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Inventions
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Thermodynamic and Technical Analysis for Sustainability (Volume 3)
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Thermodynamic and Technical Analysis for Sustainability (Volume 3)

A special issue of Inventions (ISSN 2411-5134). This special issue belongs to the section "Inventions and Innovation in Energy and Thermal/Fluidic Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2025 | Viewed by 9998

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Umberto Lucia

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Guest Editor
Dipartimento Energia “Galileo Ferraris”, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy
Interests: irreversible thermodynamics; quantum thermodynamics; thermodynamics of biosystems; exergoeconomics; econophysics; sustainability
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Debora Fino

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Guest Editor
Dipartimento di Scienza Applicata e Tecnologia, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy
Interests: circular economy; carbon capture; green chemistry; sustainability
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Giulia Grisolia

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Ambiente, del Territorio e delle Infrastrutture, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy
Interests: irreversible thermodynamics; thermodynamics of biosystems; exergoeconomics; thermoeconomics; life cycle assessment; sustainability
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue follows the publication of the first and second volumes of Thermodynamic and Technical Analysis for Sustainability, which presented sixteen exciting papers.

Sustainability and sustainable development represent a present topic of investigation, with particular regard to their link to pollution, carbon dioxide emissions, and human wellbeing.

Sustainable development was introduced in the natural and environmental sciences with the aim of attracting the interest of political and business stakeholders in order to meet the needs of the present generations without compromising future ones.

Business activities play a fundamental role in the control of every stage of the value creation and production chain and thus in their impacts on the use of resources and the natural environment. On the other hand, just business activities can represent a powerful instrument to help achieve sustainability.

In recent decades, research on sustainability represents a multidisciplinary form of investigation and has continuously grown and attracted a great deal of interest.

In relation to sustainability, air, water, and soil pollution represent problems for industrialized societies. Thus, this Special Issue wishes to focus on innovative research and strategies of sustainability, with particular regard to the thermodynamic analysis of biofuel and bioplastic production, in order to respond to the abovementioned problems of pollution.

Dr. Umberto Lucia
Prof. Dr. Debora Fino
Dr. Giulia Grisolia
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Inventions is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • sustainability
  • innovation
  • biofuels
  • bioplastics
  • waste as a resource
  • measurement of sustainabilit
  • sustainable industrial processes

