Methane from environmentally friendly anaerobic digestion may be an alternative non-renewable source that is depleting. One of the substrates for that process may be lignocellulose-based materials. The article concerns comparing the environmental impact as well as technical and energy indicators of alternative ways of producing methane from the anaerobic digestion of Pennisetum hybrid. Five scenarios were analyzed: methane production from the anaerobic digestion of the raw grass, the grass subjected to alkaline pretreatment (with 2% NaOH solution at two temperatures), and the grass subjected to mechanical pretreatment (ground to obtain particle sizes <0.18 mm and 0.25−0.38 mm). Multi-criteria decision (MCA) analysis was carried out with the use of five indicators, including life cycle assessment results as well as methane production parameters, in order to optimize this sustainable way of bioenergy production. The purpose of this study was to identify the most cost-effective and env... [more]

A smart grid (SG), considered as a future electricity grid, utilizes bidirectional electricity and information flow to establish automated and widely distributed power generation. The SG provides a delivery network that has distributed energy sources, real-time asset monitoring, increased power quality, increased stability and reliability, and two-way information sharing. Furthermore, SG provides many advantages, such as demand response, distribution automation, optimized use of electricity, economical energy, real-time grid status monitoring, voltage regulation or VAR control, and electricity storage. In this survey, we explore the literature on smart Grid enabling technologies until 2022. We dig out four major systems: (1) the smart grid’s prominent features and challenges; (2) the smart grid standard system and legislations; (3) smart grid energy subsystem; and (4) the smart grid management system and protection system for new researchers for their future projects. The research chal... [more]

In this study, renewable and sustainable biofuel production from waste cooking oil and its blends with diesel fuel are investigated in terms of specific fuel properties. The fuel blends are named “Renewable Biofuel (RBF) 20” (20% biofuel−80% diesel), “Renewable Biofuel 50” (50% biofuel−50% diesel), and “Renewable Biofuel 100” (100% biofuel). The acid number, flash point, viscosity, cloud point, density, and pour point fuel properties of the new Renewable Biofuels are experimentally obtained and compared with diesel fuel. The viscosities of the biofuels are found to be 2.774 mm2/s for Renewable Biofuel 20, 3.091 mm2/s for Renewable Biofuel 50, and 4.540 mm2/s for Renewable Biofuel 100. Renewable Biofuel 20 has the minimum density value among biofuels. The density of Renewable Biofuel 20, Renewable Biofuel 50, and Renewable Biofuel 100 are obtained as 835 kg/m3, 846 kg/m3, and 884 kg/m3, respectively. More energy can be released with the use of Renewable Biofuel 100 in terms of heating v... [more]

The proper development of transportation constitutes the basis for an effectively functioning economy at the national and global levels. On the other hand, transportation significantly impacts the environment and climate. Sustainable transportation management should therefore include both economic, social and environmental aspects. The article aims to comprehensively assess the economic−energy−environmental efficiency of the 27-road freight transport sector in EU countries in 2019. The research was conducted using the non-parametric Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method. The Slacks-Based Measure−Data Envelopment Analysis (SBM-DEA) model was used, taking into account unwanted (undesirable) effects. As non-energy inputs in the DEA model used the labor in the road freight transport sector, stock of registered goods vehicles, and the length of the road network. Moreover, the energy consumption by the road freight transport sector was used as energy inputs in the DEA model. Desirable outpu... [more]

This study aims to create a comprehensive, holistic approach to evaluate the environmental, energy, and economic impacts of air source heat pump deployment scenarios through: (i) a life cycle assessment of air source heat pumps in Orkney houses, (ii) energy systems optimisation modelling to optimise the performance of an air source heat pump coupled with thermal energy storage tank to reduce use phase related impacts in Orkney, (iii) modelling of Orkney’s domestic building stock to understand the housing condition, and (iv) economic modelling to analyse the life cycle cost of an air source heat pump and potential savings when replacing conventional heating systems. The results show that an 82% reduction in energy supply could be achieved when ambitious energy efficiency improvement measures are adopted in the circular economy scenario. The use phase related emissions could be reduced by 98% when the air source heat pump becomes the only heating technology in Orkney. However, the life c... [more]

