Field Of Energy Research Research Articles

A Combined DEAV-BWM Approach for Effective Evaluation and Ranking of Biomass Materials in Charcoal Briquette Production

The utilization of agricultural waste for producing charcoal briquettes is gaining significant attention as a sustainable alternative energy source. Converting these residues into charcoal briquettes not only addresses energy shortages but also provides an efficient solution for managing agricultural waste, contributing to environmental sustainability. This study proposes a novel methodology integrating a Data Envelopment Analysis Variant (DEAV) with the Best-Worst Method (BWM) to assess and rank biomass materials for charcoal briquette production. The DEAV-BWM model enhances the evaluation process by considering multiple criteria simultaneously and incorporating both efficiency and consensus among different evaluation methods. The key highlights of the methodology are as follows:• A novel method, called the DEAV model, for evaluating efficiency scores has been established, incorporating both Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Multi-Attribute Decision Making (MADM) concepts.• This paper introduces a novel hybrid method that combines the DEAV model with the BWM to evaluate and rank biomass materials for charcoal briquette production, enhancing the reliability and robustness of the decision-making process.• The proposed method can be adapted and applied to other areas of biomass utilization and beyond, providing a versatile tool for researchers and practitioners in the field of sustainable energy, engineering, and operations research.

CCC2023_possibilities of obtaining energy from aerodynamic phenomena occurring in selected housing estates in Warsaw, Poland

The study uses wind tunnel experiments to explore the potential for harnessing wind energy from aerodynamic phenomena in selected housing estates in Warsaw, Poland. Aimed at addressing the challenges posed by the European ‘Fit for 55’ resolution, our research focuses on the energy recovery capabilities of large-panel technology buildings established in the latter half of the twentieth century. We aim to provide a roadmap for integrating wind energy solutions into urban planning and design by analyzing the aerodynamic effects within urban environments. Our methodology includes qualitative assessments of wind patterns around residential neighbourhoods and their impact on potential wind energy utilization. Results indicate that specific urban configurations can significantly enhance the efficiency of wind energy harvesting, offering a promising avenue for sustainable urban development. This study contributes to the growing field of renewable energy research by highlighting the untapped potential of urban wind resources and proposing design considerations for future architectural projects.

Morphologic transformation of ferrofluid during micropump driving under field control.

The superiority of ferrofluid pumps in the fields of biomedical, life science, energy, and power research has been experimentally demonstrated. However, the mechanisms underlying the morphological transformations of ferrofluid fusion and separation during pump driving are not completely understood. To bridge the gap between the theory and practical applications of ferrofluid pumps, we employed optical methods to record the dynamic morphological transformation of rotating and fixed ferrofluids under different magnetic field polarities, magnetic field distributions, and ferrofluid mass fractions. The magnetic field polarity causes dynamic differences in the fusion-separation process of the ferrofluid but does not affect the volume segmentation of the ferrofluid, which depends on the ratio of the magnetic field intensities. When this ratio deviates from one, the morphology of ferrofluid changes, reducing the pumping efficiency. Compared to external environmental factors, the mass fraction does not change the morphology of the ferrofluid. However, high mass fractions lead to wall-clinging of the ferrofluid, and low mass fractions induce bubbles, both of which detrimentally affect the pumping performance. This study reveals the properties of ferrofluid and the effects of external environmental conditions on the morphological transformation of ferrofluid, providing references for optimizing ferrofluid pumps.

Heterogeneous Online Computational Platform for GEM-Based Plasma Impurity Monitoring Systems

The fusion energy research field presents many intricate challenges that require resolution. Many diagnostic systems employed in experiments are approaching the limits of current technology. Implementing efficient measurements requires using an appropriate set of tools to facilitate the optimal utilization of hardware. Fusion energy measurements must provide low latency processing with the capacity for future improvements and the ability to handle complex data flows efficiently. The presented work addresses these requirements and describes the implementation of a high-performance, low-latency software platform with convenient development for soft X-ray (SXR) plasma impurities emission tracing—the Asynchronous Complex Computation Platform (AC2P). This article presents the architectural design, implementation details, and performance and latency measurements based on the raw data acquired from the WEST tokamak and laboratory tests. AC2P provides the tools to develop low-latency, multi-core, multi-device complex data flow graph scale-up solutions for measuring impurities in hot plasmas. The system has been designed to operate online during experiments, calculate the energy distribution, position and occurrence time of SXR photons, monitor the data stream’s quality and archive any abnormalities for subsequent offline verification and algorithm improvement. This article presents AC2P, which operates as part of the SXR measurement system on the WEST tokamak.

