Economic Viability Study Research Articles

Study of Physical Mechanical Characteristics, Economic Viability, and Carbon Emission Impacts of Recycled Aggregate

aims: The study aims to evaluate the viability of using recycled aggregate (RA) from construction and demolition waste (CDW) as a sustainable alternative to natural aggregates in concrete production. background: Construction and demolition waste constitutes a significant portion of solid waste worldwide, posing considerable environmental challenges. objective: To assess the mechanical properties and economic benefits of concrete made by substituting natural aggregate with recycled aggregate, and to understand the environmental impact through a lifecycle assessment of carbon emissions. method: The research involved analyzing the mechanical properties of RA, including density, water absorption, and crushing strength. A critical threshold for material efficiency was determined by substituting natural aggregate with RA in varying proportions. An economic analysis was performed to evaluate the financial viability, and a lifecycle assessment was conducted to quantify carbon emissions from concrete production to site transportation. result: Recycled aggregate concrete showed lower density, higher water absorption, and reduced crushing strength compared to natural aggregates. Optimal strength was achieved with a 40% replacement rate. Economic analysis indicated a favorable return on investment. Lifecycle assessment revealed that raw materials account for approximately 85% of total emissions in recycled concrete production. conclusion: Recycled aggregate is a feasible alternative to natural aggregate in concrete production up to a 40% substitution rate, offering significant mechanical, economic, and environmental benefits. However, optimizing raw material usage is crucial for enhancing the sustainability of recycled concrete. other: The study highlights the growing role of recycled aggregate in engineering applications and underscores the importance of advances in research and application methods to further integrate recycled materials in construction practices.

Techno-economic assessment of the dethridge waterwheel under sluice gates in a novel design for pico hydropower generation

The world is increasingly shifting toward low-head hydropower as a sustainable form of renewable energy in response to the negative socioeconomic impacts of large hydroelectric plants. In this context, the article presents a novel design involving retrofitting the gates of existing dam structures with Dethridge waterwheel technology. This innovative solution installs the wheel under the gate to harvest the untapped potential energy resulting from the head difference at these already-existing facilities while simultaneously reducing the need for costly civil work and preventing new installations in freshwater systems. The El-Reah El-Tawfiqy barrage in Egypt served as the model case study for evaluating the implementation of the proposed design. According to the results, the plant's levelized cost is 29 USD/MWh, less expensive than traditional hydropower projects and achieves grid parity. With an estimated 140 MWh of electricity produced annually, the project is expected to cut around 1460 tons of CO2 equivalent over its 25-year lifespan. This study includes several novelties, including modifying hydraulic structure gates for pico power generation. Additionally, a thorough numerical analysis was performed to estimate the output power instead of relying on theoretical approaches for the economic viability study. These results can guide policymakers and stakeholders in implementing affordable and sustainable renewable energy solutions.

Microwave drying of yerba mate leaves: kinetics modeling and techno-economic analysis

Ilex paraguariensis, known as yerba mate, is a native species from South America widely used in the preparation of drinks, with several bioactive compounds. Its industrial drying process is archaic and associated to the contamination of the leaves with carcinogenic compounds. Previous study reported microwave drying of yerba mate as a potential alternative for its drying, but there are no studies on the techno or economic aspects of this process. Hence, this study aims to determine the drying kinetics on the yerba mate leaves (YML) using the microwave assisted drying method, and to provide a techno-economics analysis for different production and rate of return of investment scenarios. Microwave drying (MWD) of yerba mate was conducted at different powers (675, 945, and 1,215 W), and conventional kinetics models were fitted to the experimental data. A techno-economics analysis was conducted considering the processing of 10 – 100 kg YML/h in an agribusiness located in South Brazil. As results, the different microwave powers resulted in different equilibrium moisture content, and only the MWD at 1,215 W achieved Brazilian’s legislation requirement of 10 % of moisture (wet basis). Page’s drying kinetics model presented the best fitting to the experimental data, and its parameters were used in the study of economic viability. Finally, a required selling price of 19.88 US$/kg was calculated for the selling of the dried YML, resulting in a time of return of investment of 1 year for an agribusiness processing 100 kg YML/h.

