Sustainable Industrial Systems Research Articles

Empowering Sustainable Industrial and Service Systems through AI-Enhanced Cloud Resource Optimization

This study focuses on examining the shift of an application system from a traditional monolithic architecture to a cloud-native microservice architecture (MSA), with a specific emphasis on the impact of this transition on resource efficiency and cost reduction. In order to evaluate whether artificial intelligence (AI) and application performance management (APM) tools can surpass traditional resource management methods in enhancing cost efficiency and operational performance, these advanced technologies are integrated. The research employs the refactor/rearchitect methodology to transition the system to a cloud-native framework, aiming to validate the enhanced capabilities of AI tools in optimizing cloud resources. The main objective of the study is to demonstrate how AI-driven strategies can facilitate more sustainable and economically efficient cloud computing environments, particularly in terms of managing and scaling resources. Moreover, the study aligns with model-based approaches that are prevalent in sustainable systems engineering by structuring cloud transformation through simulation-supported frameworks. It focuses on the synergy between endogenous AI integration within cloud management processes and the overarching goals of Industry 5.0, which emphasize sustainability and efficiency that not only benefit technological advancements but also enhance stakeholder engagement in a human-centric operational environment. This integration exemplifies how AI and cloud technology can contribute to more resilient and adaptive industrial and service systems, furthering the objectives of AI and sustainability initiatives.

The Design of a Sustainable Industrial Wastewater Treatment System and The Generation of Biohydrogen from E. crassipes.

Water scarcity is a significant global issue caused by the prolonged disregard and unsustainable management of this essential resource by both public and private bodies. The dependence on fossil fuels further exacerbates society's bleak environmental conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to explore alternative solutions to preserve our nation's water resources properly and promote the production of biofuels. Research into the utilization of E. crassipes to remove heavy metals and generate biofuels is extensive. The combination of these two lines of inquiry presents an excellent opportunity to achieve sustainable development goals. This study aims to develop a sustainable wastewater treatment system and generate biohydrogen from dry, pulverized E. crassipes biomass. A treatment system was implemented to treat 1 L of industrial waste. The interconnected compartment system was built by utilizing recycled PET bottles to generate biohydrogen by reusing the feedstock for the treatment process. The production of biological hydrogen through dark fermentation, using biomass containing heavy metals as a biohydrogen source, was studied. Cr (VI) and Pb (II) levels had a low impact on hydrogen production. The uncontaminated biomass of E. crassipes displayed a significantly higher hydrogen yield (81.7 mL H2/g glucose). The presence of Cr (IV) in E. crassipes leads to a decrease in biohydrogen yield by 14%, and the presence of Pb (II) in E. crassipes leads to a decrease in biohydrogen yield of 26%. This work proposes a strategy that utilizes green technologies to recover and utilize contaminated water. Additionally, it enables the production of bioenergy with high efficiency, indirectly reducing greenhouse gases. This strategy aligns with international programs for the development of a circular economy.

The potential seaweed resources assessment: Its cultivation prospect and future biofuel feedstock

Global issues on energy and fuel for sustainable development industrial and household system are a major concern in the world economy. Biofuel is a renewable energy source that can potentially be a replacement for fossil fuels. The utilization of algal biomass or seaweed organic matter is a good source of ethanol, methanol, biobutanol, and biodiesel. Malaysia’s waters recorded approximately 400 species of macroalgae, with several species found to be a potential source for biofuel application. An expedition study for the seaweed natural resources was carried out in December 2016 in coastal areas in Johor and Melaka, Peninsular Malaysia. Green seaweed, Ulva, large brown seaweed, Sargassum, and Gracilaria (red seaweed) are found in the selected study areas and these genera are listed as biofuel resources in the literature. The design of offshore mariculture system specifically for seaweed farming for biomass production for biofuel. The prototype was constructed and deployed in Bidong Island, Terengganu in 2016 before the monsoon. At the end of the monsoon period, the prototype is still stable in situ. Selected seaweed species with biofuel potential were trial cultivated on the system and the growth performance of the particular species was monitored. The suggested species for biofuel are Gracilaria and Ulva, while Kappaphycus is targeted for the food industry. Gracilaria and Ulva were also studied for their bioremediation potential and suitability to grow on the system. Gracilaria spp. was able to grow on the system, indicating the designed system is feasible for biomass production of seaweed. Further, the selected seaweed species can function as biofilters for the nutrients in the environment and acceptability for a wide salinity range meaning that the system can be applied in different locations such as estuary, inshore, or offshore. Seaweed biofuel and its subsequent advantage related to pollution-free energy generation is of critical importance.

