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30 pages, 10787 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Marine Suitability Assessment for Offshore Wind Farms’ Deployment in Thrace, Greece

by Konstantinos Gazos and Dimitra G. Vagiona

Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4204; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104204 - 16 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1537

Abstract

The exploitation of renewable energy resources is an effective option to respond to climate change challenges. Wind energy can be exploited more efficiently and effectively than any other renewable energy source. By switching from onshore wind energy projects to offshore, the positive aspects [...] Read more.

The exploitation of renewable energy resources is an effective option to respond to climate change challenges. Wind energy can be exploited more efficiently and effectively than any other renewable energy source. By switching from onshore wind energy projects to offshore, the positive aspects of onshore wind energy remain and, at the same time, no valuable onshore area is occupied, while their efficiency (e.g., capacity factor) is increased. Greece has a rich wind potential and the maritime region of Thrace is one of Greece’s maritime regions with the greatest potential for the development of offshore wind energy. The aim of the present paper is to identify the most appropriate sites for the deployment of offshore wind farms in the region of Thrace. The methodology includes (i) the delineation of the study area and the definition of the support structure of the wind turbine, (ii) the identification of seven (7) exclusion and fifteen (15) assessment criteria, (iii) the suitability analysis under five different zoning scenarios (equal weight, environmental, social, techno-economic, and researchers’ subjective), and (iv) the micro siting and qualitative assessment of the most suitable sites based on energy, environmental, social, and economic criteria. The methodology is based on the combined use of Geographical Information Systems (GISs), specifically ArcGIS Desktop version 10.8.1, wind assessment software tools (WaSPs), specifically WaSP version 12.8, and multi-criteria decision-making methods. The results of the paper illustrate that the optimal suitability area that is proposed for offshore wind farm deployment is located at the easternmost end of the Greek part of the Thracian Sea. The planning and the deployment of offshore wind farm projects should follow a holistic and environmentally driven approach to ensure the integrity of all habitats and species affected. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Technologies for Sustainable Development)

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17 pages, 7846 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Novel High Head Impulse Hydro Turbine

by George Aggidis, Audrius Židonis, Luke Burtenshaw, Marc Dubois, Stephen Orritt, Dominic Pickston, George Prigov and Luke Wilmot

Sustainability 2024, 16(1), 253; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16010253 - 27 Dec 2023

Viewed by 2002

Abstract

The Pelton turbine has been widely regarded as the most efficient hydro turbine for high-head applications. However, the Pelton turbine buckets, especially the area commonly referred to as the ‘splitter’, are highly susceptible to erosion, drastically reducing efficiency over prolonged periods of time. [...] Read more.

The Pelton turbine has been widely regarded as the most efficient hydro turbine for high-head applications. However, the Pelton turbine buckets, especially the area commonly referred to as the ‘splitter’, are highly susceptible to erosion, drastically reducing efficiency over prolonged periods of time. This paper demonstrates a novel turbine idea that has been validated through both computational and experimental methods. This turbine addresses the issues associated with the erosion of the splitter through a redesign of the Pelton turbine to remove the need for a splitter and therefore potentially reducing downtime due to maintenance. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation results show that the turbine is capable of efficiencies greater than 82% with room for further improvement. The practical experimental results also show efficiencies within 6% of an optimized Pelton turbine. The results from this study indicate that through further optimization this turbine design could provide a means to produce power outputs similar to conventional Pelton turbines, with the added benefit of lower maintenance costs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Technologies for Sustainable Development)

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21 pages, 3572 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Incorporating Elicited Preferences for Equality into Electricity System Planning Modeling

by Charles Van-Hein Sackey, Destenie Nock, Christine Cao, Daniel Armanios and Alex Davis

Sustainability 2023, 15(23), 16351; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152316351 - 27 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1021

Abstract

Sustainable Development Goal 7 of the United Nations is to achieve universal access to clean, modern and affordable electricity by 2030. However, 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) currently do not have access to electricity. As a result of this energy inequality, [...] Read more.

Sustainable Development Goal 7 of the United Nations is to achieve universal access to clean, modern and affordable electricity by 2030. However, 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) currently do not have access to electricity. As a result of this energy inequality, countries in SSA need to plan electricity systems that provide access in an equitable manner. The research question we explore in this paper is how integrating elicited preferences for equality into an electricity system planning model affects investment decisions regarding technology deployment. Our novel contribution is proposing a framework in the form of a discrete choice experiment and a statistical estimation model to determine decision makers’ preferences for equality. In our study, we find that higher preferences for equality result in an increased deployment of solar diesel mini-grids. These hybrid mini-grids, in turn, drive the carbon emissions intensity of the electricity system fourfold. As such, there is a need for stakeholders in Africa’s energy sector to consider the potential divergence between a carbon-minimizing electrification strategy and equitable electrification. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Technologies for Sustainable Development)

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19 pages, 5597 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simulation of the Working Volume Reduction through the Bioconversion Model (BioModel) and Its Validation Using Biogas Plant Data for the Prediction of the Optimal Reactor Cleaning Period

by Maria-Athina Tsitsimpikou, Sotirios D. Kalamaras, Antonios A. Lithourgidis, Anastasios Mitsopoulos, Lars Ellegaard, Irini Angelidaki and Thomas A. Kotsopoulos

Sustainability 2023, 15(23), 16157; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152316157 - 21 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1076

Abstract

The present study focuses on the working volume reduction of anaerobic reactors in biogas plants, which is caused by inorganic material accumulation and inadequate mixing and affects methane production and plant profitability. Precipitation phenomena lead to periodic reactor cleaning processes, which complicate the [...] Read more.

