Heating Requirements Research Articles

Energy Efficiency in Greenhouses and Comparison of Energy Sources Used for Heating

Sustainability in greenhouse farming, one of the areas where the most energy is needed in the agricultural sector, can be achieved by increasing energy efficiency. Due to increasing energy costs in Türkiye and worldwide, increasing energy efficiency in greenhouses is seen as possible using renewable energy sources that do not produce waste instead of fossil energy sources. This study determined the heat-energy demand in the provinces of Türkiye with continental (Kırşehir and Kütahya) and Mediterranean (Antalya and Mersin) climates. For this purpose, the heat-energy requirement was calculated for greenhouse types with three different insulation properties (S-1: roof and side walls polyethylene, S-2: roof polyethylene, side walls polycarbonate, and S-3: roof polyethylene, side walls polycarbonate, and thermal curtain). Then, the amount and cost of fossil (coal, fuel oil, and natural gas) and renewable energy sources (geothermal and biogas) to be used in obtaining this energy, the heating cost for unit tomato yield, and the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) released into the atmosphere were compared. According to the results obtained, the highest heat-energy requirement was 356.5 kWh m−2 year−1 in the S-1 greenhouse in the Kütahya province, and the lowest was 46.3 kWh m−2 year−1 in the S-3 greenhouse in the Mersin province. Depending on energy conservation, 6% of energy savings can be achieved in S-2 and 29% in S-3 compared to S-1. The highest heating cost for producing one kilogram of tomatoes was 0.70 USD kg−1 in fuel oil and Kütahya province (S-1). The lowest was calculated as 0.06 USD kg−1 in geothermally heated greenhouses in Kırşehir and Kütahya provinces (S-3). The highest CO2 to be released into the atmosphere with fuels was equal to 253.1 kg m−2 year−1 in coal fuel in Kütahya province (S-1). The lowest was calculated as 1.1 kg m−2 year−1 in geothermally heated greenhouses in Kırşehir and Kütahya provinces (S-3). The results of this research can be used to develop feasibility studies for greenhouse companies, greenhouse sector policies, policymakers, environmental protection, and taking precautions against the climate crisis.

Impact of sodium hydroxide molarity on mechanical properties of fly ash–slag-based geopolymer concrete

The requirement of heat curing besides the poor workability of geopolymer concrete (GPC) is the main hurdle in its practical implementation. This study investigates the impact of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentration on the behaviour of fly ash slag blended ambient-cured GPC. The sodium hydroxide concentration was varied within the range from 8 molar to 14 molar to investigate its impact on fresh and hardened mechanical properties. The increase in sodium hydroxide concentration from 8 molar to 16 molar resulted in a continuous decrease in the workability of GPC. The target slump of more than 150 mm was achieved even for high sodium hydroxide concentration due to the presence of high-range water-reducing admixture. However, the increase in sodium hydroxide concentration positively influences the strength development of fly ash–slag-based ambient-cured GPC. The optimum 28 days compressive strength and splitting tensile strength of 44.3 MPa and 4.01 MPa, respectively, were achieved for the GPC with a sodium hydroxide concentration of 12 molar. The comparison of life-cycle assessment indicated that GPC is a sustainable alternative that offers a 49% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to ordinary Portland cement-based concrete.

Development and Research of New Hybrid Composites with Increased Requirements for Heat and Wear Resistance

Development and Research of New Hybrid Composites with Increased Requirements for Heat and Wear Resistance

Comprehensive exergy, exergoeconomic, exergoenvironmental and energy audit assessment in a textile factory

In the industry, the discussion of energy and exergy analysis has gained increasing importance due to human needs from the past to the present. In the textile industry, this analysis has only been implemented in a limited manner and in isolated units. Specifically, in the dyeing, printing, and finishing units, steam and hot oil energy is utilized for heating processes. This heating requirement is met by steam boilers and hot oil boilers, which are essential for the operation of an integrated system. Identifying factors of energy loss and pollutant production, along with applying energy improvement techniques in textile factories, can significantly reduce the problems associated with fossil fuels. To identify potential energy and environmental improvements, an energy audit was conducted throughout the Borujerd Textile Factory in Iran, which goes beyond previous fragmented and isolated assessments to provide a comprehensive review of the entire system. This audit integrated thermography and flue gas analysis to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of performance evaluation. By performing exergy, exergoeconomic, and exergoenvironmental (4E) analyses, the performance of the existing system was evaluated, providing a comprehensive overview of efficiency and the potential for improvements and optimizations. Environmental impact analysis was conducted using life cycle assessment in SimaPro for different sections of the plant. The results indicate that the most significant exergy destruction occurs in steam boilers and hot oil boilers, totaling 33.5 MW and 91%, respectively, as well as the washing after printing machine in the dyeing department, accounting for 3% of total exergy destruction due to high energy wastage and low efficiency in these devices. The cost rate of overall exergy destruction is estimated at $61.1 per hour. The highest environmental impacts were observed for steam boilers and the pad steam machine in the dyeing department, primarily due to the equipment's structure and the use of polluting materials that contribute to emissions from these devices. After the energy audit, the most effective solutions to the identified problems were proposed. It was also determined that the most significant heat loss occurs in pad steam machines, washing after printing, and bleaching washing machines.

