(1) Introduction: The European Union is a global leader in the transition to a low-carbon economy. The community’s population has already reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 22%, while the gross domestic product (GDP) in its member states increased by 58% between 1990 and 2017. The Union has shown that economic growth is possible in the link between politics, nature, and the citizens’ eco-empathy. It has implications for both the European and global economy, infrastructure, food production, public health, and biodiversity, the formula for political stability. The hallmark of the European Union is the blending of politics, culture, and nature in its quest for climate neutrality. The community’s horizon is a zero-emission economy by 2050. (2) Theoretical framework: The cognitive assumptions of the article are the following theses: 1. The Union strives to accelerate the transition process to a regenerative growth model using technologies for obtaining and distributing energy for individua... [more]

This paper considers a new method for “pore scale” oil reservoir rock quantitative estimation. The method is based on core sample X-ray tomography data analysis and can be directly used to both classify rocks by heterogeneity and assess representativeness of the core material collection. The proposed heterogeneity criteria consider the heterogeneity of pore size and heterogeneity of pore arrangement in the sample void and can thus be related to the drainage effectiveness. The classification of rocks by heterogeneity at the pore scale is also proposed when choosing a reservoir engineering method and may help us to find formations that are similar at pore scale. We analyzed a set of reservoir rocks of different lithologies using the new method that considers only tomographic images and clearly distributes samples over the structure of their pore space.

The techno-economic performance evaluation of a combined cooling heating and power (CCHP) system installed in a hospital building in Greece is presented. The aim was to verify performance standards and evaluate real behavior, while highlighting the economic gains. In this research, system performance was evaluated using actual and year-round field measurements. The data were used to calculate the recovered heat and the generated electric energy. Furthermore, the performance was modeled and compared to the manufacturer specifications. Financial assessment was conducted through energy cost analysis to verify the operating viability of the system, both for its heating and cooling functions. The results showed that, overall, after eight years of operation, the energy efficiency was still within design standards. Electrical efficiency was constantly above 30%, while thermal efficiency was around 40−45%. Total efficiency was usually above the 75% threshold, characterizing the system as fully... [more]

In this Special Issue, all aspects of fluid flow and heat transfer in geothermal applications, including the ground heat exchanger, conduction, and convection in porous media, are considered. The emphasis here is on mathematical and computational aspects of fluid flow in conventional and unconventional reservoirs, geothermal engineering, fluid flow and heat transfer in drilling engineering, and enhanced oil recovery (hydraulic fracturing, steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD), CO2 injection, etc.) applications.

The influence of statistically stationary, homogeneous isotropic turbulence (i) on the mean area of a passive front propagating in a constant-density fluid and, hence, (ii) on the mean fluid consumption velocity u¯T is explored, particularly in the case of an asymptotically high turbulent Reynolds number, and an asymptotically high ratio of the Kolmogorov velocity to a constant speed u0 of the front. First, a short early transient stage is analyzed by assuming that the front remains close to a material surface that coincides with the front at the initial instant. Therefore, similarly to a material surface, the front area grows exponentially with time. This stage, whose duration is much less than an integral time scale of the turbulent flow, is argued to come to an end once the volume of fluid consumed by the front is equal to the volume embraced due to the turbulent dispersion of the front. The mean fluid consumption velocity averaged over this stage is shown to be proportional to the... [more]

A prerequisite for achieving high energy efficiency of water supply systems (understood as using less energy to perform the same task) is the appropriate selection of all elements and their rational use. Energy consumption in water supply systems (WSS) is closely connected with water demand. Especially in the case of oversized water supply systems for which consumers’ water demand is at least 50% less than previously planned and flow velocity in some parts of the system is below 0.01 m·s−1, this problem of excessive energy consumption can be observed. In the literature, it is difficult to find descriptions and methods of energy management for such a case. The purpose of this study was both an evaluation of the current demand of an oversized WSS and a preliminary technical analysis of the possibility for energy saving. Solutions are presented that resulted in improvements in energy management, thus increasing energy efficiency. The conducted analyses indicate the wide use of numerical,... [more]

The article pertains to the utilization of the application potential of MCDM/MCDA (Multi-Criteria Decision Making/Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis) methods in decision-making problems in the field of transport in light of sustainable development. The article consists of a theoretical and an empirical part. As part of the literature studies, a review was carried out on the latest applications of MCDM/MCDA methods for decision-making problems in the field of transport. In the empirical part, a multi-criteria analysis of the placement selection for a strip of expressway located in north-eastern Poland was carried out. For this purpose, a hybrid approach was used, consisting of three selected MCDM/MCDA methods: DEMATEL, REMBRANDT, and VIKOR. The ranking was compared with the results achieved in the EIA report of the investment and the results were obtained by using a different set of MCDM/MCDA methods that were proposed in the first part of the research, i.e., AHP, Fuzzy AHP, TOPSIS, and P... [more]

