Thermal Power Plants Research Articles

Development of an Air Pulse Jet Robot for Efficient Dust Removal in Air‐Cooled Condensers Under Harsh Industrial Conditions

ABSTRACTThe manual water‐sprinkling method has traditionally been used to clean accumulated dust from air‐cooled condensers. However, this method is impractical under severe conditions—such as a 60° slope, high altitude, and high temperatures–where manual operations are impossible. Additionally, high‐pressure water flow can cause physical damage and corrosion to the air cooler fins. To address these challenges, in this work, an air pulse jet robot is designed and validated for dry cleaning of accumulated dust in air‐cooled condensers under harsh industrial conditions. The robot was designed to optimize cleaning efficiency and speed while reducing energy consumption. To address steep slopes, a permanent magnet absorber based on a proposed magnetic model of a Y‐shaped magnetic circuit (reducing leakage flux by 42% and achieving slope stability) was installed on the robot base. For effective dry cleaning with air pulse jetting, a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model was developed to optimize the cleaning airflow velocity (peak velocity 65 m/s). The robot has been deployed to a thermal power plant for a 30,281 m2 air‐cooled condenser under severe industrial conditions. Tests conducted under different conditions, including varying ash thicknesses, particle diameters, and heat exchanger thermal resistance, showed that the robot achieved a dust removal rate of 95.6 and a cleaning rate of 125.06 m2/min, which is significantly faster than the manual watering method while eliminating water consumption and the risk of corrosion.

Predictive Modeling of Activated Tungsten Inert Gas Welding in Grade 91 Steel Using Finite Element Method and Experimental Techniques

Grade 91 steel, a ferritic‐martensitic alloy, is commonly used in thermal power and nuclear plants due to its high‐temperature, high‐pressure performance. This study analyzes the thermal and mechanical behaviour of activated tungsten inert gas (A‐TIG) welding on 4 mm‐thick Grade 91 steel using an in‐house developed oxide flux. Transient temperatures are recorded at multiple locations during welding. X‐ray diffraction is used to evaluate residual stress, with peak tensile stress near the heat‐affected zone reaching 471 MPa. The A‐TIG process yields deep penetration and narrow weld beads due to high heat intensity. A finite element simulation incorporating a combined heat source model (conical and double ellipsoidal) is used to predict temperature, stress, and distortion. Longitudinal distortion predictions are compared with experimental results, showing good agreement. Distortion analysis using various theories confirms the accuracy of the simulation. Phase transformations from ferrite to austenite and then to martensite are included in the model, enhancing prediction accuracy. The combined model with large deformation and phase transformation effects provides results closely matching experimental data for both thermal and mechanical responses.

Utilization of Coal Bottom Ash as a Natural Sand Replacement in Mortar Containing Fly Ash

The substantial generation of waste ashes from coal thermal power plants (CTP), particularly fly ash (FA) and bottom ash (BA), poses significant environmental challenges; meanwhile, the exhaustion of natural river sand for the construction industry is more serious. The study aims to explore the use of BA as a sand replacement and FA as a partial cement substitute in mortar production, focusing on sustainability. In this research, FA and cement served as binder materials, with FA comprising 15% of the total binder mass. BA was incorporated as a fine aggregate, replacing sand at varying levels of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% by weight. The study assessed the effects of BA substitution on the mortar's compressive strength (CS), ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), water absorption (WA), thermal conductivity (TC), and resistance to sulfate attack. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was utilized to analyze the mortar's microstructure. Results indicate that substituting sand with BA negatively impacted all tested properties. As BA content increased, CS, UPV, and TC of mortar samples decreased, while WA and sulfate expansion increased markedly. At 56 days, the mortar samples exhibited CS values ranging from 20.6 to 57.0 MPa, UPV values from 3395 to 4203 m/s, WA values from 5.58% to 18.70%, and TC values from 0.89 to 1.73 W/m·K. Furthermore, the control mortar demonstrated a length change of 0.0218% due to sulfate attack, whereas the length changes for specimens with 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% BA replacement were approximately 68.8%, 96.3%, 155.0%, and 162.4% higher, respectively.

Hydrogeochemical process, multivariate statistical, geospatial and index approach for evaluation of groundwater quality for irrigation purposes at Visakhapatnam region, Southern India.

