The present study describes the isolation of the novel strain Candida intermedia CBS 141442 and investigates the potential of this microorganism for the conversion of lignocellulosic streams. Different C. intermedia clones were isolated during an adaptive laboratory evolution experiment under the selection pressure of lignocellulosic hydrolysate and in strong competition with industrial, xylose-fermenting Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells. Isolates showed different but stable colony and cell morphologies when growing in a solid agar medium (smooth, intermediate and complex morphology) and liquid medium (unicellular, aggregates and pseudohyphal morphology). Clones of the same morphology showed similar fermentation patterns, and the C. intermedia clone I5 (CBS 141442) was selected for further testing due to its superior capacity for xylose consumption (90% of the initial xylose concentration within 72 h) and the highest ethanol yields (0.25 ± 0.02 g ethanol/g sugars consumed). Compared to t... [more]

In this paper, we developed an effective method for purifying oil sludge using a sorbing electrochemical matrix and assessed the prospects of this method in comparison with conventional hydrocracking. We synthesized Ni-W supported hydrocracking catalysts with different morphology and studied their activity under various conditions, we compared the obtained catalysts with commercial catalyst SGK-5. We demonstrated that the introduction of a secondary mesoporous structure in the catalyst leads to an increase in the yield of light fractions to 52 wt.%. The possibility is demonstrated to obtain hydrocarbons from reservoir oil sludge, dispersed into an aqueous solution of detergent, by the method of low-temperature hydrogenation in sorbing electrochemical matrices. The obtained product was characterized by low viscosity, low content of transition metals (<320 ppm), and sulphur (<260 ppm).

The water distribution subsystem is the most failing subsystem included in the water supply system. One of the main consequences of water supply failures is the lack of water supply to consumers, which is always very onerous. The paper presents a method of determining the conditional probability that a break in the supply of water to consumers of a certain duration will be caused by a specific type of failure. The result of the work was to identify water supply network failures that result in the longest water supply suspension time. The method was presented on a real water supply system. In order to reduce the incidence of long-term interruptions in water supply, water supply companies should mainly continue replacing gray cast iron pipes with thermoplastic materials. Actions taken to increase the safety of drinking water supply meet the current standards for the safety of drinking water, developed by the World Health Organization and the European Union.

Automatic peer-to-peer energy trading can be defined as a Markov decision process and designed using deep reinforcement learning. We consider prosumer as an entity that consumes and produces electric energy with an energy storage system, and define the prosumer’s objective as maximizing the profit through participation in peer-to-peer energy trading, similar to that of the agents in stock trading. In this paper, we propose an automatic peer-to-peer energy trading model by adopting a deep Q-network-based automatic trading algorithm originally designed for stock trading. Unlike in stock trading, the assets held by a prosumer may change owing to factors such as the consumption and generation of energy by the prosumer in addition to the changes from trading activities. Therefore, we propose a new trading evaluation criterion that considers these factors by defining profit as the sum of the gains from four components: electricity bill, trading, electric energy stored in the energy storage s... [more]

The pyrolysis of biomass in a fluidized-bed reactor is studied by a combination of a CFD-DEM algorithm and a multistep kinetic scheme, where fluid dynamics, heat and mass transfer, particle collisions, and the detailed thermochemical conversion of biomass are all resolved. The integrated method is validated by experimental results available in literature and a considerable improvement in predicting the pyrolysis product yields is obtained as compared to previous works using a two-fluid model, especially the relative error in the predicted tar yield is reduced by more than 50%. Furthermore, the evolution of light gas, char and tar, as well as the particle conversion, which cannot easily be measured in experiments, are also revealed. Based on the proposed model, the influences of pyrolysis temperature and biomass particle size on the pyrolysis behavior in a fluidized-bed reactor are comprehensively studied. Numerical results show that the new algorithm clearly captures the dependence of... [more]

