Innovative low-temperature disintegration (process temperature 55 °C and oxygen concentration 0.2 mg/dm3) can be an economically rational technology to intensifying energy production from renewable sources. The proposed process can achieve a degree of disintegration—under optimal conditions—of about 50%, which is excellent when compared with other methods of feed pre-treatment. The low-temperature disintegration of distillation residue and waste-activated sludge before the co-fermentation process increased biogas production by 30% and methane production by 65% (over a 26 d duration). The obtained results confirm that the low-temperature disintegration method can be effectively used to pre-prepare this type of feed. At the same time, it was discovered that the Gompertz model can be used to mathematically describe the biogas accumulation curves in the methane co-fermentation processes of the tested feeds (the correlation coefficients were higher than 0.98).

Degraded lands are potential areas for obtaining biomass which can serve as an energy source after its conversion into biogas. Thus, the studies on biogas production from maize and cocksfoot biomasses obtained from degraded soil supplemented with additions of new zeolite substrate (Z-ion as the nutrient carrier) and on arable soil (reference soil) were carried out during batch digestion tests. It was found that the biogas and biomethane potentials and specific energy of the test species growing in degraded soil enriched with Z-ion additions (1% and 5% v/v in the cases of cocksfoot and maize, respectively) did not differ significantly from the values of these parameters that were found for the plants growing in arable soil. The application of Z-ion to the degraded soil (especially in a dose of 5% v/v) resulted in an increase in the nitrogen content and decrease (below the lower optimum value) in the C/N ratio in the plant biomass. However, these changes did not negatively influence the... [more]

Accurately forecasting the output of grid connected wind and solar systems is critical to increasing the overall penetration of renewables on the electrical network. This is especially the case in Australia, where there has been a massive increase in solar and wind farms in the last 15 years, as well as in roof top solar, both domestic and commercial. For example, in 2020, 27% of the electricity in Australia was from renewable sources, and in South Australia almost 60% was from wind and solar. In the literature, there has been extensive research reported on solar and wind resource, entailing both point and interval forecasts, but there has been much less focus on the forecasting of output from wind and solar systems. In this review, we canvass both what has been reported and also what gaps remain. In the case of the latter topic, there are numerous aspects that are not well dealt with in the literature. We have added discussion on the value of forecasts, rather than just focusing on fo... [more]

The influence of mounting motors in wheels’ hubs and flexibility of the twist beam rear suspension on their dynamics and strength is presented in the paper. The international roughness indicator (IRI) is applied to assess the overcoming of road unevenness. This indicator is a combination of a shape of the road unevenness and of overcoming velocity. The movement of a wheel’s axis during obstacles overcoming is described. For the needs of the dynamics analysis, the mathematical model of the rear suspension system with embedded motors is developed using the MSC.Adams-ANSYS interface. The discrete model of the twist beam is prepared in the ANSYS software, which is used in the next step to construct the dynamics model of the rear suspension system using the MSC.Adams program. The vertical components of displacement and acceleration of the wheel’s centre, forces in the suspension’s springs and dampers, as well as forces in the joints are analyzed. The analysis of the suspension beam’s stress... [more]

This paper analyses the condition of a partial short-circuit in a brushless permanent magnet motor. Additionally, the problem was analysed for three stator winding configurations: star, delta and star-delta connection. The paper presents an original mathematical model allowing a winding configurations to be analysed. What is more, the said mathematical model allows taking account of the partial short-circuit condition. Frequency analysis (Fast Fourier Transform—FFT) of the artificial neutral point voltage was proposed for the purpose of detecting the partial short-circuit condition. It was demonstrated that a partial short-circuit causes a marked increase in the diagnostic frequencies of the voltage signal. The proposed brushless permanent magnet motor diagnostic method is able to detect the fault regardless of the stator winding configuration type.

The aim of Energies’ Smart Cities and Urban Management Section is to present new research results and new proven practices aimed at optimizing the energy use of smart cities and improving the energy efficiency in urban management [...]