China has become the largest CO2 emission country since 2014. The industrial sector is the largest contributor to CO2 emissions in China. This paper uncovers the spatiotemporal characteristics of the decoupling status of industrial CO2 emissions from economic growth at the provincial level during 1995−2019 in China and analyzed the structural characteristics of the industrial CO2 emissions. The results suggested that 2010 is an important turning point. Since 2010, the decoupling status of industrial CO2 emissions from economic growth has kept a continuously improving trend. During 2016−2019, all provinces achieved decoupling of the industrial CO2 emissions from economic growth. More than 20% achieved absolute strong decoupling. Four subindustries, including raw chemical materials and chemical products, production and supply of electric power and heat power, petroleum processing and coking products, and smelting and pressing of non-ferrous metals, with large CO2 emissions’ contribution... [more]

DC systems are modernly starting to come into the spotlight again due to the carbon-neutral policy, the development of semiconductor devices for power, and the increase in digital loads. We need to prepare in advance solutions to problems that may arise from fault currents due to transients for future DC power grid models. In the case of DC, there is no current zero-point because there is no frequency. Therefore, a large switching surge is generated when the circuit breaker cuts off the fault current. The possibility of insulation breakdown is greater than that of AC in severe cases. We consider power semiconductors or superconducting current limiters as an alternative. However, DC breaking cannot be safely achieved by itself. For reliable DC breaking, mechanical circuit breakers must be used with them. Among the mechanical shut-off methods, we adopted the divergence oscillation method. It has the biggest advantage compared to other methods in that it has a simple structure by composin... [more]

For generating electricity, direct-drive wave energy converters (WECs) with linear permanent magnet generators (LPMGs) have advantages in terms of efficiency, simplicity, and force-to-weight ratio over WEC with rotary generators. However, the converter’s work under approaching-real wave conditions should be investigated. This paper studies the performance of a pico-scale WEC with two different LPMGs under unidirectional long-crested random waves. Different significant wave heights (using data in the Southern Ocean of Yogyakarta, Indonesia) and peak frequencies are tested. The JONSWAP energy spectrum is used to extract the wave elevations, while the MSS toolbox in MATLAB Simulink is employed to solve the floater’s dynamic responses. Next, the translator movements are extracted and combined with the flux distribution from FEMM simulation and analytical calculation, and the output powers are obtained. An experiment is conducted to test the output under constant speed. The results show for... [more]

This study estimates the equivalent continuous sound pressure level (Leq) during peak daily periods (‘rush hour’) along the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE) in Shah Alam, Malaysia, using a land use regression (LUR) model based on machine learning, statistical regression, and geographical information systems (GIS). The research utilises two types of soft computing methods including machine learning (i.e., decision tree, random frost algorithms) and statistical regression (i.e., linear regression, support vector regression algorithms) to determine the best approach to create a prediction Leq map at the NKVE in Shah Alam, Malaysia. The selection of the best algorithm is accomplished by considering correlation, correlation coefficient, mean-absolute-error, mean-square-error, root-mean-square-error, and mean absolute percentage error. Traffic noise level was monitored using three sound level meters (TES 52A), and a traffic tally was done to analyse the traffic flow. Wind speed was gauged... [more]

Deep learning has recently emerged as a successful approach to produce accurate subgrid-scale (SGS) models for Large Eddy Simulations (LES) in combustion. However, the ability of these models to generalize to configurations far from their training distribution is still mainly unexplored, thus impeding their application to practical configurations. In this work, a convolutional neural network (CNN) model for the progress-variable SGS variance field is trained on a canonical premixed turbulent flame and evaluated a priori on a significantly more complex slot burner jet flame. Despite the extensive differences between the two configurations, the CNN generalizes well and outperforms existing algebraic models. Conditions for this successful generalization are discussed, including the effect of the filter size and flame−turbulence interaction parameters. The CNN is then integrated into an analytical reaction rate closure relying on a single-step chemical source term formulation and a presume... [more]

