The rapid development of the Belt and Road economics has generated a considerable energy demand. Under the general trend of the global energy transition, natural gas resources are becoming the main driving force. The limited natural gas resources are posing a significant risk to economies, and this risk may also be transferred to other distant regions through economic trade. The aim of this study is to explore the trans-regional (sectoral) transmission pattern of natural gas scarcity risk. The main contribution of this paper is the assessment of the local natural gas scarcity risk (LGSR) and cross-region transfer relationship of embodied natural gas scarcity risk (EGSR), which are evaluated for the BRI economies. In addition, the network amplification effect is considered when evaluating the cross-regional impact of natural gas scarcity risk. The results show that, at the national level, Turkey, Ukraine, and Bulgaria have significant EGSR related to exports activities. The natural gas... [more]

Compared to ordinary rotor, rod fastening rotor has the advantages of lighter weight, higher strength and easier installation, so it is widely used in gas turbine. However, in the process of a long-term operation, the rod may be deformed due to the influence of alternating load, high temperature and other uncertain factors. In serious cases, it can even lead to a major accident. The discontinuous characteristic of rod fastening rotor leads to great differences in dynamic characteristics compared to ordinary rotor. Based on the Herz contact theory and GW contact model, the contact effect between two discs was studied, and the relationship among the contact load, the distance between two disks and the equivalent bending stiffness was obtained. Findings show the bending stiffness to decrease nonlinearly with the decrease in contact load. The lumped mass method was used to establish the rotor model. The contact effect was considered and the Runge−Kutta method was used to solve the model. C... [more]

This paper analyzes the macro-economic impact of controlling fossil energy consumption in China by using a social accounting matrix framework. The empirical results show that, first, restricting the exploitation of fossil energy resources will lead to a decline in the output of other production activities, thereby reducing the factor income and the living standards of residents. Second, improving energy efficiency can promote increased output in other production sectors, and raise factor returns and residents’ living standards. Third, raising the price of energy products will result in higher costs of the entire society. The stronger the dependence on the energy sector, the greater the increase in the industrial cost. Therefore, the government should increase investment in energy efficiency, keep to energy intensity constraints, restrict the extraction amount of energy resources, and reasonably control energy prices based on market environmental factors.

The main goal of this article is to build a decision model for an investment involving the addition of a CCS (Carbon dioxide Capture and Storage) installation in an existing conventional power plant. The application of CCS systems in coal and gas power plants involves large capital expenditures and an increase in operating costs. The lack of upgrade modernisation and environmentally friendly investments in this type of power plant generates the additional costs of the purchase of emission allowances. An analysis of the impact of the addition of a CCS installation to an existing coal power plant on the costs of electricity generation is presented. Based on the accessible technical and economic data, a concept has been framed and an original decision-making model has been developed for an investment consisting in constructing a CCS installation in an existing power plant. A novelty of the paper is the presented proprietary decision-making model in conditions of uncertainty using the real... [more]

Mainly throughout the last two decades, the technologies associated with electric vehicles (EVs) have achieved a pertinent interest, both in terms of scientific and industrial perspectives [...]

The alkali/surfactant/polymer (ASP) flood has long been considered to reduce residual oil saturation significantly after waterflood. This paper provides an experimental investigation of the factors (permeability, pore structure, ASP formula, injection volume, viscosity, and injection volume) that influence the evolution of residual oil after ASP flooding. ASP flood experiments were conducted on the cores drilled in Daqing field, and two-dimensional real-structure micromodels were constructed based on these cores. For the ASP core flood experiments, X-ray computed tomography imaging was used for the visualization of the residual oil evolution. For the ASP micromodel flood experiments, images of the residual oil distribution were obtained using a microscope with a 5× magnification objective. The results showed that as water saturation increased during the flood, the proportion of oil clusters decreased, and the proportion of oil droplets first increased and then decreased. For the cores... [more]

One of the ways to resolve the “green energy-economic development” dilemma, in which the coal industry is situated, is by the improvement of technologies and the integrated use of extracted resources, including methane gas as a clean energy source. Using the example of the Kirova mine, located in Kuznetsk coal basin—one of the ecologically unfavorable coal mining regions of Russia—this article discusses an integrated technology for the extraction of coalbed methane (ECBM), which makes it possible to reduce greenhouse gas (methane) emissions and improve the safety and intensity of coal mining. The Kirova mine, with its 3 Mt production in 2019, is one of the coal mining leaders in Russia. The available mining equipment has the potential to significantly increase the output; however, gas is a limiting factor to this. The customary approaches to coal seam degassing have already been petered out. The miners and mine science are facing a challenge to validate and test an alternative technolo... [more]

