Sustainable Energy Use Research Articles

Enhancing smart home appliance recognition with wavelet and scalogram analysis using data augmentation

The development of smart homes, equipped with devices connected to the Internet of Things (IoT), has opened up new possibilities to monitor and control energy consumption. In this context, non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM) techniques have emerged as a promising solution for the disaggregation of total energy consumption into the consumption of individual appliances. The classification of electrical appliances in a smart home remains a challenging task for machine learning algorithms. In the present study, we propose comparing and evaluating the performance of two different algorithms, namely Multi-Label K-Nearest Neighbors (MLkNN) and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), for NILM in two different scenarios: without and with data augmentation (DAUG). Our results show how the classification results can be better interpreted by generating a scalogram image from the power consumption signal data and processing it with CNNs. The results indicate that the CNN model with the proposed data augmentation performed significantly higher, obtaining a mean F1-score of 0.484 (an improvement of +0.234), better than the other methods. Additionally, after performing the Friedman statistical test, it indicates that it is significantly different from the other methods compared. Our proposed system can potentially reduce energy waste and promote more sustainable energy use in homes and buildings by providing personalized feedback and energy savings tips.

Strong and ductile high temperature soft magnets through Widmanstätten precipitates

Fast growth of sustainable energy production requires massive electrification of transport, industry and households, with electrical motors as key components. These need soft magnets with high saturation magnetization, mechanical strength, and thermal stability to operate efficiently and safely. Reconciling these properties in one material is challenging because thermally-stable microstructures for strength increase conflict with magnetic performance. Here, we present a material concept that combines thermal stability, soft magnetic response, and high mechanical strength. The strong and ductile soft ferromagnet is realized as a multicomponent alloy in which precipitates with a large aspect ratio form a Widmanstätten pattern. The material shows excellent magnetic and mechanical properties at high temperatures while the reference alloy with identical composition devoid of precipitates significantly loses its magnetization and strength at identical temperatures. The work provides a new avenue to develop soft magnets for high-temperature applications, enabling efficient use of sustainable electrical energy under harsh operating conditions.

Policy analysis of electric vehicle infrastructure supporting sustainable energy use

The Presidential Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia 55 of 2019 concerning the Acceleration of the Battery-Based Electric Vehicle (EV) Program for transportation aims to provide direction, foundation, and legal certainty in the implementation of the acceleration of the battery-based electric motor vehicle program in Indonesia, one of which is the strategy of providing electric charging infrastructure. This policy had not fully significant impact on the provision of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, wherein 2021, the provision of EV charging facilities has reached approximately only 74 charging facilities, spread across 188 locations; this condition is still far from the target set by the government, expected about 168 charging facilities units in 2021-2031. The research evaluates existing policies as a reference for preparing policy recommendations to accelerate the provision of EV charging infrastructure. Research has shown that the adoption of electric vehicles is constrained, one of which is the need for more charging station availability of charging stations and their distribution. The government needs to provide incentives for domestic manufacturers of charging stations and battery swapping stations and instruct state-owned enterprises to accelerate the adoption of electric to provide charging station infrastructure.

Finding Approaches Enabling more Use of Sustainable Energy through Pellet Production

Finding Approaches Enabling more Use of Sustainable Energy through Pellet Production

Maximum Power Point Tracking with Incremental Conductance and Fuzzy Logic Controller in Solar Energy Systems