Engineering the Coordination Environment in the Silver(I)- and Ruthenium(II)-N-Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes in Instigating the Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Reaction.

The quest for cost-efficient and high-performance electrocatalysts towards electrocatalytic water splitting is a key and an interdisciplinary area of study. Considerable progress is being driven by developments in the field of energy research. In a fundamental study, we have synthesized NHC precursors (6 and 7) and corresponding metal-NHC complexes of silver(I)- (8 and 9) and ruthenium(II)- (10 and 11) of a N-heterocyclic carbene-based ligand type incorporating coumarins. These NHC precursors and metal-NHC complexes were characterized through various analytical and spectral techniques. The silver(I)-NHC complexes 8 and 9 displayed a linear coordination geometry with a center of inversion, which is evidenced by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction technique. Both the series of complexes were assessed for their efficacies in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The results demonstrated that attributed to its peculiar coordination geometry, high electrical conductivity the silver(I)- and ruthenium(II)-NHC complexes exhibited exemplary electrocatalytic activity. Activities of the hydrogen evolution reaction on two differently modified electrode substrates with metal-NHC complexes have been studied. To attain the benchmark HER current density of 10 mA cm-2, in 1.0 M KOH, an overpotential of -375 to -527 mV vs RHE was required for the metal-NHC complexes. Based on the analysis of the Tafel slope values, the rate-determining step was the adsorption of hydrogen as investigated in the potential window. The molecular electrocatalyst 10 presented a superior stability and maintained the electrocatalytic activity for a duration of 18 h with complex 8 and 24 h with respect to complex 10 in 1.0 M KOH. Apace with these studies, hydrogen oxidation studies were examined in 0.5 M H2SO4 by a substantial current density at the platinum ring electrode. This research offers feasible guidance for developing organometallic-based molecular electrocatalysts with good electrocatalytic performance.

Preface

Peruvian Workshop on Solar Energy 2023 (JOPES 2023) These proceedings contain a selection of papers presented at the Peruvian Workshop on Solar Energy 2023 (Jornadas Peruanas de Energía Solar - JOPES), held for the sixth consecutive year. The motivation for these events dates back to 1981, when Prof. Manfred Horn began exploring the potential of renewable energies, particularly solar energy. He founded the Peruvian Association for Solar Energy and Environment (APES). A significant milestone occurred in 1986 when APES organized the first Peruvian Symposium on Solar Energy (SPES). Since 2003, SPES has been held annually without interruption, rotating among various cities in Peru with active university programs related to renewable energies. As an extension of these efforts, JOPES was established in 2008 to promote both local and international dissemination and exchange of ideas in the field of renewable energy research. We invite renowned keynote speakers, local researchers, and students to present their latest works. During the pandemic years of 2020-2022, the event continued virtually. JOPES 2023 was held in presential mode from July 20th to 22nd at the main auditorium of the Faculty of Sciences of the National University of Engineering (Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería, UNI). Keynote speakers from diverse countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, France, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, participated. Numerous local researchers also contributed, covering topics such as bioremediation of polluted waters, FMEA risk evaluation in the design of solar cookers, properties of stable faces of SnO2 for improving solar cell production, Peltier cells for evaluating the thermal conductivity of insulating materials, calibration of a built spectrometer, and determination of cloud optical depths during over-irradiance. We would like to express our gratitude to the authorities of UNI for their support in making this event possible, especially the Faculty of Sciences for providing the venue and the Vice-Rectorate of Investigation (VRI) for covering some of the finances. Special thanks also go to the Peruvian Association of Solar Energy and the Environment (APES), the Renewable Energy Center of the National University of Engineering (CER-UNI), and the Peruvian government’s National Council of Science, Technology, and Technological Innovation (CONCYTEC). List of Organizing Committee is available in this Pdf.