It is vitally important that a transmission network provides a continuity of electricity to end users and that the transmission system operator prioritizes its safety and reliability. This article presents the possibilities of using multi-track overhead lines with varying levels of rated voltage, run on a common support structure. This solution would ensure safe operation of the system, reduce the area used for the construction of new overhead lines, and, at the same time increase the transmission network capacity. This article focuses on the method of modeling overhead lines for the analysis of electromagnetic transient states that occur during non-simultaneous disturbance phenomena. This article presents the idea of multi-circuit, multi-voltage lines and their validity of use in power systems. An analysis of electromagnetic transient states for non-simultaneous disturbances in multi-path, multi-voltage lines is presented. This analysis has been made on the basis of a network model, u... [more]

In this paper, a finite control set model-free predictive current control (FCS-MFPCC) of a permanent magnet synchronous motor is presented. The control scheme addresses the problems of large current fluctuation and decline of the motor system performance during parameter perturbation for the traditional finite control set model predictive current control (FCS-MPCC). Firstly, the mathematical model of the motor is analyzed and derived during parameter perturbation, and a new hyperlocal model of the motor is established based on this mathematical model. Secondly, a finite control set model-free predictive current controller is designed based on the new hyperlocal model, and a current error correction factor is introduced to correct the prediction error. Meanwhile, the stability of the observer is demonstrated via the Lyapunov theory. The simulation results show that the proposed control strategy reduces current fluctuation compared with the FCS-MPCC strategy, and the system is robust dur... [more]

Due to the low boiling point of hydrogen, the boiling phenomenon is usually encountered in the applications of liquid hydrogen. The underlying mechanism as well as the physical performance of film boiling over horizontal cylinders are not yet fully understood, especially for the various diameters. In this paper, pool film boiling of hydrogen over horizontal cylinders with diameters ranging from 0.2 to 30 mm is investigated based on the volume-of-fluid method. By the analysis of the gas−liquid interface evolution and the heat transfer mechanism, the cylinders are divided into wire heaters, transition heaters, and tube heaters. The results show that the heat transfer of the wire is affected by the evolution of a single bubble, while the heat transfer of the tube is mainly affected by the movement of multiple crescent-shaped gas structures along the surface. Besides, with the increase in cylinder diameter, the bubble detachment diameter increases, the heat flux decreases correspondingly,... [more]

The microgrid has two main steady-state modes: grid-connected mode and islanded mode. The microgrid needs a high-performance controller to reduce the overshoot value that affects the efficiency of the network. However, the high voltage value causes the inverter to stop. Thus, an improved power-sharing response to the transfer between these two modes must be insured. More important points to study in a microgrid are the current sharing and power (active or reactive) sharing, besides the match percentage of power sharing among parallel inverters and the overshoot of both active and reactive power. This article aims to optimize the power response in addition to voltage and frequency stability, in order to make this network’s performance more robust against external disturbance. This can be achieved through a self-tuning control method using an optimization algorithm. Here, the optimized droop control is provided by the H-infinity (H∞) method improved with the artificial bee colony algorit... [more]

To discuss a suitable porous structure for helium gas cooling under high heat flux conditions of a nuclear fusion divertor, we first evaluate effective thermal conductivity of sintered copper-particles in a simple cubic lattice by direct numerical heat-conduction simulation. The simulation reveals that the effective thermal conductivity of the sintered copper-particle highly depends on the contacting state of each particle, which leads to the difficulty for the thermal design. To cope with this difficulty, we newly propose utilization of a unidirectional porous tube formed by explosive compression technology. Quantitative prediction of its cooling potential using the heat transfer correlation equation demonstrates that the heat transfer coefficient of the helium gas cooling at the pressure of 10 MPa exceeds 30,000 W/m2/K at the inlet flow velocity of 25 m/s, which verifies that the unidirectional porous copper tubes can be a candidate for the gas-cooled divertor concept.

Aiming at the problem that the current coefficient of restitution model cannot effectively predict energy dissipation in the multi-body system collision process, a coefficient of restitution model considering the yield strength is proposed in this article. As an important parameter for energy loss and material deformation prediction during collision, the coefficient of restitution has an important influence on the accurate calculation of contact force. The current main coefficient of restitution models are compared and analyzed in this article. In view of the large difference between the results obtained by different models on the same parameter, through the use of ANSYS/LS−DYNA for dynamic simulation, the influence of different yield strengths on the coefficient of restitution is studied. Then, the article establishes a new coefficient of restitution model considering the yield strength combined with the J−G model, and verifies the effectiveness of the model in the article using exper... [more]