This study investigates the input−output energy-flow patterns and CO2 emissions from the wheat−rice crop rotation system. In this regard, an arid region of Punjab, Pakistan was selected as the study area, comprising 4150 km2. Farmers were interviewed to collect data and information on input/output sources during the 2020 work season. The total energy from these sources was calculated using appropriate energy equivalents. Three energy indices, including energy use efficiency (ηe), energy productivity (ηp), and net energy (ρ), were defined and calculated to investigate overall energy efficiency. Moreover, the data envelopment analysis (DEA) technique was used to optimize the input energy in wheat and rice production. Finally, CO2 emissions was calculated using emissions equivalents from peer-reviewed published literature. Results showed that the average total energy consumption in rice production was twice the energy consumed in wheat production. However, the values of ηe, ηp, and ρ were... [more]

The Clean Energy for all Europeans Package by the EU aims, among other things, to enable collective self-consumption for various forms of energy. This step towards more prosumer-based and decentralized energy systems comes at a time when energy planning at a neighborhood scale is on the rise in many countries. It is widely assumed that—from a prosumer’s cost-perspective—shared conversion and storage technologies supplying more than a single building can be advantageous. However, it is not clear whether this is the case generally or only under certain conditions. By analyzing idealized building clusters at different degrees of urbanization (DOU), a linear-optimization approach is used to study the cost difference between shared energy infrastructure (smart energy neighborhoods, SENs) and individually planned buildings. This procedure is carried out for various emission reduction targets. The results show, that with higher emission reduction targets the advantage of SENs increases within... [more]

The use of energy in buildings is at the crossroads between comfort and productivity requirements, passive and active technological options, and health and environmental consequences [...]

Geotechnical seismic isolation (GSI) consists of an innovative technique to mitigate the effects of earthquakes based on interposing a superficial soil layer to filter the seismic energy from the soil to the structure. This approach is particularly applied in developing countries due to low-cost applications. In order to account the uncertainties, the presented paper aimed to develop fragility curves of 3D configurations performed by numerical finite element models. The mail goal is to assess and discuss the potentialities of GSI as a mitigation technique for several configurations. Opensees PL has been applied to perform the numerical analyses and to realistically reproduce the behaviour of GSI.

The fractured-vuggy carbonate reservoirs display strong heterogeneity and need to be classified into different types for specific characterization. In this study, a total of 134 cores from six drilled wells and six outcrops of the Deng #2 and Deng #4 members of the Dengying Formation (Sichuan Basin, Southwest China) were selected to investigate the petrographic characteristics of void spaces in the fractured-vuggy carbonate reservoirs. Four void space types (VSTs) were observed, namely the solution-filling type (SFT), cement-reducing type (CRT), solution-filling breccia type (SFBT) and solution-enlarging fractures and vugs type (SEFVT). The CRT void spaces presented the largest porosity and permeability, followed by the SEFVT, SFBT and SFT. The VSTs presented various logging responses and values, and based on these, an identification method of VSTs using Bayes discriminant analysis (BDA) was proposed. Two test wells were employed for the validation of the identification method, and the... [more]

Thermodynamic analysis of a gasification process was conducted assuming that it is composed of two successive stages, namely: pyrolysis reaction followed by a stage of gasification reaction. This approach allows formulation the models of selected gasification processes dominating in industrial applications namely: Shell (coal), SES (coal), and DFB (dual fluid bed, biomass) gasification. It was shown that the enthalpy of fuel formation is essential for the correctness of computed results. The specific computational formula for a wide range of fuels enthalpy of formation was developed. The following categories were evaluated in terms of energy balance: total reaction enthalpy of gasification process, enthalpy of pyrolysis reaction, enthalpy of gasification reaction, heat demand for pyrolysis reaction, and heat demand for gasification reactions. The discussion of heat demand for particular stages of gasification related to the various processes was performed concluding the importance of t... [more]

This paper presents a vibration analysis method and an example of its application to evaluate the influence of mass parameters on torsional vibration frequencies in the steering system of a motorcycle. The purpose of this paper is to analyze to what extent vibration frequencies can change during their daily operation. These changes are largely due to the ratio of vehicle weight to driver and load. The complex dynamics make it very difficult to conduct research using simple models. It is difficult to observe the influence of individual parameters because they are strongly interrelated. This paper provides a description of the vibration analysis method, and the results are presented in the form of Bode diagrams and tables. On this basis, it was found that the driver, deciding on the way of using the vehicle and introducing modifications in it, influences the resonant frequencies of the steering system. Typical exploitation factors, on the other hand, do not cause significant changes, alt... [more]