Spatiotemporal dynamics of fast electron heating in solid-density matter via XFEL

High-intensity, short-pulse lasers are crucial for generating energetic electrons that produce high-energy-density (HED) states in matter, offering potential applications in igniting dense fusion fuels for fast ignition laser fusion. High-density targets heated by these electrons exhibit spatially non-uniform and highly transient conditions, which have been challenging to characterize due to limitations in diagnostics that provide simultaneous high spatial and temporal resolution. Here, we employ an X-ray Free Electron Laser (XFEL) to achieve spatiotemporally resolved measurements at sub-micron and femtosecond scales on a solid-density copper foil heated by laser-driven fast electrons. Our X-ray transmission imaging reveals the formation of a solid-density hot plasma localized to the laser spot size, surrounded by Fermi degenerate, warm dense matter within a picosecond, and the energy relaxation occurring within the hot plasma over tens of picoseconds. These results validate 2D particle-in-cell simulations incorporating atomic processes and provide insights into the energy transfer mechanisms beyond current simulation capabilities. This work significantly advances our understanding of rapid fast electron heating and energy relaxation in solid-density matter, serving as a key stepping stone towards efficient high-density plasma heating and furthering the fields of HED science and inertial fusion energy research using intense, short-pulse lasers.

Reversible Nickel Electrodeposition Electrolytes for Dynamic Window Applications

Amid the energy crisis, reducing energy consumption has become a growing field of energy research. When analyzing energy usage, buildings are responsible for 30% of global energy consumption.1 One of the ways to reduce this enormous energy consumption in buildings is to reduce the amount of heating, cooling, and air conditioning needed to provide comfortable work and living spaces. In this regard, dynamic windows are an innovative approach to increasing building energy efficiency as they electronically switch between light and dark states.2 By controlling the transparency of the window, dynamic windows help control the temperature of a space and, therefore, save on average 10% of energy consumption in buildings.3 Reversible metal electrodeposition (RME) provides a method of constructing dynamic windows that possess color neutrality, high switching speed between dark and light states, low cost, and durability over thousands of cycles.4 In recent years, zinc has emerged as a standout metal for application in dynamic windows.2,5 However, the interactions of the deposited zinc film with the surrounding water in the aqueous electrolytes can slowly deteriorate device performance.6 To ameliorate the situation, we are developing dynamic windows with nonaqueous nickel electrolytes, which have many of the advantageous properties of typical RME dynamic windows, but are more robust than analogous zinc systems.

Research on interregional oil cooperation-sanctions with evolutionary game

PurposeThe game strategies differ when different regions participate in the oil game. Under what circumstances will different participants choose cooperation or sanction strategies? This is the core issue of this paper.Design/methodology/approachRegarding the current and future game behavior between different regions in the oil trade, this paper constructs an evolutionary game model between two regions to explore the possibility of sanctions strategies between the two sides in different situations.FindingsThe research finds: (1) When the benefits of in-depth cooperation between the two regions are greater, both sides tend to adopt cooperative strategies. (2) When the trade conflict losses between the two regions are smaller, both sides adopt sanctions strategies. (3) When a strong region trades with a weak region, if the former adopts a sanctions strategy, the net profits are greater than the benefits of in-depth cooperation between the two regions. If the latter adopts a sanctions strategy, the net profits are less than the trade conflict losses between the two regions. There will be the strong region adopting a sanctions strategy and the weak region adopting a non-sanctions strategy. At this time, the latter should reasonably balance the immediate and future interests and give up some current interests in exchange for in-depth cooperation between the two regions. Otherwise, it will fall into the situation of unilateral sanctions by the strong against the weak.Originality/valueThere is no paper in the existing literature that uses the evolutionary game method to analyze the oil game problem between the two regions. This paper constructs a two-party evolutionary game model composed of crude oil importers and crude oil exporters and, based on this, analyzes the evolutionary stability between the two regions under sanctions and cooperation strategies, which enriches the energy research field.

