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Assessment and Optimization of Energy Efficiency
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Assessment and Optimization of Energy Efficiency

A special issue of Resources (ISSN 2079-9276).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 July 2025 | Viewed by 9957

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Silvia Maria Zanoli

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell’Informazione, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131 Ancona, AN, Italy
Interests: advanced process control; automation; model predictive control; Petri nets; discrete event systems (DESs); process modelling; energy efficiency; steel industries; cement industries; water distribution networks; hydroelectric power plants; district heating; HVAC; process control; process monitoring; Industry 4.0
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Crescenzo Pepe

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell’Informazione, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131 Ancona, AN, Italy
Interests: advanced process control; model predictive control; process modelling; automation; energy efficiency; steel industries; cement industries; water distribution networks; hydroelectric power plants; district heating; HVAC; process control; process monitoring; Industry 4.0
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In order to pursue the energy goals defined for 2030 and 2050, a strong effort regarding the assessment and optimization of energy efficiency is required by researchers, engineers and practitioners. The rational use of resources represents a key point: all resource categories must be accurately managed so as to smartly conduct energy transition. Energy efficiency assessments represent the foundation on which to create, build, design and implement optimization strategies. Examples of drivers in this field are represented by data selection, data acquisition, data storage, data analysis, Industry 4.0, digital twins and Key Performance Indicator (KPI) concepts. Both energy efficiency assessment and optimization represent multidisciplinary challenges where each area can contribute through its distinctive and specific tools. The high specificity and uniqueness of each discipline can make a difference in building a better future.

Prof. Dr. Silvia Maria Zanoli
Dr. Crescenzo Pepe
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. Resources is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 1600 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

  • engineering
  • applied mathematics
  • industrial processes
  • non-industrial processes
  • decarbonisation
  • hard-to-abate sectors
  • rational use of resources
  • decision support systems
  • expert systems

