therefore, a method to quantify such potential is urgently needed. This study proposes a potential assessment method for expressway slope photovoltaics. First, the suitable locations of expressway slopes for installing PV systems are identified on the basis of publicly available digital maps, combined with the principles of PV site selection and geographic information systems. Then, the PVsyst model is used to simulate the power generation efficiency and power output of the PV systems and to evaluate their PV potential, contribution, and economic benefits. The implementation of the proposed method in Fujian Province, China, indicates that the installed capacity of PV systems could reach 16.3 GW, with an annual power output of 17,940 GWh, contributing to the peak shaving of power grids and regional energy supply. The reductions in CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions are 16.65 Mt, 8970 t, and 3947 t per year, respectively. Considering carbon trading, the payback period is shortened to 11.7 years, with the return on investment of 65.38 % and the net present value of 52.6 billion RMB over a 25-year operational period. Additionally, this project could create 19.88 % of jobs in the energy sector in Fujian Province, providing 27,861 jobs during the construction phase and 18,248 jobs during the operation and maintenance phase. Thus, this project is economically viable and generates positive energy, environmental, and social benefits, contributing to the promotion of local energy transition and sustainable development.

Urban-scale power decarbonization using a modified power purchase agreements framework based on Markowitz mean-variance theory

Urban power decarbonization is essential in the fight against climate change, yet current research often neglects the financial risks faced by investors and the shifting demands of consumers in liberalized electricity markets. This study addresses these gaps by proposing a modified Markowitz Mean-Variance Portfolio (MVP) theory, integrated with the Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP), and a deep learning model. On this basis, an urban energy transition framework centered on Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) is proposed and developed. The framework is validated considering a case study in Kitakyushu, Japan, highlighting its potential in accelerating power sector decarbonization and achieving net-zero emissions by 2038. Additionally, the internal rate of return (IRR) remains stable between 14.5 % and 19.6 % across seven other cities. While the framework reduces long-term cash flow volatility, its effectiveness hinges on industrial electrification efficiency and regional energy self-sufficiency. The findings indicate that relying solely on renewable energy for low-carbon transitions is unrealistic. Furthermore, green hydrogen could emerge as a viable alternative to fossil fuels, potentially replacing batteries for long-term energy storage. Future research should explore cross-regional energy trade and establish legal frameworks for long-term energy transactions to bolster urban energy transition resilience across diverse geographic and economic contexts.

Method for Distributed Node Metric Measurement in Wireless Sensor Networks Based on Multiple Attributes

Traditional sensors require large power inputs and accuracy cannot be guaranteed. In this study, we introduce a revolutionary technique to enhance the accuracy of node measurements in Wi-Fi sensor networks (WSNs) while minimizing power consumption. Our approach focuses on a mixture of key attributes, including overall strength performance, landmark strength, and node geolocation. We have set quantitative measures for these attributes, which is the foundation of our sizing method. The basic framework for evaluating node allocation indicators is superior, mainly based on the multifaceted attributes of individual nodes and adjacent nodes, promoting selection in data transmission and processing. This framework has a powerful statistical collection mechanism that can accumulate every intrinsic attribute, including external attributes such as overall power performance, signal energy, and geographic region. Using these collected records, our techniques include selecting methods for metric calculations. It is worth noting that we have merged a set of adaptive strategies that can dynamically adjust measurement parameters based on discovered community conditions. The adaptability of this strategy ensures normal operational performance in various community states, achieving a balance between measurement accuracy and energy conservation. This method ensures a significant improvement in the operational performance of wireless sensor networks and has broad applicability in the field of reliable high-intensity sensor networks.

Positron interactions with vinyl acetate from 0.1 eV to 5 keV

Abstract Scattering cross sections from positron impact on vinyl acetate are explored in the energy region 0.1~eV to a 5~keV, employing a cc-pVTZ basis set. The optimized molecular wavefunction of the target was obtained through a multi-center expansion of Gaussian-type orbitals in the Hartree-Fock self-consistent field framework. The elastic cross sections are computed using the single-centre-expansion formalism. Two distinct models were employed to address the long-range effects associated with the target's polar nature and yielded almost identical corrections. The Born-corrected elastic cross sections align more strongly with the existing experimental corrected data than the results reported from the independent-atom-model approximation. The differential and momentum transfer cross sections after applying Born-correction are also reported. The direct ionization cross sections are obtained using the binary-encounter-Bethe model for positrons. The cross sections obtained by summing elastic and ionization cross sections align closely with `forward angle corrected' experimental total cross sections across a significant energy range. The agreement significantly improves beyond 30 eV, suggesting that the omission of excitation and positronium formation cross sections becomes less significant. A brief analysis of the electron interaction with the target is also made.