The energy yield from bifacial solar photovoltaic (PV) systems can be enhanced by optimizing the tilt angle. Bifacial modules boost the energy yield by 4% to 15% depending on the module type and ground reflectivity with an average of 9%. The selection of tilt angle depends on several factors, including the geographical location, weather variation, etc. Compared to the variable tilt angle, a constant angle is preferred from the point of view of the cost of installation and the cost of maintenance. This paper proposes a new method for analysing bifacial modules. A simpler rear-side irradiance model is presented to estimate the energy yield of a bifacial solar photovoltaic module. The detailed analysis also explores the optimum tilt angle for the inclined south−north orientation to obtain the maximum possible yield from the module. Taking four regions into account, i.e., Kharagpur, Ahmedabad, Delhi, and Thiruvananthapuram, in the Indian climate, we studied several cases. The Kharagpur sys... [more]

The rapid changes in the services sector encourage companies to improve the processes for developing and delivering new services. An effective new service development process is not possible without planning. Business entities can plan their time, organise activities, and prioritise tasks according to the complexity or the total duration of the process. However, in the context of new service development, the planning aspect is still not sufficiently emphasised. It is noted that the aim is often to identify the factors that could reduce the duration of this process. However, there is a lack of relevant data based on certain expressions of time. The lack of such research limits the improvement of the planning processes for new service development projects. In order to evaluate the possibilities of application of the proposed new service development model for companies providing services, an empirical evaluation was conducted, using methods of expert survey, program evaluation and review,... [more]

Electric Vehicles (EVs) will be a key component of sustainable e-transportation systems. It is important to provide a charging infrastructure for EVs. EVs are “zero” polluting and highly efficient, but these qualities are valid only if the EV is supplied from renewable energy sources (RES). In urban areas, there is a lot of unused space such as roofs of residential and enterprise buildings, roofs of parking lots, building facades, etc. In cities, the PV and small wind turbines RES should be able to supply EVs with clean energy. Such a solution has many advantages. In an EU-financed research project, the team developed a solution for a Residential Charging Station (RCS), the design solution being implemented with the equipment available on the market. In this paper, the design considerations and some challenges raised by it are presented. Improvements of the existing equipment to better suit future needs are further discussed. The proposed solution solves the matter optimally and the im... [more]

Transformer oil does not only serve as an insulating liquid, but also in removing heat from the windings and cores. Mineral oil (MO) has been widely used in transformers for more than 150 years. Recently, researchers have attempted to search for alternative insulating oils due to the possibility that MO will run out in the future together with the concern on fire safety and environmental pollution. Among the potential oils is rice bran oil (RBO). This work presents the studies of the lightning impulse (LI) of RBO behavior under various electric fields, gap distances and testing methods. The electrical performances of LI tests show that RBO and Palm Oil (PO) have lower LI breakdown voltage than MO under both uniform and non-uniform electric fields. However, the difference in LI breakdown voltages between RBO, PO and MO are slightly small which is less than 20%. In addition, there is no significant effect in the various testing methods under both uniform field and non-uniform field where... [more]

Advancement in electricity is the key ingredient that can actively take part in alleviating poverty and drastically improve the socio-economic status of the people of Bangladesh. The incorporation of renewable energy sources would help the country meet the energy requirement as well as contribute positively towards building a sustainable planet. The paper has extensively discussed the potential aspects of renewable energy resources in Bangladesh and how the Internet of Things can facilitate the implementation of intermittent sources. The regulatory and socio-economic aspects of the renewable energy industry have been explored and sustainable solutions will be discussed to fast-track the process of integrating various renewable energy sources in the power grid to meet the energy demand. The paper discusses the challenges associated with the RE integration in Bangladesh’s power mix and tries to mitigate it through the IoT. Besides that, an RE map for Bangladesh along with prospective pow... [more]

Like any other turbomachinery, it is essential that the hydraulic behavior and performance of mixed-flow pumps are evaluated way in advance prior to manufacturing. Pump performance relies heavily on the proper design of the intake structure. Intake structures should be accurately designed in order to minimize and avoid unnecessary swirl and vortex formations. Ensuring the optimum performance condition as well as predicting how a particular intake structure affects the efficiency of the pump often requires either physical model studies or theoretical evaluations. Unfortunately, physical models are costly, time-consuming, and site-specific. Conversely, design and performance predictions using a theoretical approach merely gives performance values or parameters, which are usually unable to determine the root cause of poor pump performance. This study evaluates the viability of using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) as an alternative tool for pump designers and engineers in evaluating pu... [more]