The present study focuses on the working volume reduction of anaerobic reactors in biogas plants, which is caused by inorganic material accumulation and inadequate mixing and affects methane production and plant profitability. Precipitation phenomena lead to periodic reactor cleaning processes, which complicate the operation of the plant and increase its operating costs. For this purpose, the bioconversion model (BioModel) was utilized by modifying its conditions to accurately simulate the reduction of the working volume of a biogas plant facing precipitation problems for a study period of 150 days. The modified BioModel exhibited notable results in the prediction of methane production, with an average deviation of 1.97% from the plant’s data. After validation, based on the model results, an equation was set up to predict the optimal reactor cleaning period. Incidentally, the optimal cleaning time was calculated at 5.1 years, which is very close to the period during which the cleaning of the reactors of the studied biogas plant took place (5.5 years). The findings of this research showed that the modified BioModel, along with the developed equation, can be effectively used as a tool for the prediction of the optimal reactor cleaning period. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Technologies for Sustainable Development)

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17 pages, 4599 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improving the Performance of Unglazed Solar Air Heating Walls Using Mesh Packing and Nano-Enhanced Absorber Coating: An Energy–Exergy and Enviro-Economic Assessment

by Ceylin Şirin, Azim Doğuş Tuncer and Ataollah Khanlari

Sustainability 2023, 15(21), 15192; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152115192 - 24 Oct 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1212

Abstract

This study aims to upgrade the effectiveness of unglazed solar air heating walls (SWs) using mesh packing and nano-enhanced black paint. In this regard, two SW cases with 10 cm and 15 cm plenum thicknesses have been fabricated and tested simultaneously with different [...] Read more.

This study aims to upgrade the effectiveness of unglazed solar air heating walls (SWs) using mesh packing and nano-enhanced black paint. In this regard, two SW cases with 10 cm and 15 cm plenum thicknesses have been fabricated and tested simultaneously with different modifications. In other words, six different SW configurations have been designed and empirically investigated in this research. Unmodified SWs with two plenum thicknesses have been tested in the first experiment. Iron meshes have been utilized in both SWs in the second test. In the third experiment, the impact of the combined usage of mesh packing and Fe (iron) nanoparticle-enhanced black paint (absorber coating) at 2% w/w concentration on the performance has been evaluated. Experimental results exhibited that the combined usage of mesh packing and nano-doped paint in the SWs with 10 cm and 15 cm plenum thicknesses improved the average effective efficiency value by 29.54% and 31.20%, respectively, compared to the unmodified cases. Also, the average exergy efficiencies of the six tested SW configurations were attained in the range of 6.24–12.29%. Moreover, the findings of this study showed that reducing the plenum thickness and applying the combination of meshes and nano-coating improved the annual carbon dioxide savings by 44.72%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Technologies for Sustainable Development)

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15 pages, 1293 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Satisfaction with Media Information about Renewable Energy Investments

by Evangelia Karasmanaki, Evangelos Grigoroudis, Spyridon Galatsidas and Georgios Tsantopoulos

Sustainability 2023, 15(15), 11480; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151511480 - 25 Jul 2023

Viewed by 1594

Abstract

The strong influence of the media could be leveraged for increasing investments in renewable energy sources (RES), which, in turn, assist the transition to a low-carbon energy system that aligns with renewable energy targets. However, it is not known whether media information facilitates [...] Read more.

The strong influence of the media could be leveraged for increasing investments in renewable energy sources (RES), which, in turn, assist the transition to a low-carbon energy system that aligns with renewable energy targets. However, it is not known whether media information facilitates citizens interested in investing. Hence, the aim of this study is to support the decision-making of citizens by improving media information about renewable energy investments. Specific objectives are to measure citizen satisfaction with media information about RES investments and to detect the areas that require immediate attention. To that end, 1536 Greek citizens recruited with simple random sampling were administered structured questionnaires and, to analyze citizen satisfaction, multiple criteria satisfaction analysis was applied. According to results, citizens were not satisfied with media information about RES investments, while the lowest satisfaction was recorded for information about available subsidies for RES investments, as well as changes in the institutional framework. This finding has potentially important implications as inadequate information about investments may prevent interested citizens from investing. Given that investment schemes undergo constant changes and that journalists may not be experts in investments, it is recommended to tailor information to citizens’ understanding and that academics and experts provide the media with simplified information material about RES investments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Technologies for Sustainable Development)

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23 pages, 4140 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimal Prediction of Wind Energy Resources Based on WOA—A Case Study in Jordan

by Ayman Al-Quraan, Bashar Al-Mhairat, Ahmad M. A. Malkawi, Ashraf Radaideh and Hussein M. K. Al-Masri

Sustainability 2023, 15(5), 3927; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15053927 - 21 Feb 2023

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2131

Abstract

The average wind speed in a given area has a significant impact on the amount of energy that can be harvested by wind turbines. The regions with the most attractive possibilities are typically those that are close to the seaside and have open [...] Read more.