Production and evaluation of the polyester composites containing pyrite and niobium diboride for radiation protection

The presented study focused on investigating the radiation shielding properties of polyester/pyrite/niobium diboride (FeSNbB) composites. Various gamma-ray shielding parameters were evaluated with help of a HPGe detector system. Theoretical and simulation results are further evaluated by WinXCOM, GEANT4 and FLUKA codes, and the obtained results are compared with experimental values in the energy region 59.5 keV–1332.5 keV. The prepared samples are additionally evaluated using kerma relative to air values and Exposure build-up factors. Then, for the evaluation of neutron radiation shielding, effective removal cross sections for fast neutrons were determined for FeSNbB composites. Electron attenuation efficiency (AE%) for the produced composites was assessed across the energy spectrum of 4 MeV–18 MeV, utilizing experimental data from a Linac machine and theoretical predictions from Eclipse TPS. The results were found to be compatible with each other. FeSNbB50 has the best shielding properties among the studied composites.

Synthesis of double carbide (Ti,Cr)C with a different Cr content produced by electro thermal explosion

In this paper we report the preparation of double carbide (Ti,Cr)C with a chromium content of 10 ÷ 30 at% by electrothermal explosive synthesis (ETE). This method allows synthesis to be carried out at high temperature with minimal holding time. The ETE method is favourable for the formation of dense carbide ceramics. The synthesized samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. It was found experimentally that the unit cell parameter of the double carbide decreases linearly with increasing chromium content. The DFT calculations also confirmed the dependence of the unit cell parameter (Ti,Cr)C on the chromium content according to Vegard's law and show changes in the cell shape and distance between Cr–Cr layers with increasing chromium content. The pDOS diagram shows that an increase in chromium content leads to an excess of d∗ electrons on the π∗ orbitals, which has a destabilizing effect on the double carbide structure.Crystal Orbital Hamiltonian (COHP) analysis of the electronic structure of the double carbide, partitioning the energy of the band structure into bonding, non-bonding and anti-bonding energy regions, showed the influence of chromium content on its stability.

IDENTIFYING THE FINE STRUCTURE OF THE EXPERIMENTALLY OBSERVED PEAK FOR 254No AT 2.5 MeV

Thus far, the low-lying dipole response has been observed throughout the deformed nuclear chart, with the exception of the transfermium region. In addition, the spectroscopic energy region of the 254No nucleus has recently been investigated and a broad peak at ≈ 2.5 MeV has been observed. This study, for the first time, explains the fine structure of this experimentally observed broad peak by predicting it through the QRPA framework. More specifically, the calculations revealed the experimentally observed peak comprises at least six dipole excitations.

Photohole-induced strong σ−π scattering driven by out-of-plane phonons in graphene

A theoretical study of the phonon-induced linewidths of the occupied electronic bands and the electron-phonon coupling (EPC) constant in graphene is presented. We propose an approximation in the spirit of the rigid ion approximation which considerably simplifies calculations of the EPC in metallic systems. We apply a tight-binding approach for the electrons and a force-constant model for the phonons with parameters obtained from . A simple procedure is presented in order to estimate the influence of the graphene-substrate interaction on the phonon dispersion and thereby also on, e.g., the linewidths. The EPC is the strongest in the energy region where π and σ bands overlap. We find that the electron scattering is predominantly driven by the out-of-plane acoustic ZA and optical ZO phonon modes, while in general the high-energy optical phonon modes LO and TO are of secondary importance. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Long-lived recurrent fluxes of energetic ions from solar coronal holes

The results of studying the relative abundances and energy spectra of 4He, C, O, and Fe suprathermal ions in particle fluxes from long-lived near-equatorial coronal holes are presented. It was found that the ion energy spectra had a power or exponential form and, in a number of events, increased particle fluxes were observed in the region of ion energies (~0.2–1.5 MeV/nucleon), creating a fracture in the spectra, which may be due to additional ions accelerated beyond 1 au.

Regional Operation of Electricity-Hythane Integrated Energy System Considering Coupled Energy and Carbon Trading

The deepening implementation of the energy and carbon market imposes trading requirements on multiple regional integrated energy system participants, including power generation plants, industrial users, and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) facilities. Their diverse roles in different markets strengthen the interconnections among these subsystems. On the other hand, the operation of CCUS, containing carbon capture (CS), power-to-hydrogen (P2H), and power-to-gas (P2G), results in the coupling of regional carbon reduction costs with the operation of electricity and hythane networks. In this paper, we propose a regional economic dispatching model of an integrated energy system. The markets are organized in a centralized form, and their clearing conditions are considered. CCUS is designed to inject hydrogen or natural gas into hythane networks, operating more flexibly. A generalized Nash game is applied to analyze the multiple trading equilibria of different entities. Simulations are carried out to derive a different market equilibrium regarding network scales, seasonal load shifts, and the ownership of CCUS. Simulation results in a 39-bus/20-node coupled network indicate that the regional average carbon prices fluctuate from ¥1078.82 to ¥1519.03, and the organization of independent CCUS is more preferred under the proposed market structure.