Groundwater quality is progressively declining due to over-exploitation and long-term use for irrigation needs. This study aims to assess the suitability of groundwater for irrigation use in an intense agricultural region in Visakhapatnam, southern India. Groundwater samples were collected during the pre-monsoon (PRM) (n = 75) and post-monsoon (POM) (n = 72) seasons. In-situ measurements of pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and total dissolved solids (TDS) were taken using a portable multimeter, while the major ions (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, F-, Cl-, NO3-, SO42-) were determined through ion chromatography. The Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI), integrated with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), revealed declining groundwater quality from south to north, with higher EC, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), and chloride concentrations near coastal regions and thermal power plants. IWQI values ranged from 31 to 96 in the PRM and from 30 to 97 in the POM seasons. Approximately 27% of groundwater samples from the PRM and 22% from the POM were unsuitable for irrigation, particularly near industrial areas. Hydrochemical plots, including Wilcox, USSL, and Doneen classifications, highlighted salinity and permeability issues linked to local industrial pollution, affecting groundwater. Multivariate statistical analysis, including PCA, Pearson Correlation, and HCA, revealed that natural and human activities, such as seawater intrusion and agricultural runoff, significantly affect groundwater quality. Salinity, driven by sodium and chloride, persists in both seasons, while nitrate contamination from fertilizers is more prominent during the monsoon. This study highlights the necessity for continuous monitoring and targeted treatment measures for sustainable groundwater use for irrigational practices.

Study on Influence of Various Factors on the Properties of Geopolymer Concrete Produced from Industrial By-Products

Large amounts of carbon dioxide and other gases are produced during the Portland cement manufacturing process. When these gases are released into the atmosphere, pollution results, which leads to environmental deterioration. For environmental sustainability, it is crucial to find a viable alternative solution to lessen the environmental damage caused by the usage of Portland cement. Conversely, fly ash, a waste product of coal-based thermal power plants, is widely accessible but presents disposal challenges. Using a cementitious substance like fly ash instead of Portland cement in concrete has advantages for the environment. In order to create geopolymer concrete, a new sustainable concrete, all of the cement is replaced with fly ash that has been treated and chemically activated using alkaline solutions containing sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium silicate (Na2SiO3). This thesis examines how the compressive strength of fly ash-based geopolymer concrete is affected by a number of variables, including the ratio of alkaline liquid to fly ash, the molarity of NaOH, the curing temperature, and the curing hours. The foundational ingredient for creating geopolymer concrete is fly ash, which is activated by an alkaline solution of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate. The present investigation employed the following test variables: the molarities of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) 12M, 4M, 16M, and 18M; the ratio of NaOH to sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) 2.5; and the alkaline liquid to fly ash ratios of 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, and 0.50. It is also absorbed that compressive strength is remarkably affected by the curing hours and curing temperature. When curing temperature is increases, the compressive strength is also increases and it requires less curing period to gain the higher strength. Key Words: Fly ash, geopolymer concrete, alkaline liquid, density, compressive strength.

Biomonitoring toxic and essential element accumulation in trout in the as pontes mine pit lake (NW Spain).

Biomonitoring toxic and essential element accumulation in trout in the as pontes mine pit lake (NW Spain).

Microalgal Potential in Production of Third-Generation Biodiesel

Abstract Algae can absorb and fix carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, potentially reducing greenhouse gas emissions when used as a fuel source. These characteristics position algae as a renewable energy source and a tool for climate change mitigation. While third-generation biofuels from algae present significant potential to contribute to global energy needs sustainably, further research is essential to overcome existing technological and economic barriers. By addressing these challenges through innovative cultivation techniques and biorefinery concepts, algae could play a pivotal role in the transition toward renewable energy sources. The future of energy may well depend on harnessing the remarkable capabilities of microalgae in quest for sustainability CO2 biofixation through microalgae represents a sustainable method for capturing carbon dioxide. In this study, CO2 was supplied directly from the flue gas of the Neka thermal power plant. The growth performance of microalgal species, including Spirulina sp., Chlorella vulgaris, and Scenedesmus obliquus, was evaluated for their capacity for the biofixation of CO2 and accumulate lipids at CO2 concentrations of 0.03%, 2%, and 5%. The results indicated a comparative analysis of the growth rates among the three strains under identical conditions. For C. vulgaris, the maximum growth rate, biomass productivity (PB), CO2 consumption rate (PCO2), and lipid content at a CO2 concentration of 5% were recorded as 0.44 ± 0.10 μ. d−1, 169 ± 14.95 mg L−1 d−1, 319 ± 25.09 mg L−1 d−1, and 32.8 ± 2.28 %, respectively.