The average wind speed in a given area has a significant impact on the amount of energy that can be harvested by wind turbines. The regions with the most attractive possibilities are typically those that are close to the seaside and have open terrain inland. There is also good potential in several mountainous locations. Despite these geographical restrictions on where wind energy projects can be located, there is enough topography in most of the world’s regions to use wind energy projects to meet a significant amount of the local electricity needs. This paper presents a new method of energy prediction of wind resources in several wind sites in Jordan, which can be used to decide whether a specific wind site is suitable for wind farm installation purposes. Three distribution models, Weibull, Gamma and Rayleigh, were employed to characterize the provided wind data. Different estimation methods were used to assign the parameters associated with each distribution model and the optimal parameters were estimated using whale optimization algorithms which reduce the error between the estimated and the measured wind speed probability. The distribution models’ performance was investigated using three statistical indicators. These indicators were: root mean square error (RMSE), coefficient of determination (R²), and mean absolute error (MAE). Finally, using the superlative distribution models, the wind energy for the chosen wind sites was estimated. This estimation was based on the calculation of the wind power density (E_D) and the total wind energy (E_T) of the wind regime. The results show that the total wind energy ranged from slightly under 100 kWh/m² to nearly 1250 kWh/m². In addition, the sites recording the highest estimated wind energy had the optimum average wind speed and the most symmetrical distribution pattern. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Technologies for Sustainable Development)

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17 pages, 8932 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Deterioration of Novel Silver Coated Mirrors on Polycarbonate Used for Concentrated Solar Power

by Coraquetzali Magdaleno López, José de Jesús Pérez Bueno, José Antonio Cabello Mendez, Rosalba Hernández Leos, Maria Luisa Mendoza López, Adrián Sosa Domínguez and Yunny Meas Vong

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 16360; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142416360 - 7 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1781

Abstract

The lifetime of mirrors in outdoor conditions is crucial in the correct operation of any concentrating solar power (CSP) installation. In this work, the corrosion behavior of two types of metallized surfaces was studied. The first was made of a flexible polymer having [...] Read more.

The lifetime of mirrors in outdoor conditions is crucial in the correct operation of any concentrating solar power (CSP) installation. In this work, the corrosion behavior of two types of metallized surfaces was studied. The first was made of a flexible polymer having a deposited reflective silver metallic film. The second was made of the same surface type with a dielectric SiO₂ protection coating by an atmospheric pressure plasma jet. Polycarbonate sheets were used as substrates on which metallic silver was deposited by the Dynamic Chemical Deposit technique. This electroless technique allowed producing the mirror finishing under environmental conditions by sequentially spraying; as aerosols projected towards the substrate surface, the activation and reducing-oxidizing solutions with rinsing after each one. The silver coatings were about 100 nm thick. Environmental and accelerated weathering degradation and salt and sulfide fogs were carried out. XPS analyses show that the corrosion products formed were Ag₂S, AgCl, and Ag₂O. It was observed that the tarnishing was initiated locally by the formation of Ag₂S columns as eruptions on the surface. Subsequently, the ions diffused through the protective layer and into the silver reflective layer, chemically reacting with the silver. The main atmospheric agents were H₂S, chloride particles, and HCl. High reflectance was initially obtained of about 95%. The obtained results suggest mechanisms for the degradation of exposed silver surfaces to moisturized atmospheres with corrosive compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Technologies for Sustainable Development)

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29 pages, 8832 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Installation and Performance Study of a Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine Prototype Model

by Sudip Basack, Shantanu Dutta and Dipasri Saha

Sustainability 2022, 14(23), 16084; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142316084 - 1 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5744

Abstract

Amongst various sources of renewable energy, the kinetic energy of blowing wind has environmental friendliness and easy availability, together with other benefits. The wind energy is converted into usable electrical energy by means of a robust device termed a wind turbine. To carry [...] Read more.