Response surface methodology optimization of characteristics of biodiesel powered diesel engine and its effective integration to autonomous microgrid

An optimum diesel engine load condition with higher thermal efficiency and energy management has been the foremost challenge in the renewable energy research field. Modern trends involve nano additives for obtaining high performing biodiesel blends. Considering the above-mentioned factors, an experimental study along with statistical analysis has been performed with variation of compression ratio (16, 17.5 & 18), ZrO2 nano additive (50, 100 & 150 ppm) and load (50, 75 & 100 %). The optimization was accomplished by diminishing the BSFC, NOx, HC, CO, and increasing the BTE, CO2 using the approach of desirability. From the obtained results, the optimum operating conditions of the engine were found to be 75 % load, 18:1 compression ratio, and 150 ppm ZrO2 nano additive. The actual values at optimized conditions are obtained as BSFC (0.27 kg/kWh), BTE (33.37 %), CO (0.71 %), CO2 (8.69 %), NOx (1270 ppm), HC (62 %) and Smoke (25.20 %) with error less than 5 %. It has been observed that the BSFC of the proposed biodiesel-diesel blend is lower than that of pure diesel in all levels of power output. The biodiesel fuelled diesel engine is integrated as backup power in autonomous microgrid with main power as solar PV system operated at MPPT mode. A hybrid power system based on solar PV and biodiesel generator set up is the better alternative to emission-intensive fossil fuel and intermittent renewable.

Numerical Investigation of a Novel Type of Rotor Working in a Palisade Configuration

This paper explores an interesting approach to wind energy technology, focusing on a novel type of drag-driven vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs). Studied geometries employ rotor-shaped cross-sections, presenting a distinctive approach to harnessing wind energy efficiently. The rotor-shaped cross-section geometries are examined for their aerodynamic efficiency, showcasing the meticulous engineering behind this innovation. The drag-driven turbine shapes are analyzed for their ability to maximize energy extraction in a variety of wind conditions. A significant aspect of these turbines is their adaptability for diverse applications. This article discusses the feasibility and advantages of utilizing these VAWTs in fence configurations, offering an innovative integration of renewable energy generation with physical infrastructure. The scalability of the turbines is highlighted, enabling their deployment as a fence around residential properties or as separators between highway lanes and as energy-generating structures atop buildings. The scientific findings presented in this article contribute valuable insights into the technological advancements of rotor-shaped VAWTs and their potential impact on decentralized wind energy generation. The scalable and versatile nature of these turbines opens up new possibilities for sustainable energy solutions in both urban and residential settings, marking a significant step forward in the field of renewable energy research and technology. In particular, it was shown that among the proposed rotor geometries, the five-blade rotor was characterized by the highest efficiency and, working in a palisade configuration with a spacing of 10 mm to 20 mm, produced higher average values of the torque coefficient than the corresponding Savonius turbine.

Enhanced mechanical endurance and power conversion efficiency in flexible Cu2ZnSnS4 solar cells using ZnO/Ag-Ag2O/ZnO film

Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) solar cells occupy an important direction in the field of clean energy research due to their environmental friendliness, low cost, and industrial technology compatibility. The complex and variable usage environment also accelerates the development of flexible CZTS solar cells. However, the inferior flexibility of ITO films limited their development. ZnO/Ag/ZnO (ZAZ) films are potential choices for transparent conductive layers of CZTS solar cells due to their high transmittance, conductivity, and flexibility. To further enhance the photovoltaic performance and mechanical durability of ZAZ films and solar cells, Ag2O was introduced into ZAZ film by magnetron sputtering. An ultra-high average transmittance of 96.6% in 400–800 nm was achieved for ZnO/Ag-Ag2O/ZnO (ZAAZ) films at Ag2O sputtering power of 40 W, which was attributed to the fact that Ag2O effectively inhibited the growth of 3D islands of Ag film, and formed a more uniform Ag film. ZAAZ films offered a superior figure of merit value of 0.1041 Ω−1. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of ZAAZ solar cells was 6.94%, higher than that of ZAZ solar cells (6.69%). Remarkably, the PCE of ZAAZ solar cells was 7.9% higher than that of ZAZ solar cells after 1000 bending cycles. Therefore, Therefore, this approach may provide a promising way to improve the photovoltaic performance and mechanical durability of flexible solar cells.