Drivers and Barriers for the Adoption of Circular Economy Principles towards Efficient Resource Utilisation

Contemporary societies, whether they have reached advanced levels of economic and social development or are still developing, need to prioritise the implementation of circular economy practices. This will facilitate the shift towards regenerative, sustainable, and closed-loop industrial systems. For now, there are some efforts to encourage patterns of production and consumption through changes in economic trends, development of institutional frameworks, harmonising regulations in the field of environmental protection, and raising the level of social awareness to achieve, above all, greater efficiency of resources. Extensive literature that deals with monitoring the implementation of the circular economy already indicates the existence of numerous barriers in this process but also notices some incentives for raising the degree of circularity of the observed systems. In this paper, the question of whether a single value can represent the level of circularity of the chosen material/product chain is researched. An overview of barriers and drivers for implementing circular economy strategies is given to structure a proper metric framework in correlation to the research question. The objective was to simplify the monitoring of circularity by developing a unique index for comparing material/product chains in similar systems. This was accomplished by using the circular material use (CMU) rate introduced in the European Union and modifying it for financial data calculation. As a result, the circular economy index, which covers all 9R strategies (CEIR), is obtained. The practical verification of model applicability was shown by determining the degree of circularity achieved for passenger cars in the four observed EU countries.

Sustainable and renewable hydrogen production from recycled aluminum

The whole world has been suffering strong consequences related to climate change. The intense use of fossil fuels in the chemical and automotive industries have put the environment in jeopardy. Thus, the industry has achieved a point of no return and it is urgent the development of renewable and sustainable technologies. Hydrogen has been pointed as a key component of the new era in industry since it can be produced in a clean and sustainable way. Currently the development of hydrogen fuel cells technology has put the automotive sector ahead of the chemical industries in relation to studies regarding the hydrogen production. Chemical industries produce hydrogen with technologies reliant on fossil fuels while the automotive sector has been looking for renewable forms of hydrogen generation. Trains powered by hydrogen fuel cells are a reality in Europe, for instance. Hydrogen generation technological advances must match the pace of the development of fuel cells electrical vehicles in order to the environmental goals and widespread application of fuel cell systems to be achieved. The present study addresses the hydrogen generation from the spontaneous reaction between aluminum and aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide. Aluminum is a metal that presents high exergetic value and can be recycled several times without losing its thermo-mechanical properties. That makes the use of aluminum especially appealing. It will make hydrogen generation a cleaner and more affordable process. Our findings demonstrate that it is possible to predict the kinetic behavior of the reaction using data obtained by the conductometric method. Graphs of electrical conductivity vs time show that is possible to verify the order of the reaction. We will present concepts of kinetic, thermodynamic and transport phenomena of the reaction between solid recycled aluminum and sodium hydroxide in an aqueous solution. The knowledge acquired throughout this study will contribute to the development of a new reactor and as a consequence, a new renewable and sustainable industrial system of hydrogen generation.

China's Energy Structure Problems and Optimization Suggestions from the Perspective of Low-carbon Economy

Energy consumption, technological level, and sustainable industrial system are crucial for developing a low-carbon economy. China's excessive reliance on coal has led to low energy utilization efficiency, which has become an important factor affecting the optimization of China's energy structure and further constraining the sustainable development of the economy. In this regard, this article attempts to explore the issues of China's energy structure from the perspective of a low-carbon economy, and proposes strategies for optimizing China's energy structure from the perspective of a low-carbon economy. In the context of developing a low-carbon economy, starting from China's specific national conditions, the government should play a guiding role, optimize China's energy structure step by step, and promote the development of new energy projects. Based on China's actual technological situation, technological upgrading and industrial structure transformation, we will focus on developing low-carbon related industries and strategic emerging industries. Only by continuously innovating and applying new energy can we achieve the transformation of energy application structure in the production and living fields, gradually shifting from high pollution and high emissions to low pollution and low emissions.

An attempt to open up a new path of rural development? rural transformational development under the characteristic town strategy in China

ABSTRACT The global decline in rural areas has made rural transformational development a subject of significant interest. The Characteristic Town (CT) strategy, a prominent aspect of China’s recent urbanization efforts, focuses on innovative development methods to promote coordinated urban-rural growth and enhance capacity and quality. However, the mechanisms through which this strategy facilitates potential rural transformational development have not yet been investigated. This study addresses this gap by employing a case study approach, using desk research, participatory observation, semi-structured interviews, and questionnaires. The findings indicate that environmental transformation, achieved through targeted planning, design, and construction, is a prerequisite for the CT strategy to stimulate rural transformational development. Subsequently, economic transformation is a crucial step, which includes establishing a sustainable and systematic economic industrial system, local marketing and promotion, and facilitating private sector participation. The strategy also generates social effects, such as a modest improvement in living standards, a lack of public participation, changes in residents’ self-identity, and potential social estrangement between residents and newcomers. The rural transformational development driven by the CT strategy represents a process of creative destruction that progresses quickly, necessitating the consideration of various countermeasures.