Amongst various sources of renewable energy, the kinetic energy of blowing wind has environmental friendliness and easy availability, together with other benefits. The wind energy is converted into usable electrical energy by means of a robust device termed a wind turbine. To carry out a performance study of such a device, a small-scale model vertical-axis wind turbine was installed at the laboratory and was run by artificial wind energy produced by a pedestal fan for low and medium speeds and a blower for higher speeds. The variation in critical parameters such as output power and voltage with different speeds was studied. The average output power and voltage were observed to increase with average shaft speed with linear and curvilinear patterns, respectively. The vibration produced at the bearing shaft resulting from the rotating components was analyzed as well. As observed, the peak values of critical vibration parameters such as displacement, velocity, acceleration, and frequency mostly varied curvilinearly with average shaft speeds. To study the applicability of the power generation, an electronically controlled automatic drip irrigation system was allowed to run by the wind turbine and important observations were made. Theoretical analyses (numerical and analytical) of the wind flow and power generation were also performed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Technologies for Sustainable Development)

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13 pages, 1427 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Numerical Methodology to Predict the Maximum Power Output of Tidal Stream Arrays

by Soheil Radfar, Roozbeh Panahi, Meysam Majidi Nezhad and Mehdi Neshat

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1664; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031664 - 31 Jan 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2254

Abstract

Due to its high level of consistency and predictability, tidal stream energy is a feasible and promising type of renewable energy for future development and investment. Numerical modeling of tidal farms is a challenging task. Many studies have shown the applicability of the [...] Read more.

Due to its high level of consistency and predictability, tidal stream energy is a feasible and promising type of renewable energy for future development and investment. Numerical modeling of tidal farms is a challenging task. Many studies have shown the applicability of the Blade Element Momentum (BEM) method for modeling the interaction of turbines in tidal arrays. Apart from its well-known capabilities, there is a scarcity of research using BEM to model tidal stream energy farms. Therefore, the main aim of this numerical study is to simulate a full-scale array in a real geographical position. A fundamental linear relationship to estimate the power capture of full-scale turbines using available kinetic energy flux is being explored. For this purpose, a real site for developing a tidal farm on the southern coasts of Iran is selected. Then, a numerical methodology is validated and calibrated for the established farm by analyzing an array of turbines. A linear equation is proposed to calculate the tidal power of marine hydrokinetic turbines. The results indicate that the difference between the predicted value and the actual power does not exceed 6%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Technologies for Sustainable Development)

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19 pages, 3439 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Modeling and Analysis Framework for Integrated Energy Systems Exposed to Climate Change-Induced NaTech Accidental Scenarios

by Francesco Di Maio, Pietro Tonicello and Enrico Zio

Sustainability 2022, 14(2), 786; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14020786 - 11 Jan 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1874

Abstract

This paper proposes a novel framework for the analysis of integrated energy systems (IESs) exposed to both stochastic failures and “shock” climate-induced failures, such as those characterizing NaTech accidental scenarios. With such a framework, standard centralized systems (CS), IES with distributed generation (IES-DG) [...] Read more.

This paper proposes a novel framework for the analysis of integrated energy systems (IESs) exposed to both stochastic failures and “shock” climate-induced failures, such as those characterizing NaTech accidental scenarios. With such a framework, standard centralized systems (CS), IES with distributed generation (IES-DG) and IES with bidirectional energy conversion (IES+P2G) enabled by power-to-gas (P2G) facilities can be analyzed. The framework embeds the model of each single production plant in an integrated power-flow model and then couples it with a stochastic failures model and a climate-induced failure model, which simulates the occurrence of extreme weather events (e.g., flooding) driven by climate change. To illustrate how to operationalize the analysis in practice, a case study of a realistic IES has been considered that comprises two combined cycle gas turbine plants (CCGT), a nuclear power plant (NPP), two wind farms (WF), a solar photovoltaicS (PV) field and a power-to-gas station (P2G). Results suggest that the IESs are resilient to climate-induced failures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Technologies for Sustainable Development)

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27 pages, 22558 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Effective Control for Lead-Acid Performance Enhancement in a Hybrid Battery-Supercapacitor System Used in Transport Vehicles

by Mpho J. Lencwe, S. P. Daniel Chowdhury and Thomas O. Olwal

Sustainability 2021, 13(24), 13971; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132413971 - 17 Dec 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3669 | Correction

Abstract

Modern vehicles have increased functioning necessities, including more energy/power, storage for recovering decelerating energy, start/stop criteria, etc. However, lead-acid batteries (LABs) possess a shorter lifetime than lithium-ion and supercapacitors energy storage systems. The use of LABs harms the operation of transport vehicles. Therefore, [...] Read more.