Thermoeconomic, environmental and uncertainty assessments and optimization of a novel large-scale/low carbon hydrogen liquefaction plant integrated with liquefied natural gas cold energy

Abstract Presently, the liquefaction of hydrogen represents a promising solution to alleviate challenges associated with its storage and transportation. It is crucial to formulate methodological frameworks for scrutinizing hydrogen liquefaction routes to enhance energy efficiency. This paper endeavors to establish, assess feasibility, and refine a novel approach for a high-capacity hydrogen liquefaction facility, leveraging the cold energy from liquefied natural gas (LNG). This new route utilizes four hybrid refrigeration systems, each designed to handle 50 × 103 kg daily. Significant energy savings are achievable through the primary utilization of LNG’s energy in the precooling stage and the generation of electrical power during the vaporization phase. The architecture of this novel route is crafted around the principles of energy conservation, incorporating thermodynamic assessments alongside economic and environmental viability studies. Furthermore, the performance of this innovative hydrogen liquefaction method is thoroughly evaluated across both non-optimized and optimized scenarios. Advanced techniques such as composite curve and uncertainty analyses are employed to provide a detailed examination of heat cascades and cost differentials. The findings indicate that managing LNG’s cold energy is crucial for refining the hydrogen liquefaction route, potentially reducing the specific power requirement of the optimum route by 27.4% compared to its non-optimum counterpart. Moreover, in the optimized scenario, there is a decrease of ~4.72% in unit production expenses, 26.26% in CO2 emissions, and 21.85% in specific power usage for avoided CO2 emissions.

Economic Viability of Bamboo Dust Based Gasification Plant for a Paper Mill

Global concern over pollution and several related issues caused by increase in Green House Gas emission and consequently changes in climate have resulted in a paradigm shift in the approach towards development of the energy sector in many countries. Being relatively less expensive than other renewable sources like solar and wind energy and being geographically dispersed, biomass is a potential alternative for fossil fuels like coal to sustainably meet the increasing energy needs of the world. In addition to this, biomass is carbon dioxide neutral and is a reliable source of energy. In this paper a pilot project is conceptualized on the use of bamboo dust waste for Cachar Paper Mill located in the state of Assam, India. This paper mill is a source of biomass in itself as it generates about 35-40 tons of bamboo dust every day. This project is conceived to economically generate electricity by utilizing producer gas derived from a gasifier by means of a gas engine coupled with an alternator, thus contributing its share towards renewable energy in the country. An economic viability study has been carried out by calculating the cost of generation of electricity for the plant to produce this green energy as against that of convention coal fired stream generation. This paper further highlights how burning of reasonable quantity of coal can be avoided by replacing some quantum of electricity generation through renewable energy sources resulting in appreciable amount of cost savings.

Sensibility analysis in the study of economic viability of a wind farm in the Canary Island. A case of study: 10 MW wind farm in Roque Prieto, Gáldar, Gran Canaria.

In this article, the economic viability of a typical wind farm of the Canary Islands is analyzed. The sensibility of the investment is analyzed as opposed to a series of factors which can change. Likewise, it is proved that exist technical and economic determinants that restrict the full development of the wind potential of a certain area, especially in the islands or places of complicated or slightly communicated geography.

Mine water as a source of energy: an application in a coalfield in Laciana Valley (León, NW Spain)

Mine water can be a renewable and economical source of geothermal and hydraulic energy. Nine discharges from closed and flooded coal mines in the Laciana Valley (León, NW Spain) have been studied. Various technologies for the energy use of mine water, as well as the influence of factors such as temperature, the need for water treatment, investment, potential customers and expansion capacity, have been evaluated by means of a decision-making tool. It is concluded that the most advantageous option is an open-loop geothermal system using the waters of a mountain mine, the temperature of which exceeds 14 °C and whose distance to customers is less than 2 km. A technical–economic viability study for a district heating network designed to supply heating and hot water to six public buildings in the nearby town of Villablino is presented. The proposed use of mine water might help areas that have been greatly affected socioeconomically by the closure of the mines and has other advantages compared to conventional energy systems, such as the reduction of CO2 emissions.Graphical It showing the advantages of using mine water as an energy source for district heating and a simplified layout.

Integration of Corn and Cane for Ethanol Production: Effects of Lactobacilli Contamination on Fermentative Parameters and Use of Ionizing Radiation Treatment for Disinfection

Recently, in Brazil, corn ethanol industries are being installed and the integration with sugar/energy-cane has been proposed, using bagasse for cogeneration and the juice to dilute the corn. However, this integration may have some limitations, such as the quality of the cane juice and potential contamination by microorganisms brought with the cane from the field. In this article, we first tested the effects of mixing energy cane juice with corn on fermentative parameters. We also assessed the effects of Lactobacilli. contamination on organic acids produced during the fermentation and fermentation parameters and proposed the use of ionizing radiation to replace antibiotics as a disinfection control method. Our results showed that mixing energy cane juice with corn does not have any negative effect on fermentation parameters, including ethanol production. The contamination with Lactobacilli. considerably increased the production of acetic, lactic, and succinic acid, reducing the pH and ethanol content from 89.2 g L−1 in the sterilized treatment to 72.9 g L−1 in the contaminated treatment. Therefore, for the integration between corn and cane to be applied on an industrial scale, it is essential to have effective disinfection before fermentation. Ionizing radiation (20 kGy) virtually disinfected the wort, showing itself to be a promising technology; however, an economic viability study for adopting it in the industry should be carried out.