Solidification/stabilization of fly ash contaminated with radiocesium into geopolymers

The main goal of this work was to evaluate the possibilities of solidifying fly ashes contaminated with 137Cs into geopolymer waste forms. In the first step, physico-chemical characterization of fly ash originating from the thermal power plant in Vojany (Slovak Republic) was carried out. Before the preparation of the geopolymer waste forms (ternary mixture Geocem, GEOFIX, s.r.o., Slovak Republic) containing fly ash at percentage weight proportions of 5%, 10%, 20%, and 40%, the fly ash was artificially contaminated with a 137CsCl solution. The 137Cs activity was measured by scintillation gamma-spectrometry. The leachability test conducted according to the American National Standard ANSI/ANS-16.1-1986 over five days showed that the geopolymer waste forms with fly ash contents of 5%, 10% and 20% met the required leachability index limits with values more than 6. The compressive strength test also confirmed that the samples with 40% ash content did not meet the required 5 MPa limit for their disposal as a radioactive waste.

Carbon Emission Minimization through Real-time Economic Dispatch

<p>Conventional electrical power systems often prioritize economic gain over environmental protection, which can lead to negative environmental consequences, such as emissions from thermal power plants. In recent years, there has been significant research and investment aimed at addressing the challenges posed by both environmental restrictions and economic dispatch. This study introduces the Black Widow Optimization (BWO) technique to optimize the integration of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) in the context of effective economic dispatch. The BWO algorithm is inspired by the unique mating behaviors of black widow spiders, where cannibalism plays a crucial role in the process. To achieve faster convergence, the BWO removes species with poor fitness from the population. Compared to other optimization algorithms, BWO offers several advantages, including early convergence and the ability to achieve higher fitness values. To assess the performance of the proposed approach, we applied it to various test cases, including a 10-unit generator system, the IEEE 30-bus system, and the real-time 62-bus Indian Utility System (IUS), which incorporates RES output. The results show that, in comparison to other contemporary algorithms, the BWO method significantly reduces fuel costs, as demonstrated by both the Probability Distribution Function (PDF) and the Cumulative Distribution Function (CDF).</p>

Prediction of Hernia Formation or Cracking of Boiler Water Tubes due to Corrosion

This work is part of the preventive maintenance of steam power plant equipment and installations. In boiler water pipes, hernia formation, cracking and perforation are recurrent and occur when the thermal power plant is operating at full capacity. This damage is largely due to corrosion and thinning of the tube wall. When corrosion progresses, the thinning of the tubes progresses simultaneously. From a certain value of the wall thickness, under the effect of water/steam pressure, the tubes deform and burst. In such a situation, it is important to predict approximately when these damages will occur, so that appropriate maintenance measures can be undertaken. For this, we seek to determine the corrosion rate and stresses in the tubes due to water/steam pressure, with a view to finding the maximum time limit not to exceed when replacing the tubes. Among the various methods for determining corrosion rate, it is the method based on weight measurement that has attracted our attention. Tube coupons were taken from a corroded boiler tube and from a new tube of the same characteristics, thus avoiding a study over a very long period, since corrosion takes several years to produce its mechanical effects. Knowing the difference in weight between a coupon of the new tube and that of the corroded tube, and the time of exposure of the tubes until damage, it became easy to determine the corrosion rate. From the corrosion rate and the calculation of stresses in the corroded tube, the maximum time limit to be exceeded for replacing tubes was determined, that is a maximum operating period of 10 years. The tubes must be replaced, in preventive maintenance, before the end of this time limit to prevent the aforementioned damage.