Developing a Passive Energy Consumption Reduction Solution

This study focuses on optimizing the energy efficiency of polyethylene tunnel greenhouses in Mediterranean climates using Design Builder and EnergyPlus software. The research examines the impact of different greenhouse orientations and opening configurations on energy consumption for heating and cooling. The east-west (90°) orientation was found to be the most effective in reducing cooling needs during summer while slightly increasing winter heating requirements. Various opening configurations were tested, including 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%, with openings positioned at the bottom on one side and the top on the opposite side. The 20% opening configuration was identified as optimal for annual energy management. However, a monthly adaptive planning strategy was developed to further enhance energy efficiency. This planning involves keeping the greenhouse closed during winter, using 100% openings in summer, and 20% openings during transitional months. The proposed monthly planning resulted in a significant reduction in energy consumption, decreasing daytime usage by 27.3%, night time usage by 29%, and overall annual energy consumption by 27.6%. This research demonstrates that strategic orientation and adaptive opening management can substantially improve the energy efficiency of greenhouses in Mediterranean climates.

The haplotype-phased genome assembly facilitated the deciphering of the bud dormancy-related QTLs in Prunus mume.

Bud dormancy is a vital physiological process in woody perennials, facilitating their adaptation to seasonal environmental changes. Satisfying genotype-specific chilling requirements (CR) and heat requirements (HR) through exposure to specific chilling and warm temperatures is essential for dormancy release and the subsequent resumption of growth. The genetic mechanisms regulating bud dormancy traits in Prunus mume remain unclear. In this study, we first assembled the genome of 'Nanko', the leading P. mume cultivar in Japan, in a haplotype-resolved manner. Using an F1 segregating population from a cross between 'Nanko' (high-chill) and 'SC' (low-chill), a cultivar adapted to subtropical conditions, we identified quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for vegetative bud dormancy traits on chromosome 4 (LG4 QTLs) in the 'Nanko' genome and for CR and HR on chromosome 7 (LG7 QTL) in the 'SC' genome. A notable 5.6Mb chromosome inversion was overlapped with LG4 QTL interval in one of the 'Nanko' haplotypes. We also identified candidate genes based on haplotyping, differential expression between the parents or the presence of trait-correlated variants in coding regions. Notably, genes such as PmuMAIN, PmuNAC2, PmuDOG1, PmuSUI1, PmuATG8CL, PmubZIP44, and PmuSAUR50 were identified. This study provides valuable insights into the genetic regulation of vegetative bud dormancy in Prunus species.

Thermodynamics analyses on a novel CHP system integrated with multi-grade thermal energy storage

The high penetration level of intermittent renewable power necessitates the crucial requirement for combined heat and power systems to possess both high efficiency and flexibility. However, the heat-controlled operation modes of traditional combined heat and power systems impose limitations on their efficiency and flexibility. Therefore, it is of great significance to develop a heat-power decoupling technology that exhibits exceptional efficiency and flexibility. A novel combined heat and power system integrated with multi-grade thermal energy storage is proposed in this study. Thermodynamic analysis models of all operational conditions are developed, and the comprehensive characteristics of efficiency and operational flexibility for the proposed system are assessed by taking a 330 MW system as an example. Results show that the proposed system can decrease/increase 16.05 MW/30.96 MW power loads comparing with the reference system during the charging/discharging periods under the design condition. Energy efficiency of the proposed system can reach 49.40 %, which is improved by 1.66 percentage points. Exergy analysis reveals the exergy destruction order for the proposed system, and shows that the combustion and heat transfer in the boiler are the major process of exergy dissipation. Moreover, operation strategies of the proposed system during charging-discharging cycle are explored and formulated under off-design condition, suggesting that thermodynamic performances of the novel system under various conditions even extreme conditions exhibits exceptional properties. The maximum heat load of the proposed system can be improved by 46.78 % comparing with the reference system, and the maximum improvement of power load capacity during charging-discharging cycle is 14.58 percentage points. This study provides a promising approach for multi-grade thermal energy storage to improve the comprehensive characteristics of combined heat and power systems.