Energy benefits both individuals and nations. Humanity's reliance on fossil fuels an inability to respond increases depletion. Energy supplies are rapidly decreasing. Electricity use causes the energy crisis. Sustainable energy largely meets the energy demand of the growing population. In addition, it benefits the environment by reducing carbon emissions. This situation sustainable energy sources have supplemented traditional energy sources and promoted sustainable energy use. Solar, wind, and fuel cell energy are given example of sustainable energy. Power generating facilities are employed nowadays because of their extended lifespan, inexpensive maintenance, no hazardous waste, and independence from dwindling energy sources. Solar power generation depends on environmental circumstances, hence MPP generation must be observed. MPPT follow solar panel highest MPP. This study involves a system is comprised by a DC-DC boost converter, PV panel, and a ohmic load. The duty ratio is generated by the IC and FLC MPPT algorithms, and the PWM signal is generated by comparing it with the triangle wave. This generated signal is applied to the DC-DC boost converter. The aim of this research is to investigate the effectiveness, variability, and duration required to attain the MPP of the implemented MPPT methods. The system has been developed within the MATLAB/Simulink framework. Based on the findings of the simulation, it has been determined that the FLC MPPT algorithm achieves the MPP at a faster rate compared to the IC MPPT algorithm. Consequently, the level of fluctuation is minimum and the efficiency is high.

Environmental Impact Analysis of Residential Energy Solutions in Latvian Single-Family Houses: A Lifecycle Perspective

This study aims to compare the technological solutions that can contribute to more sustainable energy use in the residential sector. Specifically, the goal of the study is to evaluate the environmental impact of different energy (heat and electricity) supply technologies applicable for an average size single-family building in Latvia, a country known for climatic condition characterized by cold winters with frequent snowfall. The study applies the lifecycle assessment methodology of ISO 14040 and the impact assessment method known as ReCiPe 2016 v1.1, which has not been used before for the scope addressed in the study in the context of single-family building energy supply technologies for climatic conditions in Latvia. Thus, the results of the study will provide new information for more sustainable energy solutions in this area of study. The technologies included in the defined scenarios are conventional boiler, electricity from the grid, Stirling engine, and solar photovoltaics (PV). The results of the lifecycle impact assessment for damage categories revealed that all scenarios have a high impact on human health due to fine particulate matter formation followed by global warming. Regarding the damage to the ecosystem, the terrestrial ecotoxicity category has highest impact, followed by global warming. Sensitivity analyses affirmed the model’s validity and also showed that the impacts of conventional systems were most sensitive to changes in electricity consumption, and therefore, the scenarios with electricity supply from a Stirling engine or PV can be considered a more robust solution under changing electricity demands from an environmental perspective.

Design of an IoT-Based Automatic Switching System Using Blynk Software

Optimizing electrical energy consumption is imperative to preserve ecological balance and conserve finite natural resources. One major contributor to inefficient electrical energy consumption is the indiscriminate use of electronic devices. Lighting systems, for example, fundamental in modern living, are often left on unnecessarily, resulting in substantial energy waste. To address this issue, we've introduced an automatic lighting control system that automates light activation and deactivation based on user-defined schedules, promoting energy efficiency and responsible energy use. The primary objective of our research is to design and deploy a Blynk-controlled IoT-based wireless switch control system that enhances energy efficiency by efficiently managing lighting for example conditions according to user-defined parameters. This approach minimizes energy waste, regulates current supply to lighting fixtures, and encourages responsible electronic device usage. Moreover, the system aligns with government initiatives for sustainable energy use and environmental conservation. This paper delves into the detailed design, development, and practical applications of the IoT-based Blynk-controlled wireless switch control system, emphasizing its technical aspects and underscoring the substantial benefits it offers to users and the environment. Our study represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future, driven by innovative technology and responsible energy management.

A case study of a neighborhood in Douala examining the technical feasibility of a hybrid renewable energy system connected to the grid for energy and oxygen production in the fight against respiratory diseases