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

22 pages, 3783 KiB  
Article
Energy Analysis of Standardized Shipping Containers for Housing
by Elena Arce Fariña, Mirela Panait, José María Lago-Cabo and Raquel Fernández-González
Inventions 2024, 9(5), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/inventions9050106 - 27 Sep 2024
Viewed by 841
Abstract
Shipping containers that remain in ports after exporting or importing products cause an environmental and logistical problem. Transporting them to the port of origin is costly; therefore, some of them are stored in the regions of destination. Recycling or reusing them in an [...] Read more.
Shipping containers that remain in ports after exporting or importing products cause an environmental and logistical problem. Transporting them to the port of origin is costly; therefore, some of them are stored in the regions of destination. Recycling or reusing them in an efficient and sustainable way represents a clean alternative. The purpose of this article is to analyze the feasibility and impact of implementing different insulating configurations on the energy demands required by a house based on a construction with standardized shipping containers. More specifically, it assesses the impact of the different orientations in which the dwelling can be arranged, depending on the location and its meteorological data. To this aim, a construction model will be developed in which first, the geometrical parameters are defined, and second, the energy characteristics are identified. The results show that, in Southwest Europe, the western orientation generates a saving of 10% of the energy demand compared to the less favourable orientation, which is the southern one. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermodynamic and Technical Analysis for Sustainability (Volume 3))
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24 pages, 14746 KiB  
Article
Hydraulic Design of an Ultracompact Liquid Methane–Liquid Oxygen Turbopump for a Mid-Scale Thruster for Upper Stage Application
by Alexandru-Claudiu Cancescu, Daniel-Eugeniu Crunteanu, Anna-Maria Theodora Andreescu, Simona-Nicoleta Danescu and Valeriu Dragan
Inventions 2024, 9(5), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/inventions9050104 - 25 Sep 2024
Viewed by 687
Abstract
As space missions proliferate and the payload requirements increase, the environmental impact of thrusters can no longer be considered negligible. Therefore, less impactful fuels such as methane are starting to be considered for launchers. In this paper we present a design case study [...] Read more.
As space missions proliferate and the payload requirements increase, the environmental impact of thrusters can no longer be considered negligible. Therefore, less impactful fuels such as methane are starting to be considered for launchers. In this paper we present a design case study for such a turbopump. Using both analytical models and Computational Fluid Dynamics techniques, we were able to reduce the size and weight of the turbopump assembly. Also, due to the elimination of some auxiliary systems, the overall efficiency was enhanced. This paper’s findings and methods can be transferred not only to launchers in its own class, but also to larger scale engines with a similar construction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermodynamic and Technical Analysis for Sustainability (Volume 3))
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18 pages, 4943 KiB  
Article
Analysis of a Newly Developed Afterburner System Employing Hydrogen–Methane Blends
by Florin Gabriel Florean, Andreea Mangra, Marius Enache, Razvan Carlanescu, Alexandra Taranu and Madalina Botu
Inventions 2024, 9(4), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/inventions9040074 - 11 Jul 2024
Viewed by 787
Abstract
A considerable number of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems continue to depend on fossil fuels like oil and natural gas, contributing to significant environmental pollution and the release of greenhouse gases. Two V-gutter flame holder prototypes (P1 and P2) with the same [...] Read more.
A considerable number of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems continue to depend on fossil fuels like oil and natural gas, contributing to significant environmental pollution and the release of greenhouse gases. Two V-gutter flame holder prototypes (P1 and P2) with the same expansion angle, fueled with pure hydrogen (100% H2) or hydrogen–methane mixtures (60% H2 + 40% CH4, 80% H2 + 20% CH4), intended for use in cogeneration applications, have been designed, manufactured, and tested. Throughout the tests, the concentrations of CO2, CO, and NO in the flue gas were monitored, and particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements were performed. The CO, CO2, respectively, and NO emissions gradually decreased as the percentage of H2 in the fuel mixture increased. The NO emissions were significantly lower in the case of prototype P2 in comparison with prototype P1 in all measurement points for all used fuel mixtures. The shortest recirculation zone was observed for P1, where the axial velocity reaches a negative peak of approximately 12 m/s at roughly 50 mm downstream of the edge of the flame holder, and the recirculation region spans about 90 mm. In comparison, the P2 prototype has a length of the recirculation region span of about 100 mm with a negative peak of approximately 14 m/s. The data reveal high gradients in flow velocity near the flow separation point, which gradually smooth out with increasing downstream distance. Despite their similar design, P2 consistently performs better across all measured velocity components. This improvement can be attributed to the larger fuel injection holes, which enhance fuel–air mixing and combustion stability. Additionally, the presence of side walls directing the flow around the flame stabilizer further aids in maintaining a stable combustion process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermodynamic and Technical Analysis for Sustainability (Volume 3))