The European Union (EU) has developed important efforts in enacting various clean energy policies in order to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the last decades. Both supply-side and demand-side changes are required in the energy systems in the period of 2020−2030 and going towards 2050. In this context, a better understanding of the effects of these specific clean energy actions on reducing GHG emissions may be especially of interest for allowing policymakers to know the strengths and weaknesses of various climate-related power sector policies. This paper adds to the literature by presenting the effects of both supply-side and demand-side policies and empirical evidence of the impact of these policies on the reduction in carbon emissions. This analysis was done by means of a panel data set and several regression models that contribute to explaining the link between clean energy policies applied in the EU and carbon emissions over the period of 2000−2019. The results show that w... [more]

One of the methods of municipal solid waste (MSW) treatment is biodrying. The literature describes mainly the results obtained in a laboratory- and a pilot-scale reactor. The manuscript presents the results of MSW treatment in a full-scale bio-drying reactor (150 m3). The reactor is operated in one of the Polish installations specializing in mechanical-biological treatment (MBT). During the 14 day period of biodrying in the reactor, the parameters of MSW such as the moisture, temperature, loss on ignition (LOI), and net heating value (NHV) were examined. The temperature of the air in the reactor was also examined. The research also included changes in the above-mentioned parameters of MSW located in three parts of the reactor: the front, middle, and back. The test results showed that the moisture content of the waste decreased from the initial level of 55% to the level of 30%. This was accompanied by an increase in the NHV from 6.3 MJ kg−1 to 9.6 MJ kg−1. At the same time, the LOI decr... [more]

The production of large-scale photovoltaics (PVs) is becoming increasingly popular in the field of power generation; they require the construction of power plants of several hundred megawatts. Nevertheless, the construction of these PV power plants with conventional low-voltage (LV) conversion systems is not an appropriate technological path. Particularly, large cross-section cables, a high quantity of semiconductors, and the bulky layout of 50/60-Hz step-up transformers make the PV system less competitive in terms of energy efficiency and cost. To overcome these drawbacks, this paper introduces new PV plant topologies with an intermediate medium-voltage direct current (MVDC) collector that requires galvanic isolation for connecting the PV arrays. Then, the design of a power electronic transformer (PET) is proposed, implementing 1.7-kV and 3.3-kV silicium carbide (SiC) power modules. The study confirms that this converter allows the use of medium-frequency (MF) transformers with high p... [more]

The thermodynamic and transport properties of magnesium oxide crystal arc plasma have been researched under local thermodynamic equilibrium in this paper. The pure CO2 plasma in the arc initiation stage and Mg-CO mixtures plasma in the stable melting stage were selected. The parameter-variation method combined with Levenberg−Marquardt algorithm (PVM-LMA) is used to solve the plasma equilibrium compositions model established by mass action law from higher to lower temperature in sequence. Taking Mg50%-CO50% plasma as an example, the plasma number density of 7500 K is calculated according to 8000 K. The results show that the PVM-LMA algorithm has the advantages of fast and high precision. The comparisons to the results of pure CO2 in previous literature are displayed and our work shows better agreement with theirs. The results of Mg-CO mixtures indicate that the chemical properties of Mg atoms are more active and easier to ionize, which can effectively improve the electrical conductivity... [more]

In an effort to improve the stability and secure operation of the grid, regulatory bodies are opening Ancillary Services Markets participation to Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), energy storage systems, and demand response. Within this framework, this study proposes a model that simulates the coordinated operation of an aggregate of power plants, including non-dispatchable DERs and, as regulating units, Combined Heat and Power (CHP) generation and electrochemical energy storage systems. A Monte Carlo procedure is adopted to realistically create a population of aggregation scenarios. The real-time operation of the DER portfolio is managed through a Heuristic Greedy-Indexing logic, which allows the Aggregator to select the optimal control action to implement according to the technical and economic quantities characterizing the market and the grid. The techno-economic performance of the proposed algorithm is evaluated by simulating its interaction with the electricity markets. Finally... [more]

A building, a central location of human activities, is equipped with many devices that consume a lot of electricity. Therefore, predicting the energy consumption of a building is essential because it helps the building management to make better energy management policies. Thus, predicting energy consumption of a building is very important, and this study proposes a forecasting framework for energy consumption of a building. The proposed framework combines a decomposition method with a forecasting algorithm. This study applies two decomposition algorithms, namely the empirical mode decomposition and wavelet transformation. Furthermore, it applies the long short term memory algorithm to predict energy consumption. This study applies the proposed framework to predict the energy consumption of 20 buildings. The buildings are located in different time zones and have different functionalities. The experiment results reveal that the best forecasting algorithm applies the long short term memor... [more]