The world is increasingly focusing its attention on the rapid growth in electricity consumption, a concern shared by both industrialized and emerging nations. Meeting this escalating demand has become crucial, necessitating a shift towards sustainable energy use. Renewable energy sources have emerged as a popular choice for both off-grid and grid-connected installations as a means to bridge the efficiency gap. In this context, the present paper explores the potential of supplying electricity to a neighborhood in Cameroon comprising 100 homes through the integration of solar photovoltaic cells and electrolyzers. It is worth noting that Cameroon as a whole continues to grapple with severe social, economic, and physical challenges. Some regions within the country face significant obstacles in accessing quality healthcare, particularly for conditions like respiratory illnesses. This study employs an intelligent energy management method to design an optimal power flow control system, aimed at enhancing system stability during power outages and load fluctuations by effectively utilizing available storage capacity. The analysis was conducted using the Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewable (HOMER) program. Our calculations reveal that a daily output of 0.123 kg mass of oxygen is produced, with renewable factor (RF) values indicating an 85.1 % integration of renewable sources, and the crucial parameter of Loss of Power Supply Probability (LPSP) reaching 0 %. These findings demonstrate that it is feasible for 100 homes to reliably generate and connect to the grid for electricity. Moreover, this research can serve as a solid foundation for the development of hybrid renewable energy systems to address the challenge of treating respiratory disorders such as COVID-19. These results underscore the significance of this study for various stakeholders, including decision-makers, policymakers, and investors in Cameroon and beyond. The ultimate goal is to promote national growth by improving socio-medical conditions.

Dynamic effects of energy consumption, economic growth, international trade and urbanization on environmental degradation in Nigeria

MotivationA crucial but difficult goal for governments and policymakers in Nigeria in recent years has been the sustainability of economic growth. This goal must be accomplished by regulating or lowering greenhouse gas emissions, which calls for switching to a low- or zero-carbon production system. The lack of in-depth empirical studies on the environmental impact of socioeconomic variables on Nigeria and a number of unresolved issues from earlier research are what led to the current study. ObjectiveThis study fills an important empirical gap by investigating the existence of an Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis and the long and short-run dynamic impact of socioeconomic variables on ecological sustainability in Nigeria. Data and methodAnnual time series data covering the period 1980 to 2020 and the Autoregressive Distributed Lag technique in the presence of structural breaks were adopted for this study. ResultsThe empirical findings support the existence of environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis for Nigeria in the long and short run. Energy consumption and total import exacerbates environmental deterioration in the long and short run, whereas total export improves environmental quality in the long and short run. Financial development, which contributed to a conspicuous decrease in the level of environmental destruction in the long run, escalated it in the short run. In contrast, urbanization caused a significant increase in environmental damage in the long run but motivated a decrease in biodiversity loss in the short run. ImplicationsThe government, policymakers, and all energy stakeholders should take additional measures to ensure the implementation and diversification of energy sources to accommodate more renewable energy sources that emit less carbon in order to promote efficiency in Nigeria's production processes and lower carbon emissions. In order to promote the production and trade of environmentally friendly goods, they should also revise and strengthen environmental policies. With affordable, dependable, and sustainable energy use for higher productivity and inclusive growth, Nigeria will be able to achieve its long-term development goals of good health and wellbeing.

Evaluation of a biomass combustion furnace using different kinds of combustion chamber casing materials

This research systematically evaluates a biomass combustion furnace, focusing on the influence of varying combustion chamber casing materials. The study employs controlled laboratory experiments to investigate the impact of different casing materials on combustion performance, thermal efficiency, and practical applications such as water boiling capacity. The research uses distinct materials, including clay, steel, and aluminum, for combustion chamber casings while maintaining consistent dimensions. The central experimental apparatus, an aluminum stove, was meticulously crafted, adhering to precise measurements. Coconut shell briquettes served as the primary fuel source for this investigation. The results reveal intriguing dynamics in combustion behavior. Notably, the choice of combustion chamber casing material significantly affects fire temperature, sleeve wall temperature, thermal efficiency, and the ability to boil water. Clay emerges as a standout performer, achieving high thermal efficiency (56.8 %), substantial water boiling capacity (25 liters), and efficient fuel consumption (1.28 kg of burnt briquettes). However, steel casing materials excel in generating the highest fire temperatures (up to 557 °C), underscoring their exceptional heat-conducting properties. Aluminum has fast temperature responses but may not retain heat like clay. The findings help optimize biomass combustion furnaces and associated applications. Material selection is crucial to attaining combustion goals like efficiency, temperature generation, or practical heat. These discoveries could lead to more efficient and ecologically friendly biomass combustion systems for sustainable energy and resource use