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

29 pages, 1507 KiB  
Article
Determining Priority Areas for the Technological Development of Oil Companies in Mexico
by Tatyana Semenova and Juan Yair Martínez Santoyo
Resources 2025, 14(1), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources14010018 - 20 Jan 2025
Viewed by 437
Abstract
The technological development of oil companies in Mexico is essential for ensuring their economic sustainability. A mechanism for the effective management of the technological development of oil companies, and the industry as a whole, is to determine its priority areas. This article provides [...] Read more.
The technological development of oil companies in Mexico is essential for ensuring their economic sustainability. A mechanism for the effective management of the technological development of oil companies, and the industry as a whole, is to determine its priority areas. This article provides a calculation for the choice of planning directions for the development of the oil sector in Mexico and related studies. Currently, the most promising technologies are offshore drilling and production. To achieve the study goals, we analyzed the patent activity of the oil sector. The results showed an unfavorable trend: the number of private and public patents in Mexico is decreasing. For example, from 2017 to 2023, the number of patents for offshore technologies decreased by more than 10 times. This dynamic significantly hinders the development of the oil industry. Despite the general measures taken within the framework of energy policy, the volume of oil production is constantly declining. Thus, in order to ensure the continued reproduction potential of the oil sector, it is necessary to take into account the importance of research and development. The innovation rating of the Mexican Petroleum Institute, a state-funded research center for the hydrocarbon sector, has been declining, having fallen by more than 50% from 102 international patents in 2014 to 40 in 2024. Today, the Mexican Institute of Petroleum is in the 48th percentile in terms of research performance among research institutes. The present authors’ approach considers that the intensification of technological development, which is costly, should not be an end in itself but rather an important means of increasing the efficiency of the integrated activities of oil companies. To integrate the patent-technological component of the strategic planning of oil companies, the concept of sub-potentials is proposed. The potential for the functioning and development of an oil enterprise from the point of view of the systems approach is decomposed into the sub-potentials of reproduction, defense, management, and reserve, which, under adverse conditions, can transition to the sub-potentials of threat and containment. An important task is to determine these transition points. The patent-technological component is taken into account in the sub-potential of reproduction. The remaining components of company development are taken into account within the framework of other sub-potentials, which are not discussed in detail in this article. At the same time, due to the unified conceptual approach, the integration of goals and objectives for technological development into a single economic and socio-ecological strategy for oil enterprises is ensured, which is the most effective approach to ensure their sustainable development. The dynamics of patent generation are an important factor in assessing the technological component and, in general, the effectiveness of projects in the energy sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment and Optimization of Energy Efficiency)
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19 pages, 5364 KiB  
Article
Effect of Pulsed Electric Field on the Cations Removal from Salt-Affected Soils to Optimize Energy Use Efficiency in Reclamation
by Ahmed Abou-Shady
Resources 2025, 14(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources14010016 - 20 Jan 2025
Viewed by 488
Abstract
In arid and semi-arid zones, reclaiming/restoring salt-affected soil is considered a significant challenge because of the limited amount of water available for soil washing. The reclaimed salt-affected soil is regarded as a valuable resource for increasing the production of food and feed. In [...] Read more.
In arid and semi-arid zones, reclaiming/restoring salt-affected soil is considered a significant challenge because of the limited amount of water available for soil washing. The reclaimed salt-affected soil is regarded as a valuable resource for increasing the production of food and feed. In the current study, soil electrokinetics (SEK) under pulsed-mode electric field operation was used to evaluate and optimize energy use efficiency for reclaiming salt-affected soils, which is one of the electro-agric technology branches that was suggested in 2021 to address the water crisis in arid and semi-arid regions. Under a fixed applied voltage of 5 V, or 1 V/cm, the calcareous, highly salinized soil under investigation was reclaimed. A 25% reduction in applied voltages with time OFF set at 15, 30, 60, and 120 min and a 50% reduction with time OFF set at 15, 30, 60, and 120 min were the two pulsed electric field techniques that were examined. The findings demonstrated that the removal of Na+ surpasses half (50%) in the majority of pulsed-mode studies. By decreasing the removed K+, which is crucial for plant growth, the pulsed modes of electric fields 25 and 50% showed an economic advantage over the control experiment, which operated with a continuous electric field. Throughout the control experiment, very little Ca2+ was removed. However, the amount of Ca2+ removed rose when the electric field’s pulsed mode was applied, and the removal percentages were higher for the pulsed 50% strategy than the pulsed 25% strategy. In nearly every segment of every experiment (control, pulsed 25%, and pulsed 50%), the pH levels exceeded the initial value of 8.05. The pulsed 25% strategy of the OFF time showed an improvement in current passing at the longest interval of 120 min; the pulsed 50% strategy of the OFF time showed an improvement in current passing at the shorter and longer intervals of 15, 60, and 120 min; however, the interval of 30 min had a negative effect. The cumulative EO flow at the time OFF interval of 60 min was improved by the pulsed 25% strategy throughout the first seven days of operation, and by the end of the trial, the control experiment exhibited high values. The highest values, however, were displayed by the pulsed 50% field at the time OFF interval of 60 min. The anolyte pH decreased for the majority of the time OFF intervals over the first seven days of the trial for both the 25% and 50% pulsed strategies. Lastly, in order to minimize the overall energy consumption, it is strongly advised that the pulsed mode of the electric field be used while reclaiming salt-affected soil. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment and Optimization of Energy Efficiency)
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15 pages, 545 KiB  
Article
Economic Efficiency versus Energy Efficiency of Selected Crops in EU Farms
by Paweł Boczar and Lucyna Błażejczyk-Majka
Resources 2024, 13(9), 123; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13090123 - 4 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1040
Abstract
The goal of farmers operating in a market economy is to maximize profit. In view of the changing political situation, the main social interest, in addition to food security, should be energy security. Here is a refined version of that sentence: This article [...] Read more.
The goal of farmers operating in a market economy is to maximize profit. In view of the changing political situation, the main social interest, in addition to food security, should be energy security. Here is a refined version of that sentence: This article examines the production efficiency of selected crops grown in the EU and how well their production can ensure both the economic security of the producers, i.e., the farmers, and Europe’s energy security. In addition, it aims to determine which costs incurred in the production process have the greatest impact on productivity. The paper uses data obtained from the Cash Crop agricultural benchmarking database, covering 19 crops and 39 cost categories for each crop. The data (averaged for 2019–2021) came from 30 farms located in 11 EU member states. The DEA method and stepwise multiple regression were used. Research has shown that crops are already being grown in Europe that provide high energy efficiency in production without compromising farm performance (including oats, peas, and winter rye). Moreover, improving the involvement of certain inputs results in improved production efficiency (e.g., through spending on agricultural consulting services). In addition, crop economic efficiency, as assessed by profit with and without subsidies, was found to be strongly correlated with production efficiency. This could indicate that subsidies do not play a key role in farm efficiency within the EU. Crop productivity remains a key factor in achieving economic and energy efficiency. The significance of the findings presented in connection with the recent COVID-19 pandemic and the escalation of the armed conflict in Ukraine has led to renewed interest in EU energy security, i.e., generating as much EU energy as possible for food and non-food production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment and Optimization of Energy Efficiency)
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33 pages, 4018 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Energy and Heat Consumption Trends and Forecasting in the Small Consumer Sector in Poland Based on Historical Data
by Bożena Gajdzik, Magdalena Jaciow, Radosław Wolniak, Robert Wolny and Wieslaw Wes Grebski
Resources 2023, 12(9), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12090111 - 20 Sep 2023
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4526
Abstract
The paper outlines the methodology employed for desk-based research, which involved gathering and analyzing empirical data on energy and heating consumption in the Polish small consumer sector. Secondary sources, including reports, documents, scientific publications, and public statistics, were utilized to ensure a comprehensive [...] Read more.
The paper outlines the methodology employed for desk-based research, which involved gathering and analyzing empirical data on energy and heating consumption in the Polish small consumer sector. Secondary sources, including reports, documents, scientific publications, and public statistics, were utilized to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. The research methodology ensured the acquisition and examination of reliable and extensive data regarding energy and heat consumption among small consumers in Poland. The study investigated consumption trends of hard coal, electricity, and natural gas in Polish households from 2006 to 2021. The findings revealed an increasing pattern in electricity and natural gas consumption, alongside a simultaneous decline in the usage of hard coal. Future consumption was estimated using trend models, and factors contributing to changes in energy consumption patterns were examined, with forecasts to 2027. To achieve decarbonization and address climate objectives, the study underscores the need to increase the proportion of renewable energy sources and boost energy efficiency. The significance of reducing household energy consumption through enhanced insulation, smart energy management systems, and low-carbon alternatives is emphasized. Additionally, the study addresses Poland’s future energy plans as a proactive step toward decarbonizing the national economy. In summary, the study furnishes valuable insights into energy consumption trends and their determinants in the Polish small consumer sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment and Optimization of Energy Efficiency)
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22 pages, 7921 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Aerodynamic Plates Subjected to Von Kármán Vortex Street for Enhancing the Wind Energy Generation in Blade-Less Devices
by John Zuluaga, Santiago Ricardo, Andrés Oostra, Gilberto Materano and Apostolos Spanelis
Resources 2023, 12(8), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12080090 - 1 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2227
Abstract
This study explores the feasibility of using an oscillating plate downstream of a cylindrical body to produce mechanical energy from a Von Kármán vortex street under sub-critical flow conditions (Re = 72,500). The study aims to quantify the impact of the plate length, [...] Read more.
This study explores the feasibility of using an oscillating plate downstream of a cylindrical body to produce mechanical energy from a Von Kármán vortex street under sub-critical flow conditions (Re = 72,500). The study aims to quantify the impact of the plate length, its separation from the cylinder, and a machine damping factor on the power coefficient and the blade’s displacement to identify the optimal configuration. This preliminary assessment assumes that the plate oscillation is small enough to avoid changes in the vortex dynamics. This assumption allows the construction of a surrogate model using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to evaluate the effect of plate length and separation from the cylinder on the fluctuating lift forces over the plate. Later, the surrogate model, combined with varying machine damping factors, facilitates the description of the device’s dynamics through the numerical integration of an angular momentum equation. The results showed that a plate with a length of 0.52D, a separation of 5.548D from the cylinder, and a damping factor of 0.013 achieved a power coefficient of 0.147 and a perpendicular displacement of 0.226D. These results demonstrate a substantial improvement in the performance of blade-less generators. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment and Optimization of Energy Efficiency)
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Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