Modern vehicles have increased functioning necessities, including more energy/power, storage for recovering decelerating energy, start/stop criteria, etc. However, lead-acid batteries (LABs) possess a shorter lifetime than lithium-ion and supercapacitors energy storage systems. The use of LABs harms the operation of transport vehicles. Therefore, this research paper pursues to improve the operating performance of LABs in association with their lifetime. Integrated LAB and supercapacitor improve the battery lifetime and efficiently provide for transport vehicles’ operational requirements and implementation. The study adopts an active-parallel topology approach to hybridise LAB and supercapacitor. A fully active-parallel topology structure comprises two DC-to-DC conversion systems. LAB and supercapacitor are connected as inputs to these converters to allow effective and easy control of energy and power. A cascaded proportional integrate-derivative (PID) controller regulates the DC-to-DC converters to manage the charge/release of combined energy storage systems. The PID controls energy share between energy storage systems, hence assisting in enhancing LAB lifetime. The study presents two case studies, including the sole battery application using different capacities, and the second, by combining a battery with a supercapacitor of varying capacity sizes. A simulation software tool, Matlab/Simulink, is used to develop the model and validate the results of the system. The simulation outcomes show that the battery alone cannot serve the typical transport vehicle (TV) requirements. The battery and output voltage of the DC-to-DC conversion systems stabilises at 12 V, which ensures consistent DC bus link voltage. The energy storage (battery) state-of-charge (SoC) is reserved in the range of 90% to 96%, thus increasing its lifespan by 8200 cycles. The battery is kept at the desired voltage to supply all connected loads on the DC bus at rated device voltage. The fully active topology model for hybrid LAB and supercapacitor provides a complete degree of control for individual energy sources, thus allowing the energy storage systems to operate as they prefer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Technologies for Sustainable Development)

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18 pages, 5558 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Grey Wolf Optimizer-Based Array Reconfiguration to Enhance Power Production from Solar Photovoltaic Plants under Different Scenarios

by Astitva Kumar, Mohammad Rizwan, Uma Nangia and Muhannad Alaraj

Sustainability 2021, 13(24), 13627; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132413627 - 9 Dec 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2655

Abstract

The extraction of maximum power is a big challenge in solar photovoltaic-based power plants due to varying atmospheric and meteorological parameters. The concept of array reconfiguration is applied for the maximum power extraction in solar PV plants. Using this approach, the occurrence of [...] Read more.

The extraction of maximum power is a big challenge in solar photovoltaic-based power plants due to varying atmospheric and meteorological parameters. The concept of array reconfiguration is applied for the maximum power extraction in solar PV plants. Using this approach, the occurrence of multiple peaks in P-V and I-V characteristics during partial shade can be smoothened and reduced significantly. Partial shading due to the movement of the cloud is considered in the research. The cloud movement mainly because of velocity and wind direction is used for creating various shading conditions. The main focus is to reduce the power losses during partial shading using a nature-inspired optimization approach to reconfigure the array for different types of shading conditions. A grey wolf optimizer-based bridge-linked total cross-tied (GWO-BLTCT) configuration is proposed in this paper. The performance of the proposed topology is compared with standard and hybrid topologies, namely, series-parallel, total cross-tied, BLTCT, and SuDoKu-BLTCT, based on performance indicators such as fill factor, performance ratio, power enhancement, and power loss. The proposed GWO-BLTCT outperforms the remaining topologies due to the least power loss and high fill factor. It also has the highest average power enhancement and performance ratio with 23.75% and 70.02% respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Technologies for Sustainable Development)

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8 pages, 2140 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High Sulfur Content of Mesoporous Activated Carbon Composite Derived from Water Hyacinth

by Otong Nurhilal, Suci Winarsih, Sahrul Hidayat, Dadan Sumiarsa and Risdiana Risdiana

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12880; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212880 - 21 Nov 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2213

Abstract

Cathode composites with high sulfur content have become a concern to develop because they can improve the performance of lithium-sulfur batteries. The high sulfur content in the composite can be obtained from the carbon matrix, which has a high surface area and high [...] Read more.

Cathode composites with high sulfur content have become a concern to develop because they can improve the performance of lithium-sulfur batteries. The high sulfur content in the composite can be obtained from the carbon matrix, which has a high surface area and high electrical conductivity. Activated carbon made from biomass waste can be used as a carbon matrix due to its high surface area and ease of synthesis. In this study, activated carbon was prepared from water hyacinth (ACWH-600), which was carbonized at a temperature of 600 °C with a ZnCl₂ activator. Activated-carbon–sulfur composite (ACWH-600/S) was synthesized by mixing activated carbon and sulfur in a ratio of 1:3. The characterizations performed for ACWH-600 and ACWH-600/S were N2 desorption–adsorption to determine the surface area, SEM to determine surface morphology, XRD to determine graphite structure, thermogravimetric analysis test to determine the sulfur content in the composite, and four-line probe conductivity to measure electrical conductivity at room temperature. The surface area, total pore volume, and pore diameter of ACWH were 642.39 m² g⁻¹, 0.714 cm³ g⁻¹, and 2.22 nm, respectively, while the surface area, total pore volume, and pore diameter of ACWH-600/S were 29.431 m² g⁻¹, 0.038 cm³ g⁻¹, and 2.54 nm. The conductivity value of ACWH-600 was 3.93 × 10⁻² S/cm, while for ACWH-600/S, the conductivity value was 2.24 × 10⁻⁴ S/cm. The decrease in conductivity value after activated carbon added sulfur indicated the success of synthesizing a carbon matrix from water hyacinth with high sulfur content. The high sulfur content of 58 wt%, together with the acceptable conductivity value of composite ACWH-600/S, provide an opportunity to apply these composites as cathodes in lithium-sulfur batteries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Technologies for Sustainable Development)

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25 pages, 14927 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Harvesting Solar Energy from Asphalt Pavement

by Md Fahim Tanvir Hossain, Samer Dessouky, Ayetullah B. Biten, Arturo Montoya and Daniel Fernandez

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12807; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212807 - 19 Nov 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4340

Abstract

This study aims at designing and developing a new technique to harvest solar energy from asphalt pavements. The proposed energy harvester system consists of a pavement solar box with a transparent polycarbonate sample and a thin-film solar panel. This device mechanism can store [...] Read more.