DEVELOPMENT OF DISTRIBUTED GENERATION AS A PRESERVING FACTOR FOR THE UKRAINIAN ENERGY SYSTEM IN THE WAR CONDITIONS

The state of the energy system of Ukraine after the last enemy attacks was consi-dered. It emphasizes the need to implement distributed generation based on installations scattered across the territory of Ukraine with proximity to consumers, with an installed electric capacity of up to 15–20 MW and/or a thermal capacity of up to 20–30 MW, which will make such facilities less of a priority for enemy attacks, reducing the probability of a complete failure of the power system and increasing the reliability of electricity supply to consumers. The technical and economic prerequisites for the implementation of distributed generation, its main advantages and disadvantages, and the main characteristics of the maneuverability of sources of electric generation using natural gas are given. The necessity of a critical analysis of the plans of the Ministry of Energy regarding the urgent completion of power units of the Khmelnytska NPP and the reconstruction of large energy facilities (TPP and CHP units) is shown, considering not only their repeated damage possibility but also because generation from renewable energy sources is gradually becoming cheaper compared to traditional. The experience of some countries in providing the energy system with maneuvering capacities for the integration of the growing share of renewable energy sources in the energy balance is analyzed. In European countries, similar to Ukraine in terms of climatic conditions, a significant role is played by biomass and waste CHP plants equipped with thermal energy storage, which gives them the possibility of maneuverable electricity generation. It is shown that modern basic and flexible gas-based generation, which plays a significant role in several countries of the Energy Community, has an efficiency comparable to advanced coal-fired thermal power plants, and in the case of using combined cycle gas turbines, their efficiency significantly exceeds the efficiency of coal thermal power plants, providing at the same time almost twice lower specific emissions of greenhouse gases per unit of produced electrical energy. Given the priority of implementing relatively small facilities of distributed generation, gas engine power plants have several advantages over gas turbines in terms of electrical efficiency, start-up speed, electrical capacity range, and speed of its change. At the same time, they can play a significant role in flexible generations, working on different markets, including the balancing one. They can also be integrated into the structure of existing heating boiler houses and provide cogeneration at least during the heating season. The importance of the adoption of the National Energy and Climate Plan as an additional factor that will contribute to the implementation of distributed generation, the need to develop a Program for the Development of Distributed Generation in Ukraine and ensure the priority of the development of distributed generation in Ukraine based on renewable energy sources and natural gas in all programs and strategies is shown. At the same time, it is important to create conditions to ensure the profi-tability of private investments in distributed electric and heat generation. Bibl. 26, Fig. 4, Tab. 4.

Environmental Concerns in Porto Romano: Impact of Industrial to Suburban Shift

Aim: This research aims to analyze the impact of air quality on community health and develop a strategy for proper waste management. Proper waste management is a significant challenge for the community, academic staff, and students. Place and Duration of Study: The area of Port Romano, situated 7 km north of Durres city and facing the Adriatic Sea, holds great significance for the Durres municipality. In the past, it was known as a chemical enterprise that produced pesticides for agriculture and sodium dichromate for leather tanning in the country’s western cities. However, after the fall of communism, the area transformed, and its population grew due to internal migration, mainly from northern Albania. Many families settled in this highly contaminated area. 2009, an energetic park was implemented, which impacted air quality due to the thermal power plant and oil and gas installations. In the vicinity of Porto Romano lies Aleksander Moise University, a topic of dispute amongst civil society and academic staff since 2012 due to its controversial location. Methodology: For this study, the data were provided by respondents from the Porto-Romano area. A total of 102 questionnaires divided into three sessions were analyzed using factor analysis, data reliability analysis, and multiple regression analysis. All analyses were performed using SPSS version 23.0 for Windows. The results show that special attention should be paid to these factors: (a) Environmental problems in the well-being of residents and (b) the need for support from government bodies in terms of infrastructure to increase the economic well-being of residents. Conclusion: This paper's implications relate only to certain variables studied and only to Porto-Romano. In case of future analysis by different researchers, other variables can be analyzed for different problems by making comparisons with the presented data. The government should provide more facilities and interventions to protect the environment, ensuring that stakeholders observe the rules and adapt residents’ destinations to ensure viability.