Energy and the Steady-State Economy

Georgios Karakatsanis 1,2*, Nikos Mamassis 1, Christos Makropoulos 1 and Demetrios Koutsoyiannis 1

1 Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), 9 Heroon Polytechneiou St., 15870 Zografou, Greece; [email protected] (N.M.); [email protected] (C.M.); [email protected] (D.K.)
2 Department of Research, EVOTROPIA Ecological Finance Architectures Private Company (P.C.), 190 Syngrou Avenue, 17671 Kallithea, Greece
* Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +30-69-4555-2243

Abstract: The foundation of the historical course of human civilizations is their energy paradigm, defined as the dominant pattern of energy harvesting from the natural environment. Since the early 19th century, humanity experiences the industrial civilization as its third energy paradigm based on fossil fuels (the preceding ones being the agrarian civilization and hunter-gatherer societies). As the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics dictates that the efficiency of energy transformation processes is limited below 100%, our work formulates theoretically and tests empirically the benchmark conditions of a steady-state fossil fueled (coal, petroleum and natural gas) global economy. At each time step, the steady-state is measured as the level of the maximum useful work introduced to the economy as the normalization of the confirmed nominal fuel reserve by the energy efficiency level. Specifically, our analysis consists in three pillars: (a) The formulation of a model that depicts the life-cycle pattern of the fossil-fuels’ energy paradigm and its empirical testing on data of global primary energy use for the period 1800-2023; (b) The postulation of the methodology of isotechnical curves that depict the economy’s steady-state at each time step and their empirical depiction for the period 1800-2023 for (i) an unconstrained CO2 emissions and (ii) a constrained CO2 emissions scenario to highlight the emergence of the energy paradigm’s limiting factor; and (c) The theoretical background of the Jevons’ Effect and its econometric testing for the period 1800-2023 for two variables: (i) energy efficiency increases and their impact on (ii) the future cumulative primary energy use that crowds them out. Based on our findings we further discuss the environmental, economic and technological implications of the ongoing global energy policies.

Keywords: energy paradigm; industrial civilization; fossil fuels; 2nd Law of Thermodynamics; efficiency; steady-state; useful work; nominal reserve; isotechnical; limiting factor; Jevons’ Effect

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