Due to water scarcity, in the last few decades, air-to-water generator (AWG) technology, whose useful effect is the extraction of water from air, has been improved. In particular, in the last few years, advanced AWG integrated systems have been developed. Such systems permit, not only to condense water from air, but also the smart use of the by-side effects of the process in order to partially or totally cover the heating ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) needs of a building. Presently, there are no evaluation tools that permit a complete comparison among AWG machines, taking into account all the useful effects that can be obtained at the same time and with the same energy input. The current work, starting from the need for such a tool, proposes a global index whose formulation considers all useful effects of an integrated system, the energy required to obtain them, and the integration degree of the machine. The index translates into a single number the system global efficiency, by m... [more]

In this study, a plucking-driven piezoelectric wave energy harvester (PDPWEH) consisted of a buoy, a gear train frequency up-conversion mechanism, and an array of piezoelectric cantilever beams was developed. The gear train frequency up-conversion mechanism with compact components included a rack, three gears, and a geared cam provide less energy loss to improve electrical output. Six individual piezoelectric composite beams were plucked by geared cam to generate electrical power in the array of piezoelectric cantilever beams. A sol-gel method was used to create the piezoelectric composite beams. To investigate PDPWEH, a mathematical model based on the Euler−Bernoulli beam theory was derived. The developed PDPWEH was tested in a wave flume. The wave heights were set to 100 and 75 mm, the wave periods were set to 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 s. The maximum output voltage of the measured value was 12.4 V. The maximum RMS voltage was 5.01 V, which was measured by connecting to an external 200 kΩ res... [more]

The energy return on energy invested, EROI or EROEI, is the ratio of the energy produced by a system to the energy expended to build, maintain, and finally dismantle the system. It is an important parameter for evaluating the efficiency of energy-producing technologies. In this paper, we examine the concept of EROEI from the general viewpoint of dynamic dissipative systems, providing insights on a wider range of applications. In general, natural resources can be assimilated to energy stocks characterized by a potential that can be exploited by creating intermediate stocks. This transformation is typical of dissipative systems and for the first time, we report that the Lotka−Volterra model, usually confined to the study of the biology of populations, can represent a powerful tool to estimate the EROEI of dissipative systems and, in particular, those systems subjected to depletion. This assessment is important to evaluate the ongoing energy transition since it provides us with a model fo... [more]

The installation of base isolation systems in nuclear power plants can improve their safety from seismic loads. However, nuclear power plants with base isolation systems experience greater displacement as they handle seismic loads. The increase in relative displacement is caused by the installed base isolation systems, which increase the seismic risk of the interface piping system. It was found that the failure mode of the interface piping system was low-cycle fatigue failure accompanied by ratcheting, and the fittings (elbows and tees) failed due to the concentration of nonlinear behavior. Therefore, in this study, the limit state was defined as leakage, and an in-plane cyclic loading test was conducted in order to quantitatively express the failure criteria for the SCH40 6-inch carbon steel pipe elbow due to low-cycle fatigue failure. The leakage line and low-cycle fatigue curves of the SCH40 6-inch carbon steel pipe elbow were presented based on the test results. In addition, the li... [more]

The aim of the article is to present the complexity of social mechanisms related to the systemic energy transformation from the perspective of the classical social exchange theory. Considering the direction of actions taken to reduce carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere as obvious, the author of the article analyses the issue through the prism of social and economic dilemmas of the process, focusing on the mechanisms of energy transition in relation to Peter Blau’s exchange theory. The dilemmas of the systemic energy transition are presented in relation to the diverse games of interest that mark the social playing field around the analysed issue. The article outlines the social playing field of energy transition using the example of an economically strong country seeking to strengthen its position and a developing country interested in gaining energy independence. The analysis of the systemic conditions and the political activities carried out made it possible to define possibl... [more]

Traffic calming measures (TCMs) are implemented in urban areas to reduce vehicles’ speed and, generally speaking, results are obtained. However, speed is still a problem in rural roads crossing small villages without a bypass and with short-length urban areas, since drivers do not normally reduce their speed for that short segment. Hence, various TCM can be installed. It is necessary to maintain a calm area in these short segments to improve road safety, especially for pedestrian aiming to cross the road, and to save combustible by avoiding a constant increase-decrease of speed. Four villages were selected to evaluate the efficiency of radar speed cameras and panels indicating vehicle’s speed. Results showed that the presence of radar speed cameras reduces the speed in the direction they can fine, but with a lower effect in the non-fining direction. Additionally, a positive effect was observed in the fining direction in other points, such as pedestrian crossings. Nevertheless, the effe... [more]

The formula of engaging an energy service company (ESCO) in Poland is not a new form of accounting for investments in improving energy efficiency. The results of our survey confirm that many entities still lack sufficient knowledge about this subject. The research problem this paper is concerned with is the conditions of applying the ESCO formula (a model of investment financing with the participation of a specialised company) to support local government units and enterprises in energy-industry project development. For the purpose of this study, the research questions were formulated to analyse of the following issues: the reasons for interest in the ESCO formula and the sources of knowledge about this solution; activities and other factors that can increase or reduce interest in the ESCO formula; services in terms of ESCO formula implementation; the attractiveness of alternative instruments for financing energy industry projects, the benefits of using the ESCO formula and the influenc... [more]