Occurrence form and environmental effect of heavy metal in flue gas desulfurization gypsum from Shanxi Province, China

AbstractDesulfurization gypsum, a byproduct of flue gas desulfurization in thermal power plants, poses potential environmental risks due to its heavy metal content. Therefore, a systematic analysis of the physicochemical properties of desulfurization gypsum is essential, with a specific focus on heavy metal content, occurrence form, and leaching characteristics. The results indicate that desulfurization gypsum is a powdery particle with high water content, primarily composed of CaSO4·2H2O and CaSO4·0.5H2O. The heavy metal content in desulfurization gypsum from Shanxi province consistently follows the order of Pb > Zn > As > Cr > Mn > Ba > Cu > Ni > Cd; and Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr, Mn, and Ba are predominantly present in an effective form, which increases their potential for environmental migration. Notably, the concentrations of heavy metals in the leachate obtained through the three standard leaching methods do not exceed regulatory standards. During the column leaching process, heavy metals are released into the leachate at varying rates. The dynamic leaching characteristics of each heavy metal are influenced by their contents and their chemical speciation. Particular attention should be given to the dynamic migration of Ni and Pb from desulfurization gypsum during its storage, disposal, and resource utilization.

Mercury pollution and its impact on aquatic organisms

Mercury is a heavy metal that is extremely toxic. There are three types of it: inorganic, organic, and elemental. Mercury in all its forms has been shown to have harmful effects on living things. It can multiply its concentration from lower to higher trophic levels and accumulate in the body's various tissues. Aquatic organisms bodies have been exposed to mercury mostly through various human activities. The largest source of mercury pollution in the air is thermal power plants that mostly use coal as fuel. It is carried to a body of water after being deposited on the ground surface from the air. The way it enters the food chain is through aquatic plants and animals. Mercury accumulations in the kidney, liver, gills, or gonadal tissues of species that are readily exposed and ingested in aquatic organisms environments. There are possible effects of mercury exposure at both acute and long-term levels. The length of time, the mode of exposure, and the dosage all affect how harmful a substance is. The current study provides information about the harmful effects of mercury in aquatic organisms environments. Even though significant mitigation measures and recommendations were implemented, this assessment provides a comprehensive account of mercury sources and emissions, as well as their destiny and movement across the various environmental compartments. Because of the existing mercury emissions and stability, eating fish still poses a major risk. Aquatic life may be toxically affected by mercury pollution in freshwater environments. Through the food chain, mercury buildup in aquatic organisms can also endanger human health. Aquatic creatures include macroinvertebrates and fish. which people ingest and put their health at serious risk. The effect of mercury on hydrocarbons and how it enters the food chain to reach humans has been identified.

Bioaccessibility, human health risks, and source apportionment of heavy metals in street dust from coal mining-influenced environments.

Road dust samples were collected from 50 locations across four distinct categories (coal mine areas, thermal power plants, commercial zones, and residential neighbourhoods) in Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh, India. These samples were analyzed to evaluate heavy metal contamination, bioaccessibility, human health risks, and contamination sources. The region demonstrated metal(loid) contamination, with elevated concentrations of As (225.8 ± 26.2mg/kg), Co (31.8 ± 12.7mg/kg), Cr (206.2 ± 121.2mg/kg), Cu (120.6 ± 86.4mg/kg), Mo (9.6 ± 9.4mg/kg), Ni (91.1 ± 59.1mg/kg), V (130.1 ± 30.9mg/kg), and Zn (277.5 ± 65.2mg/kg) indicating potential environmental and health concerns. A physiologically based extraction test was utilized to assess the bioaccessibility of the metal(loid)s, simulating its potential uptake through the human digestive system. Results revealed high bioaccessibility for Zn, Mn, Co, and Cu in both gastric (< 10%) and intestinal phases (> 10%), highlighting the likelihood of human exposure through ingestion. Health risk assessment, incorporating both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk evaluations, identified Mn, Cr, Fe, and As as posing non-carcinogenic risks, with hazard index values exceeding 1 for both children and adults. Additionally, As, Cr, and Ni were found to present carcinogenic risks, with risk values surpassing the accepted threshold of 10-4, highlighting serious long-term health implications. To identify contamination sources, Positive Matrix Factorization, a statistical model, was employed, which revealed that Factor 4 predominantly contributed to metal(loid) contamination, with Zn and Cu primarily originating from industrial activities such as coal mining, steel production, metal smelting, and transport-related emissions. The results of this study highlight the global relevance of integrating bioaccessibility testing, detailed health risk assessments, and source apportionment modelling to address heavy metal contamination in mining and industrial regions.

