World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology

Authors: Nora Arbaoui, Rachid Tadili

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This study presents a sustainable and cost-effective solar heating system designed to improve microclimate conditions in agricultural greenhouses, particularly during cold seasons. By utilizing solar energy, the system reduces reliance on conventional heating methods, leading to lower fuel consumption and decreased CO₂ emissions. Its design promotes environmental sustainability while ensuring optimal temperatures for plant growth. The system is innovative in three key aspects. First, it maximizes solar energy absorption through a simple and low-cost method, avoiding the need for complex technologies. Second, it uses water as a heat transfer fluid, which efficiently stores and distributes thermal energy. Third, thermal storage tanks are placed directly inside the greenhouse. This internal placement eliminates the need for additional insulation and allows the stored heat to be gradually released at night, maintaining warmer temperatures when external conditions are colder. Experimental testing during the winter months showed promising results. The greenhouse equipped with the solar heating system experienced a temperature increase of 4°C compared to a control greenhouse. Moreover, the indoor temperature remained 6°C higher than the ambient outdoor air, demonstrating the system’s effectiveness in stabilizing the internal climate. These findings highlight the potential of this solar heating system to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact in greenhouse agriculture. It offers a practical, economical, and eco-friendly solution for farmers, especially in regions where traditional heating is costly or unavailable. In conclusion, this study confirms that a simple solar heating system—based on water and internal thermal storage—can significantly improve greenhouse conditions during cold seasons. Its effectiveness, affordability, and sustainability make it a valuable tool for promoting greener agricultural practices.

Keywords: renewable energy, solar system, agricultural greenhouse, heating, storage, drying

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Authors: Girolama Airò Farulla, Luigi Gurreri, Giuseppe Marsala, Nico Randazzo, Marco Ferraro

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Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) electrochemically convert the chemical energy of a fuel and an oxidant directly into electricity and heat. Operating at 600-1000°C, they deliver higher efficiencies than conventional power plants, emit few pollutants, offer long service life, and can be built in modular, scalable configurations. Their elevated temperature also enables on-board reforming, so they can run not only on hydrogen but on a spectrum of alternative carriers. Among these, ammonia stands out as a carbon-free option: it stores 5.17 kWh kg⁻¹ of energy, can be liquefied at modest pressure, and releases no CO₂ at the point of use. Ammonia is first cracked into a H₂/N₂ mixture, either in an external reactor that exchanges heat with the stack or directly inside the anode, where waste heat from hydrogen oxidation drives the endothermic decomposition. Internal cracking simplifies the plant, raises overall thermal efficiency, and cuts capital cost, yet it exposes the Ni-based anodes used in today’s SOFCs to nitridation, microstructural deformation, and coupled thermal-chemical stresses that threaten durability. To accelerate development while avoiding the expense of extensive prototypes, researchers rely increasingly on modelling. Analytical and empirical approaches provide quick insights but must assume uniform conditions and simplified kinetics. Detailed computational models solve the coupled electrochemical, thermal, and mass-transport equations but are demanding to calibrate. Artificial neural networks and system-level models bridge these extremes for control and optimisation studies. In the present work, a hierarchical, system-level model has been built in Simulink. The SOFC stack is represented by a controlled voltage source in series with a resistance that blocks reverse current; its parameters were tuned against lab data and reproduce the voltage–current behaviour of a cell fuelled by the hydrogen-rich effluent of an external ammonia cracker. The ammonia reformer was simulated in Aspen Plus and thermally coupled to the fuel-cell block, enabling dynamic co-simulation of the integrated plant. The model serves a concrete application: supplying electric power to an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). Current AUVs rely mainly on rechargeable batteries whose energy density limits mission endurance. SOFCs, fed by compact stores of ammonia and oxygen, could extend operational time substantially, but introduce new hurdles such as thermal management in a submerged, thermally conductive environment, long start-up times, and component integration within the tight volume of a submersible. To ensure the fuel cell meets the rapidly varying power demands typical of AUV manoeuvres, a model-predictive-control (MPC) scheme was implemented in MATLAB. Two control strategies were explored: modulating the hydrogen feed rate in proportion to stack current, and directly regulating terminal voltage. The MPC exploits the predictive capability of the hierarchical model to maintain stable operation while respecting fuel-utilisation and temperature limits. Overall, the study demonstrates that a combined Aspen Plus–Simulink framework can capture the key electro-thermal dynamics of an SOFC system running on cracked ammonia, provide validated performance predictions, and supply the basis for advanced control design. By addressing both the materials challenges of ammonia-fuelled SOFCs and the system-integration issues specific to underwater vehicles, the work charts a path toward emission-free, high-endurance power sources for demanding mobile applications.