Overheating in residential building is a challenging problem that causes thermal discomfort, productivity reduction, and health problems. This paper aims to assess the climate change impact on thermal comfort in a Belgian reference case. The case study represents a nearly zero energy building that operates without active cooling during summer. The study quantifies the impact of climate change on overheating risks using three representative concentration pathway (RCP) trajectories for greenhouse gas concentration adopted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Building performance analysis is carried out using a multizone dynamic simulation program EnergyPlus. The results show that bioclimatic and thermal adaptation strategies, including adaptive thermal comfort models, cannot suppress the effect of global warming. By 2050, zero energy buildings will be vulnerable to overheating.

This work dealt with the study of growth parameters, pigments production, and bioenergetic aspects of the microalga Dunaliella tertiolecta in different culture media. For this purpose, cultures were carried out in Erlenmeyer flasks containing F/2 medium, Bold’s Basal medium, or an alternative medium made up of the same constituents of the Bold’s Basal medium dissolved in natural seawater instead of distilled water. D. tertiolecta reached the highest dry cell concentration (Xmax = 1223 mgDM·L−1), specific growth rate (µmax = 0.535 d−1), cell productivity (PX = 102 mgDM·L−1·d−1), and photosynthetic efficiency (PE = 14.54%) in the alternative medium, while the highest contents of carotenoids (52.0 mg·g−1) and chlorophyll (108.0 mg·g−1) in the biomass were obtained in Bold’s Basal medium. As for the bioenergetic parameters, the biomass yield on Gibbs energy dissipation was higher and comparable in both seawater-based media. However, the F/2 medium led to the highest values of moles of phot... [more]

The energy management strategy (EMS) and control algorithm of a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) directly determine its energy efficiency, control effect, and system reliability. For a certain configuration of an HEV powertrain, the challenge is to develop an efficient EMS and an appropriate control algorithm to satisfy a variety of development objectives while not reducing vehicle performance. In this research, a comprehensive, multi-level classification for HEVs is introduced in detail from the aspects of the degree of hybridization (DoH), the position of the motor, the components and configurations of the powertrain, and whether or not the HEV is charged by external power. The principle and research status of EMSs for each type of HEV are summarized and reviewed. Additionally, the EMSs and control algorithms of HEVs are compared and analyzed from the perspectives of characteristics, applications, real-time abilities, and historical development. Finally, some discussions about potential... [more]

This paper presents a controller design process for an aircraft tracking problem when not all states are available. In the study, a nonlinear-transport aircraft simulation model was used and identified through Maximum Likelihood Principle and Extended Kalman Filter. The obtained mathematical model was used to design a Linear−Quadratic Regulator (LQR) with optimal weighting matrices when not all states are measured. The nonlinear aircraft simulation model with LQR controller tracking abilities were analyzed for multiple experiments with various noise levels. It was shown that the designed controller is robust and allows for accurate trajectory tracking. It was found that, in ideal atmospheric conditions, the tracking errors are small, even for unmeasured variables. In wind presence, the tracking errors were proportional to the wind velocity and acceptable for small and moderate disturbances. When turbulence was present in the experiment, state variable oscillations occurred that were pr... [more]

The IceWind turbine, a new type of Vertical Axis Wind Turbine, was proposed by an Iceland based startup. It is a product that has been featured in few published scientific research studies. This paper investigates the IceWind turbine’s performance numerically. Three-dimensional numerical simulations are conducted for the full scale model using the SST K-ω model at a wind speed of 15.8 m/s. The following results are documented: static torque, velocity distributions and streamlines, and pressure distribution. Comparisons with previous data are established. Additionally, comparisons with the Savonius wind turbine in the same swept area are conducted to determine how efficient the new type of turbine is. The IceWind turbine shows a similar level of performance with slightly higher static torque values. Vortices behind the IceWind turbine are confirmed to be three-dimensional and are larger than those of Savonius turbine.