Dynamics of Strategic Transformation Under Uncertainty: Analytical Review and Practical Recommendations

This article analyzes the technical and economic feasibility of integrating energy-efficient solutions and renewable energy sources (RES) into architectural design in Azerbaijan. The study begins by examining the current state of Azerbaijan's energy sector, which is heavily reliant on natural gas-fired thermal power plants, despite having substantial solar and wind energy potential. The primary aim is to identify optimal strategies for designing energy-efficient buildings in Azerbaijan, considering climatic conditions, available technologies, and economic factors. The methodology involves a multi-faceted approach: a review of passive and active energy efficiency strategies applicable to architectural design (including volumetric planning, natural lighting/ventilation, thermal insulation, shading, efficient HVAC, heat recovery, and Building Management Systems (BMS)); an assessment of Azerbaijan's solar and wind energy potential; and a multi-criteria SWOT analysis. Results indicate a significant, untapped potential for solar (23,000 MW) and wind (3,000 MW onshore, 157 GW offshore) energy in Azerbaijan. The SWOT analysis highlights the strong government support and favorable climate as major strengths, while acknowledging the current low RES penetration and a shortage of skilled professionals as weaknesses. Opportunities include declining global RES technology costs and a growing demand for "green" buildings. Threats include competition from the established fossil fuel sector and potential climate risks. The main conclusion is that integrating RES and energy-efficient design is not only technically feasible but also strategically vital for Azerbaijan's sustainable development, energy security, and environmental protection. Recommendations are formulated to develop an effective strategy for RES integration, focusing on supportive policies, capacity building, financial incentives, and public awareness campaigns. The findings contribute to the field of sustainable architecture by providing a context-specific analysis and practical guidance for architects, engineers, and policymakers in Azerbaijan and similar regions transitioning to a low-carbon energy future. The study's limitations include the reliance on publicly available data and the dynamic nature of energy policy, which requires ongoing monitoring and adaptation of strategies. The practical implications emphasize the need for updated building codes, training programs, and financial mechanisms to promote widespread adoption of energy-efficient and RES-integrated building designs.

Changes in the Erythrogram Parameters and in the Erythrocyte Sizes of Adult Pelophylax ridibundus (Pallas 1771) (Anura: Ranidae) Inhabiting the Sedimentation Lake of Brikel Thermal Power Plant in Southern Bulgaria

Analyses of the hematological statuses of animals inhabiting areas of anthropogenic pollution may provide valuable insights into the extent of disturbance of their living conditions and the mechanisms of adaptation to various environmental stressors. The current work compares the erythrogram and erythrocyte-metric parameters of marsh frogs (Pelophylax ridibundus) inhabiting the polluted sedimentation lake of Brikel TPP in southern Bulgaria to those in frogs inhabiting a relatively clean habitat (reference population). The study includes a total of 120 individuals (30 females and 30 males from each site). For all of them, total erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, and MCHC were evaluated via standard laboratory techniques. All erythrocyte metrics were determined microscopically in two blood smears from each animal. Our study reveals alterations in the erythrogram parameters and the erythrocyte sizes in marsh frogs living in conditions of chronic pollution with industrial wastewater compared to the animals from the reference site. The mean values for all erythrocyte morphology parameters are significantly lower in both female and male individuals inhabiting the polluted area compared to those originating from the reference one. Conversely, three erythrogram parameters—erythrocyte count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit—appeared significantly higher in females and males from the polluted site. The observed changes in the erythrogram parameters and erythrocyte sizes result from the deteriorated water quality of the sedimentation lake.

Energy Efficiency and Integration of Renewable Energy Sources in Architectural Design: Techno-Economic Possibilities of Azerbaijan