The fabrication of bulk heterojunction organic solar cells (OSCs) is primarily based on a phase demixing during solution deposition. This spontaneous process is triggered when, as a result of a decrease in the solvent concentration, interactions between donor and acceptor molecules begin to dominate. Herein, we present that interdiffusion of the same molecules is possible when a bilayers of donors and acceptors are exposed to solvent vapor. Poly(3-hexyl thiophene) (P3HT), and poly[N-9′-heptadecanyl-2,7-carbazole-alt-5,5-(4′,7′-di-2-thienyl-2′,1′,3′-benzothiadiazole) (PCDTBT) were used as donors and two types of fullerene derivatives were used as acceptors: phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PC60BM) and phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PC70BM), Secondary ion mass spectrometry depth profiling revealed that the interpenetration of donors and acceptors induced by solvent vapor annealing was dependent on solvent vapor and component compatibility. Exposure to chloroform vapor resulte... [more]

In the present study, the laminar flow and heat transfer of water jet impingement enhanced with nano-encapsulated phase change material (NEPCM) slurry on a hot plate is analytically investigated for the first time. A similarity solution approach is applied to momentum and energy equations in order to determine the flow velocity and heat transfer fields. The effect of different physical parameters such as jet velocity, Reynolds number, jet inlet temperature, and the NEPCM concentration on the cooling performance of the impinging jet are investigated. The volume fraction of NEPCM particles plays an essential role in the flow and heat transfer fields. The results show that NEPCM slurry can significantly enhance the cooling performance of the system as it improves the latent heat storage capacity of the liquid jet. However, the maximum cooling performance of the system is achieved under an optimum NEPCM concentration (15%). A further increase in NEPCM volume fraction has an unfavorable eff... [more]

In this work, sodium aluminate alkaline solution was used to capture CO2 in a continuous bubble column scrubber and aluminum tri-hydrate (ATH) precipitates were produced. As the sodium carbonate could be recycled after the filtrated solution was crystallized by evaporation, a novel CO2 capture process was developed successfully. There were five experimental operation variables, including solution flow rate (A), concentration of the solution (B), gas flow rate (C), CO2 gas concentration (D), and liquid temperature (E), with four levels to each variable. The influence of each variable on absorption efficiency (EF), absorption rate (RA), absorption factor (φ), mass transfer coefficient (KGa), and precipitation rate (RP) in a steady state was explored in this study. The Taguchi experimental design was adopted, and 16 experiments were performed; as the optimum operating conditions found in Taguchi analysis required further verification, there were a total of 21 experiments in the end. Accor... [more]

How to improve the combustion efficiency and reduce harmful emissions has been a hot research topic in the engine field and related disciplines. Researchers have found that nano-additives to diesel-biodiesel fuel blends have achieved significant results. Many research results and both current and previous studies on nanoparticles have shown that nano-additives play an essential role in improving the performance of internal combustion engines and reducing the emission of harmful substances. This paper summarizes the recent research progress of nanoparticles as additives for diesel-biodiesel fuel blends. Firstly, the excellent properties of nanoparticles are described in detail, and the preparation methods are summarized and discussed. Secondly, the effects of several commonly used nanoparticles as diesel-biodiesel fuel blends on combustion performance and harmful substances emissions in terms of combustion thermal efficiency, brake specific fuel consumption, CO, UHC and NOx, are reviewe... [more]

The EN ISO 52016-1:2017 standard introduced a new methodology for the hourly calculation of energy needs that allows the study of the dynamic energy performance of buildings. In this study, a comparative analysis was carried out between two heat transfer models for opaque building elements: the one described in the new standard EN ISO 52016-1:2017 (Annex B) and that proposed by the Italian national annex (Annex A). The analysis, carried out on 1854 cases, showed better results for the heating period than for the cooling period, with a lower Root-Mean-Square Error and Coefficient of Variation of the Root-Mean-Square Error for the model proposed by the Italian National Annex. Increasing the performance of the building by decreasing the solar transmission coefficient of the glazed surfaces leads to a worse Root-Mean-Square Error of about 11%. In addition, a sensitivity analysis of the thermo-physical parameters of the opaque building components was carried out and an alternative method fo... [more]

Analysis of the sustainability implications of the geothermal industry has tended to take a high-level or systemic overview of national performance rather than deeper, stakeholder-focused investigations. This study seeks to begin to fill this gap in the literature, investigating the following research question: how do projects in the Icelandic geothermal energy sector create co-benefits with stakeholders and reflect the integration of sustainable energy development (SED)? The focus of the analysis is identifying the stakeholders, what the sustainability benefits co-created with stakeholders are, and when in the projects’ life-cycle do these occur. Based on eleven semi-structured interviews with project managers in Iceland’s geothermal industry, the study identifies an array of stakeholders in the sector, including national and municipal governments, public sector institutions, businesses, the public, employees, and landowners. The sustainability co-benefits of Iceland’s geothermal powe... [more]