Sustainability

Research

Jump to: Review

15 pages, 1127 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Place under the Sun: Planning, Landscape and Participation in a Case of a Solar Powerplant in the Israeli Desert

by Ela Romov and Na’ama Teschner

Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 7666; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137666 - 23 Jun 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1947

Abstract

Studies demonstrate the lack of common interpretations and rigorous methods for landscape assessments (LA) during design and siting of renewable energy (RES) facilities. Research shows how perceived landscape impacts influence public willingness to accept changes in the landscape. The connection between the effectiveness [...] Read more.

Studies demonstrate the lack of common interpretations and rigorous methods for landscape assessments (LA) during design and siting of renewable energy (RES) facilities. Research shows how perceived landscape impacts influence public willingness to accept changes in the landscape. The connection between the effectiveness of LA procedures vis-à-vis the inclusion of the public in decision-making related to RES siting has received less attention. We, therefore, examine the role of LAs in planning via the eyes of policymakers and experts, and evaluate the capacity of current tools to influence the process. Additionally, we analyze the role (or lack thereof) of the public in LAs. Our unique case—one of the largest in the world thermo-solar “tower” plant, located near a small desert village—exemplifies the place for landscape consideration in national-level mega-infrastructure. Based on documents analysis and semi-structured interviews, the findings demonstrate the struggle between competing goals such as financial and temporal efficiency, RES targets, landscape protection, and public participation. We conclude that first, despite independent efforts to promote the latter two, there may be little connection between the assessment of landscape effects and public participation because there is no mechanism for post-evaluation of a project’s impacts, and any debates on the actual effects remain theoretical. Second, that landscape impacts of large-scape infrastructure can mainly be avoided in the stage of site location, and at this stage, the room for public input remains limited. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Technologies and Environmental Impact Assessment)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1436 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Embodied Energy and Cost Assessments of a Concentrating Photovoltaic Module

by Daria Freier Raine, Firdaus Muhammad-Sukki, Roberto Ramirez-Iniguez, Jorge Alfredo Ardila-Rey, Tahseen Jafry and Carlos Gamio

Sustainability 2021, 13(24), 13916; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132413916 - 16 Dec 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2006

Abstract

This paper focuses on the embodied energy and cost assessments of a static concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) module in comparison to the flat photovoltaic (PV) module. The CPV module employs a specific concentrator design from the Genetically Optimised Circular Rotational Square Hyperboloid (GOCRSH) concentrators, [...] Read more.

This paper focuses on the embodied energy and cost assessments of a static concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) module in comparison to the flat photovoltaic (PV) module. The CPV module employs a specific concentrator design from the Genetically Optimised Circular Rotational Square Hyperboloid (GOCRSH) concentrators, labelled as GOCRSH_A. Firstly, it discussed previous research on life cycle analyses for PV and CPV modules. Next, it compared the energy embodied in the materials of the GOCRSH_A module to the energy embodied in the materials of a flat PV module of the same electrical output. Lastly, a comparison in terms of cost is presented between the analysed GOCRSH_A module and the flat PV module. It was found that the GOCRSH_A module showed a reduction in embodied energy of 17% which indicates a reduction in embodied carbon. In terms of cost, the costs for the GOCRSH_A module were calculated to be 1.71 times higher than the flat PV module of the same electrical output. It is concluded that a trade-off is required between the embodied energy and cost impacts in order to bring this CPV technology into the market. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Technologies and Environmental Impact Assessment)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

34 pages, 2484 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Approach for Static NOx Measurement in PTI

by Eugenio Fernández, Alicia Valero, Juan José Alba and Abel Ortego

Sustainability 2021, 13(23), 13424; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132313424 - 3 Dec 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2748

Abstract

NOx emissions in vehicles are currently only controlled through the homologation process. There is a lack of knowledge to assess and control real NOx emissions of vehicles reliably. Even if vehicles in EU-27 are subject to Periodical Technical Inspection (PTI), NOx are not [...] Read more.