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

The Kashmir valley experiences a moderate climate, characterized by cool springs and autumns, mild summers, and cold winters, necessitating heating for approximately 5-6 months annually. Due to unreliable power supply, traditional heating methods such as gas heaters, wood fires, or Kangri's are often relied upon, despite their adverse health and environmental impacts due to emissions of toxic gases. Therefore, there is a need of transition towards non-conventional energy sources. Solar air heaters emerge as a viable option, converting solar radiation into thermal heat which is then delivered to living or working spaces. In addition to minimizing energy requirements for space heating, strategies to reduce heat loss can further enhance energy efficiency. Developing low-cost retrofit window solutions to improve the thermal efficiency of existing windows proves instrumental in this regard. Retrofit windows, designed to fit into existing frames, improve insulation and reduce energy loss without requiring costly renovations. The primary aim of these retrofit windows is to optimize energy efficiency affordably, minimizing heat transfer and preventing air leaks, thereby reducing energy consumption and utility bills while enhancing indoor comfort by maintaining stable temperatures. The several tests were conducted on a thermally insulated test room of size 12*8*10 cubic feet room for solar air heaters under various atmospheric conditions gives a temperature increases of up to 10°C within one hour under different parameters. Furthermore, retrofitting demonstrated a 45.69% reduction in energy requirements at a very affordable cost.

Valorization of dairy waste scum oil and rice husk ash-supported CuO nanocatalyst towards cleaner production of biodiesel: A waste-to-energy approach

This study surveys the valorization of dairy waste scum oils (DWSO) to synthesis biodiesel using a novel rice husk ash-supported CuO nanocatalyst. The rice husk ash-supported CuO nanocatalyst was synthesized through a facile impregnation method and characterized by BET, XRD, FTIR, EDX, CO2/TPD, TEM, and FESEM to confirm its structural and morphological features. Transesterification of DWSO was conducted under optimized conditions, achieving a maximum biodiesel yield of 97.42% at temperature of 62.36°C, methanol/DWSO proportion of 11:12, and nanocatalyst loading of 2.76wt.% within 2.85h. Kinetic studies revealed that the transesterification reaction follows a pseudo-first-order model with an activation energy of 100.34kJ/mol. Thermodynamic analysis indicated that the reaction is endothermic (ΔH = 100.26kJ/mol) and non-spontaneous (ΔG = -11043.6kJ/mol) at the studied temperature range, suggesting the requirement of external heat to drive the process. Reusability tests demonstrated that the rice husk ash-supported CuO nanocatalyst retains over 86% of its initial activity after seven cycles, highlighting its potential for practical applications. This study highlights the dual benefits of utilizing agro-industrial waste for both feedstock and catalyst support, promoting a cleaner and economically viable approach for biodiesel generation.

Carbon negative methanol production for CO2 utilization: Process design and 4E analysis

To produce alternative fuel and reduce CO2 emissions, the CO2-to-methanol (CTM) process is currently considered to be an effective technical pathway. However, the base CTM process suffers from high energy consumption and low carbon efficiency. Therefore, this work proposed an optimized CTM process integrating double-effect distillation, waste heat recovery, and H2 stripping technologies. Compared to the base CTM process, the optimized CTM process significantly enhances the techno-economic-environmental performances. Meanwhile, it realizes zero external heat requirements and negative carbon emissions. In order to quantitatively evaluate the improvements in the process performances, we conducted detailed technical-economic-environmental analyses. From the technical perspective, the energy efficiency and exergy efficiency of the optimized CTM process are 10.28% and 4.84% higher than that of the base CTM process, respectively. From the economic perspective, the methanol production cost in the optimized CTM process is lower by 18.40 $/tonne MeOH compared to the base CTM process. As for the environmental perspective, the GWP of the optimized CTM process is reduced by 336.42 kg CO2-eq/tonne MeOH compared with the base CTM process. In summary, the optimized CTM process offers an energy-efficient, cost-saving, and environment-friendly solution for CO2 conversion.