This study aims at designing and developing a new technique to harvest solar energy from asphalt pavements. The proposed energy harvester system consists of a pavement solar box with a transparent polycarbonate sample and a thin-film solar panel. This device mechanism can store energy in a battery charged over daytime and later convert it into electric power as per demand. A wide range of polycarbonate samples containing different thicknesses, elastic moduli, and light transmission properties were tested to select the most efficient materials for the energy harvester system. Transmittance Spectroscopy was conducted to determine the percent light transmission property of the polycarbonate samples at different wavelengths in the visible spectrum. Finite Element Analysis modeling of the pavement–tire load system was conducted to design the optimal energy harvester system under static load. It was followed by the collection of data on the generated power under different weather conditions. The energy harvesters were also subjected to vehicular loads in the field. The results suggest that the proposed pavement solar box can generate an average of 23.7 watts per square meter continuously over 6 h a day under sunny conditions for the weather circumstances encountered in South Texas while providing a slightly smaller power output in other weather circumstances. It is a promising self-powered and low-cost installation technique that can be implemented at pedestrian crossings and intersections to alert distracted drivers at the time of pedestrian crossing, which is likely to improve pedestrian safety. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Technologies for Sustainable Development)

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11 pages, 9275 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Techno-Economic Study of a New Hybrid Solar Desalination System for Producing Fresh Water in a Hot–Arid Climate

by Mahmoud Makkiabadi, Siamak Hoseinzadeh, Meysam Majidi Nezhad, Ali Sohani and Daniele Groppi

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12676; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212676 - 16 Nov 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2300

Abstract

By taking advantage of the obtained experimental data, the impact of employing concentrating solar collectors, using an electric heater, and changing the water height in the basin on the performance of a hybrid solar still system was investigated. Eight different operating modes for [...] Read more.

By taking advantage of the obtained experimental data, the impact of employing concentrating solar collectors, using an electric heater, and changing the water height in the basin on the performance of a hybrid solar still system was investigated. Eight different operating modes for the system were studied, while the daily freshwater production in addition to the cost per liter (CPL) was considered as the performance criteria. According to the results, the best height of water in the basin is 10 mm. It is the lowest examined height. Moreover, it was found that using the hybrid system with both electric heater and concentrating solar heater brings considerable improvements compared to the other investigated operating modes. For the climatic condition of Sirjan, Iran, which is where the experiments were performed, and water height in the basin of 10 mm, using the hybrid system in the active mode results in 8178 mL/m² of fresh water production, and a CPL of $0.04270 per liter. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Technologies for Sustainable Development)

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17 pages, 10816 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Model Predictive Control of the Input Current and Output Voltage of a Matrix Converter as a Ground Power Unit for Airplane Servicing

by Zahra Malekjamshidi, Mohammad Jafari, Jianguo Zhu, Marco Rivera and Wen Soong

Sustainability 2021, 13(17), 9715; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13179715 - 30 Aug 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2250

Abstract

This paper deals with the design, control, and implementation of a three-phase ac–ac mobile utility power supply using a matrix converter for airplane servicing applications. Using a matrix converter as a compact direct ac-to-ac converter can provide savings in terms of the size [...] Read more.

This paper deals with the design, control, and implementation of a three-phase ac–ac mobile utility power supply using a matrix converter for airplane servicing applications. Using a matrix converter as a compact direct ac-to-ac converter can provide savings in terms of the size and cost of a mobile power supply compared to common back-to-back converters. Furthermore, using the proposed direct matrix converter eliminates the need for bulky electrolytic capacitors and increases the system’s reliability and lifetime. A finite control set model predictive control is used to generate a high-quality 115 V/400 Hz output voltage and a low-harmonic-distortion source current with a unity input power factor for various load conditions, including balanced, unbalanced, linear, and nonlinear loads. The predictive strategy is used to control the output voltage and source current for each possible switching state in order to simultaneously track the references. To achieve a further reduction in the system’s size and cost, an active damping strategy is used to compensate for the instability caused by the input filter in contrast to the passive method. Experimental tests were conducted on a prototype matrix converter to validate the performance of the proposed control strategy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Technologies for Sustainable Development)

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38 pages, 651 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Economizing the Uneconomic: Markets for Reliable, Sustainable, and Price Efficient Electricity

by Mohammad Rasouli and Demosthenis Teneketzis

Sustainability 2021, 13(8), 4197; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084197 - 9 Apr 2021

Viewed by 2139

Abstract

Current electricity markets do not efficiently achieve policy targets i.e., sustainability, reliability, and price efficiency. Thus, there are debates on how to achieve these targets by using either market mechanisms e.g., carbon and capacity markets, or non-market mechanisms such as offer-caps, price-caps, and [...] Read more.

