Utilization Of Renewable Resources Research Articles

Cellulose nanofibers (CNF) supported (Salen)Cr(III) composite as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for CO2 cycloaddition

For the simultaneous attainment of the utilization of renewable biomass resources and the mitigation of greenhouse effects, it is very promising to develop a green, recyclable, and highly efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates by CO2 cycloaddition reaction with epoxides. Herein, novel cellulose nanofibers (CNF) supported (Salen)Cr(Ⅲ) complex was effectively synthesized for the aforementioned reaction. The cellulose nanofibers (CNF) were firstly modified with (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES), and then its Schiff base with salicylaldehyde was synthesized, which further subjected to coordination treatment with chromium chloride to form a novel heterogeneous catalyst, labelled as CNF-(Salen)Cr(Ⅲ). The catalytic performance of the catalysts shown that CNF-(Salen)Cr(Ⅲ) and co-catalyst TBAB can synergistically catalyze the cycloaddition of CO2 with epichlorohydrin (ECH) at mild reaction conditions, and the yield of chloropropene carbonate (CPC) reached up to 97.8% with high selectivity. The CNF-(Salen)Cr(Ⅲ) complex maintained high catalytic activity after six cycles of repeated runs and has acceptable catalytic effect on other series of epoxies. Based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations, a reaction mechanism including adsorption activation of epoxides, epoxides ring opening, CO2 insertion, and the formation of cyclic carbonate, was proposed for the CNF-(Salen)Cr(Ⅲ) complex catalyzed cycloaddition of CO2 with epoxides.

Water resource management based on wireless virtualization in wastewater reclamation and utilization in dryland botanical garden

Abstract The research on the management and distribution of renewable water resources mostly adopts the method of combining the intelligent optimization algorithm and the target planning model. In this paper, four water distribution users are used as categories, and the problem of renewable water resources allocation is transformed into a classification problem, which is included in the category of wireless virtualization processing problems, and wireless virtualization is selected to support the allocation of renewable water resources. Experiments show that the water shortage of the water distribution scheme obtained by the method in this paper is lower than that of the optimal water distribution scheme of the traditional intelligent optimization algorithm. It can also be seen from the water distribution cost and water shortage of a single user that the water distribution effect of the method in this paper is better than that of the traditional intelligent optimization algorithm (P<0.05). It shows that the research on the management and distribution method of renewable water resources based on wireless virtualization not only provides new ideas for dealing with configuration problems but also has important significance for alleviating the shortage of water resources in our country and the management and utilization of renewable water resources.

A study on imprecise mathematical model for optimal management and utilization of renewable resource by population

The development and survival of the biological population depend heavily on the availability of food and other materials that may be produced from renewable resources. In real life situation the information reported about the parameters of ecological model system may not be precise due to various issues like insufficient data, error in data collection, wrongly measurement etc. To address all of these challenges, an ecological model system must be developed in an ambiguous setting where the ecological parameters are handled as different kinds of fuzzy numbers. In this article, we present an imprecise mathematical model for optimal management and utilization of renewable resources by population. We introduce the model system in interval environment and apply a parametric form of interval number which makes different form of crisp ecological model. The positivity and boundedness of the proposed model system are checked. The stability criterion of feasible equilibrium points and bionomical equilibrium have been discussed. Moreover maximum sustainable strategy and optimal harvesting strategy are analyzed using interval number. Numerical discussion are provided to verify the result of the proposed system.

Optimizing dynamic electric ferry loads with intelligent power management

In recent years, there has been an increasing shift towards using environmentally friendly renewable resources in marine vessels, replacing traditional diesel generators. However, one of the main challenges faced in renewable energy-driven marine vessels is dynamic load management. The feasibility of a renewable-powered electric marine vessel largely depends on the optimal utilization of renewable resources, and storage is an essential component of the marine electric vessel. This paper proposes a two-stage power management system (PMS) for an electric ferry powered by the fuel cell and battery energy storage systems (BESS). The primary objective of the proposed PMS is to ensure a balance between the generated power and the ferry load by minimizing the consumption of hydrogen (H2) fuel. The first stage of the PMS employs particle swarm optimization (PSO), bacterial foraging optimization (BFO), and a hybrid PSO-BFO algorithm to optimize the fuel cell and battery capacity. This is done so that the generated power can follow the load demand. The second stage of the PMS utilizes the Mamdani rule-based fuzzy logic system (FLS) to match the load demand with the generated power. The hybrid PSO-BFO algorithm optimizes the fuzzy control parameters to meet the dynamic load by ensuring optimal H2 fuel consumption and battery state of charge (SOC). To obtain optimal values, the load profile of a conventional ferry is used for the proposed PMS. Based on the optimization results, the optimal capacities are found to be 318 kWh and 317.64 kWh for the fuel cell and BESS, respectively, which are obtained using the hybrid PSO-BFO algorithm. The optimal value of H2 fuel consumption during cruising is found to be 18 kg. A simulated model-based approach validates the operation of the proposed PMS. The proposed PMS ensures optimal H2 fuel consumption and battery SOC while meeting the dynamic load demands of the ferry. The results obtained demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed PMS in optimizing the renewable energy-driven marine vessel power system.

Solar PV-Powered Separately Excited Biogas DC Generator Suitable for Operation in a DC Microgrid

This article aims to manifest a new way of the utilization of renewable resources in a distribution network. Solar power acts as a source of excitation in the field winding of a separately excited biogas DC generator for the generation of DC power. The amount of DC power required by the generator’s field winding is supplied by harnessing a minimum amount of solar energy from a solar photovoltaic (solar PV) for the operation of the bio-power generator of a rated capacity of 5 kW. It is observed, that the availability of 5% peak solar power can be utilized for full excitation of the generator and, it is observed that the full load demand at the time around 16:00 pm can be catered only by the bio-generator. In this work, it has been acknowledged that solar power can be effectively used in low insolation. In addition, it has been revealed, no auxiliary power source is needed for the operation of the generator approximately, 330.22 W of DC power is required by the field winding for full excitation of the DC generator. The present research developed a unique way of power management strategy, which can mitigate the delicate problems in a conventional distribution system.

Robust Multi-objective optimal dispatching model for a novel island micro energy grid incorporating biomass waste energy conversion system, desalination and power-to-hydrogen devices

To realize renewable and self-sustainable energy supply in island region, based on geographical characteristics with abundant renewable resources, an optimal model for island micro energy grid (MEG) is designed incorporating biomass waste energy conversion system (ECS), desalination, and power-to-hydrogen (BSP-MEG) Firstly, the mathematical model is designed, including models of power generators, ECS, desalination and power-to-hydrogen (P2H) devices, etc. Next, the multi-objective scheduling optimization model is designed, containing conventional scheduling model (Scheduling optimization objectives and constraints established with minimum operation and environment costs) and stochastic scheduling model (Minimum Conditional Value-at-Risk objective specific to volatility and uncertainty of renewable generations based on robust stochastic optimization method). Then, to solve the multi-objective optimization problem (MOP), a hybrid differential evolution algorithm is proposed based on local optimal and external archiving strategies. Finally, the MEG of YongXing Island is selected as an example. The results show (1) BSP-MEG effectively realized multi-energy cooperative optimization, and promote intra-day peak shaving. (2) BSP-MEG reduced operating costs, environmental costs and Conditional Value-at-Risk (CVaR) by 78.2%, 61.8% and 77.9% respectively, while curtailment rate by 25.6 to 0.9%. (3) Whether in general scenario or worst, BSP-MEG can realize self-production and self-sale of energy and material, of which risk resistance ability is better. (4) By designing local optimal and external archiving strategies, hybrid differential evolution algorithm performs better in solving complex MOP. In general, the optimization model proposed in this paper can improve the utilization of renewable resources, alleviate the shortage of fresh water, and help realize renewable and sustainable energy supply.

Bioprocessing of Waste for Renewable Chemicals and Fuels to Promote Bioeconomy

The world’s rising energy needs, and the depletion of fossil resources demand a shift from fossil-based feedstocks to organic waste to develop a competitive, resource-efficient, and low-carbon sustainable economy in the long run. It is well known that the production of fuels and chemicals via chemical routes is advantageous because it is a well-established technology with low production costs. However, the use of toxic/environmentally harmful and expensive catalysts generates toxic intermediates, making the process unsustainable. Alternatively, utilization of renewable resources for bioprocessing with a multi-product approach that aligns novel integration improves resource utilization and contributes to the “green economy”. The present review discusses organic waste bioprocessing through the anaerobic fermentation (AF) process to produce biohydrogen (H2), biomethane (CH4), volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and medium chain fatty acids (MCFA). Furthermore, the roles of photosynthetic bacteria and microalgae for biofuel production are discussed. In addition, a roadmap to create a fermentative biorefinery approach in the framework of an AF-integrated bioprocessing format is deliberated, along with limitations and future scope. This novel bioprocessing approach significantly contributes to promoting the circular bioeconomy by launching complete carbon turnover practices in accordance with sustainable development goals.

Tendencies of research and development in resources chemicals and materials — Summarization of a Youth's topic forum

The 2022′s Youth Forum on Resources Chemicals and Materials was held on November 12–13, 2022, in Shenyang, Liaoning Province. Panel discussions focus on the cutting-edge researches on “Fine chemicals and advanced alloy materials” and “Utilization of fossil and renewable carbon resources”. This perspective summarizes the major directions of scientific research and technical developments aligned in the discussions. Fine chemical industry tends to pursue green and low-carbon products, intelligent product design, and start manufacturing. In recent years, great efforts have been made for transformation of cellulose into advanced electronic as well as life-service bio-materials and to the high-selectivity extraction of bio-base aromatic chemicals from lignin. Concerning high-end alloy materials, regulating deformation mechanism of crystal to construct bimodal microstructure seems highly prospective in harmonizing precipitate hardening effect and plastic deformation capacity. As we know, utilization of fossil carbon resources constitutes the major anthropogenic carbon emissions, and the related innovations thus should be, for possibly a long period, on increasing energy production efficiency and low-carbon cascaded conversion of fossil fuels, especially of coal.

PRODUCTION OF BIODIESEL FROM NATURAL ALGAE

Abstract:Due to its advantages for the environment and utilization of renewable resources, biodiesel has recently gained in popularity. The globe is continuously modernizing and industrializing. As a result, the number of vehicles and engines is rising. However, the energy sources utilized in these engines are finite and steadily dwindling. The need for an alternative fuel for diesel engines results from this circumstance. Another fuel option for diesel engines is biodiesel. Biodiesel is made from the esters of animal and vegetable fats. In this essay, the potential for producing biodiesel from algae oil was covered. Algae are often small organisms that are considered of as basic aquatic plants because they lack leaves, roots, and stems. They also reproduce similarly to primates. Both freshwater and oceanic waters include aquatic algae. The size of these organisms ranges from enormous kelp (meters in length) to those scarcely detectable under a microscope. The size, shape, and growth form of algae vary widely. With various species, the algae contain 2-65% oil. The well-known transesterification technique was used in this study to turn the oil into biodiesel KEYWORDS:Algae, Natural Algae, Methanol, NaOH, KOH, n-Hexane, Transesretification, Biodiesel.

Coal to Biomass Transition as the Path to Sustainable Energy Production: A Hypothetical Case Scenario with the Conversion of Pego Power Plant (Portugal)

Fossil fuels, especially coal, contribute to carbon emissions, hindering the EU’s decarbonization goal by 2050. This article proposes converting the Pego Coal Power Plant into a biomass plant as a potential solution. Biomass, a renewable resource abundant in Portugal, can transform the Pego plant into a sustainable energy source, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. It also reduces rural fire risks and ensures regional social and economic stability. The study explores the feasibility, limitations, and socioeconomic impacts of this scenario. This solution prevents plant closure, reduces environmental impacts, and promotes sustainability. Aligning with Portugal’s 2030 Agenda and global climate change efforts, converting the Pego plant serves as a valuable example of renewable resource utilization for climate change mitigation and regional stability. The study’s results offer insights for policymakers and stakeholders in developing sustainable energy transition strategies. Adopting such solutions can help countries achieve decarbonization goals while promoting social and economic development.

A new nanocellulose prepared from waste coconut shell fibers based on a novel ultrasonic – Active agent combination method: Preparation principle and performances in cement matrix

The depletion of non-renewable resources and the current severe environmental problems, inspire a popular new trend of research on the rational development and utilization of renewable resources. Plant fibers, as a type of building material with abundant renewable resources, attract extensive attention in the field of building materials. However, in cement matrix composites, the inhomogeneity of plant fiber properties together with the swelling and agglomeration of large-size cellulose after absorbing water will lead to the microstructure defects. Although these drawbacks can be overcome by diminishing the fiber size to nanoscale, cellulose still have limited application in cement matrix composites because of the complexity of the existing nanoscale cellulose preparation method and the difficulty in dispersing in cement matrix composites due to the mesh structure of cellulose fibers. Therefore, to solve this problem, our team developed an environmentally friendly ultrasonic and active agent (U-A) combined preparation method, which can greatly improve the nanocellulose preparation efficiency to prepare rod-shaped and easily dispersed nanocellulose fiber (CNF) from discarded coconut shell to solve the agglomeration of mesh nanocellulose in cement matrix composites. This paper mainly studies the influence of CNF on the mechanical properties of cement matrix composites and observes the microstructure and composition of CNF/OPC by using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results show that proper CNF incorporation could improve the compactness of cement matrix composites, which may increase the compressive strength up by 15.86%, the flexural strength by 26.62%, the initial crack load by 69.61%, the fracture peak load by 73.31%, and the fracture energy by 24.2%.

Thermoeconomic appraisal of a novel power and hydrogen cogeneration plant with integration of biomass and geothermal energies

The present research aims at development and design of a new high-efficiency power/hydrogen co-production framework running by biomass/geothermal renewable resources. In this regard, to attain global energy transition goals based on green hydrogen utilization of renewable resources instead of conventional fossil fuel-based routes for hydrogen production is followed. The proposed system structure consists mainly of a gas turbine coupled to a geothermal assisted Rankine unit which extracts the gas turbine wasted heat to run a water electrlyzer for H2 production. To illustrate a comprehensive performance evaluation, technical (thermodynamic), environmental and economic aspects are considered and assessed. Eight performance indices are evaluated including: power and hydrogen productions, thermal and exergetic efficiencies, environmental damage and emission index, LCOP and overall system cost. In addition, a bi-objective optimization is implemented with respect to efficiency and product cost. Results show that, the cogeneration framework under optimum condition, operates with exergetic efficiency of 42.37% and levelizedproductcostof68.52$/MWh, whose emitted CO2 is 0.7443kg/kWh. Also, compared to basic design point conditions, it is found out that optimization leads to performance enhancements by 7.5%, 9.0% and 7.7% for the three mentioned indicators, respectively.

Advanced Flexible Materials from Nanocellulose

AbstractWith the increase of environmental pollution and depletion of fossil fuel resources, the utilization of renewable biomass resources for developing functional materials or fine chemicals is of great value and has attracted considerable attention. Nanocellulose, as a well‐known renewable nanomaterial, is regarded as a promising nano building block for advanced functional materials owing to its unique structure and properties, as well as natural abundance. Typically, its high mechanical strength, structural flexibility, reinforcing capabilities, and tunable self‐assembly behavior makes it highly attractive to fabricate flexible materials for various applications. Herein, the recent progress in the design, properties, and applications of advanced flexible materials from nanocellulose is comprehensively summarized. The preparation and properties of nanocellulose are first briefly introduced and discuss its merits in fabricating flexible materials. Then, various advanced flexible materials from nanocellulose are introduced, and the critical role of nanocellulose in constructing flexible materials is highlighted based on its intrinsic properties. After that, their applications in energy storage, electronics, sensor, biomedical, thermally insulating, photonic devices, etc., are presented. At last, the outlook of the current challenges and future perspectives for developing nanocellulose‐derived flexible materials are discussed.

One-Pot Tandem Transformation of Inulin as Fructose-Rich Platform Towards 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural: Feedstock Advantages, Acid-Site Regulation and Solvent Effects.

The valorization of non-grain biomass feedstocks to value-added chemicals, polymers and alternative fuels is a crucial route for the utilization of renewable resources. Inulin belongs to a type of fructans, which is a pivotal platform bridging upstream fructose-rich biomass feedstocks typically represented by Jerusalem artichoke and downstream platform molecules such as alcohols, aldehydes and acids. Fructose can be directly obtained from the inulin hydrolysis and further converted into various platform chemicals, which is a more environmentally economical route than the conventional catalytic upgrading of cellulose. Nevertheless, most perspectives over the last decade have focused on the valorization of cellulose-derived carbohydrates, without much emphasis on the practical importance of one-pot transformation of inulin. In this review, we aim to demonstrate an efficient one-pot tandem transformation system of the inulin as fructose-rich platform towards 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). Core concerns are placed on elucidating the contributing roles of acid sites and solvents in enhancing the overall catalytic performance. The perspectives presented in this review may contribute to the innovation in the catalytic refining of fructose-rich non-grain biomass and the development of a greener biomass-based energy system.

A strong, biodegradable and transparent cellulose‐based bioplastic stemmed from waste paper

AbstractIt is crucial and significant to boost the utilization of renewable resources and exploitation of biodegradable materials alternative to petrochemical plastics. Waste paper, mainly composed of cellulose (82–95 wt%) and derived from the lignocellulose, is a type of abundant, renewable, and biodegradable resource, whose recycling use and conversion to high value‐added products can reduce the pressure on the environment and exert immense economic benefits. Herein, four kinds of common waste paper (e.g., printing paper, newspaper, straw paper and roll paper) were converted into cellulose‐based bioplastic membranes by using ionic liquid 1‐butyl‐3‐methyl‐imidazolium chloride as solvent. The cellulose‐based membranes are smooth and compact, and their mechanical strength is prominently improved about 3–100 times comparison with the original paper. The maximum tensile strength of the film (F4) is over 127 Mpa and its optical transmittance reaches 80% at 450–800 nm wavelength. Besides, this kind of cellulose‐based films have excellent biodegradability. Thus, the results demonstrated that the cellulose‐based bioplastic membranes stemmed from waste paper possess a magnificent application prospect.

Bioethanol production from banana peels

Banana varieties have a significant effect on the reducing sugar content in the peel. In recent years, potential efforts have been directed towards the utilization of cheap renewable agricultural resources, such as banana peel waste as alternative substrate for ethanol production. Various conversion pathways are compared from technical, economic, and environmental points of view. This study also deals mainly with the yield of ethanol from molasses with respect to the dilution ratio and the amount of yeast used for fermentation keeping the temperature and fermentation duration constant. This fuel energy is also a safer substitute to methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE), a common additive used in gasoline for clean combustion.

In situ growth of N/O-codoped carbon nanotubes in wood-derived thick carbon scaffold to boost the capacitive performance

Structural and compositional optimization are considered as vital strategies to improve the capacitive properties of carbon-based electrodes. Inspired by the abundant vertically aligned micron-sized low-tortuosity porous channels of natural wood, a facile, low-energy, and efficient approach that anchors N/O-codoped carbon nanotubes on the inner and outer surfaces of carbonized wood matrix through in-situ chemical vapor deposition is proposed. The as-prepared thick carbon monoliths have unique three-dimensional hierarchically porous structures, interconnected conductive networks, and rich N/O-containing species, consequently endowing the electrodes with ultrahigh mass loading and inspiring capacitive properties. Representatively, the CNTs@CW-800 electrode (∼56 mg cm−2) improves the specific capacitance to 6620.3 mF cm−2 (118.5 F g−1, 82.8 F cm−3) at 2 mA cm−2. And the robust electrode exhibits an outstanding cycle stability even after 20,000 charge/discharge cycles at 30 mA cm−2 (5.4% decay). Furthermore, the maximum specific capacitance and energy density of the assembled symmetric supercapacitor are 4120.0 mF cm−2 (51.5 F cm−3, 42.9 F g−1) and 0.6 mWh cm−2 (6.3 mWh cm−3, 6.0 Wh kg−1), respectively. The above strategies will open up a new path for the value-added utilization of renewable resources and the efficient preparation of low-cost and high-performance energy storage and conversion devices.

Lignocellulose Biomass Liquefaction: Process and Applications Development as Polyurethane Foams.

One of the main strategies for sustainable human society progress is the development of efficient strategies to limit waste production and maximize renewable resource utilization. In this context, this review highlights the opportunity to transform vegetable biomass residues into valuable commercial products. Biomass conversion entails the depolymerization of lignocellulosic biomass towards biopolyols and the synthesis and characterization of the valuable products obtained by using them. The influence of the reaction parameters in both acid and basic catalysis is highlighted, respectively the influence of microwaves on the liquefaction reaction versus conventional heating. Following the depolymerization reaction, polyols are employed to produce polyurethane foams. As a special characteristic, the addition of flame-retardant properties was emphasized. Another interesting topic is the biodegradability of these products, considering the negative consequences that waste accumulation has on the environment.

Evaluating the sustainability of the hydrogen economy using multi-criteria decision-making analysis in Korea

South Korea announced a hydrogen economy roadmap and hydrogen regulations aligned with its decarbonization plan. However, the environmental, economic, and social sustainability of the hydrogen economy in South Korea has not been thoroughly studied. Under the Energy Trilemma framework, we compared the positive and negative impacts of hydrogen with other energy carriers, including nuclear, coal, gas, and renewables. The selected evaluation criteria included the energy return on energy investment, greenhouse gas emissions, levelized cost of electricity, import dependency, and long-term energy storage. As a result, we argue that green hydrogen improves environmental sustainability and energy security by reducing the carbon emission intensity of the energy sector and energy dependency on imported sources. We propose three critical policy implications to maximize the benefits of hydrogen while minimizing its negative economic impact. First, the rapid expansion of renewables, particularly large-scale wind power, is required. Second, clean hydrogen portfolio standards must be aligned with South Korea's decarbonization plan. Third, governmental investment in research and development activities and demonstration projects will reduce hydrogen production costs by maximizing the utilization of renewable resources.

Аchieving renewable energy goals through the utilization of renewable resources

This article examines the important role of renewable natural resources to ensure the sustainable economic development of the CIS member states. A new stage is taking place in the cooperation of the Commonwealth States in using renewable clean energy in the light of the adoption of the Priority Plan to implement the Concept for Cooperation of the CIS Member States by using the Renewable Energy Sources in 2021-2022. In this article, special attention is paid to renewable energy sources, as well as the prospects for the development of hydrogen markets. In addition, long-term scenarios for development of low-carbon energy based on renewable energy sources for states are proposed.