A study on the combination of crystallization-controllable phase change materials and solar-assisted heat pump for electricity demand shifting in space heating

Supercooled phase change materials offer a promising solution for space heating due to their ability to release latent heat upon crystallization initiation, even when stored at ambient temperatures. This unique property makes them ideal for solar-assisted space heating, where external activation enables on-demand heat release, addressing the critical need for energy-efficient heating solutions. In this study, a system promoting demand shifting is proposed, aiming to transfer energy consumption from morning and evening peak periods to daytime and high solar irradiance days, thereby enhancing the efficiency of solar heat pumps and reducing grid stress through the use of supercooled crystallization-controllable phase change materials. A model was developed, consisting of evacuated tube collectors, a buffer tank, heat storage tanks with crystallization-controllable phase change material, and a building heating demand model. The study introduces a novel system control methodology, focusing on an effective operation of tank shifting based on the heating requirement and solar energy availability. Real weather data were used to calculate system performance. With 50 m2 of collectors, a 1000-liter buffer tank, and a heat pump with a maximum output of 7 kW, the heat storage tanks are charged and discharged following the developed operational methodology. The system achieved a weekly coefficient of performance of 3.56 and successfully shifted electricity demand to solar hours, with only 28.5% of the total consumption occurring during domestic morning and evening peak times.

Pistachio Phenology and Yield in a Cold-Winter Region of Spain: The Status of the Cultivation and Performance of Three Cultivars

In recent years, pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) cultivation is undergoing a great expansion in Spain, which is promising for regions where water and winter chilling are not limiting. Many areas of Castilla y León (Spain) provide suitable conditions for pistachio production, but heat requirement could be a limiting factor. The aims of this study were (i) to investigate the status of pistachios in Castilla y León and the relationships between phenology and agroclimatic conditions and (ii) to assess the performance of three pistachio cultivars (‘Kerman’, ‘Lost Hills’, and ‘Golden Hills’) in a plantation within this region. This work describes the phenological and productive behavior of three pistachio varieties in seven orchards over three years. The chilling requirements were exceeded, and heat accumulation was sufficient to complete the cycle in all seasons. Bloom and harvest occurred later in ‘Kerman’ than in ‘Golden Hills’ and ‘Lost Hills’. In general, ‘Kerman’ had higher nut yield than the other two cultivars but also had more non-split and blank nuts, aspects that should be considered for future plantations. Despite the interannual variability in yield, a trend to increase the production with water received was observed, but this also affected the quality and modified the splitting percentage.

Quantifying vertical borehole heat exchanger sustainability from a geothermal resource perspective in the UK

Low-temperature geothermal energy is viewed as a renewable resource that could contribute to the decarbonization of residential heating in the UK. Here, we constrain the geothermal potential of the shallow subsurface to provide the heating requirements of a typical single-family house via a vertical borehole heat exchanger (BHE), to provide a preliminary framework for the heat resource licensing of such systems. Through analytical and numerical models, we calculate the heat balance for a typical house with a garden located in a Carboniferous sedimentary basin, which represents a large proportion of the UK land mass and the regions where energy poverty is more common. Neglecting the heat recharge via groundwater flow, our results indicate that geothermal, solar heat flux and radiogenic heat production can only replenish up to 5% of the heat extracted annually by a 100 m-long BHE in heat extraction-only mode. The lack of natural recharge causes the continuous expansion of the thermal footprint at an average rate of 18 m 2 a −1 over 30 years, considering a ground thermal conductivity of 2.2 W m −1 °C −1 , with the area cooled by 1°C extending beyond the current minimum BHE spacing guidelines of 6 m. In Scotland, reinjecting c . 35% of the yearly heat requirements, which could be accomplished through borehole thermal energy storage, is shown to safeguard against resource over-exploitation and interference risks between neighbouring users in the majority of the high-demand areas. In view of a large deployment of BHEs, it is crucial to incorporate such reinjection strategies into a regulatory framework to ensure a resilient and sustainable utilization of shallow geothermal resources.