In this paper, a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stack control study is presented. The goal is to track the transient power demand of a real fuel cell (FC) vehicle while ensuring safe and efficient operation. Due to the dynamically changing power demand, fast transients occur in the internal states of the fuel cell (e.g., pressure, humidity, reactant mass) leading to degradation effects (e.g., high/low membrane overpressure, reactants starvation) which are avoided by imposing safety constraints. Efficiency is considered in terms of internal voltage losses minimization as well as minimization of the power of the compressor used to pressurize the cathode. For solving the optimization problem of power demand tracking, adhering to safety constraints, and maximizing efficiency, model predictive control (MPC) has been chosen. Due to the nonlinearity of the FC system, a successive linearization based MPC (SLMPC) is used to control the FC throughout its operating region. Simulat... [more]

Field experience has demonstrated that infill well fractures tend to propagate towards the primary well, resulting in well-to-well interference, or so-called “frac-hits”. Frac-hits are a major concern in horizontal well refracturing because they adversely affect the productivity of both wells. This paper provides a 3D geomechanical study of the problem for the first time in order to better understand frac-hits in horizontal well refracturing and its mitigating solutions. To our knowledge, this is the only refracturing study focused on fracture mechanics and within the context of coupled proroelasticity using a single model. The modeling is based on the fully coupled 3D model, GeoFrac-3D, which is capable of simulating multistage fracturing of multiple horizontal wells. The model couples pore pressure to stresses, and makes it possible to create dynamic models of fracture propagation. The modeling results show that production from production well fractures leads to a nonuniform reductio... [more]

The European Commission calls for more small-scale renewable energy producers to actively participate in the energy value chain. In this study, we model an illustrative peer-to-peer (P2P) market with tariffs based on the reservation prices of market participants under the German levy regime. The study is conducted by modeling representative residential buildings with home energy management systems, modulating heat pumps, and photovoltaics, in combination with electrical and thermal storage systems. The resulting mixed-integer linear program is solved over the course of a year, using a rolling horizon approach with a time resolution of one hour. By analyzing the cost- and discomfort-minimizing behavior of the market participants, we evaluate the current levy regime and propose two additional designs. We find that in the current case, a P2P market is not economically viable. Based on feed-in tariffs (FiT) and levies no agreeable market price can be found. With no FiT or reduced levies, a... [more]

We report a potential self-reinforcing design flaw in the variable market premium scheme that occurs if variable renewable energy power plants receiving a premium become price-setting in the market. A high share of renewable energy is a goal of many countries on their transformation path to a sustainable future. Accordingly, policies like feed-in tariffs have been in place for many years in many countries to support investment. To foster market alignment, variable market premia have been introduced in at least 12 European countries and a further dozen additional countries world-wide. We demonstrate both with a mathematical model and different scenarios of an agent-based simulation that the combination of variable premia and a high share of hours in which renewables are price-setting may lead to a self-reinforcing downward spiral of prices if unchecked. This is caused by the market premium opening up the bidding space towards negative prices. We discuss possible objections and counterme... [more]

Increasing the efficiency of anaerobic digesters and improving sludge breakdown is vital to reducing the cost of biogas production and reducing the environmental consequences of sludge disposal. The performance of two unheated anaerobic digestion systems, one exposed to sound at <20 kHz by waterproofed speakers and one acting as a control, were compared for over a year. The digester systems were both composed of primary (11.4 m3) and secondary (3.8 m3) anaerobic tanks, facultative tertiary (3.0 m3) tanks and an aerobic holding tank from which effluent was mixed with feed and recirculated back to the system. Exposure of the gas saturated digestate to a low frequency sine wave induced numerous bubble harmonics up to, and presumably beyond, ultrasonic range, showing that sonification of a highly gaseous liquid might be used to accomplish low power ultrasonication of digestate at greater distances than is possible with conventional ultrasonic technology. Through the summer of 2019, the... [more]