Solar-driven photodegradation of ciprofloxacin and E. coli growth inhibition using a Tm3+ upconverting nanoparticle-based polymer composite

Solar-driven photocatalysis is of great interest in terms of a sustainable use of energy and its application in wastewater treatment. The UV light-driven photogeneration of H2O2 by solar irradiation is an advanced strategy for the treatment of bacteria and recalcitrant pollutants in wastewater, but suffers from low efficiencies. In this work, a solar-driven multifunctional nanocomposite consisting of Tm3+ upconverting nanoparticles, poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(acrylic acid) and hydroxylated sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) was prepared. The components were crosslinked via a heating treatment at 170 °C, resulting in a non-leaching porous material. This nanocomposite exhibited excellent adsorption ability (89 % in 150 min) toward a 100 mg/L ciprofloxacin aqueous solution and proved to photodegrade it (50 %) upon 4 h artificial solar irradiation, exploiting photon upconversion processes. Moreover, an 80 % bactericidal effect against E. coli was registered upon sunlight irradiation. Altogether, these results suggest the feasibility of a solar-driven wastewater treatment based on upconverting nanoparticles.

Direct Numerical Simulation of Heat Transfer in a 7-Pin Wire-Wrapped Rod Bundle

The Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactor (SFR) is a promising concept chosen in the Generation IV International Forum as a possible design for pursuing the sustainable use of nuclear energy. Its core consists of multiple hydraulically isolated assemblies, with a tightly packed triangular lattice array of fuel pins enclosed in a hexagonal duct present within each assembly. Helical wire spacers are wrapped along the axis of the rods to maintain a gap between them, inducing a secondary flow, increasing the channel mixing, and enhancing convective heat transfer. In this study, a direct numerical simulation campaign is conducted for a simplified 7-pin wire wrapper geometry, with Reynolds numbers ranging from Re = 1000 to 10 000 and a Prandtl number of Pr = 0.005, to investigate heat transfer in low-flow conditions. The wire wrapper case is compared to a bare bundle case with seven pins. The results are discussed, and heat transfer predictions are compared between our numerical results and classic correlations. An anisotropy invariant map is obtained for the above-mentioned cases, and turbulent kinetic energy and turbulent heat flux budgets are computed and analyzed. Our findings provide unique insights into the flow behavior within a wire-wrapped bundle.

Optimal energy mix in relation to multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM), review and further research directions

The need for a transition to a society that will meet its energy needs from local resources and with minimal negative environmental impact is no longer presented as an option but as a necessity. Energy resources are limited, and it is necessary to ensure that they are properly used and managed in a sustainable manner. Optimal redistribution of energy supply from different energy generation and distribution options to end users within the local community is called the energy mix. What sets itself the task is to find this way of sustainable use of all available energy and energy types from local communities, different regions to the entire country. This is not a simple task, because it includes many variables that must all be considered. Therefore, it is necessary to classify and define universal criteria (sustainability), which describe ways of supplying energy and energy in a particular locality. The criteria mainly describe energy needs, availability of energy resources, existing technologies, economic and environmental indicators, qualitative and quantitative values of different energy supply options. This paper aims to review the state of play in optimal energy mix research in relation to the local community. Also, this paper provides an overview and importance of the application of MCDM methods in this area. As a way out, in this paper we propose conclusions, directions and research opportunities in the field of seeking the optimal energy mix supply for local community, region or state, connected to the importance MCDM tools.