Performance of sCO2 Cycles for Waste Heat Recovery and Techno-Economic Perspective as Gas Turbine Bottoming Cycle

Abstract Supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) cycles are compact, cost-effective and widely adaptable to various heat sources, including the waste heat from gas turbine (GT) exhaust gases. While the addition of a steam cycle enhances the typical 40% efficiency of GTs up to 60%, their substantial investments render them less appealing for smaller GTs. This creates an opportunity for sCO2 cycles, but a comprehensive comparison of their performance with that of steam across a range of applications remains lacking. Moreover, their applicability to various industrial scenarios based on existing installations is missing from a techno-economic standpoint. To address these needs, four promising sCO2 cycles are evaluated and optimized using Aspen, and compared with the simple steam cycle. Their techno-economic performances are then investigated for 20 industrial GTs of different size up to the larger combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) units incorporating amine-based carbon capture systems. Due to the significant investments required by the carbon capture unit, the implementation of a CC unit is only investigated for the largest CCGT units. The analysis yielded performance maps demonstrating comparable performances for sCO2 and steam cycles, as well as significant techno-economic advantages for sCO2 bottoming cycles for smaller GTs. However, when it comes to larger GTs combined with reheats and expansions steam cycles, sCO2 cannot outperform them in current technological standards. Nevertheless sCO2 cycles offers an attractive alternative, facilitating cogeneration. Among the different approaches designed to integrate the heat requirements of amine-based capture, steam cycles have always proved more suitable because of the thermal stability of amines. In conclusion, the research underscores the cost-effectiveness and adaptability of sCO2 cycles for heat recovery applications, particularly as bottoming cycles for smaller GTs, while larger GTs present a challenge. The work conducted sheds light on the substantial promise of sCO2 cycles, encouraging further exploration and implementation of these systems in the energy sector.

Investigation of Chinese-Style Greenhouse Usage Across Europe

Chinese-style greenhouses (CSGs), characterized by a distinct geometric shape compared to traditional greenhouses, are extensively utilized in China. In this study, this type of greenhouse was modeled using TRNSYS software version 18 and experimentally validated. The model can transiently determine the indoor conditions of the greenhouse and the requirement for additional heating. It calculates the heat loss due to plant evapotranspiration as well as all the heat gains and losses from the surfaces. The application of this greenhouse has been investigated from the southernmost to the northernmost regions of Europe. For this purpose, cities located at different latitudes (between 32.63° N and 69.65° N) were entered into the model, and the results were obtained and compared. The analysis conducted over the entire year demonstrated that the CSG indoor temperature is more dependent on solar energy during the day and on outdoor temperature at night. The two southernmost cities in our survey, Funchal, Portugal (32.63° N) and Luqa, Malta (35.83° N), had no winter heating requirement. The thermal covering was sufficient to minimize night heat loss and maintain a suitable indoor temperature. In northern cities, the heating requirement was relatively high due to the lower outdoor temperature and solar radiation. Consequently, the duration of the heating season increases towards the north. In the northernmost city, Tromso, Norway (69.65° N), the heating season was determined to last 12 months. In the absence of solar energy, the transparent surface of the greenhouse is covered with thermal insulation to prevent heat loss. It has been shown that with the appropriate selection of this thermal covering, which is controlled based on the presence of instantaneous solar energy, up to 80% savings can be achieved from additional heating in southern cities. In the north, this rate can be increased up to a maximum of 70% by increasing the thermal covering thickness.

Theoretical Analysis of a Novel Rock Wall to Limit Heating Demands in Historical Buildings

In the near future, the building sector will continue to absorb the greatest share of primary energy worldwide. It is necessary to find innovative solutions that promote energy efficiency through renovation measures, especially in historical buildings, for which refurbishment is constrained by several issues. In this study, we propose a novel Trombe Wall configuration that is easily integrable and based on a rock wall made of caged stone to use as a thermal accumulator. The system was investigated preliminarily using a transient Finite Difference Method (FDM) code to analyse the temperature field inside the rock wall. Successively, FDM results were employed as input data in TRNSYS simulations to determine the savings achievable in thermal heating requirements. The results demonstrated that the proposed solution, in the considered climate and on a reference historic building, can produce monthly heating savings varying between 26% and 85%. So, the rock wall results in a reliable solution for buildings in which refurbishment is difficult, allowing for preserving aesthetic features and improving energy efficiency by rationally using solar radiation.

The effect of solar thermal energy storage on natural gas heating systems: An experimental and techno-economic investigation