In the inclination direction, the fracture law of a longwall face roof is very important for roadway control. Based on the W1123 working face mining of Kuangou coal mine, the roof structure, stress and energy characteristics of W1123 were studied by using mechanical analysis, model testing and engineering practice. The results show that when the width of W1123 is less than 162 m, the roof forms a rock beam structure in the inclined direction, the floor pressure is lower, the energy and frequency of microseismic (MS) events are at a low level, and the stability of the section coal pillar is better. When the width of W1123 increases to 172 m, the roof breaks along the inclined direction, forming a double-hinged structure, the floor pressure is increased, and the frequency and energy of MS events also increases. The roof gathers elastic energy release, and combined with the MS energy release speed it can be considered that the stability of the section coal pillar is better. As the width o... [more]

In order to analyze the year-end water level of multi-year regulating reservoir of the cascade hydropower system, this paper studied the joint operation optimization model of cascade reservoirs and its solving method based on multi-dimensional dynamic programming, and analyzed the power generation impact factors of cascade system that contains multi-year regulating reservoir. In particular, taking the seven reservoirs in the middle and lower reaches of Yalong River as an example, the optimal year-end water levels of multi-year regulating reservoir under the multi-year average situation and different inflow frequencies situation were studied. Based on the optimal calculation results of multi-dimensional dynamic programming, the inflow frequency difference considered operation rule of year-end water level of Lianghekou reservoir was extracted using the least square principle. The simulation results showed that, compared with the fixed year-end water level in multi-year, the extracted rul... [more]

The spiral separator is an important tool for desanding in natural gas hydrate production, and the change of hydrate reservoir parameters has a great impact on spiral separator behavior. Mastering the influence law is helpful to improve the separation performance. Until now, there was still no detailed analysis of the effect mechanism between reservoir parameters and spiral separator behavior. In this paper, a downhole spiral separator was designed. Then, the effects of reservoir parameters (particle size, hydrate, volume fraction, and sand volume fraction) on separation performance (discrete phase distribution, separation efficiency, and differential pressure) with different flow rates were investigated by numerical simulation method Fluent 18.0. The results show that effects degree of reservoir parameters is in order from large to small: sand phase volume fraction, particle size, hydrate volume fraction. As the particle size increases, the separation performance is improved. When the... [more]

This study assesses the bioenergy generation potential of crop residues in Ukraine for the year 2030. Projections of agricultural development are made based on the Global Biosphere Management Model (GLOBIOM) and verified against available Agricultural Member State Modeling (AGMEMOD) results in regard to the six main crops cultivated in Ukraine (wheat, barley, corn, sunflower, rape and soya). Two agricultural development scenarios are assessed (traditional and innovative), facilitating the projection of future crop production volumes and yields for the selected crops. To improve precision in defining agro-environmental limitations (the share of crop residues necessary to be kept on the fields to maintain soil fertility for the continuous cultivation of crops), yield-dependent residue-to-product ratios (RPRs) were applied and the levels of available soil nutrients for regions of Ukraine (in regard to nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and humus) were estimated. The results reveal the econom... [more]

Biogas production in agricultural biogas plants generates digestate—liquid waste containing organic matter and mineral nutrients. Utilisation of the digestate on farm fields adjacent to the biogas plants is limited. Therefore, bio-refineries implement advanced forms of digestate processing, including precipitation of struvite (MgNH4PO4.6H2O). Struvite can be transported over long distances and dosed precisely to meet the nutritional needs of the plants. Divergent opinions on the fertilising value of struvite and its function over time call for further research on its effects on crop yields in the first and subsequent years after application. This study investigates the effects of struvite (STR), struvite with ammonium sulphate (STR + N), and commercial ammonium phosphate (AP) on the yields, nutrient concentration in the crops, nutrient uptake by the crops, and soil N, P, and Mg content in the second growing period after the application of fertilisers to silty loam (SL) and loamy sand (... [more]