Biochar, known as “Black Gold”, has become a novel approach with potential benefits for soil amendment, such as improving soil physicochemical properties, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing soil fertility. The previous research studies mainly focus on exploring different methods for the improvement of biochar enriched nutrients as fertilizers; however, the migration and transformation mechanisms of these nutrients induced by biochar are yet to be extensively investigated. This paper provides an overview of recent advances in the application and mechanisms of biochar for soil amendment focusing on soil properties and nutrients improvement. Biochar positively alters microbial-mediated reactions in the soil C and N cycles, i.e., mineralization of C and N, and N2 fixation, thus enhancing maximizing C and N use efficiency and reducing the potential losses. Moreover, biochar provides reactive surfaces where P and K ions are retained in soil microbial biomass and in exchange sit... [more]

Wind energy conversion systems (WECSs) are considered green generators, environmentally friendly, and fully suitable energy sources to replace fossil energy sources. WECS’s output power is hugely dependent on the random nature of the wind. There are many solutions to improve the output power for WECSs, such as adjusting the profile of turbine blades, locating installation places, improving generators, etc. Nevertheless, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms for WECSs are optimal and the most effective because they are flexible in controlling different variable wind speeds and match all types of WECS. The parameters on the generator side control or the grid side control will be adjusted when MPPT algorithms are used, allowing the output power of WECSs to be maximized while maintaining stability in variable-speed wind. There are various MPPT algorithms, but the current problem is their efficiency and whether it requires deep knowledge to select the best MPPT solutions because ea... [more]

The gasification of Polish coal to produce hydrogen could help to make the country independent of oil and gas imports and assist in the rational energy transition from gray to green hydrogen. When taking strategic economic or legislative decisions, one should be guided not only by the level of CO2 emissions from the production process, but also by other environmental impact factors obtained from comprehensive environmental analyses. This paper presents an analysis of the life cycle of hydrogen by coal gasification and its application in a vehicle powered by FCEV cells. All the main stages of hydrogen fuel production by Shell technology, as well as hydrogen compression and transport to the distribution point, are included in the analyses. In total, two fuel production scenarios were considered: with and without sequestration of the carbon dioxide captured in the process. Life cycle analysis was performed according to the procedures and assumptions proposed in the FC-Hy Guide, Guidance D... [more]

Biochar (BC) is a material that has many applications in agricultural and environmental activities. The aim of the study was to define the influence of BC produced in low-temperature pyrolysis from various organic waste materials, including one-month-old compost (OMOC), pine bark (PB), pine needle mulch (NM), pine cones (PC) and maple leaves (ML), on soil enzyme activity as well as its relation with organic matter properties. A 60-day incubation pot experiment was set up to investigate the influence of BC amendment on soil (S) characteristics. After incubation, we investigated the activity of soil enzymes, the content of available phosphorus (AP), potassium (AK) and magnesium (AMg), total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), dissolved organic matter (DOM) and its fractional composition (content and share of carbon and nitrogen of humic (CHAs, NHAs) and fulvic (CFAs, NFAs) acids and humin fractions). The effect of the amended biochars differed depending on the feedstock material.... [more]

(1) Background: The embodied energy of building materials is a significant contributor to climate change, in tandem with the energy use intensity (EUI). Yet, studies on the material impacts of European retail buildings, namely with relation to EUI, are missing. Hence, this study set out to: (i) evaluate the embodied energy and carbon emissions for a European retail building; (ii) quantify the material flow in terms of mass; (iii) compare the embodied aspects to the operational EUI and carbon use intensity (CUI); (iv) assess building materials with higher impacts; and (v) investigate strategies to mitigate materials’ impacts. (2) Methods: A Portuguese retail building was selected as a case study. A simplified LCA method was followed (cradle-to-gate), analysing the shell building materials in terms of primary energy demand and global warming potential. (3) Results: the embodied energy represented 32% of total lifecycle energy while the embodied carbon represented 94%. EUI was 1×kWh/m2/y... [more]