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10 pages, 3599 KiB  
Article
Temperature-Dependent Residual Stresses and Thermal Expansion Coefficient of VO2 Thin Films
by Chuen-Lin Tien, Chun-Yu Chiang, Ching-Chiun Wang and Shih-Chin Lin
Inventions 2024, 9(3), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/inventions9030061 - 18 May 2024
Viewed by 1542
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the thermomechanical properties of vanadium dioxide (VO2) thin films. A VO2 thin film was simultaneously deposited on B270 and H-K9L glass substrates by electron-beam evaporation with ion-assisted deposition. Based on optical interferometric methods, the thermal–mechanical [...] Read more.
This study aims to investigate the thermomechanical properties of vanadium dioxide (VO2) thin films. A VO2 thin film was simultaneously deposited on B270 and H-K9L glass substrates by electron-beam evaporation with ion-assisted deposition. Based on optical interferometric methods, the thermal–mechanical behavior of and thermal stresses in VO2 films can be determined. An improved Twyman–Green interferometer was used to measure the temperature-dependent residual stress variations of VO2 thin films at different temperatures. This study found that the substrate has a great impact on thermal stress, which is mainly caused by the mismatch in the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the film and the substrate. By using the dual-substrate method, thermal stresses in VO2 thin films from room temperature to 120 °C can be evaluated. The thermal expansion coefficient is 3.21 × 10−5 °C−1, and the biaxial modulus is 517 GPa. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermodynamic and Technical Analysis for Sustainability (Volume 3))
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12 pages, 6497 KiB  
Article
A Modeling-Based Flammable Risk Treatment of Refrigerant Leakage from a Commercial R-290 Refrigeration Machine
by Mingkan Zhang, Vishaldeep Sharma and Praveen Cheekatamarla
Inventions 2024, 9(3), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/inventions9030053 - 4 May 2024
Viewed by 1285
Abstract
Because of serious concerns about global warming, manufacturers have started phasing out high global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants in commercial refrigeration equipment (e.g., R-134a). As a potential replacement, propane (R-290) is an environmentally friendly refrigerant for commercial refrigeration equipment because its GWP is [...] Read more.
Because of serious concerns about global warming, manufacturers have started phasing out high global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants in commercial refrigeration equipment (e.g., R-134a). As a potential replacement, propane (R-290) is an environmentally friendly refrigerant for commercial refrigeration equipment because its GWP is only three. However, propane is flammable and is therefore classified as a Class A3 refrigerant per ASHRAE Standards, so safety is a very important consideration when propane-based equipment is designed and deployed in buildings. In the event of a refrigerant leak, flammability of the refrigerant depends on the refrigerant’s local concentration, which is highly affected by the indoor air environment, including temperature and air flow. In this study, a ventilation system attached to a commercial R-290 refrigeration device was designed to eliminate the flammability risk. Moreover, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was developed to investigate the refrigerant leak, thereby evaluating effects of the ventilation system. The CFD model can visualize the flammable zones owing to the leak. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermodynamic and Technical Analysis for Sustainability (Volume 3))
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22 pages, 13772 KiB  
Article
Experimental Research on an Afterburner System Fueled with Hydrogen–Methane Mixtures
by Florin Gabriel Florean, Andreea Mangra, Marius Enache, Marius Deaconu, Razvan Ciobanu and Razvan Carlanescu
Inventions 2024, 9(3), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/inventions9030046 - 24 Apr 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1558
Abstract
A new afterburner installation is proposed, fueled with pure hydrogen (100%H2) or hydrogen–methane mixtures (60% H2 + 40% CH4, 80% H2 + 20% CH4) for use in cogeneration applications. Two prototypes (P1 and P2) with the [...] Read more.