Dual-Color Visual Ratiometric Fluorescence Sensing for H2O and D2O Mixtures Using a Hexanuclear Ln(III) Cluster-Based Metal-Organic Framework.

High-purity heavy water (D2O) is a strategic material owing to its important application in the fields of nuclear energy and scientific research. D2O always tends to get contaminated by H2O owing to its strong hygroscopicity. Herein, a bimetallic hexanuclear Ln(III) cluster-based metal-organic framework (Eu0.5Tb0.5-TZB-MOF) has been synthesized for fluorescence sensing of the D2O-H2O binary mixtures. Eu0.5Tb0.5-TZB-MOF can be used to immediately differentiate D2O or H2O via fluorescent color responses that are obvious to the naked eye and allow for quantitative ratiometric analysis using simple spectrophotometry. Fluorescence titration experiments demonstrate that both trace H2O in D2O and trace D2O in H2O can be quantitatively detected. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that the weaker vibrational quenching of the O-D oscillator compared to the O-H oscillator, in addition to the terbium-to-europium energy transfer, triggered the fluorescence signal response.

Enhancing fermentation yield for biohydrogen production using eco-friendly nickel and cobalt ferrite nanoparticles

AbstractIn recent years, the sustainable metal oxide nanoparticle synthesis using various plant leaf extracts as reducing agents has gained significant attention in the field of renewable energy research. This study explores the biohydrogen yield enhancement potential of two types of nanoparticles derived from olive leaves. Synthesized nanoparticles are characterized by SEM, EDX, and FTIR spectrum analyses; these nanoparticles exhibit mean dimensions of 385 nm and 292 nm. Fermentation experiments were conducted using varying ratios of the two types of nanoparticles ranging from 50 to 500 mg/L to determine the impact of these nanoparticles on bio-hydrogen yield. Remarkably, with the usage of 200 mg/L of nickel ferrite nanoparticles boosted biohydrogen yield by 47%, while 200 mg/L of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles increased it by 41%. These findings highlight the potential of sustainably synthesized nanoparticles, especially those from olive leaves, as catalysts for enhancing biohydrogen production in dark fermentation processes. This research offers promising insights into eco-friendly bioenergy generation.

Investigating Electrode-Ionomer Interface Phenomena for Electrochemical Energy Applications.

The endeavor to develop high-performance electrochemical energy applications has underscored the growing importance of comprehending the intricate dynamics within an electrode's structure and their influence on overall performance. This review investigates the complexities of electrode-ionomer interactions, which play a critical role in optimizing electrochemical reactions. Our examination encompasses both microscopic and meso/macro scale functions of ionomers at the electrode-ionomer interface, providing a thorough analysis of how these interactions can either enhance or impede surface reactions. Furthermore, this review explores the broader-scale implications of ionomer distribution within porous electrodes, taking into account factors like ionomer types, electrode ink formulation, and carbon support interactions. We also present and evaluate state-of-the-art techniques for investigating ionomer distribution, including electrochemical methods, imaging, modeling, and analytical techniques. Finally, the performance implications of these phenomena are discussed in the context of energy conversion devices. Through this comprehensive exploration of intricate interactions, this review contributes to the ongoing advancements in the field of energy research, ultimately facilitating the design and development of more efficient and sustainable energy devices.

Enhancing solar hybrid system efficiency in Libya through PSO & flower pollination optimization

The integration and optimization of Concentrated Solar Power-Photovoltaic (CSP-PV) hybrid systems have become a focal point in the field of solar energy research and development. The fusion of the strengths from both forms of power generation in the CSP-PV hybrid system offers the potential to deliver affordable and manageable solar energy solutions. However, the key parameters of the CSP plant can vary in different situations. Taking these variations into account is crucial for optimizing the overall performance of the CSP-PV hybrid system and ensuring its adaptability to different scenarios. Therefore, there is a need for a method that can optimize all the main parameters of the CSP and the hybrid system at the same time. The maximum acquired energy from the CSP is 7 kWh with meeting the objective of Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE). In this paper utilized the Flower Pollination Algorithm (FPA). method to globally optimize the CSP-PV Hybrid System. The experimental results prove the effectiveness of this method.