Barriers to the adoption of integrated sustainable-green-lean-six sigma-agile manufacturing system (ISGLSAMS): a literature review

PurposeScarcity of resources, ecological imbalance, global warming, rising energy prices and the ever-changing need for variety have attracted the government and manufacturers for sustainable development of the industries. The integrated sustainable-green-lean-six sigma-agile manufacturing system (ISGLSAMS) provides a solid platform for meeting both the customers’ variety needs and business sustainability requirements. Many organizations opted for ISGLSAMS, but still due to various barriers organizations are not able to fully implement ISGLSAMS. The purpose of this paper is to identify the barriers to the ISGLSAMS, so that a more sustainable industrial manufacturing system and industrial symbiosis can be developed.Design/methodology/approachA literature review, from the Web of Science and Google Scholar database, has been carried out to identify the various barriers to the implementation of ISGLSAMS in the entire value chain. A total of 168 research papers have been reviewed for identifying the ISGLSAMS barriers.FindingsThis paper elaborates the concept of the ISGLSAMS, its attributes and various barriers and contributes to a better understanding and successful implementation of ISGLSAMS to meet business’ sustainability and market performance goals in the entire value chain. The paper also projects the future research framework and directions for the ISGLSAMS, integrated sustainable-green-lean-six sigma-agile (ISGLSA) product and ISGLSA supply and value chain.Practical implicationsThe study contributes to a better understanding of ISGLSAMS’ barriers. The government, stakeholders and policymakers may plan the policy, road map and strategies to overcome the ISGLSAMS’ barriers. In-depth knowledge of subclauses of ISGLSAMS’ barriers will help the practitioners to overcome the ISGLSAMS’ barriers strategically. By overcoming the ISGLSAMS barriers, a more sustainable 7 Rs based market focused manufacturing system can be designed. This will also increase the opportunities to enhance the industrial ecology, industrial symbiosis and better recovery of the product, process and supply chain residual value. This will reduce the waste to the ecosystem.Originality/valueThis work has been carried out in search of a more sustainable manufacturing system, i.e. ISGLSAMS (which is 7 Rs based, i.e. 6 Rs of sustainability with 7th R, reconfiguration) to meet the customer variety needs along with sustainability in the ever-changing customer market. This study adds value to the practitioners to identify and prioritize the ISGLSAMS’ industry-specific barriers and design the solution for the more sustainable development of (1) industries, (2) the industrial symbiosis system and (3) the ISGLSA product, process, system and supply value chain with minimum resource consumption and environmental impact. The research also contributes to the (a) ISGLSAMS (b) ISGLSA supply chain (c) reconfigurable, sustainable and modular products and (d) redesign, recovery and refurbishing of the product to increase the product life cycle.

The impact of technology learning and spillovers between emission-intensive industries on climate policy performance based on an industrial energy system model

Sustainable energy transition is garnering attention as a method to achieve emission reduction targets. In this transition, technology learning and spillovers, which are representative sources of technological change, have significant implications. Most previous studies focused on inter-country and inter-region spillovers, although spillovers can be observed at the various levels. This study develops the industrial energy system model, which explores learning and inter-industry spillovers at the technology level, and investigates learning and spillover effects on climate policy performance. The model reflects spillovers between industrial common technologies based on an iterative approach and describes the effects of learning and spillovers on technology characteristics, such as technology efficiency. The results describe that not only the speed of learning but also the existence of spillovers is important for sustainable industrial energy systems. Spillovers also help to mitigate industrial emissions with less subsidies for efficient technologies and affects the preference of industries for a carbon tax. The government should create an appropriate environment for efficiency improvements and their diffusion in industries. Moreover, a wider range of policy options is available if industries are more cooperative in diffusing their technology innovation.

Optimization and Design of a Sustainable Industrial Grid System

Electricity is a multifaceted form of energy and is used globally, with a continuously growing demand. Electrical power grids are there for more than 150 years. The generated electrical power is delivered to different industrial, commercial, and residential sectors, thereby fulfilling the ever-growing demand. In this research paper, the design and optimization of an industrial grid for various electrical loads is discussed. The electrical grid ensures a stable power supply to the loads by providing quality power with the minimum total harmonic distortion (THD) possible. A complete study of the short circuit current has been done in two different electrical grid systems, as it is seen that the short circuit current depends on the impedance of the transformer which feeds the load. These two designs of a single diagram will be simulated by using a power system analyzer, the Electrical Transient Analyzer Program (ETAP) software. The different electrical parameters, like choosing the optimised rated generator, cables, and transformers, are done. Load flow analysis is performed on both the design to evaluate the THD, short circuit fault, as well as to choose the right protection circuit for the system.