Matrices for radioactive waste immobilization: a review

Nuclear energy is considered a clean, reliable, and an inexhaustible energy source for power generation. Nuclear power is harnessed from nuclear fission reactions in a dedicated power plant. The by-products (produced in the nuclear power plant) are radioactive and pose a threat to the environment. The safe disposal of nuclear waste is vital to ensure the sustainable use of the nuclear energy. The immobilization of radioactive waste before final disposal is essential for the interim storage and transportation. This review summarizes the recent work on glass, ceramics, and glass–ceramics matrices to immobilize high-level waste. The synthesis methods, leaching behavior, and radiation resistance of matrices are discussed briefly.

State of temperature detection of Li-ion batteries by intelligent gray box model

Li-Ion batteries are among the key enablers of more sustainable use of energy. However, they need to be supervised and undergo continuous maintenance to assure safety and longevity. This paper focuses on the sensorless detection of the State of Temperature (SOT) of the Li-ion batteries during the operational life cycle of the battery irrespective of its state of charge. The paper presents the new Intelligent Gray Box Model (IGBM) to detect the SOT of Li-ion cells: that combines the three most powerful diagnostic tools Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), Equivalent Circuit Model (ECM), and Artificial Neural Network Classifier (NNC). The work introduces the experimental test bench capable of emulating real-world and embedded constraints to conduct EIS onboard, its data preprocessing, and useful information extraction for the entire frequency spectrum. Furthermore, this paper presents a new hybrid parameter identification that combines the Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) and Levenberg Marquardt algorithm (LM) to identify the fractional order ECM. Finally, a neural network classifier is designed, optimized, and compared with different feature scaling techniques to evaluate its accuracy and robustness to detect and classify exact battery temperatures in real time from experimental data.

Formation of the Model of Sustainable Economic Development of Renewable Energy

Abstract The article considers the use of sustainable energy as a potentially effective alternative energy source capable of replacing traditional natural fuels. The aim of the research is to develop a complex model of sustainable economic development able to promote introducing and expanding sustainable power engineering as potential alternative energy source, providing sustainable economic development, energy efficiency and reducing damages to the environment. The hypothesis lies in introduction of a model for sustainable economic development due to expansion of renewable energy which will result in economic growth, rise in energy efficacy and reducing hazards to the environment. A comparative analysis of costs and revenues of various types for using energy sources was carried out to estimate the economic efficiency and feasibility of renewable energy. The data analysis toolkit uses MS Power BI software, in which the data model was created. The conducted regression analysis provided valuable nu-merical and practical results on formation of the model of sustainable economic development of renewable power engineering. The research is based on the analysis of the impact “share of energy” on the level of electric energy import and CO2 emissions. It is recommended to intensify efforts to develop renewable energy as a key direction for sustainable economic development to ensure energy security, reduce negative environmental impact and achieve global sustainable development goals.

Transitioning to sustainable energy: opportunities, challenges, and the potential of blockchain technology

The pressing issues of climate change and the limited availability of non-renewable energy resources have created a growing need for sustainable energy alternatives. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the pressing need for sustainable energy solutions and the complex relationship between energy and the economy. The challenges and opportunities presented by the transition to sustainable energy sources are explored, including the need for investment in renewable energy technologies, policy changes to incentivize sustainable energy use, and the potential for job creation in the sustainable energy sector. On the other hand, it is recognized that there are considerable hurdles that need to be addressed, including the substantial initial expenses associated with establishing renewable energy systems, as well as the political and societal barriers to enacting change. The economic benefits of transitioning to sustainable energy, such as improved energy security, reduced dependence on fossil fuels, and the potential for increased economic growth, are evaluated. The complex relationship between energy and the economy is thoroughly analyzed, presenting a valuable contribution to the academic literature on sustainable energy. Furthermore, an inquiry is being made into the potential contribution of blockchain technology in advancing a sustainable energy landscape. This includes its ability to augment the effectiveness and openness of energy markets, as well as its capacity to assist in the assimilation of renewable energy resources. Hence, this research underscores the importance of transitioning to sustainable energy sources for their environmental and economic merits. The findings presented offer valuable insights to inform policy decisions and guide future research endeavors in this field. By promoting the advancement of sustainable energy technologies, this study contributes to the development of a more sustainable global economy.