As increasing soil organic matter is considered one of the main strategies for reducing desertification in Europe, the production and use of high-quality composts has gained importance during the last decade. It is undisputed that the quantity and quality of humic substances (HS) and their fractions, i.e. fulvic acids (FA) and humic acids (HA) in compost are considered important indicators of compost maturity and chemical stability. Other important aspects are concentrations of macro- and micronutrients and heavy metals (HMs) that are introduced to the soil with mature compost. In this light, this study assessed the detailed characteristic of compost from municipal sewage sludge. Moreover, kinetic of organic matter (OM), and nitrogen transformations, therein nitrogen loss, were analysed. OM degradation proceeded according to first-order kinetics. In the bioreactor, the rate constant of OM removal and the rate of OM removal were 0.134 d−1 and 12.6 mg/(g d.m.d), respectively. In the wind... [more]

The study of extraordinarily high organic matter content (EHOMC) is beneficial to promote the fine evaluation of shale oil and gas, but so far, there have been few studies on its mechanism. This paper carried out a comprehensive lithological and geochemical analysis of the black shales of the Wujiaping Formation in the Kaijiang-Liangping Trough. The results showed that the black shales of the Wujiaping Formation can be divided into two units (the upper and lower parts), and EHOMC occurs in its upper part. The redox-sensitive trace elements (RSTEs), MoEF-UEF covariation, and Ni/Co correlation showed that the lower part of Wujiaping Formation was a weakly restricted oxidation environment, while the upper part evolved into a sulfidation reducing environment. The productivity indicator elements (BaXS, NiXS, CuXS, P, and Mo) indicated that the upper Wujiaping Formation had higher primary productivity than the lower part. However, rare earth elements ((La/Yb)N) indicated that the deposition... [more]

The presence of a high concentration of Cl− in saltwater will erode the structure and facilities, reducing the stability and service life of the underground oil storage cavern. In order to reduce the risk of seawater intrusion, this paper studies the risk and prevention technology of seawater intrusion based on a case study of a coastal and large-span underground oil storage cavern. A refined three-dimensional hydrogeological model that comprehensively considers permeability coefficient partitions, faults, and fractured zones are constructed. The seepage fields and seawater intrusion risks of the reservoir site in its natural state, during construction, and during operation are examined, respectively. The study quantifies the water inflow and optimizes the seawater intrusion prevention technology. The results indicate that there is no risk of seawater incursion into the cavern under natural conditions. The water inflows after excavating the top, middle, and bottom sections of the main... [more]

The marine environment in which offshore wind turbines are located is very complex and subjected to a variety of random loads that vary with time and space. As an important component of offshore wind power, the cable also bears the impact of the environment in which most of the turbines are located. Under the long-term action of mechanical stresses such as tension, torsion, and vibration, the cable insulation will crack due to stress fatigue leading to partial discharge, which seriously affects its electrical performance. The study of the mechanism of the change of electrical properties of cable insulation due to mechanical behavior is of great theoretical guidance to improve the reliable operation of cables. This paper first introduces the basic characteristics and operating conditions of torsion-resistant cables and submarine cables. Then the mechanical behavior of the cables is summarized, and the deterioration mechanism and deterioration effect of wind power cable insulation under... [more]

Sichuan is gradually being transformed and is utilizing groundwater and thermal resources. However, this investigation found that the high mineralization rate of geothermal resources in the Sichuan Basin is common and efficient, and environmentally friendly descaling technology is the key to promoting the utilization of thermal resources in low-yield oil and gas wells. Due to the high efficiency, low cost, and lack of pollution of high-pressure jet descaling, it has attracted more and more attention recently, but the mechanism of jet descaling is still unclear. The key to jet descaling is the stress concentration in the scale caused by the impact of droplets from the jet. In this paper, the process of jet descaling is simplified as a 2D droplet−scale collision with a detailed theoretical analysis of the stress on the scale. A circular droplet was simulated to impact the surface of the scale. By using numerical methods for transient calculations, we couple the pressure of the droplets a... [more]