Current electricity markets do not efficiently achieve policy targets i.e., sustainability, reliability, and price efficiency. Thus, there are debates on how to achieve these targets by using either market mechanisms e.g., carbon and capacity markets, or non-market mechanisms such as offer-caps, price-caps, and market-monitoring. At the same time, major industry changes including demand response management technologies and large scale batteries bring more elasticity to demand; such changes will impact the methodology needed to achieve the above mentioned targets. This work provides market solutions that capture all three policy targets simultaneously and take into account the above-mentioned industry changes. The proposed solutions are based on: (i) a model of electricity markets that captures all the above mentioned electricity policy targets; (ii) mechanism design and the development of a framework for design of efficient auctions with constraints (individual, joint homogeneous, and joint non-homogeneous). The results show that, within the context of the proposed model, all policy targets can be achieved efficiently by separate capacity and carbon markets in addition to efficient spot markets. The results also highlight that all three policy targets can be achieved without any offer-cap, price-cap, or market monitoring. Thus, within the context of the proposed model, they provide clear answers to the above-mentioned policy debates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Technologies for Sustainable Development)

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Review

Jump to: Research

21 pages, 3268 KiB

Open AccessReview

Technologies and Innovations for Biomass Energy Production

by Azwifunimunwe Tshikovhi and Tshwafo Ellias Motaung

Sustainability 2023, 15(16), 12121; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151612121 - 8 Aug 2023

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 17800

Abstract

Biomass is considered one of the prospective alternatives to energy and environmental challenges. The use of biomass as bioenergy has gained global interest due to its environmentally benign, renewable, and abundant characteristics. Numerous conversion technologies have been developed over time to convert biomass [...] Read more.

Biomass is considered one of the prospective alternatives to energy and environmental challenges. The use of biomass as bioenergy has gained global interest due to its environmentally benign, renewable, and abundant characteristics. Numerous conversion technologies have been developed over time to convert biomass into various energy products. This review presents a summary of the different biomass conversion technologies used for bioenergy production. These include thermochemical, biological, physical, biochemical, and hybrid system technologies. It summarizes the production of different bioenergy products such as bio-oil, biodiesel, and fuel via various conversion technologies. The competitive advantages, potential environmental impacts, and challenges of these biomass conversion technologies are discussed. The recycling of biomass can solve a lot of current energy challenges. However, conversion technologies exhibit some challenges relative to upscaling and commercialization due to their immense operational and investment expenses and high energy usage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Technologies for Sustainable Development)

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22 pages, 3370 KiB

Open AccessReview

Roles of Medicinal Mushrooms as Natural Food Dyes and Dye-Sensitised Solar Cells (DSSC): Synergy of Zero Hunger and Affordable Energy for Sustainable Development

by Nurfadzilah Ahmad, Jovana Vunduk, Anita Klaus, Nofri Yenita Dahlan, Soumya Ghosh, Firdaus Muhammad-Sukki, Laurent Dufossé, Nurul Aini Bani and Wan Abd Al Qadr Imad Wan-Mohtar

Sustainability 2022, 14(21), 13894; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142113894 - 26 Oct 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 6034

Abstract

In 2015, approximately 195 countries agreed with the United Nations that by 2030, they would work to make the world a better place. There would be synergies in accomplishing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Synergy using a single sustainable resource is critical [...] Read more.

In 2015, approximately 195 countries agreed with the United Nations that by 2030, they would work to make the world a better place. There would be synergies in accomplishing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Synergy using a single sustainable resource is critical to assist developing nations in achieving the SDGs as cost-effectively and efficiently possible. To use fungal dye resources, we proposed a combination of the zero hunger and affordable energy goals. Dyes are widely used in high-tech sectors, including food and energy. Natural dyes are more environment-friendly than synthetic dyes and may have medicinal benefits. Fungi are a natural source of dye that can be substituted for plants. For example, medicinal mushrooms offer a wide range of safe organic dyes that may be produced instantly, inexpensively, and in large quantities. Meanwhile, medicinal mushroom dyes may provide a less expensive choice for photovoltaic (PV) technology due to their non-toxic and environmentally friendly qualities. This agenda thoroughly explains the significance of pigments from medicinal mushrooms in culinary and solar PV applications. If executed effectively, such a large, unwieldy and ambitious agenda may lead the world towards inclusive and sustainable development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Technologies for Sustainable Development)

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20 pages, 4245 KiB

Open AccessReview

Failure-Mechanism and Design Techniques of Offshore Wind Turbine Pile Foundation: Review and Research Directions

by Sudip Basack, Ghritartha Goswami, Zi-Hang Dai and Parinita Baruah

Sustainability 2022, 14(19), 12666; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141912666 - 5 Oct 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4167

Abstract

Wind energy is one of the most sustainable and renewable resources for power generation. Offshore wind turbines (OWTs) derive significant wind energy compared to onshore installations. One of the greatest challenges encountered by installing the OWTs is the adequate design of their foundation [...] Read more.