Mining for tourists in China: a digital ethnography of user-generated content from coal mining heritage parks

ABSTRACT Mine parks and industrial heritage are relatively recent tourism phenomena, emerging in Europe and North America during the mid-twentieth century. In the People’s Republic of China, government officials undertook large-scale promotion of mining heritage between 2005 and 2021, when 88 former state-sector mines were designated national parks. From an official vantage point, transforming former extractive industries into heritage sites helped communities negatively affected by the social and environmental legacies of mining and mine closure to pursue a future in China’s lucrative tourism sector. To date, this endeavour has been little studied, with research on visitors’ experiences particularly limited. In this article, we interrogate Chinese tourists’ responses to national mining heritage by analysing online user-generated content (tourist reviews) from three coal-mines-turned-heritage parks. We ask how visitors made meaning at these sites, and whether and how the mining tourism imaginaries they co-constructed in online reviews resembled visitor experiences of mining heritage elsewhere. How Chinese tourists respond to the parks not only affects the state’s ability to achieve its development goals, but also informs perceptions of mining, energy production, and tourism more broadly. Such perceptions have implications for sustainable resource and energy use.

An investigation into the primary causes of carbon dioxide releases in Kenya: Does renewable energy matter to reduce carbon emission?

This study estimates the effects of gross domestic product (GDP), population, renewable energy consumption, fossil fuels, and foreign direct investment (FDI) on Kenya's carbon emissions by considering time series data from 1972 to 2021. This investigation makes use of the “Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL)” method, which is grounded in the theoretical framework of the “Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence, and Technology” model known as the STIRPAT model. According to the empirical results, the variables have long-run cointegration. This study lends credence to earlier research by demonstrating that a rise in Kenya's GDP and population can increase the country's CO2 emissions. All estimation methods used in this study also demonstrated that GDP growth has a negative impact on CO2 emissions, while population growth has a positive effect in the long run. In the context of ARDL, the impact of fossil fuels on CO2 emissions is positive but not statistically significant. Achieving Kenya's sustainable development required significant investments in the country's renewable energy infrastructure because renewable energy reduces emissions. Based on these findings, policymakers can make informed decisions about the sustainable use of renewable energy.

Stakeholder prioritizations for electric vehicle charging across time periods

Electric vehicles have penetrated the Dutch market, which increases the potential for decreased local emissions, the use and storage of sustainable energy, and the roll-out and use of electric car-sharing business models. This development also raises new potential issues such as increased electricity demand, a lack of social acceptance, and infrastructural challenges in the built environment. Relevant stakeholders, such as policymakers and service providers, need to align their values and prioritize these aspects. Our study investigates the prioritization of 11 Dutch decision-makers in the field of public electric vehicle charging. These decision-makers prioritized different indicators related to measurements (e.g., EV adoption rates or charge point profitability), organization (such as fast- or smart-charging), and developments (e.g., the development of mobility-service markets) using the best-worst method. The indicators within these categories were prioritized for three different scenario's in time. The results reveal that priorities will shift from EV adoption and roll-out of infrastructure to managing peak demand, using more sustainable charging techniques (such as V2G), and using sustainable energy towards 2030. Technological advancements and autonomous charging techniques will become more relevant in a later time period, around 2040. Environmental indicators (e.g., local emissions) were consistently valued low, whereas mobility indicators were valued differently across participants, indicating a lack of consensus. Smart charging was consistently valued higher than other charging techniques, independent of time period. The results also revealed that there are some distinct differences between the priorities of policymakers and service providers. Having a systematic overview of what aspects matter supports the policy discussion around EVs in the built environment.