This paper deals with the possibility to replace rare-earth permanent magnet (PM) motors in direct drive applications. According to previous researches, there are alternatives such as surface-mounted PM motors and spoke-type motors adopting Ferrite PMs, synchronous reluctance motors, with or without the assistance of low-energy PMs. Few studies have been carried out to compare all models at once, thus it is hard to choose which type motor is to be preferred as a valid alternative of rare-earth PM motors in direct drive applications. In this paper, the representative candidates listed above are analyzed and the results are compared with that of a rare-earth PM motor, which is considered as a reference motor. Additionally, the demagnetization phenomenon of the motors with Ferrite PMs is deeply analyzed because this kind of PM may be easily demagnetized by the stator flux. Finally, both strengths and weaknesses of each alternative motors are highlighted.

This study investigated the production of fermentable sugars from carbohydrate-rich macroalgae Saccharina japonica using sequential hydrolysis (hydrothermal acid pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis) to determine the maximum reducing sugar yield (RSy). The sequential hydrolysis was predicted by three independent variables (temperature, time, and HCl concentration) using response surface methodology (RSM). Enzymatic hydrolysis (8.17% v/wbiomass Celluclast® 1.5 L, 26.4 h, 42.6 °C) was performed after hydrothermal acid pretreatment under predicted conditions (143.6 °C, 22 min, and 0.108 N HCl concentration). Using this experimental procedure, the yields of hydrothermal acid pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, and sequential hydrolysis were 115.6 ± 0.4 mg/g, 117.7 ± 0.3 mg/g, and 183.5 ± 0.6 mg/g, respectively. Our results suggested that sequential hydrolysis of hydrothermal acid pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis was more efficient than their single treatment.

The application of laser ignition in the aerospace field has promising prospects. Based on the constant volume combustion chamber, the laser ignition of CH4/O2/N2 mixture with different initial pressure, different laser energy, different equivalence ratio and different oxygen content has been carried out. The development characteristics of the flame kernel and shock wave under different conditions are analyzed. In addition, the Taylor model and Jones model are also used to simulate the development process of the shock wave, and a new modified model is proposed based on the Jones model. The experimental results show that under pure oxygen conditions, the chemical reaction rate of the mixture is too fast, which makes it difficult for the flame kernel to form the ring and third-lobe structure. However, the ring structure is easier to form with the pressure and laser energy degraded; the flame kernel morphology is easier to maintain at a rich equivalence ratio, which is caused by the influ... [more]

Capacity remuneration mechanisms operate in many European countries. In 2018, Poland implemented a centralized capacity market to ensure appropriate funding for the existing and new power generation units to improve long-term energy security. One of the declarations made while the mechanism was deployed was its beneficial influence on incentives for investments in new units. In this context, this paper aims to analyze the effects of the capacity mechanism adopted for investments in new power generation units that may be financed under the capacity market mechanism in Poland. The analysis is conducted for four types of capacity market units, the existing, refurbishing, planned, and demand-side response types, and includes the final results of capacity auctions. The results prove that the primary beneficiaries of the capacity market in Poland have been the existing units (including the refurbishing ones) responsible for more than 80% of capacity obligation volumes contracted for 2021−202... [more]

The article presents an analysis of the impact of a malfunction resulting from excessive clearance on the rocker arm pin of the front suspension on the vehicle’s steerability. The first part of the article presents an analysis of the influence of the clearance on the rocker arm pin on the geometry of the suspension and steering system. The occurrence of forces acting on the rocker arm pin in various phases of the vehicle motion was analyzed. To assess the vehicle’s steering, the vehicle’s response time to sudden steering wheel movement was used. The vehicle’s response time to sudden movement of the steering wheel was used to assess the vehicle’s steerability. The second part presents the results of bench tests and traction tests of a vehicle equipped with a specially made measuring rocker arm with the possibility of simulating a clearance. The tests were carried out on a class B passenger car in selected road tests. The results of measurements obtained for the roadworthy vehicle and th... [more]

Stability metrics are used to quantify a system’s ability to maintain equilibrium under disturbances. We did not identify the proposition of a stability metric using sensitivity analysis within the literature. This work proposes a system stability metric and its application to an electrical repowering system. The methodology for applying the proposed metric comprises: (i) system parameters sensitivity analysis and spider diagram construction, (ii) determining the array containing the line segments inclination angles of each spider diagram curve, and (iii) stability calculation using the array mean and maximum inclination value of a line segment. After simulating the model built for the electrical repowering system and applying the methodology, we obtain results regarding the sensitivity indices and stability values of system inputs relative to their outputs, considering the original system and with reduced parameters. Using the stability study, it was possible to determine different st... [more]