Monitoring of shop-floor workers postural stability through the use of smart soles

Shop-floor workers have occupations that require taking the same position for a long time, leading to unbalanced postures, repetitive movements, or lifting excess weight. Over time, these conditions can cause multiple health issues, that can lead to serious injuries. Manufacturing and occupational health and safety are co-evolving. Industries recognize that the well-being of their employees is a significant component for productive success. Industry 4.0 is the assimilation of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), Internet of Things (IoT) and Internet of Services (IoS). These systems bring the promise of adapting industrial systems through automated decision-making, positively impacting on the performance, safety and sustainability of industrial systems. This work proposes an integrated solution of wearable devices, namely, smart soles, that are able to collect workers’ postural data and alert the user when justified, ultimately supporting workers’ well-being improvement.

Ноономика, глобализация и пандемия

The author focuses on the differences in economic systems between countries with balanced and sustainable industrial systems and countries with fragile systems in his study. These differences are under analysis from the perspective of assessment: planning system, wants, globalization, the COVID-19 pandemic and the related crisis. Lastly, the author concludes that countries that have not made the transition to advanced systems of financial relations have been the most successful in maintaining the viability of their economies against the backdrop of a global pandemic.

Ноономика, глобализация и пандемия

The author focuses on the differences in economic systems between countries with balanced and sustainable industrial systems and countries with fragile systems in his study. These differences are under analysis from the perspective of assessment: planning system, wants, globalization, the COVID-19 pandemic and the related crisis. Lastly, the author concludes that countries that have not made the transition to advanced systems of financial relations have been the most successful in maintaining the viability of their economies against the backdrop of a global pandemic.

Noonomy, globalization and the pandemic

The author focuses on the differences in economic systems between countries with balanced and sustainable industrial systems and countries with fragile systems in his study. These differences are under analysis from the perspective of assessment: planning system, wants, globalization, the COVID-19 pandemic and the related crisis. Lastly, the author concludes that countries that have not made the transition to advanced systems of financial relations have been the most successful in maintaining the viability of their economies against the backdrop of a global pandemic.

The influence of classical ‘green’ theories on contemporary industrial planning practices: A review study

There is growing evidence that green industrial planning approaches have become the sensible alternative in the modern era, emphasising sustainability. This article reviews the influence of classical ‘green’ theories on contemporary industrial planning practices (eco-industrialisation in the age of climate change). The article adopts a qualitative methodological approach in the form of a desktop study. A total of 45 articles were finally selected for review after retrieval from internet databases. The study demonstrates that classical ‘green’ theories remain relevant in inspiring sustainable approaches to industrialisation, notably the Eco-Industrial Parks (EIPs) approach. While some of the classical ‘green’ theories such as the garden city theory date back to the 1900s, they are still relevant in contemporary industrial planning practices. The garden city theory provides a foundation for industrial location and regenerative theories that strongly influence the planning of eco-industrial parks. There is also a positive link between EIPs and the industrial location theory, as EIPs focus on the interaction and spatial distribution of different industries in the given geographic area, while emphasising the social and economic environment aspects. The EIPs approach also follows the ideas of a closed environment, industrial symbiosis, the regenerative theory, and the green political theory, both promoting sustainable industrial systems. The article concludes that, while planning for eco-industrial parks is still in its infancy in Africa, understanding the link between the classical ‘green’ theories and EIPs can help African urban planners and industrialists design and implement futuristic eco-industrial parks that ensure industrial park management performance, environmental performance, social performance, and economic performance.

Intensive Data and Knowledge‐based Approach for Sustainable and Circular Industrial Systems

ABSTRACTThe circular economy and its various recirculation loops have become a major study subject over recent years, particularly the transformation of the actual processes into sustainable processes. However, these environmental analyses require a huge quantity of data: foreground data and background data. The collection of these data can be long and tedious. Nevertheless, an increasing number of scientific articles describe the processes, which is a great source of data. This source of information is heterogeneous but big data tools can be used to compile, process and analyze them.Following this perspective, this paper focus on the creation of methodological framework centered on intensive data and knowledge for an economically viable and ecologically responsible design of industrial processes or systems. Composed of five steps, this approach is oriented towards offering decision support for the researcher or R&D engineer during systems requirements and high‐level design steps of V‐model. It is implemented within the domain of pre‐treatment processes for corn stover.