NOx emissions in vehicles are currently only controlled through the homologation process. There is a lack of knowledge to assess and control real NOx emissions of vehicles reliably. Even if vehicles in EU-27 are subject to Periodical Technical Inspection (PTI), NOx are not among the pollutants currently being controlled. For PTIs, tests need to be simple, quick, inexpensive, representative, and accurate. Ideally, tests need to be carried out under static conditions, without the need for a power bench or complex equipment. In this paper, a new approach for measuring NOx in PTI is proposed. The method has been developed and validated at a PTI Spanish station to ensure feasibility and repeatability. This method is based on the relationship between the “% engine load” value and exhaust NOx concentration at idle engine speed. Starting from the state of minimum possible power demand in a vehicle (idling and without any consumption), a load state with an average 98% increase in engine power demand is generated by connecting elements of the vehicle’s equipment. The relationship between power demand (through the “% engine load” value) and NOx concentration is then analyzed. The quality and representativity of this relationship have been checked with a p-value lower than 0.01. The method has been compared with a different NOx measurement technique, based on the simulation on a test bench and the ASM 2050 cycle, showing better performance in terms of repeatability and representativeness. The “% engine load” dispersion with the new approach is 7%, which ensures the reliability and repeatability of the method. The results show that the proposed method could be a valuable tool in PTI to detect high NOx emitting vehicles and to obtain information from the diesel vehicles fleet. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Technologies and Environmental Impact Assessment)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

34 pages, 2558 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Energy Descent Scenarios for the Ecological Transition in Spain 2020–2030

by Martín Lallana, Adrián Almazán, Alicia Valero and Ángel Lareo

Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11867; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111867 - 27 Oct 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 6821

Abstract

A global energy consumption reduction is essential to address the many dimensions of the current ecological crisis. In this paper we have compiled the reasons that justify the necessity to start this energy descent process in the countries of the global North, where [...] Read more.

A global energy consumption reduction is essential to address the many dimensions of the current ecological crisis. In this paper we have compiled the reasons that justify the necessity to start this energy descent process in the countries of the global North, where the annual per capita final energy consumption was 118 GJ in 2017. Based on recent research, we approach the necessary redistribution of energy consumption at the global level and the elements that should be present in energy descent strategies. We establish an approximate threshold of minimum and maximum per capita final energy consumption, between 15.6 GJ and 31.0 GJ for the year 2050, which serves as a reference for evaluating scenarios. We continue with an analysis of two ecological transition scenarios for Spain between 2020 and 2030, Green New Deal and Degrowth. Based on a schematic calculation model defined in “Labor Scenarios in the Ecosocial Transition 2020–2030” report, we evaluate the variations in energy consumption for 86 sectors of economic activity. Results show an annual final energy consumption per capita in 2030 of 44.6 GJ and 36.8 GJ for each scenario. We conclude by analyzing the hypothetical main drivers of this sharp decline in energy consumption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Technologies and Environmental Impact Assessment)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 5420 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Number of Times Recycled and Its Effect on the Recyclability, Fluidity and Tensile Properties of Polypropylene Injection Molded Parts

by Po-Wei Huang and Hsin-Shu Peng

Sustainability 2021, 13(19), 11085; https://doi.org/10.3390/su131911085 - 7 Oct 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3720

Abstract

The ease with which modern plastics can be injection molded makes them very suitable for the production of many different products and, today, plastics are often used as substitutes for metal. Polypropylene (PP) is one of the most widely used thermoplastics globally since [...] Read more.

The ease with which modern plastics can be injection molded makes them very suitable for the production of many different products and, today, plastics are often used as substitutes for metal. Polypropylene (PP) is one of the most widely used thermoplastics globally since it is very useful, cost-effective and flexible for molding. However, the amount of harm to the environment caused by plastic waste has become phenomenal and the recycling of plastics has become a serious aspect of environmental protection. PP, as the most commonly used plastic material, was selected for use in this study. It has a melt flow index of 15 g/min and its recyclability, fluidity, and physical properties, as well as manufacturing conditions, were explored in relation to the number of times the material could be recycled (TR). A cavity pressure sensor was used to measure the viscosity index of the recycled plastic after multiple cycles of plasticizing and injection, part molding, scrap-recycling, and crushing. A paperclip-shaped test specimen was used to determine PP fluidity and crystallinity of specimens with different TRs. Tensile tests were used to detect differences in the tensile strength between specimens made from Raw-PP and recycled PP. The results showed that PP that had been recycled several times had a higher melt flow index, material fluidity, melting peak area, crystallinity, crystallization rate, and crystallization temperature. Repeated injection and recycling of the material had reduced the length of the molecular chains and broadened the molecular weight distribution. This improved the fluidity and increased crystallinity. The increase in fluidity made cavity filling easier, reducing the cavity pressure as well as the viscosity index. The results of this study showed that the recycling of the PP could improve the physical properties of the products to a degree and also went some way to further the benefits of a circular economy. The recycling of injection-molded PP material can be added to renewable energy technologies and used in environmental impact assessment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Technologies and Environmental Impact Assessment)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 1551 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Potential Barriers to the Implementation of an Innovative AB-FB Energy Storage System under a Sustainable Perspective

by María Blecua-de-Pedro and Maryori C. Díaz-Ramírez

Sustainability 2021, 13(19), 11042; https://doi.org/10.3390/su131911042 - 6 Oct 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2429

Abstract

The novel acid–base flow battery technology stores electrical energy using pH and salinity gradients in water and is suitable for different capacities (kWh–MWh scale) because of its scalable technology. Due to the flexibility of this system, it is predicted to provide technical, economic, [...] Read more.