General methodology and optimization for the analysis of bottoming cycle cogeneration

This paper aimed to develop a general calculation methodology for bottoming cycle cogeneration. The methodology considered the simultaneous generation of heat, power and cold; the energy rate demands curves of the process; the storage of cold thermal energy; the local environmental conditions for the calculations of the electricity generated; the performance coefficients of chillers; and the commercialization of electricity and carbon credits. The methodology shows the main performance indexes for bottoming cycle cogeneration, as well as the results of the minimum requirements for the cogeneration unit qualification, besides environmental and economic gains. A case study done for a small steel mill with 5,500 tons of pig iron average monthly production shown that ambient temperature and altitude influence remarkably on the electricity generation and cold production. It is observed that at lower ambient temperature and altitude, higher values of electricity generation and cold are given. Average environmental gains with electricity and fuel can reach 1,862,212 kg(CO2-Eq)/TT and 562,728 kg(CO2-Eq)/TT, respectively. Average economic gains from electricity, fuel and carbon credits can reach 1,893,249 US$/TT, 88,578US$/TT and 124,933 US$/TT, respectively. Performance indexes shown 26.15 % of energy efficiency, 1,326.78 kW of primary energy consumption reduction, 4,395.60 kW of primary energy saving and 6.085 % of primary energy savings gain. The presented methodology could assist governmental and non-governmental agencies in the elaboration of standards and laws to verify the performance indexes, environmental gains, and economic viability study of bottoming cycle cogeneration projects.

Study of economic viability and energy availability of hybrid solar / wind power and cooling systems with thermal energy storage

A large portion of the energy consumed worldwide is used for heating and cooling environments. In Brazil, the use of solar energy in homes experiences an increasing, despite the fact that not always an exclusively solar system can meet the entire energy demand, since climatic conditions significantly influence energy generation and its energy efficiency. Therefore, it is recommended to have alternatives to guarantee energy needs at consumption points throughout the year. In this context, with the intention of deepening the issues involving the complexity contained in the understanding and quantification concerning energy and budget of projects of refrigeration systems built – or to be built – based on the use of hybrid energy, the present work aims the dimensioning of an online simulator to assist the development of projects for installations of photovoltaic and wind systems in homes, businesses and industries. In addition, the study aims to deliver differentiated and personalized projects, combining good efficiency and lower operating costs. This simulator (website / application) uses API (Application Programming Interface), integrating Python programmed scripts to the platform branches, in order to offer, in a single Web platform, the complete simulation of the project of solar panels and wind turbines, budget, indications suppliers, service providers and estimated power output. Input data are: geographical position (altitude and longitude), available area (m2), roof material (ceramic, polycarbonate, glass, etc.), building height (m), historical data on solar and wind incidence (collected from INMET and INPE sites, respectively) and monthly average of the last years of power consumed (kWh). Output data are: estimation of the power produced by the system and economic analysis, number of panels and wind turbines needed to produce the necessary power, focusing on storage via TES (Thermal Energy Storage), as well as the impact of the study on economic and energy analysis of the system.

Experimental study on river sediment incorporation in concrete as a full aggregate replacement: Technical feasibility and economic viability

The reuse of river sediments as aggregates is a sustainable management technique that reduces waste from dredging operations and offers the potential to realize economic benefits. This research aims to evaluate the technical feasibility and economic viability of producing C30 class concrete made from sediments. Sediment from the Seine River Basin is characterized from a physical, environmental and mineralogical perspective before its incorporation into concrete as full substitute for conventional aggregates. The physical, mechanical and durability properties as well as the leaching of these concretes are then investigated. Sediment characterization shows that the physical properties (i.e. density, water absorption, and particle size) are close to those of conventional aggregates. The environmental and mineralogical characterization has proven that the studied sediments are inert and are mainly silico-calcareous materials. Experimental results reveal that a slight increase in cement dosage (less than 5%) yields a sediment concrete possessing properties similar to those of the control specimen with any effects remaining only marginal. Leaching tests indicate that the rate of pollutants released by the sediment-based concrete is of the same order of magnitude as that released by the control specimen. The economic viability study has found that the production of a C30 concrete based on sediment is 41 % less expensive. In-situ use of sediments in concrete prevents the carbon footprint of aggregate transport, which offsets that of additional cement for sediments-based concrete.