Affordable and clean energy for any rural community is crucial for the sustainable development of the community and the nation at large. The utilization of diesel-based power generation is one of the barriers to the sustainable development of these communities. Such generations require fuel that has a volatile market price and emits massive greenhouse gas emissions. This paper presents the design, modeling, and simulation of a hybrid power system for a rural area in the Sultanate of Oman that aims to reduce daily consumption of diesel fuel and greenhouse gas emissions. Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER) is utilized to model multiple energy mix hybrid systems and to propose the best optimal energy mix system for a selected community. In addition, Electrical Transient Analyzer Program (ETAP) software is employed to assess hybrid system operational performances, such as bus voltage profiles and active and reactive power losses. This study revealed that the PV−wind−di... [more]

Energy and environment form a nexus in which residents are the owners of tourism energy resources. Only a few studies have focused on the energy literacy of residents in ethnic tourism destinations and its impact on sustainable tourism. Using a qualitative research approach through field works and in-depth interviews in the Ping’an Village, Longji Terraces Scenic Area, this study explored the relationships between the energy literacy of residents and sustainable tourism in ethnic areas. The result showed that the energy literacy of the ethnic residents of Pingan village in terms of knowledge, attitude, and behavior has increased in line with the development of tourism, and both external and internal factors contribute to the improvement. Besides, the promotion of energy literacy among the residents not only has a positive impact on the tourists’ behavior but also brings about effective improvements in the local energy use structure and infrastructure, thus contributing to the sustainab... [more]

The pollutants emission into the atmosphere is largely related to human activity and health, whereas, of many factors, domestic heating systems greatly impact the emission rate. The measures taken to reduce the emission of harmful compounds to the atmosphere are slowly starting to bring the intended effects and a downward trend in emissions of such gases as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) is noticeable. The conducted tests allowed the determination of the combustion characteristics of individual pellet types available on the European market. During the tests, pellets were supplied to a 25 kW fixed-bed boiler with a constant mass flow of 3 kg·h−1, and the air-flow ratio was manipulated and presented in the form of the excess air coefficient λ (1.8−3.08). Pellets certificated with the ENPlus as A1 were found not meeting the requirements, mainly in the ash content, which negatively affected their combustion performance gradually and caused exceeded CO... [more]

A circular economy emerged as an alternative transition model, which is considered to be a solution to massive environmental degradation. The transition from a linear economy to a circular economy requires companies to be actively involved in more sustainable practices. For such a transition, companies must rethink, innovate on business models, and encourage sustainability-oriented innovation to deliver customer value, while simultaneously considering environmental and social aspects. On the other hand, the role of the circular economy in energy conservation and infrastructure has not been mapped out in the current literature. This systematic literature review seeks to map out the main interrelated topics of the circular economy and sustainability-oriented innovation, describing internal and external factors that need to be considered in the transition to a clean energy future. Key lines of research are identified, and suggestions for future research and for how to facilitate the movem... [more]

The vision system provides an important way for construction robots to obtain the type and spatial location information of the object. The characteristics of the construction environment, construction object, and robot structure are jointly examined in this paper to propose an approach of object segmentation by spraying the robot based on multi-layer perceptron. Firstly, the hand-eye system experimental platform is built through establishing the mathematical model of the system and calibrating the parameters of the model. Secondly, effort is made to carry out research on image preprocessing algorithms and related experiments, and compare the effects of different binocular stereo-matching algorithms in the actual engineering environment. Finally, research and an experiment are conducted to identify the applicability and effect of the depth image object segmentation algorithm based on multi-layer perceptron. The experimental results prove that the application of multi-layer perceptron to... [more]