Wind energy is one of the most sustainable and renewable resources for power generation. Offshore wind turbines (OWTs) derive significant wind energy compared to onshore installations. One of the greatest challenges encountered by installing the OWTs is the adequate design of their foundation in relatively soft and compressible marine soil. In most cases, the OWTs are supported by a single pile, termed as ‘monopile foundation’. Apart from the usual loads from the superstructure, these piles are subjected to complex loading conditions under static and cyclic modes in the axial, lateral, and torsional directions due to the primary actions of the wave, wind, and current. To incorporate an appropriate design methodology, understanding the failure mechanisms of such piles is of the utmost necessity. This review paper aims to focus on the progressive development in the analysis of failure mechanisms and design practice relevant to the monopile foundations for OWTs by theoretical and experimental studies conducted globally. An extensive literature survey has been carried out to study the gradual progress on offshore pile-soil interaction, failure mechanisms, and design techniques of OWT supporting monopile foundations. Based on the studies, a brief overview of the various aspects of analysis and design has been carried out, and the relevant conclusions are drawn therefrom. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Technologies for Sustainable Development)

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26 pages, 1185 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review on Battery Modelling Techniques

by S. Tamilselvi, S. Gunasundari, N. Karuppiah, Abdul Razak RK, S. Madhusudan, Vikas Madhav Nagarajan, T. Sathish, Mohammed Zubair M. Shamim, C. Ahamed Saleel and Asif Afzal

Sustainability 2021, 13(18), 10042; https://doi.org/10.3390/su131810042 - 8 Sep 2021

Cited by 145 | Viewed by 15150

Abstract

The growing demand for electrical energy and the impact of global warming leads to a paradigm shift in the power sector. This has led to the increased usage of renewable energy sources. Due to the intermittent nature of the renewable sources of energy, [...] Read more.

The growing demand for electrical energy and the impact of global warming leads to a paradigm shift in the power sector. This has led to the increased usage of renewable energy sources. Due to the intermittent nature of the renewable sources of energy, devices capable of storing electrical energy are required to increase its reliability. The most common means of storing electrical energy is battery systems. Battery usage is increasing in the modern days, since all mobile systems such as electric vehicles, smart phones, laptops, etc., rely on the energy stored within the device to operate. The increased penetration rate of the battery system requires accurate modelling of charging profiles to optimise performance. This paper presents an extensive study of various battery models such as electrochemical models, mathematical models, circuit-oriented models and combined models for different types of batteries. It also discusses the advantages and drawbacks of these types of modelling. With AI emerging and accelerating all over the world, there is a scope for researchers to explore its application in multiple fields. Hence, this work discusses the application of several machine learning and meta heuristic algorithms for battery management systems. This work details the charging and discharging characteristics using the black box and grey box techniques for modelling the lithium-ion battery. The approaches, advantages and disadvantages of black box and grey box type battery modelling are analysed. In addition, analysis has been carried out for extracting parameters of a lithium-ion battery model using evolutionary algorithms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Technologies for Sustainable Development)

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31 pages, 3216 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Potential of Sustainable Biomass Producer Gas as a Waste-to-Energy Alternative in Malaysia

by Jun Sheng Teh, Yew Heng Teoh, Heoy Geok How, Thanh Danh Le, Yeoh Jun Jie Jason, Huu Tho Nguyen and Dong Lin Loo

Sustainability 2021, 13(7), 3877; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13073877 - 1 Apr 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5467

Abstract

It has been widely accepted worldwide, that the greenhouse effect is by far the most challenging threat in the new century. Renewable energy has been adopted to prevent excessive greenhouse effects, and to enhance sustainable development. Malaysia has a large amount of biomass [...] Read more.

It has been widely accepted worldwide, that the greenhouse effect is by far the most challenging threat in the new century. Renewable energy has been adopted to prevent excessive greenhouse effects, and to enhance sustainable development. Malaysia has a large amount of biomass residue, which provides the country with the much needed support the foreseeable future. This investigation aims to analyze potentials biomass gases from major biomass residues in Malaysia. The potential biomass gasses can be obtained using biomass conversion technologies, including biological and thermo-chemical technologies. The thermo-chemical conversion technology includes four major biomass conversion technologies such as gasification, combustion, pyrolysis, and liquefaction. Biomass wastes can be attained through solid biomass technologies to obtain syngas which includes carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen. The formation of tar occurs during the main of biomass conversion reaction such as gasification and pyrolysis. The formation of tar hinders equipment or infrastructure from catalytic aspects, which will be applied to prevent the formation of tar. The emission, combustion, and produced gas reactions were investigated. It will help to contribute the potential challenges and strategies, due to sustainable biomass, to harness resources management systems in Malaysia to reduce the problem of biomass residues and waste. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Technologies for Sustainable Development)

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