This study investigates the storage of solar thermal energy using thermal oils in Kilis, Türkiye, a region characterized by high solar potential. Both experimental and modeling studies were conducted. Mobiltherm 605 and PO Heat Transfer Oil 32 were tested as alternatives to commonly used oils. PO Heat Transfer Oil 32 was introduced to the literature for the first time. The impact of operating temperature, water flow rate, and outdoor temperature on the efficiency of stored thermal energy in the water heating system was examined. The findings revealed that system efficiency averaged 42 % at a nighttime outdoor temperature of 9 °C but decreased to 36 % at 13.5 °C. Efficiency was also 36 % at a flow rate of 0.7 m/s, decreasing to 24 % at 0.24 m/s. Mobiltherm 605 cooled down later than PO 32 in the thermal tank, indicating a higher heat transfer coefficient for PO 32. Based on experimental data, a model of the thermal storage system was developed, and its techno-economic feasibility was assessed. Using this model, a techno-economic analysis was performed and the potential for this clean energy to reduce reliance on natural gas combi boilers for heating was discussed. For a building with a maximum indoor-outdoor temperature difference of 20 °C and a heating requirement of 467 kWh over 14 h, the thermal energy cost was estimated to be $0.029/kWh. This implementation reduced carbon emissions by 130 kg/day. The total equipment cost for the thermal storage system, with a U-type Vacuum Tube Collector (U-VTC) area of approximately 380 m2, was $295,697. In conclusion, both Mobiltherm 605 and PO Heat Transfer Oil 32 demonstrated comparable price/performance ratios relative to common oils.

Sub-THz and THz Cherenkov radiation source with two-dimensional periodic surface lattice and multistage depressed collector

We present the theory, concept and design of an efficient, megawatt coherent Cherenkov radiation source based on a two-dimensional periodic surface lattice (2D-PSL) cavity combined with a novel energy recovery system for the generation of highly efficient (> 50%) single-frequency radiation. We demonstrate the scalability of the transverse dimension of the 2D-PSL cavity of the Cherenkov source and thus the potential for efficient, continuous-wave, high-power (> 1 MW) operation; fundamental to the eventual realization of clean, fusion energy. These new sources, with the capacity to operate in the 0.1-10THz range, hold strong promise to address the long-standing “Terahertz gap”. By combining a Cherenkov oscillator driven by a non-gyrating beam with an innovative four-stage depressed collector energy recovery system, the overall device efficiency can be increased to be competitive with gyrotrons in the requirements for heating and current drive in fusion plasma. In these Cherenkov devices, the frequency independence of the magnetic guide field enables advantageous frequency scaling without deployment constraints, making them especially attractive for high-impact applications in fusion science, turbulence diagnostics, non-destructive testing and biochemical spectroscopy. The novel energy recovery techniques presented in this paper have broad applicability to many electron-beam driven devices, bringing revolutionary potential to future THz source technologies.

Influence of climate change on flowering phenology of Yoshino cherry at its southern distribution limit.

To clarify the influence of climate change on the flowering phenology of Yoshino cherry at its southern distribution limit, we examined the relationship between cold exposure for endodormancy release (chilling requirement) and heat requirement for bud growth on Hachijojima Island, Japan, from 1948 to 2024. Cold exposure and heat requirement had a significant relationship approximated by linear or log-linear functions. In years with less cold exposure, the first flowering dates were much later than normal, in accordance with the higher heat requirement. Our results indicate that the variation in the balance between cold exposure and heat requirement depending on the pattern of annual air temperature change is likely to vary the first flowering date greatly at the distribution limit of Yoshino cherry.

Decarbonizing European Industry: A Novel Technology to Heat Supply Using Waste and Renewable Energy

This study examines the potential for the smart integration of waste and renewable energy sources to supply industrial heat at temperatures between 150 °C and 250 °C, aiming to decarbonize heat demand in European industry. This work is part of a European project (SUSHEAT) which focuses on developing a novel technology that integrates several innovative components: a Stirling cycle high-temperature heat pump (HTHP), a bio-inspired phase change material (PCM) thermal energy storage (TES) system, and a control and integration twin (CIT) system based on smart decision-making algorithms. The objective is to develop highly efficient industrial heat upgrading systems for industrial applications using renewable energy sources and waste heat recovery. To achieve this, the specific heat requirements of different European industries were analyzed. The findings indicate that industrial sectors such as food and beverages, plastics, desalination, textiles, ceramics, pulp and paper, wood products, canned food, agricultural products, mining, and chemicals, typically require process heat at temperatures below 250 °C under conditions well within the range of the SUSHEAT system. Moreover, two case studies, namely the Pelagia and Mandrekas companies, were conducted to validate the effectiveness of the system. An analysis of the annual European heat demand by sector and temperature demonstrated that the theoretical potential heat demand that could be met by the SUSHEAT system is 134.92 TWh annually. Furthermore, an environmental impact assessment estimated an annual significant reduction of 19.40 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. These findings underscore the significant potential of the SUSHEAT system to contribute to the decarbonization of European industry by efficiently meeting heat demand and substantially reducing carbon emissions.