The novel acid–base flow battery technology stores electrical energy using pH and salinity gradients in water and is suitable for different capacities (kWh–MWh scale) because of its scalable technology. Due to the flexibility of this system, it is predicted to provide technical, economic, and environmental benefits for supporting renewable energy integration, such as wind and solar energy, within the electricity generation system. However, its level of acceptance might be affected by additional conditioning factors in terms of policies and maintenance. To elucidate the relevance of the possible barriers to the implementation of the innovative AB-FB system, this work introduces an approach based on the analytic hierarchy process developed at three levels of hierarchy under a sustainability perspective. An exhaustive literature review as well as an assessment of experts’ evaluations were performed to identify the barriers in terms of technical, economic, environmental, policy, and maintenance aspects. Based on the results, the cost parameters (mostly attributed to the stack cost), followed by technical and environmental criteria, were deemed to be of the highest priority. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Technologies and Environmental Impact Assessment)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

27 pages, 1354 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Power Grid Integration and Use-Case Study of Acid-Base Flow Battery Technology

by Jesús Muñoz-Cruzado-Alba, Rossano Musca, Javier Ballestín-Fuertes, José F. Sanz-Osorio, David Miguel Rivas-Ascaso, Michael P. Jones, Angelo Catania and Emil Goosen

Sustainability 2021, 13(11), 6089; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13116089 - 28 May 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3380

Abstract

There are many different types of energy storage systems (ESS) available and the functionality that they can provide is extensive. However, each of these solutions come with their own set of drawbacks. The acid-base flow battery (ABFB) technology aims to provide a route [...] Read more.

There are many different types of energy storage systems (ESS) available and the functionality that they can provide is extensive. However, each of these solutions come with their own set of drawbacks. The acid-base flow battery (ABFB) technology aims to provide a route to a cheap, clean and safe ESS by means of providing a new kind of energy storage technology based on reversible dissociation of water via bipolar electrodialysis. First, the main characteristics of the ABFB technology are described briefly to highlight its main advantages and drawbacks and define the most-competitive use-case scenarios in which the technology could be applied, as well as analyze the particular characteristics which must be considered in the process of designing the power converter to be used for the interface with the electrical network. As a result, based on the use-cases defined, the ESS main specifications are going to be identified, pointing out the best power converter configuration alternatives. Finally, an application example is presented, showing an installation in the electrical network of Pantelleria (Italy) where a real pilot-scale prototype has been installed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Technologies and Environmental Impact Assessment)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

18 pages, 2932 KiB

Open AccessReview

Sustainable PV Module Design—Review of State-of-the-Art Encapsulation Methods

by Anna Katharina Schnatmann, Fabian Schoden and Eva Schwenzfeier-Hellkamp

Sustainability 2022, 14(16), 9971; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14169971 - 12 Aug 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4251

Abstract

In times of climate change and increasing resource scarcity, the importance of sustainable renewable energy technologies is increasing. However, the photovoltaic (PV) industry is characterised by linear economy structures, energy-intensive production, downcycling and little sustainability. One starting point for sustainable technologies is offered [...] Read more.

In times of climate change and increasing resource scarcity, the importance of sustainable renewable energy technologies is increasing. However, the photovoltaic (PV) industry is characterised by linear economy structures, energy-intensive production, downcycling and little sustainability. One starting point for sustainable technologies is offered by the circular economy with its circular design principles. One problematic aspect of the design of crystalline PV modules is the encapsulation. In particular, the encapsulation avoids high-value recycling or the remanufacturing of modules, which could close loops and extend the lifetime of the products. For this reason, this paper provides an overview of the current state of encapsulation methods regarding production, materials and recycling. In addition, the current state of sustainability research in the photovoltaic sector is presented using the VOSviewer tool. Furthermore, alternative encapsulation technologies are discussed and compared in terms of performance and sustainability. The current encapsulation method using ethylene vinyl acetate as the encapsulation material offers major disadvantages in terms of performance and recyclability. Alternatives are the thermoplastic material polyolefin and the alternative structure of the NICE technology. Overall, however, research should focus more on sustainability and recyclability. Alternative module structures will be a decisive factor in this context. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Technologies and Environmental Impact Assessment)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Renewable Energy Technologies and Environmental Impact Assessment

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (8 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI