Renewable Energy Resources and Technologies
Md. Tamim Hossain; Md. Atiqur Rahman; Suman Chowdhury
Abstract
In the context of increasing emission of greenhouse gasses in the environment due to fossil fuel burning, this paper attempts to describe the significance of Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) by investigating the power performance of photovoltaic modules with MATLAB simulation. MPPT algorithm was employed ...
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In the context of increasing emission of greenhouse gasses in the environment due to fossil fuel burning, this paper attempts to describe the significance of Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) by investigating the power performance of photovoltaic modules with MATLAB simulation. MPPT algorithm was employed to secure maximum power from PV module. The boost converter whose pulse is linked to MPPT algorithm restricts the flow of load power and controls the current and voltage of PV panels. The whole design of the solar model, boost converter, and MPPT controlled algorithms was done in the SIMULINK to prioritize the system in simulation. The main concept employed in this paper was to develop a power generation process with MPPT algorithm and to provide information for future use. In this paper, all simulations along with the PV power generation process were done in MATLAB. This research could potentially play a vital role in mitigating the world fuel crisis.
Advanced Energy Technologies
Ghasem Alahyarizadeh; Maryam Amirhoseiny; Majid Khorsandi
Abstract
The performance characteristics of InGaN Double-Quantum-Well (DQW) Laser Diodes (LDs) with different barrier structures were studied numerically by Integrated System Engineering Technical Computer-Aided Design (ISE TCAD) software. Three different kinds of structures of barriers including quaternary AlInGaN ...
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The performance characteristics of InGaN Double-Quantum-Well (DQW) Laser Diodes (LDs) with different barrier structures were studied numerically by Integrated System Engineering Technical Computer-Aided Design (ISE TCAD) software. Three different kinds of structures of barriers including quaternary AlInGaN and AlInGaN/AlGaN superlattice barriers were used and compared with conventional GaN in InGaN-based laser diodes. Replacing the traditional GaN barriers with quaternary AlInGaN increased holes and electrons flowing in the active region and thus, the radiative recombination enhanced the output power. However, it did not reduce the threshold current due to hole and electron overflowing. To investigate the ways of greatly reducing the threshold current, the structure consisting of AlInGaN/AlGaN superlattice barriers was proposed. The simulation showed that electrical and optical characteristics such as output power, Differential Quantum Efficiency (DQE), and slop efficiency were significantly enhanced for LDs containing superlattice barriers compared to the basic structure. This is while the threshold current was considerably reduced. The enhancement was mainly attributed to the improvement of hole injection and also the blocking hole and electron overflowing caused by the reduction of polarization charges at the interface between the barriers, the well, and the Electron Blocking Layer (EBL).
Renewable Energy Resources and Technologies
Majid Zarezadeh; Hoda Mansoori; Alireza Eikani
Abstract
In this study, in addition to assessing the conditions in the coastal region of Bandar Abbas, the feasibility of utilizing Archimedes torsional turbines for renewable energy production in this area was investigated through a combination of field measurements and numerical simulations. Field studies included ...
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In this study, in addition to assessing the conditions in the coastal region of Bandar Abbas, the feasibility of utilizing Archimedes torsional turbines for renewable energy production in this area was investigated through a combination of field measurements and numerical simulations. Field studies included the measurement of environmental conditions, depth, and vessel traffic. The determination of a safe depth was based on these measurements. Additionally, the current patterns were assessed in the field, measuring key parameters like salinity, electrical conductivity, and density. To further develop the results, a numerical simulation was conducted using the ROMS numerical model to establish the hydrodynamic current patterns in the target area. Upon reviewing the outcomes with the SOLVER program and employing linear programming methods, effective constraints derived from field monitoring were created. The study explored the optimal energy efficiency of Archimedes torsional turbines under different inclinations relative to the seabed and angular velocities. The research and simulations revealed that varying the tilt of the vertical axis of the turbine within the range of 5 to 15 degrees significantly impacted the turbine's efficiency. The highest efficiency, at 75 %, was achieved at a 15-degree angle with a turbine rotation speed of 150 rpm. This result is particularly notable, considering the low slope of the studied area.
Advanced Energy Technologies
Iraj Mirzaee; Aref Razmjoo; Nader Pourmahmoud
Abstract
This study conducts thermodynamic analysis on three trigeneration cycles including Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC), Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) cold energy, and absorption refrigeration cycle in order to select appropriate working fluids. Different types of ORC cycles including simple ORC, regenerative, ...
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This study conducts thermodynamic analysis on three trigeneration cycles including Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC), Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) cold energy, and absorption refrigeration cycle in order to select appropriate working fluids. Different types of ORC cycles including simple ORC, regenerative, and ORC with Internal Heat Exchange (IHE) were investigated. For those types, the operation of six working fluids with different thermodynamic behaviors (R141b, R124, R236fa, R245fa, R600, and R123) was evaluated. In power plants, a low-grade heat source was provided by condensing boiler hot water energy while the thermal sink was prepared by cold energy of LNG. The effect of boiler temperature variation on energy and exergy efficiencies was investigated. According to the derived results, regenerative ORC-based systems possessed maximum energy and exergy efficiencies, while simple ORC and ORC with internal heat exchanger exhibited approximately the same quantities. Also, among these analyzed working fluids, R141b had the maximum energetic and exergetic efficiencies, while R124 and R236fa had minimum performance.
Renewable Energy Economics, Policies and Planning
Mohammad Hossein Jahangir; Arash Kargarzadeh; Mohammad Montazeri
Abstract
As one of the main consumers of electricity, industries account for in releasing a large amount of emission. Using renewable energies to feed factories is not an easy task and they should be economically viable to compete with fossil fuels. The goal of this study is to analyze the possibilities of using ...
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As one of the main consumers of electricity, industries account for in releasing a large amount of emission. Using renewable energies to feed factories is not an easy task and they should be economically viable to compete with fossil fuels. The goal of this study is to analyze the possibilities of using energy local area networks in off-grid and on-grid modes in an industrial project by considering and calculating all primary and deferrable loads in detail for the first time. The industrial project is sensitive and all possibilities should be considered closely to avoid economic losses. In this case, changes in electrical loads during the project, degradation of components, environmental risks, and economic risks of the investment (for each scenario) are considered and determined too. The results indicate that component degradation can cause 24,000 kWh drop in total electricity production at the end of the project and the total biogas consumption increases from 742 kg/yr to 9330 kg/yr. The results also show that the on-gird scenario (solar/battery) with the Net Present Cost of 200,000$ will be an easy and low-risk choice for investment, but has high environmental risks. On the other hand, the stand-alone scenario (solar/wind/bio/battery) with Net Present Cost of 598,000$ minimizes the environmental risks at the expense of high investment risk. A proper comparison between the multi-year and single-year modes at the end of the project ensures the high accuracy of techno-economic analysis in terms of optimum system types, emissions, and economics.
Environmental Impacts and Sustainability
Farhad Gholami; Iraj Mirzaee; Mortaza Khalilian
Abstract
Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is utilized for risk appraisal in various domains. In the FMEA methodology, each failure mode is evaluated by considering three risk factors: severity (S), occurrence (O), and detection (D). Subsequently, the Risk Priority Number (RPN) is obtained by multiplying ...
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Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is utilized for risk appraisal in various domains. In the FMEA methodology, each failure mode is evaluated by considering three risk factors: severity (S), occurrence (O), and detection (D). Subsequently, the Risk Priority Number (RPN) is obtained by multiplying these listed factors. This study introduces the Deviation Value Step-Wise Method (DVSM) as a new mathematical model for determining the scores of the SOD factors. This methodology consists of three main steps. Firstly, the FMEA technique is used to identify failure modes. Then, the DVSM is employed to assign weights to the SOD components. In this step, relative importance is determined based on linguistic variables. The third step involves ranking failure modes using the weighted RPN. Two general examples and a case study of two-pipe heat exchanger failure modes are considered to validate the proposed model and test the obtained results. The results demonstrate that the suggested approach has enhanced the overall prioritization of failure modes. This enables the Decision-Maker (DM) to identify primary failure modes and formulate corrective/preventive actions. Finally, both sensitivity analysis and energy efficiency investigation have been performed.
Renewable Energy Resources and Technologies
Fatemeh Norouzi; Morteza Hosseinpour; Saeed Talebi
Abstract
In this paper, an industrial dairy farm unit was taken as a case study to carry out the applicable technical assessment for the construction of a biogas plant using a combined heat and power (CHP) unit. A comprehensive sensitivity analysis was applied to examine the effectiveness of the operational parameters ...
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In this paper, an industrial dairy farm unit was taken as a case study to carry out the applicable technical assessment for the construction of a biogas plant using a combined heat and power (CHP) unit. A comprehensive sensitivity analysis was applied to examine the effectiveness of the operational parameters and feed composition in the purity and production rate of biogas. Aspen Plus was used to implement the anaerobic digestion process. The results showed that any increase in the digester’s operational performance and mass rate of feedstock water led to the modification of biomethane content, but dropped in biogas mass flow rate. Moreover, an increase in the mass rate of carbohydrates, protein, and organic load rate (OLR) of feedstock reduces methane composition. Besides, increasing the rate of lipids has raised the rate of methane production and its composition.
Renewable Energy Resources and Technologies
Santosh s.s B; Mohamed Thameem Ansari M; Kantarao P.
Abstract
In the present day, a significant portion of the world's energy demand can be satisfied through the utilization of renewable energy sources. Solar energy, in particular, holds a pivotal position owing to its numerous merits. However, it faces a challenge known as mismatch response within the photovoltaic ...
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In the present day, a significant portion of the world's energy demand can be satisfied through the utilization of renewable energy sources. Solar energy, in particular, holds a pivotal position owing to its numerous merits. However, it faces a challenge known as mismatch response within the photovoltaic (PV) modules of an array when subjected to partial shading. This issue restricts power output, leads to the formation of local hot spots, and results in the underutilization of PV modules within the array. One of the most effective solutions to address this problem is optimizing the PV array (PVA) configuration to maximize output power under partial shading (PS) conditions. In this research paper, we commence with a thorough numerical analysis under uniform shading conditions. Following that, we scrutinize the performance of six traditional PVA configurations and three hybrid PVA configurations under PS conditions. The results consistently indicate that the Total Cross Tied (TCT) configuration outperforms others in all shading scenarios in terms of mitigating mismatch power loss, enhancing the fill factor, and improving overall efficiency.
Renewable Energy Resources and Technologies
Mohamed Ramadan Gomaa; Njoud Hussein Alhabahbh; Mohammed Abbas Al-Nawafleh
Abstract
This research reviews various studies on the effect of using nanofluids in evacuated tube solar collectors (ETSC). The initial segment of this study elaborates on the importance of using the ETSCs and categorizes these collectors in terms of classification and application. The second segment evaluates ...
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This research reviews various studies on the effect of using nanofluids in evacuated tube solar collectors (ETSC). The initial segment of this study elaborates on the importance of using the ETSCs and categorizes these collectors in terms of classification and application. The second segment evaluates the physical properties of nanofluids incorporated in the solar system collector and presents some applications of nanofluids. The last segment of the research reviews the works of a group of researchers who have already applied nanofluids to evacuated tube solar collectors for various purposes, including increasing the heat transfer coefficient and improving efficiency. Among the prevalent nanofluids employed in solar applications, Al2O3, CuO, and TiO2 feature prominently, whereas Ag, WO3, and CeO2 find limited application in the solar context. Furthermore, nanofluids within the size range of 1–25 nm, 25–50 nm, and 50–100 nm constitutes 54%, 25%, and 11% of the applications, respectively. Particularly noteworthy, the single-walled carbon nanotubes/water (SWCNT/water) heat pipe showcases the most remarkable efficiency enhancement, achieving an impressive 93.43% improvement.
Advanced Energy Technologies
Subramanian Kumaravel; Nagaraj MeenakshiSunadaram; Govindarajan Bharathiraja
Abstract
In this research, a piece of copper scrap was placed in the 1m × 1m base of a single-slope solar still. An automated system steadily dripped salt water into the basin of the solar still. The experiment utilized dripping salt water and energy storage materials such as copper and brass scrap. Research ...
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In this research, a piece of copper scrap was placed in the 1m × 1m base of a single-slope solar still. An automated system steadily dripped salt water into the basin of the solar still. The experiment utilized dripping salt water and energy storage materials such as copper and brass scrap. Research has shown that the presence of copper scrap in the basin, combined with a shallow layer of salt water, has a significant impact on the distillate output. However, the high thermal capacity of the salt water in the basin can lead to reduced production. As more salt water is added to the basin, the temperature difference between the water inside and the glass cover increases. Based on the experimental results, the calculated yield is satisfactory, and the overall thermal efficiency remains at 71.3%. The production rate is also influenced by the diffusion process on the south-facing condensing cover. The temperatures of water, glass, and air, as well as their combined effects, are measured and analyzed.
Renewable Energy Resources and Technologies
Mohamed Chouidira; Nabila Ihaddadene; Razika Ihaddadene; Jed Mohamed El Hacen; Younes Kherbiche
Abstract
The study explores the impact of surface orientation and tilt on incident solar irradiation. It was conducted in M'Sila, an Algerian province, from February to June. A number of experiments were carried out using an experimental setup consisting of a heliometer and a slant changer, which allowed for ...
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The study explores the impact of surface orientation and tilt on incident solar irradiation. It was conducted in M'Sila, an Algerian province, from February to June. A number of experiments were carried out using an experimental setup consisting of a heliometer and a slant changer, which allowed for the variation of the tilt angle. Nineteen tilt angles ranging from 0° to 90° were investigated for the four main directions: North, South, East, and West. The obtained outcomes were statistically analyzed. At east and south orientations, incident solar irradiance rose as a function of tilt angle, reaching a maximum at the optimal angle, and then gradually decreased. Generally, the incident solar irradiance decreased as the tilt angle increased in the case of west and north orientations. The tilt angle of the exposed surface as well as the sun's elevation in the sky affected the amount of intercepted energy significantly at each orientation (p<0.05). When the sun was low in the sky, the south orientation was most preferred for an inclination greater than or equal to 25°. The north-facing surfaces with steep slopes (β³ 55°) received the least amount of solar radiation. These results hold great importance, particularly in the building sector, as they can be utilized to achieve energy saving.
Renewable Energy Resources and Technologies
Chunhyun Paik; Yongjoo Chung; Young Jin Kim
Abstract
The power generation sector accounts for a significant portion of GHG emissions, and many countries strive for the large-scale adoption of renewable generation. Although the intermittent nature of renewables brings about complications in energy system planning, the share of renewable generations is increasing ...
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The power generation sector accounts for a significant portion of GHG emissions, and many countries strive for the large-scale adoption of renewable generation. Although the intermittent nature of renewables brings about complications in energy system planning, the share of renewable generations is increasing to the greatest extent. The wind generation has drawn increasing attention to expanding the use of renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions from the power generation sector, and the estimation of capacity factor is crucial in energy system modeling. This study develops a mathematical model for estimating the capacity factor of a wind farm with the consideration of outage probability of individual turbines. In addition, the power curves and wind speed distribution of the wind farm need to be estimated, which is demonstrated with a wind farm in Korea. It is asserted that the proposed method may render the wind farm capacity factor effectively. Thus, the results from this study can be useful for energy system modeling involving wind generations.
Renewable Energy Resources and Technologies
Dnyaneshwar S. Malwad; Deepak C. Sonawane
Abstract
Preserving food from harvest to consumer level is a challenge in the agriculture sector. Drying is a crucial post-harvest technique that lowers moisture to levels suitable for storage. Solar drying is a traditional renewable energy drying process. Different solar drying methods have been developed to ...
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Preserving food from harvest to consumer level is a challenge in the agriculture sector. Drying is a crucial post-harvest technique that lowers moisture to levels suitable for storage. Solar drying is a traditional renewable energy drying process. Different solar drying methods have been developed to speed up the drying process and maintain the product's nutritious content. Indirect solar drying is one of the efficient drying methods that has better control over the drying temperature. Indirect solar drying has developed into a desirable, effective, and environmentally responsible drying technique when combined with solar collectors and thermal storage. Flat plates, evacuated tubes, and concentrated solar collectors are used in indirect solar dryers along with direct air heating or thermal storage systems. This study aims to review the improvement in the drying rate with different air heating mechanisms. Flat plate collectors with liquid working fluid are employed to heat the air, whereas in evacuated tube collectors, the air is directly heated passing through the tubes. Working fluids, air temperature, air velocity, and solar radiation are important dryer parameters affecting the drying rate. The paper also discusses the usage of heat storage devices for continuous drying operations. The drying time is greatly reduced through integration with latent and sensible storage technologies. Products that have been dried using indirect solar dryer and appropriate drying models are tabulated. Aspects of indirect solar drying and challenges in drying time reduction are also reported.
Renewable Energy Resources and Technologies
Saeed Karimian Aliabadi; Saber Rezaey
Abstract
The INVELOX system is an innovative approach that offers improved energy absorption efficiency from wind flow and reduced costs by utilizing smaller wind turbines. This research focuses on investigating the steady-state performance of one, two, or three wind turbines arranged within the venturi section ...
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The INVELOX system is an innovative approach that offers improved energy absorption efficiency from wind flow and reduced costs by utilizing smaller wind turbines. This research focuses on investigating the steady-state performance of one, two, or three wind turbines arranged within the venturi section of the system. A comprehensive modeling approach using an improved Blade Element Momentum (BEM) theory is proposed and implemented as a MATLAB code. The code incorporates Prandtl's tip and hub loss factors, as well as turbulent wake corrections. The accuracy of the code is validated against experimental and numerical data. The results demonstrate that in a three-rotor tandem configuration in the INVELOX system, the power extracted from the second and third turbines is 0.54 and 0.24 times the power of the first turbine, respectively. Furthermore, for a two-turbine arrangement in the venturi section, the total power extracted from the system is 53.9% higher than that of a single turbine layout. In the case of a three-turbine configuration, the total power increases up to 1.78 times compared to a single turbine. The proposed model is suitable for geometric optimization and parameter studies. The system's performance is evaluated in terms of tip speed ratio, and the effects of different correction models are analyzed, including the local changes in forces and moments.
Renewable Energy Economics, Policies and Planning
Adewale George Adeniyi; Kingsley O. Iwuozor; Ebuka Chizitere Emenike; Comfort Adeyanju; Samuel Ogunniyi
Abstract
Polystyrene waste is a significant environmental problem, and recycling and repurposing it can reduce its impact on the environment. Chicken feather biochar, on the other hand, is a by-product of the poultry industry and can be repurposed to produce bio-composites. The goal of this work was to turn waste ...
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Polystyrene waste is a significant environmental problem, and recycling and repurposing it can reduce its impact on the environment. Chicken feather biochar, on the other hand, is a by-product of the poultry industry and can be repurposed to produce bio-composites. The goal of this work was to turn waste chicken feathers into biochar and then, create composites with the biochar acting as the filler and a polystyrene-based resin acting as the matrix. The biochar was prepared with the aid of a top-lit updraft reactor. Composites were fabricated using different mixing ratios of biochar (10-40%) and polystyrene resin. The composites were then analyzed using FTIR, SEM-EDX, and hardness tests. SEM examination demonstrated that the biochar was distributed unevenly throughout the matrix. The alterations and shifts in peak positions shown by FTIR measurement indicated that there was a chemical interaction between the matrix and the biochar. It also revealed the hydrophilic nature of the composite. Hardness test showed that 20% biochar concentration gave the optimum hardness property (139 HRB). The EDX result demonstrated that the matrix as well as the composites consisted majorly of carbon atoms. The results of this study indicate the potential of using chicken feather biochar as a filler material to improve the mechanical and microstructural properties of recycled polystyrene-based bio-composites. This approach can provide a sustainable and environmentally-friendly solution to repurpose waste materials from poultry and plastic industries.
Advanced Energy Technologies
Mubarak A. Amoloye; Sulyman A. Abdulkareem; Adewale George Adeniyi
Abstract
The drive to move away from fossil fuels and related products has drawn significant attention to biomass and biomass-related products in recent times. This study reports the effect of three forest biomass sources namely acacia auriculiformis, terminalia randii, and delonix regia as combustion fuels in ...
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The drive to move away from fossil fuels and related products has drawn significant attention to biomass and biomass-related products in recent times. This study reports the effect of three forest biomass sources namely acacia auriculiformis, terminalia randii, and delonix regia as combustion fuels in a retort heated, low-temperature and top-lit updraft gasifier on biochars produced from two agricultural wastes: corn husk and corn cob. The combustion fuels were characterized using Thermogravimetric/Differential thermogravimetric analysis. Their TGA data were fitted to 16 kinetic models using the Coats-Redfern method. Characterization of the products was performed using Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy. Results revealed similar decomposition trends for combustion fuels. Different kinetic models predicted decomposition mechanisms of combustion fuels for the regions considered. Negative correlation was found between biochar yields and increasing carbonization temperatures with yields ranging from 64.6-37.8 % and 28.4-24.5% for corn husk and cob, respectively. Results indicate similar effects of combustion fuels on functional groups contained in biochar samples.
Advanced Energy Technologies
Mahdi Saadati pour; Mona Zamani Pedram
Abstract
This abstract offers a comprehensive review of recent advancements in Graphene Carbon Nitride (GCN) as a highly promising electrode material for supercapacitors. GCN boasts exceptional advantages, including abundant availability, a metal-free composition, high nitrogen content, and remarkable environmental ...
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This abstract offers a comprehensive review of recent advancements in Graphene Carbon Nitride (GCN) as a highly promising electrode material for supercapacitors. GCN boasts exceptional advantages, including abundant availability, a metal-free composition, high nitrogen content, and remarkable environmental sensitivity. These unique characteristics have positioned GCN at the forefront of research in energy storage and supercapacitor electrode materials. However, despite its potential, GCN faces challenges concerning limited specific capacity and energy density. To address these limitations, this review, as the first and most comprehensive in its field, focuses on innovative and novel development methods, particularly the strategic formation of nanostructures in 1, 2, and 3 dimensions. A notable finding of this review is the tremendous promise of 3D structures in enhancing the electrochemical properties of GCN as a supercapacitor electrode. A critical research gap in other review articles is the absence of comprehensive and innovative literature investigating nanostructures (1D, 2D, and 3D) with novel synthesis methods for using GCN as a supercapacitor electrode. This underscores the pressing need for further scholarly investigation in this area, as addressed by this review article. Overall, this professional review not only provides a comprehensive overview of advancements in GCN as a supercapacitor electrode material but also offers valuable guidance for researchers in the field. It highlights the importance of utilizing environmentally friendly synthesis techniques for fabricating multidimensional nanostructures, illuminating novel research directions and pioneering investigations. This empowers researchers to advance the utilization of GCN in energy storage applications.
Renewable Energy Resources and Technologies
Divya Bisen; Ashish Pratap Singh Chouhan; Raja Mohan Sakthivel
Abstract
Recently, waste materials have garnered attention for their potential in providing clean and affordable energy through thermochemical conversion techniques. They play a significant role in transforming waste into eco-friendly energy, but the proper selection of materials is crucial for successful thermochemical ...
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Recently, waste materials have garnered attention for their potential in providing clean and affordable energy through thermochemical conversion techniques. They play a significant role in transforming waste into eco-friendly energy, but the proper selection of materials is crucial for successful thermochemical conversion. The primary objective of this study is to assess combustion efficiency based on activation energy, utilizing TGA and DTG analysis. Rice husk (RH), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste materials were chosen for investigation. Experiments were conducted at temperatures ranging from 25 °C to 600 °C, with varying heating rates of 10, 20, 30, and 40 °C min-1. The apparent activation energy of the feedstocks was determined using five different iso-conversional model-free approaches, namely Kissinger Akahira Sunose (KAS), Friedman, Flynn Wall Ozawa (FWO), Starink, and Tang methods. The apparent activation energy for rice husk, LDPE, and PET fell within the range of 113-123 kJ mol-1, 101-101 kJ mol-1and105-117kJmol-1, respectively This research also contributes to establishing Comprehensive Pyrolysis Index (CPI) values to identify suitable sources for pyrolysis and gasification. According to CPI results, temperatures between 500 to 600 °C are optimal for pyrolysis, and an increase in heating rate enhances the output of pyrolysis products. A higher CPI index is favorable for achieving both a high calorific value and increased hydrocarbon contents.
Environmental Impacts and Sustainability
Nima Amani
Abstract
Building insulation stands out as one of the most widely employed strategies to enhance energy efficiency in the building sector. Increasing the thickness of thermal insulation is a conventional approach to meet the design requirements of these structures. In this study, a novel approach to augment the ...
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Building insulation stands out as one of the most widely employed strategies to enhance energy efficiency in the building sector. Increasing the thickness of thermal insulation is a conventional approach to meet the design requirements of these structures. In this study, a novel approach to augment the thermal resistance of external building walls is explored by simultaneously employing multiple thermal insulation materials, comparing this with a single-layer insulation setup. Three typical insulation materials with varying thicknesses are utilized to create a three-layer insulation system, which is applied to a case study involving a house-like cubicle situated in the 3B climate zone per ASHRAE 169-2006. The findings indicate that merely increasing the thickness of a single-layer insulation does not invariably yield optimal solutions. The results emphasize that the consideration of multi-layer insulation systems can establish a continuous decision-making space, enabling the identification of at least one insulation scenario aligned with design requirements. To facilitate designers in the initial stages of thermal insulation design, a rapid and simplified design model has been developed based on the results. The methodology proposed in this study is generalizable and can be applied to all climate zones, offering a comprehensive design tool without the need for intricate calculations.
Advanced Energy Technologies
Hassan Z. Al Garni; Arunachalam Sundaram; Anjali Awasthi; Rahul Chandel; Salwan Tajjour; Shyam Singh Chandel
Abstract
A major design challenge for a grid-integrated photovoltaic power plant is to generate maximum power under varying loads, irradiance, and outdoor climatic conditions using competitive algorithm-based controllers. The objective of this study is to review experimentally validated advanced maximum power ...
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A major design challenge for a grid-integrated photovoltaic power plant is to generate maximum power under varying loads, irradiance, and outdoor climatic conditions using competitive algorithm-based controllers. The objective of this study is to review experimentally validated advanced maximum power point tracking algorithms for enhancing power generation. A comprehensive analysis of 14 of the most advanced metaheuristics and 17 hybrid homogeneous and heterogeneous metaheuristic techniques is carried out, along with a comparison of algorithm complexity, maximum power point tracking capability, tracking frequency, accuracy, and maximum power extracted from PV systems. The results show that maximum power point tracking controllers mostly use conventional algorithms; however, metaheuristic algorithms and their hybrid variants are found to be superior to conventional techniques under varying environmental conditions. The Grey Wolf Optimization, in combination with Perturb & Observe, and Jaya-Differential Evolution, is found to be the most competitive technique. The study shows that standard testing and evaluation procedures can be further developed for comparing metaheuristic algorithms and their hybrid variants for developing advanced maximum power point tracking controllers. The identified algorithms are found to enhance power generation by grid-integrated commercial solar power plants. The results are of importance to the solar industry and researchers worldwide.
Renewable Energy Economics, Policies and Planning
Karishma S.; Saravanan A; Yaashikaa P R; Vickram A S
Abstract
The concentration of India's population has presented the country with various challenges regarding the exponential growth of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). Globally, the increasing volumes of rubbish have made waste management both environmentally and socially burdensome. The development of safe and renewable ...
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The concentration of India's population has presented the country with various challenges regarding the exponential growth of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). Globally, the increasing volumes of rubbish have made waste management both environmentally and socially burdensome. The development of safe and renewable resources has assisted in municipal solid waste management. Garbage-to-energy conversion has proven to be an effective method for reducing municipal waste. Biofuel and biogas generation from municipal solid waste are among the renewable energy possibilities within the broader framework of waste management. The review examines sustainable treatment methods for managing municipal waste. It provides an overview of the characteristics and environmental impacts of municipal solid waste. To enhance energy generation, pretreatment approaches have been integrated into waste conversion processes. The review underscores the significance of thermal and biological conversion-based approaches to municipal waste management. Biological treatment technologies have emerged as a significant focal point for energy recovery while maintaining environmental sustainability. Additionally, the review assesses the applicability of various Indian policies for Municipal Solid Waste Management.ement.
Renewable Energy Economics, Policies and Planning
Mohammed Wasim khan; Rai Sujit Nath Sahai
Abstract
The research aimed to create a composite material for the floaters used in floating solar power plants. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) was combined with 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5% of carbon black (CB) and 1,2,and 3% of zinc oxide (ZnO). Mechanical tests were carried out after accelerated weathering for 311, ...
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The research aimed to create a composite material for the floaters used in floating solar power plants. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) was combined with 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5% of carbon black (CB) and 1,2,and 3% of zinc oxide (ZnO). Mechanical tests were carried out after accelerated weathering for 311, 634, 954, 1403, and 2878 hours in dry (out of water) and wet (sample floating in water) conditions. HDPE loses tensile strength, impact resistance, and elongation at break after 634 hours and 954 hours of weathering. The Shore D hardness did not show any significant change. The best performance was observed in batches D4 and W4, which contain 2% CB and 1% ZnO, in dry and wet conditions. The SEM (scanning electron microscope) shows the external morphology of D1 and W1 (pure HDPE) and D4 and W4 (composite) and revealed that pure HDPE was more degraded compared to the composite. Thermal properties and stability were analyzed using TGA (Thermogravimetric analysis). A further increase in CB and ZnO will reduce the strength of the composite.It was found that HDPE with 2% CB and 1% ZnO was a good composite material for developing the floaters used in floating solar power plants.