Techno-economic-environmental impacts of industrial energy assessment: Sustainable industrial motor systems of small and medium-sized enterprises

Energy assessments can provide an effective way of identifying and implementing energy efficiency measures to save energy costs and avoid emissions throughout manufacturing facilities. Consequently, it generates significant economic and environmental benefits to localities, states, and the nation. Quantifying these benefits requires a systematic techno-economic-environmental framework for capturing the interactions. This article employs methodologies to improve the energy efficiency of small and medium-size industries through their sustainable industrial motor systems. Motor systems offer large opportunities to enhance energy efficiency through adopting advanced technologies and better-informed operations. Case studies presented illuminate the potential savings and impacts from implementing sustainable motor systems and the importance of energy assessments. The integrated macro-economic analysis quantifies the regional sustainability impacts of implementing the industrial energy efficiency offered by an energy auditing program in Ohio over a ten-year period. Results show that implementing all the center’s motor recommendations have directly saved $702 M in energy costs, avoided 2.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, and created 3,445 jobs, resulting in a total annual economic impact of $788 M stemming from direct, indirect, and induced regional economic impacts. It provides policy implications for encouraging sustainable industrial motor systems.

A Review on Solar Thermal Utilization for Industrial Heating and Cooling Processes: Global and Ethiopian Perspective

A substantial share of the total energy in various countries is consumed by industries and manufacturing sectors. Most of the energy is used for low and medium temperature process heating (up to 3000C) as well as low and medium cooling capacity (up to 350kW). To meet the demand, the industrial sector consumes most of its energy in either thermal (heat) or electrical energy forms. The use of fossil fuels accounts for about half of the overall share. This resulted in a necessity to commercialize local and clean renewable energy sources efficiently considering the reduction of economic dependence on fossil fuels and greenhouse gases emission. As such, solar energy has proven potential and resulted in considerable development and deployment of solar heating industrial processes (SHIP) and solar cooling systems in recent times. Thus, an attempt to present a review of the available literature on overall energy intensiveness, process temperature levels, solar technology match, and solar thermal system performance and cost have been made in this paper. The review also includes identifying the potential and relevance of involving solar thermal for industrial heating and cooling demand. As a result, at least 624 SHIP including promising large-scale plants and 1350 solar cooling systems most of them in small and medium capacities in operation are identified. Though limited data is available for solar cooling potential and installation, investigations projected the global SHIP potential to 5.6 EJ for 2050. Consequently, given the presence of many low and medium temperature heating processes and cooling capacities in industries with immense solar energy potential, developing counties such as Ethiopia can take experience and pay attention to the development of sustainable industrial systems.

Green supply chain based on artificial intelligence of things (AIoT)

Purpose: The most important driving force for the IoT is artificial intelligence. The dramatic growth of the Internet of Things in various fields necessitates the use of artificial intelligence capabilities in the optimal use of data. By combining these technologies, it reduces cost, automation and productivity more dynamically. This hybrid technology is called artificial intelligence of things (AIoT). Methodology: Intelligent solutions in the supply chain, i.e. the use of the Internet of Things with the capability of artificial intelligence, has been able to make various industries great. Findings: Due to the colorful role of IoT technology in the sustainability of industrial systems, this paper provides a framework for the implementation of an AIoT-based green supply chain. This framework shows a clear path to understanding the impact of this hybrid supply chain technology. Originality/Value: In his paper, a framework for the implementation of an AIoT-based green supply chain is provided.

Simultaneous design and integration of multiple processes for eco-industrial park development

Process integration techniques have been well established in various areas, which include energy recovery, in-plant material recovery, industrial symbiosis, energy planning, financial management, etc. Such techniques are widely applied in the research community and industrial applications. Synthesising and designing an eco-industrial park via process integration techniques is recognised as one of the most effective strategies to promote sustainable industrial systems. Feasible operating range analysis has been introduced to evaluate and determine the true operating potential of an eco-industrial park coalition without experiencing design and performance limitations. Such tool also acts as a comprehensive decision-making tool for designers to evaluate the performance of an integrated process at different operational states. In this perspective, a novel mixed-integer linear programming model is presented in this work for simultaneous design and integration of multiple processes to form an eco-industrial park. The true potential and performance of the eco-industrial park developed can be assessed at different operational states. To illustrate the proposed approach, an industrial case study on design of eco-industrial park in oil palm industry, which consists of palm oil mill, integrated biogas and wastewater treatment system, palm-based biorefinery, and combined heat and power system, is solved and presented.