Environmental and Economic Viability of Chitosan Production in Guayas-Ecuador: A Robust Investment and Life Cycle Analysis.

Ecuador is a country where shrimp production is one of its primary industries. It generates annually about 72,000 tons of wastes in the form of shrimp shells. Therefore, using this waste as a raw material resource to produce chitosan, a biopolymer, is established. An environmental and economic performance study is carried out as a possible investment report, where a conceptual design of the process is defined and a financial viability report is obtained. An environmental impact report establishes the degree of harm to the environment. The economic viability study considered costs related to capital and operation to process 5000 tons of shrimp shells each year. On the other hand, a life cycle assessment was performed to obtain the environmental impact for 1 kg of chitosan produce, where a cradle-to-gate approach was established. Results showed that this new industry has a net present value of 10.38 million USD, a rate of return of 67.31%, and a payback period of 3.13 years. Additionally, it was calculated that the environmental impact with a higher normalized value was the human noncarcinogenic toxicity. It is concluded that the production of chitosan in Guayas-Ecuador is economically viable and cost-competitive in the market, and it represents an industrial activity with no considerable environmental impacts.

Phase Change Materials Technologies Review and Future Application in Lebanon: Part II

In Lebanon, the demand for energy is constantly increasing. A tremendous increase of 83% in energy demand was recorded between 2009 and 2019. The national electricity company (EDL) is unable to supply electricity needs. These needs are covered by expansive and polluting backup generators. Furthermore, according to the World Bank (2016), the national power sector share was 57.8% of total CO2 emissions in 2015, and 25.2% among them came from private diesel generators. The building sector and related activities is responsible of a large part of energy consumption. Thus, phase change materials with different ways of building integration are used as a solution. In this paper, a representation of different types and building integration methods of PCM is conducted. This paper review will present the previous studies concerning different types and integration methods of PCM, furthermore, environmental, energetic, and economic viability study will be highlighted simultaneously tackling future challenges in regards to PCM integration into buildings under Lebanese climate conditions.

Municipal solid waste management and economic feasibility for electricity generation from landfill gas and anaerobic reactors in a Brazilian state

This study aims to estimate the potential of the municipal solid waste management consortiums in Minas Gerais for electricity generation from Landfill Gas (LFG) and from anaerobic reactors for organic fractions of this waste. Economic viability studies were conducted for both types of enterprises. Projections for landfill biogas generation were made using the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) LandGem® 3.02 software program. Estimates for anaerobic digestion of organic fraction of municipal solid waste were performed based on theoretical generation from this substrate’s chemical oxygen demand. The power, electricity, and investment values for both projects were calculated, and the respective Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and payback time were also obtained for the various consortiums. The results show that there is economic viability potential for electric energy generation for landfill biogas at the CIAS CENTRO OESTE, CIDES, CISAB Zona da Mata, CONVALE, and CORESAB Boa Vista municipal solid waste consortiums. Electric Energy obtained for the state of Minas Gerais would be about 3,900,000 MWh/year, and the total installed power capacity would be approximately 4500 kW for a Thermal Power Plant (TPP) using LFG for all consortiums. These values were nearly 15,400 MWh/year and 3200 kW for biogas energy derived from the Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (OFMSW) anaerobic digestion.

Study of Economic Viability of Floating Photovoltaic Electric Power in Indonesia

The government has already set target for utilisation of renewable energy to be achieved are at least 23% in 2025 and 31% in 2050. This study assesses the feasibility of the implementation utility scale Floating Solar PV in Indonesia based on technical and economic perspective. The analysis focused on the assessment of solar irradiation data, module efficiency to project electric production, followed by economic analysis on the parameter of the interest rate, debt to equity ratio, electric production, EPC Cost. In Indonesia, there is also incentives which are regulated to promote the infrastructure investment including renewable energy which are tax holiday, import tax exemption which can reduce the tariff. The investigation show that the effect the interest rate, debt to equity ratio, EPC Cost to the tariff and effect the incentive which are the tax holiday, import tax exemption to the tariff. which are evaluated for each area based on on assessment energy yield projection and dam identification to be compared to electrical generation cost (BPP Local and BPP National) where based on the simulation the electricity tariff of Floating Solar PV (4.9 – 5.8 cUSD/kWh) in each province is below the BPP