A new afterburner installation is proposed, fueled with pure hydrogen (100%H2) or hydrogen–methane mixtures (60% H2 + 40% CH4, 80% H2 + 20% CH4) for use in cogeneration applications. Two prototypes (P1 and P2) with the same expansion angle (45 degrees) were developed and tested. P1 was manufactured by the classic method and P2 by additive manufacturing. Both prototypes were manufactured from Inconel 625. During the tests, analysis of flue gas (CO2, CO, and NO concentration), PIV measurements, and noise measurements were conducted. The flue gas analysis emphasizes that the behavior of the two tested prototypes was very similar. For all three fuels used, the CO2 concentration levels were slightly lower in the case of the additive-manufactured prototype P2. The CO concentration levels were significantly higher in the case of the additive-manufactured prototype P2 when 60% H2/40% CH4 and 80% H2/20% CH4 mixtures were used as fuel. When pure H2 was used as fuel, the measured data suggest that no additional CO was produced during the combustion process, and the level of CO was similar to that from the Garrett micro gas turbine in all five measuring points. The NO emissions gradually decreased as the percentage of H2 in the fuel mixture increased. The NO concentration was significantly lower in the case of the additive-manufactured prototype (P2) in comparison with the classic manufactured prototype (P1). Examining the data obtained from the PIV measurements of the flow within the mixing region shows that the highest axial velocity component value on the centerline was measured for the P1 prototype. The acoustic measurements showed that a higher H2 concentration led to a reduction in noise of approximately 1.5 dB for both afterburner prototypes. The outcomes reveal that the examined V-gutter flame holder prototype flow was smooth, without any perpendicular oscillations, without chaotic motions or turbulent oscillations to the flow direction, across all tested conditions, keeping constant thermal power. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermodynamic and Technical Analysis for Sustainability (Volume 3))
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24 pages, 13906 KiB  
Article
Lab Scale Investigation of Gaseous Emissions, Performance and Stability of an Aviation Turbo-Engine While Running on Biodiesel Based Sustainable Aviation Fuel
by Radu Mirea and Grigore Cican
Inventions 2024, 9(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/inventions9010016 - 19 Jan 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2240
Abstract
The research experimentally examines the viability of biodiesel obtained from pork fat (BP) as a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) when mixed with kerosene (Ke)—Jet-A aviation fuel + 5% Aeroshell 500 oil. Various blends of biodiesel and kerosene (10, 20, and 30% vol. of [...] Read more.
The research experimentally examines the viability of biodiesel obtained from pork fat (BP) as a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) when mixed with kerosene (Ke)—Jet-A aviation fuel + 5% Aeroshell 500 oil. Various blends of biodiesel and kerosene (10, 20, and 30% vol. of BP added in Ke) were subjected to testing in an aviation micro turbo-engine under different operational states: idle, cruise, and maximum power. During the tests, monitoring of engine parameters such as burning temperature, fuel consumption, and thrust force was conducted. The study also encompassed the calculation of crucial performance indicators like burning efficiency, thermal efficiency, and specific consumption for all fuel blends under maximum power conditions. Combustion temperatures ahead of the turbines rise with an increase in biodiesel concentration, particularly in the idle regime, without compromising engine integrity. However, for regimes 2 and 3, the temperature in front of the turbine decreases with rising biodiesel concentration, accompanied by an increase in fuel flow rate. This phenomenon is reflected in the elevated specific consumption. Notably, for regime 3, there is a noticeable rise in specific consumption, starting from S = 0.0264 kg/Nh when the turbo-engine operates solely with Ke, to S = 0.0266 kg/Nh for Ke + 10% BP, S = 0.0269 kg/Nh for Ke + 20% BP, and S = 0.0275 kg/Nh for Ke + 30% BP. Physical–chemical properties of the blends, encompassing density, viscosity, flash point, and calorific power, were determined. Furthermore, elemental analysis and FTIR were used for chemical composition determination. The amount of CO2 produced during the stoichiometric combustion reaction with air showed variations. Initially, when using only Ke, it amounted to 3.12 kg per kilogram of fuel. Upon adding 10% BP, this value decreased to 3.09 kg, further reducing to 3.05 kg with 20% BP. The lowest value was observed with 30% BP, reaching 3.04 kg. Experimental assessments were performed on the Jet Cat P80® micro-turbo-engine, covering aspects such as starting procedures, sudden acceleration, sudden deceleration, and emissions of pollutants (NOx, CO, and SO2) during several engine operational phases. The outcomes reveal that the examined fuel blends exhibited stable engine performance across all tested conditions. This indicates that these blends hold promise as sustainable aviation fuels for micro turbo-engines, presenting benefits in terms of diminished pollution and a more ecologically sound raw material base for fuel production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermodynamic and Technical Analysis for Sustainability (Volume 3))
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