A novel experimental method for the lateral mixing of binary solids in bubbling fluidized beds was developed based on the capacitance probe technique. The evolutions of local mixing ratios in a fluidized bed which can be assumed as one mixing cell were analyzed in detail. The solids mixing within one mixing cell was resolved and the effect of convection and diffusion mechanism on lateral mixing was evaluated individually. The results show that at lower part of the fluidized bed, convection plays a more important role in the mixing process near the wall; meanwhile, diffusion is very important for the mixing around the center line. This is opposite with that at the higher part. A lateral micro dispersion coefficient was proposed to characterize the lateral mixing within the mixing cell and the value is generally between 0.005 and 0.025 m/s. A new mixing index was proposed to evaluate the lateral mixing quality of binary solids. It was found that at the lower part of the fluidized bed, th... [more]

In this paper, an automatic algorithm for the detection of subsidence areas in SAR interferograms is proposed. It is based on the analysis of spatial distribution of the interferogram phase, and its coherence and entropy. The developed method was tested for differential interferograms generated on the basis of Sentinel-1 SAR images covering mining areas in South Poland. The obtained results were compared with those achieved using a method based on circular Gabor filters. Performed analysis revealed that the detection rate for the proposed method varied from 34% to 83%. It is an improved method based on Gabor filters that achieved a detection rate from 30% to 53%.

The effect of non-coaxial rotation on the transport of mass subjected to first-order chemical reaction is studied analytically. The effects of thermal radiation, buoyancy, constructive and destructive chemical reactions along with Casson fluid in rotating frame are discussed. Time evolution of primary and secondary velocities, energy and solute particles are analyzed. The behavior of flow under the variation of intensity of magnetic field is also investigated. Evolutionary behavior of primary velocity is opposite to the evolutionary behavior of secondary velocity. The impact of buoyant force on primary velocity is opposite to the role of buoyant force on the secondary velocity. The evolutionary behavior of temperature is also examined and a remarkable enhancement in temperature is noticed. Thermal radiation causes the fluid to be cooled down as heat energy is escaped by thermal radiation. Evolutionary behavior of concentration is also analyzed and an increasing of concentration versus... [more]

The Upper Cretaceous complex in the central part of the Carpathian Foreland (southern Poland) is relatively poorly recognized and described. Its formations can be classified as unconventional reservoir due to poor reservoir properties as well as a low recovery factor. The main aim of the article is to expand knowledge with conclusions resulting from the analysis of the latest seismic data with the application of seismic sequence stratigraphy. Moreover, the seismic attributes analysis was utilized. The depositional architecture recognition based on both chronostratigraphic horizons and Wheeler diagram interpretations was of paramount importance. A further result was the possibility of using the chronostratigraphic image for tectonostratigraphic interpretation. Two distinguished tectonostratigraphic units corresponding to megasequences were recognized. A tectonic setting of the analyzed interval is associated with global processes noticed by other authors in other parts of the central Eu... [more]

Extended-reach horizontal wells are critical for the development of unconventional reservoirs. Dual-channel drill pipe drilling has a great advantage in improving the horizontal section length, while the research on its mechanical extended-reach limit prediction model is insufficient. In this paper, the torque and drag model is built considering the additional axial force of the sliding piston on the dual-channel drillpipe. Based on the torque and drag model, the mechanical extended-reach limit model for dual-channel drilling is established. A case study including a comparison to the conventional drilling method and sensitivity analysis is conducted. The result shows that under the same conditions, the mechanical extended-reach limit of the dual-channel drilling method is 10,592.2 m, while it is 9030.6 m of the conventional drilling method. The dual-channel drilling method achieves a further mechanical extended-reach limit than the conventional drilling method. To improve the mechanica... [more]

In this study, a low-air temperature sludge drying system was constructed and the effects of temperature and relative humidity on the characteristics of the system were investigated. The results showed that the drying rate of sludge increased with an increase in air temperature and a decrease in the air’s relative humidity. The influence of temperature on the average drying rate exhibited an approximate quadratic distribution, while the influence of relative humidity on the average drying rate exhibited an almost linear distribution. The relationship equations of the average drying rate, temperature, and humidity were summarized and compared with the experimental results, and the maximum relative error was 7.6375%. By comparing the experimental results with the commonly used thin-layer drying models, it was found that the sludge drying characteristics were more consistent with the Midilli model. Based on the relevant parameters of the Midilli model, the relationship between the segment... [more]