Techno Economic Viability (Tev) Study – a Dynamic Enabler to Manage and Revive an Organization and Its Business

The primary purpose of a business firm is to produce and distribute goods and services to the society in which it exist. The efficiency of production, personnel and marketing, operations are directly influenced by the manner in which the finance function is performed by the industry. The success of the business depends on how best all these functions can be Co-ordinated. The present study deals with business function and revival. With has increased in popularity. So there is a high need to provide a better understanding of the issues and challenge faced by the industries in the context of managing it. This paper describes the general considerations and relevant machineries.

Use of organic soil amendments to improve soil health and yield of immature pepper (Piper nigrum L.)

At present, there is little information on the effects of organic amendments on black pepper farms particularly in Sarawak, Malaysia. The objective was to study the effects of organic amendments on selected soil properties, morphological characteristics, and yield of immature vines and its economic viability on immature pepper productions. There were five treatments each replicated five times in a randomized complete block design. Treatments were (i) F0—NPK 15:15:15 compound fertilizers, (ii) F1—fermented plant juice (FPJ), (iii) F2—FPJ incorporated with biochar, and compost, (iv) F3—fermented fruit juice (FFJ), and (v) F4—FFJ incorporated with biochar, and compost. The soil organic amendments which were consisted of fermented juices, biochar, and compost have positively improved soil bulk density, soil porosity, pH, CEC, TOC, C/N ratio, available P, exchangeable Ca, soil respiration, and soil microorganism count (bacteria, actinomycetes, and fungi). The fermented juices only or fermented juices with biochar and compost had lower effect on LAI and fruit spike length. The effect of soil organic amendments on fresh berry yield was comparable to that of NPK fertilizer. The economic viability study showed that the organic approach was comparable to the conventional NPK fertilization program. Through the interaction of beneficial microorganisms, biochar, and compost, introducing organic amendments in immature pepper cultivation is a reasonable option due to its contribution to yield that can lead to income sustainability for farmers.

The Study of Economic and Environmental Viability of the Treatment of Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste Using Monte Carlo Simulation

Valorization of municipal solid waste (MSW) plays a crucial role in a sustainable society and provides an opportunity to reduce carbon emissions. The economic and social viability of the treatment of the organic fraction of MSW (OFMSW) with a multi-scenario analysis (composting and anaerobic digestion for renewable electricity or for biomethane injection into natural gas networks) was studied using a Monte Carlo simulation. The cost of treating organic fraction of MSW to neutralize financial net present value (NPV) and social NPV through greenhouse gas emissions avoided was determined for each scenario. The costs considered were the investment and the operating and maintenance costs. The financial benefits from the revenue of subproducts depended on the scenario. The lowest average fee to neutralize the financial NPV was 6.38 €/tonne treated in anaerobic digestion for biomethane injection into natural gas networks, therefore, it was the most financially viable. The average social NPV calculated for biomethane injection into natural gas networks (16.60 €/tonne) was higher than that obtained for renewable electricity (13.59 €/tonne). According to the results, anaerobic digestion for biomethane injection into natural gas networks is the most socially and economically viable alternative for the treatment of OFMSW.

Study of economic viability of wind and photovoltaic systems for the energy supply of a petroleum field equipped with sucker rod pumping

Study of economic viability of wind and photovoltaic systems for the energy supply of a petroleum field equipped with sucker rod pumping

Inclusion of broken rice in meat-quail diets at different ages

The aim of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of 50% broken rice (BR) in diets for meat quail from 1 to 35 days old, starting at different ages. A total of 875 mixed quail were allocated to five treatments in a completely randomized design with five replicates of 35 birds. The treatments consisted of a maize- and soybean meal-based control diet and four other similar diets in which the inclusion of 50% BR was started at different ages, namely, 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd days. Feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion and mortality rate were evaluated weekly. At 35 days, 10 quail per plot were weighed and selected to be slaughtered for evaluations of live weight, carcass yield and gizzard yield. Lastly, a study of economic viability was carried out. No significant difference (p > 0.05) was detected for the performance parameters, live weight or carcass yield, but a higher gizzard yield was found (p < 0.05) in the treatment without BR. The inclusion of BR from the first day of life provided better economic viability. Diets with a maximum inclusion of 50% BR can be formulated for meat quail at any age.