Strategies to Develop Electrocatalytically Active Perovskite Oxide Nanosheets

AbstractIn the research field of alternative energy, perovskite oxides remain one of the prominent classes of electrocatalysts because of their outstanding compositional and chemical versatility, tuneable catalytically active centers, and structural robustness leading to operational stability. However, their routine high‐temperature synthesis curbs the available active sites, and consequently, there is an ongoing urge to mend the perovskite oxides towards dimensionally reduced forms which can endow maximum surface‐active sites to accelerate the redox processes. Despite the burgeoning interests, research in this field barely began in the last decade. This review highlights some of the relevant literature findings, and rationalizes the limitations, and benefits of developing two‐dimensional (2D) nanostructures of electrocatalytically active perovskite oxides. Furthermore, the roadblocks of the current approaches for wide‐stretched adaptability and standing gaps to counter such bottlenecks are discussed.

Research Status and Trends of Household Energy in China under the Background of Sustainable Development

Objective: This article primarily discusses the current status and trends of research on household energy in China within the context of sustainable development. The academic community in China considers addressing the consumption structure of household energy as one of the essential means to drive domestic sustainable development. Methods: Utilizing the literature visualization analysis software, Citespace, we conducted a quantitative visual map of the research field of household energy in China and analyzed the evolutionary path of research in this domain. Results: The study reveals a scarcity of literature and insufficient research outcomes in the field of Chinese household energy. Clusters of keywords such as rural households, rural energy, energy poverty, and household consumption indicate a research bias towards rural and impoverished areas. Keyword emergence analysis over a one-year time slice identified 10 keywords, suggesting a lack of diversity in the research field of Chinese household energy. Conclusion: The continuous improvement of research related to household energy has driven the transformation and upgrading of China's household energy consumption structure. The use of research findings enriches theoretical aspects and innovative practical methods related to Chinese household energy consumption, promoting the continuous development of research related to household energy. Throughout different stages of household energy research, it is observed that the intermediary effects of smart grids and low-carbon awareness drive the reform of China's household energy consumption system and practical applications, such as promoting reductions in carbon emissions. However, there is currently a lack of micro-level research on household energy within the Chinese academic community.

Development and Application of an Open Power Meter Suitable for NILM

In the context of the global energy sector’s increasing reliance on fossil fuels and escalating environmental concerns, there is an urgent need for advancements in energy monitoring and optimization. Addressing this challenge, the present study introduces the Open Multi Power Meter, a novel open hardware solution designed for efficient and precise electrical measurements. This device is engineered around a single microcontroller architecture, featuring a comprehensive suite of measurement modules interconnected via an RS485 bus, which ensures high accuracy and scalability. A significant aspect of this development is the integration with the Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring Toolkit, which utilizes advanced algorithms for energy disaggregation, including Combinatorial Optimization and the Finite Hidden Markov Model. Comparative analyses were performed using public datasets alongside commercial and open hardware monitors to validate the design and capabilities of this device. These studies demonstrate the device’s notable effectiveness, characterized by its simplicity, flexibility, and adaptability in various energy monitoring scenarios. The introduction of this cost-effective and scalable tool marks a contribution to the field of energy research, enhancing energy efficiency practices. This research provides a practical solution for energy management and opens advancements in the field, highlighting its potential impact on academic research and real-world applications.

Unpacking the modeling process for energy policy making.

This article explores how the modeling of energy systems may lead to an undue closure of alternatives by generating an excess of certainty around some of the possible policy options. We retrospectively exemplify the problem with the case of the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)global modeling in the 1980s. We discuss different methodologies for quality assessment that may help mitigate this issue, which include Numeral Unit Spread Assessment Pedigree (NUSAP), diagnostic diagrams, and sensitivity auditing (SAUD). We illustrate the potential of these reflexive modeling practices in energy policy-making with three additional cases: (i) the case of the energy system modeling environment (ESME) for the creation of UK energy policy; (ii) the negative emission technologies (NETs) uptake in integrated assessment models (IAMs); and (iii) the ecological footprint indicator. We encourage modelers to adopt these approaches to achieve more robust, defensible, and inclusive modeling activities in the field of energy research.