This paper proposes a predictive driver coaching (PDC) system for fuel economy driving for hybrid electric trucks using upcoming static map and dynamic traffic data. Unlike traditional methods that optimize over engine torque and brake to obtain a speed profile, we propose to optimize over driving modes of trucks to achieve a trade-off between fuel consumption and trip time. The optimal driving mode is provided to the driver as a coaching recommendation. To obtain the optimal solution, the truck dynamics are firstly modeled as a hybrid controlled switching dynamical system with autonomous subsystems and then a hybrid optimal control problem (HOCP) is formulated. The problem is solved using an algorithm based on discrete hybrid minimum principle. A warm-start strategy to reduce algorithmic iterations is used by employing a shrinking horizon strategy. In addition, an extensive analysis of the proposed algorithm is provided. We prove that the the coasting mode is never optimal given the t... [more]

Nonuniform proppant distribution is fairly common in hydraulic fractures, and different closure behaviors of the propped and unpropped fractures have been observed in lots of physical experiments. However, the modeling of partially propped fracture closure is rarely performed, and its effect on gas production is not well understood as a result of previous studies. In this paper, a fully coupled fluid flow and geomechanics model is developed to simulate partially propped fracture closure, and to examine its effect on gas production in fractured shale reservoirs. Specifically, an efficient hybrid model, which consists of a single porosity model, a multiple porosity model and the embedded discrete fracture model (EDFM), is adopted to model the hydro-mechanical coupling process in fractured shale reservoirs. In flow equations, the Klinkenberg effect is considered in gas apparent permeability, and adsorption/desorption is treated as an additional source term. In the geomechanical domain, th... [more]

Power quality assessment is a complex measurement task, requiring the usage of a system with suitable metrological properties. This complex measurement task in the real power grid is performed with the use of power quality analysers that measure and record the parameters determining the power quality. The paper presents selected research results for a class A power quality analyser in the specially prepared measurement system containing measuring instruments calibrated by the Main Office of Measures. The measurement results were completed with a presentation of the uncertainty budget. The influence of the phenomenon of spectrum leakage on metrological properties of the tested power quality analyser was considered in the paper. To assess this influence, the simulation studies with the use of MATLAB and the experimental studies were carried out for selected test signals. The Metrological interpretation of the research results is presented in the paper.

The elementary research of spray and combustion is of great significance to the development of compactness of modern diesel engines. In this paper, three injectors with different nozzle orifice diameters (0.23 mm, 0.27 mm and 0.31 mm) were used to study the diesel spray, ignition and flame-wall impingement visualization experiment. This paper studied the influence of different nozzle sizes on the trends of spray, ignition and flame diffusion under the flame-wall impinging combustion and used the flame luminosity to characterize the soot generation in combustion. By analyzing the quantitative data, such as spray penetration, ignition delay, flame area and flame luminosity systematically, it was shown that the smaller nozzle benefitted diesel combustion to some extent. The 0.23 mm nozzle injector in these experiments had the best fuel-air mixing effect under 800 K. The length of the spray liquid under the 0.23 mm nozzle condition was 19% and 23% shorter than that of 0.27 and 0.31 mm, res... [more]

Electricity provides a crucial service in our daily lives. However, in electricity systems mostly based on conventional, fossil-fuel fired technologies, an increase in electricity demand also leads to higher greenhouse gas emissions and, in countries without fossil-fuel resources, also increases their dependence on foreign energy sources. In more decarbonised electricity systems, with a high penetration of variable renewable energy sources, strong increases in electricity demand lead to higher system costs, given the need for back-up. Therefore, identifying the drivers of electricity demand is an academically-relevant, but also a policy-relevant exercise, since specific policy measures can be linked to those drivers. The aim of this paper is to assess the drivers of electricity demand in Spain in the period immediately after the economic crisis (2013−2017), with the help of a unique database of Spanish households and econometric modeling. Our results show that electricity demand in thi... [more]