Energy efficiency is extremely significant for industrial processes and technologies. Rising energy prices, depleting fossil fuels, as well as tightening regulations that impose the need to reduce GHG emissions incentivize companies to look for energy-efficient solutions. This also applies to wastewater treatment plants, which, on the one hand, are consumers of very large amounts of energy, and on the other hand, have significant potential to retrieve waste energy in the form of heat accumulated in wastewater. The authors of this publication have recognized the benefits of managing this heat. However, they have also pointed out several problems and difficulties associated with this process. By means of measured data, this publication provides a comprehensive analysis of the heat that can be recovered from wastewater treatment plants. As a result of the analyses, the locations of sites for collecting heat from wastewater have been determined, and potential technologies for this purpose... [more]

The energy sector is one of the most important pollutants in the atmosphere and causes significant emissions of greenhouse gases. In Russia, coal is the main contributor to the fossil fuel consumption of thermal power plants and boilers, thus affecting atmospheric air pollution by releasing particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, which are strongly associated with a negative impact on human health. This problem is especially acute for the resource regions of Yenisei, Siberia, a 2.5+ mln sq km macro-region in the very heart of Russia. In this paper, we analyze the impact of the structure of electricity and heat generation on emissions of pollutants and climate-active gases in Yenisei, Siberia, and give an overview of their social, ecological, and economic effects. More than 75% of electricity in Yenisei, Siberia, is produced by hydroelectric power plants that do not pollute the atmosphere. The rest of the electricity is generated in the cogeneration mode by thermal power plants, which a... [more]

Hydraulic fracturing utilizes pressurized liquid typically consisting of water, proppants, and a multitude of chemical additives, in order to fracture petroliferous strata to extract natural gas and oil. In this process, a vast amount of wastewater is produced. This water is heavily contaminated, which renders it unusable outside of direct reuse, without extensive treatment being performed. Typically, various sophisticated analytical techniques are involved in the characterization of both waste and treated waters, increasing the cost and the complexity of the management efforts. The article discusses the constituents found in oilfield wastewater, the methods used to identify and quantify these constituents, and the present management methods. Additionally, we introduce total organic carbon and conductivity analyses as surrogate measurements of overall water quality. Total organic carbon and conductivity are established bulk measurements, which can be used to facilitate rapid decisions... [more]

The study presents the research results on the rejected water generated in dewatering sludge stabilised in Autothermal Thermophilic Aerobic Digestion (ATAD) technology. The research was carried out in three municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), with a capacity of 1500 to 3260 m3 d−1 and a sludge node capacity of 835 to 2000 kg DM d−1. The mean content of Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) in the rejected water samples taken from each object ranged from 485 to 1573 mg N L−1, ammonium nitrogen 318 to 736 mg N L−1, and the average concentration of total phosphorus ranged from 96 to 281 mg P L−1. The average content of organic matter expressed as five-day biological oxygen demand (BOD5) ranged from 205 to 730 mg O2 L−1, while chemical oxygen demand (COD) ranged from 767 to 4884 mg O2 L−1. The study determined the kinetics of the biochemical decomposition of organic matter, assuming that it follows the first-order equation. The average reaction rate constant k in subsequent treatment plants w... [more]

Ceramic tile manufacturing is a highly energy-intensive process. Concerns about carbon emissions and energy costs make energy management crucial for this sector, which holds a leading role in Italian industry. The paper discusses the energetic and environmental performance of cogeneration (CHP) in the ceramic industry, where prime mover exhaust heat is supplied to a spray-dryer system, contributing to the satisfaction of the thermal demand and decreasing natural gas consumption. A thermodynamic model of a dryer unit, validated against real data, has been set-up to provide a detailed representation of the thermal fluxes involved in the process. Then, the thermal integration with two types of CHP prime movers of similar electric size (4 MW) is investigated. Energetic results show that the gas turbine can contribute up to 81% of dryer thermal consumption, whilst internal combustion engine contribution is limited to 26%. A methodology was ad-hoc defined for the environmental assessment of... [more]