This article analyzes the technical and economic feasibility of integrating energy-efficient solutions and renewable energy sources (RES) into architectural design in Azerbaijan. The study begins by examining the current state of Azerbaijan's energy sector, which is heavily reliant on natural gas-fired thermal power plants, despite having substantial solar and wind energy potential. The primary aim is to identify optimal strategies for designing energy-efficient buildings in Azerbaijan, considering climatic conditions, available technologies, and economic factors. The methodology involves a multi-faceted approach: a review of passive and active energy efficiency strategies applicable to architectural design (including volumetric planning, natural lighting/ventilation, thermal insulation, shading, efficient HVAC, heat recovery, and Building Management Systems (BMS)); an assessment of Azerbaijan's solar and wind energy potential; and a multi-criteria SWOT analysis. Results indicate a significant, untapped potential for solar (23,000 MW) and wind (3,000 MW onshore, 157 GW offshore) energy in Azerbaijan. The SWOT analysis highlights the strong government support and favorable climate as major strengths, while acknowledging the current low RES penetration and a shortage of skilled professionals as weaknesses. Opportunities include declining global RES technology costs and a growing demand for "green" buildings. Threats include competition from the established fossil fuel sector and potential climate risks. The main conclusion is that integrating RES and energy-efficient design is not only technically feasible but also strategically vital for Azerbaijan's sustainable development, energy security, and environmental protection. Recommendations are formulated to develop an effective strategy for RES integration, focusing on supportive policies, capacity building, financial incentives, and public awareness campaigns. The findings contribute to the field of sustainable architecture by providing a context-specific analysis and practical guidance for architects, engineers, and policymakers in Azerbaijan and similar regions transitioning to a low-carbon energy future. The study's limitations include the reliance on publicly available data and the dynamic nature of energy policy, which requires ongoing monitoring and adaptation of strategies. The practical implications emphasize the need for updated building codes, training programs, and financial mechanisms to promote widespread adoption of energy-efficient and RES-integrated building designs.

Dynamics of particulate load and chemical composition of snow cover in the area of thermal power and coke chemistry enterprises (case for the city of Kemerovo)

Relevance. The necessity to investigate aerotechnogenic pollution around coal-fired thermal power and coke-chemical processing plant, which are one of the main sources of particulate matter emissions into the environment. Aim. To assess the eco-geochemical conditions of the area around the thermal power station and coke-chemical processing plant based on long-term observations (2016–2023) of particulate load levels and the chemical composition of the particulate phase of snow cover (the case of Kemerovo). Objects. The particulate phase of the snow cover formed by atmospheric precipitation in the area of pollutant transfer at a distance of up to 4.5 km from the studied plants. Methods. Snow geochemical survey; instrumental neutron activation analysis; atomic absorption spectrometry; statistical analysis. Results. The particulate load level ranges from allowable (≤250 mg/(m2*day)) to moderately hazardous (250–450 mg/(m2*day)) during the study period. A correlation exists between particulate load and meteorological factors, with increased loads linked to higher humidity, precipitation, and lower wind speeds in winter. The particulate load is statistically lower within 1 km (≈245 mg/(m2*day)), while levels rise to 381 mg/(m2*day) between 1.5 and 4.5 km, effected by natural and anthropogenic factors. The snow cover particulate phase shows high Ba, La, Sm, Tb, Yb, U concentration (over 10 times background levels), while Ca, Sc, Sr, Cs, Ce, Nd, Hf, Ta, Hg concentration are 2–10 times above background. This indicates hazardous pollution levels in 2016 and 2022 and moderately hazardous level in 2023. The concentrations of these elements remained unchanged throughout the study period, which allows them to be used as markers for the particulate phases of the snow cover in this area. Interestingly, it was found that the formation of geochemical specifics in particulate snow cover is related to coal composition, fly ash composition, fuel consumption volume, and meteorological factors.

Combustion of composite fuel from coal and sawdust

Relevance. In the last decade, the problem of the necessity of utilizing large volumes of both non-design coal and coal waste, as well as waste of the wood processing industry at existing thermal power plants has become increasingly urgent. The solution of this problem expanded the research area of dispersed combustible materials combustion issues, making the study of joint combustion of low-metamorphosed power coals, coal waste and wood processing waste, as requirements for rational utilization of industrial waste. Aim. To study the composite fuel combustion from coal and sawdust based on the experimental technique and methodology for analyzing video files of air suspension ignition in the form of graphical visualization of combustion. Methods. Based on the methodology for studying the combustion of air suspension and the methodology for analyzing video files of air suspension ignition in the form of graphical visualization of combustion, the combustion of composite fuel from coal and sawdust is studied. Results and conclusions. The authors have studied the combustion of composite fuel air suspension from long-flame coal of Kuznetsk deposit and wood (pine) sawdust during their separate grinding and joint combustion. They obtained the graphic visualization of intensity of explosive combustion of coal air suspension and sawdust in reaction volume from time of process flow. It was found that the studied fuel composition can have sufficient and even slightly excessive quantity of volatile components, which makes fuel-oxidizer system react during combustion by forming the second combustion peak. It was found that the most effective use in fuel composite is the following ratio of components: coal – 70%, sawdust – 30%. Effective coefficient of excess fuel is defined as α=1.