Keywords: solid oxide fuel cells, ammonia reforming, system modelling, model predictive control

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Authors: Manfredi Picciotto Maniscalco, Marco Ferraro

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The shift to a sustainable hydrogen economy presents new difficulties for the creation of innovative production methods that can reduce energy and resource consumption and thus the total environmental effects. The requirement for high-purity water is one of the crucial elements associated with the production of hydrogen using Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) and Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysis systems. Furthermore, the need for more freshwater in the future to ensure the generation of hydrogen may compete with human needs, particularly in the present day, when many nations are experiencing severe freshwater stress. In this sense, the present work analyse the environmental impacts of new catalysts to be used in PEM electrolyzer, which allows the stack to be fed with low-purity desalinated seawater. In fact, the ultra-pure water quality standard usually needed for PEM electrolyzers can hamper the application with sea or brackish water, unless an industrial water treatment system is available nearby. While significant advancements in electrocatalyst design have propelled the efficiency of PEM electrolyzers, a global understanding of their environmental implications remains crucial for sustainable energy transitions. This article presents a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of catalyst synthesized for PEM electrolyzer. The primary objective was to quantify the ecological burden associated with these advanced materials across their entire life cycle. The investigation traced the environmental footprint from the initial stages of raw material acquisition, through the synthesis pathways employed, and extending to potential end-of-life scenarios. Furthermore, a dedicated evaluation of the contribution of the raw materials was conducted to gain better insight into the environmental burdens, specifically related to the choice of materials for catalyst production. The proposed work delves into the analysis of the eco-profile of the synthetic component, mostly from a point of view of Global Warming Potential (GWP), Acidification Potential (AP), Human Toxicity (HT) and Resource Depletion (RD). The functional unit chosen is the unit mass of anode and cathode material, with a specific focus on the catalyst synthesis. To conduct the LCA, SimaPro with Ecoinvent Database was used, while the impact assessment calculation (LCIA) was performed through ReCipe methodology with midpoint impact indicators. Ultimately, this LCA provides insights to guide the future design and scale-up of catalyst synthesis towards more environmentally friendly production methods, contributing to the goal of sustainable PEM electrolysis technology. This work can represent the starting point for future attempts to integrate economic and social dimensions, evolving towards a more holistic life cycle sustainability assessment.

Keywords: LCA, hydrogen, PEM, catalyst

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Authors: Jahangeer Ahmed, Kashif Arfat, Umar Zaman Chattha, Aasma Saeed

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Biodiesel has been recognized as a good compatible and possible alternative to non-renewable petro-diesel because of its similar characteristics to petroleum diesel. Although mostly homogeneous catalysts are used for trans-esterification for maximum oil to diesel conversion but recently, heterogeneous catalysts are of more interest because of their reusability and no production of wastewater. However, nowadays, composite catalysts are a novel trend in heterogeneous catalysis. The present experimental investigation was planned to produce biodiesel having better fuel quality parameters meeting the international biodiesel standards. Seeds of Pongamia pinnata were collected from different areas and following steps were followed to get fractions: drying of feedstock, grinding of raw material, screw pressing of seeds for extraction of fatty oil, vacuum filtration, refining of oil by activated charcoal, dehydration with anhydrous sodium sulfate, vacuum fractionation. Alumina-supported composite catalyst was used to form biodiesel. As alumina is the best support for loading of the catalyst due to its suitable pore size distribution, greater surface area and high thermal stability. When a catalyst is incorporated into/onto alumina, the textural and structural properties of the catalyst are affected. The catalyst that is used in this research is alumina-supported composite catalyst CaO/KI/Al₂O₃, which was prepared by the precipitation and impregnation method. Two reaction parameters are varied for the optimization of the biodiesel yield, i.e, catalyst concentration and methanol amount. It was observed that pure oil and residue gave maximum yields of 89.76% and 91.92% respectively, with 15grams of methanol and 0.18 grams of catalyst amount. While the fraction gave a maximum biodiesel yield of 94% with 9 grams of methanol and 0.18 grams of catalyst. Various fuel quality parameters, including pH, density, specific gravity, iodine value, cetane number, saponification value, acid value, cloud point and pour point, were checked by different techniques. GC-MS analysis of the sample was also analyzed to their composition.

Keywords: biodiesel, feedstock, transesterification, alumina, GC-MS

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Authors: Zheng Wang, Bo Bai

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To optimize China's path toward carbon neutrality, this study meticulously integrates wind and solar power development with the nation's energy, economic, and climate objectives, addressing the complexities of economic costing and prioritization for renewable resources development. Utilizing the GIS-MCDA geospatial model, we precisely calculate the kilometer-level Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) for wind and PV across China. This data, combined with demographic and economic metrics, facilitates a nuanced three-dimensional spatio-temporal analysis, revealing optimal zones for renewable energy expansion based on resource potential, economic efficiency, and demographic distribution. Our findings propose a tiered development priority, offering a perspective on renewable energy strategy, emphasizing efficiency, and societal welfare. This research contributes a robust framework for guiding China's renewable energy strategy and structural energy transformation, underlining the synergy between technological advancement, economic viability, and environmental sustainability in achieving carbon neutrality.

Keywords: China, deployment priority, wind power, solar power, GIS-MCDA, SOFM

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Authors: Pramod Kumar Tripathi

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India’s pursuit of sustainable transportation solutions amid rising urbanization and energy demand has spotlighted Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) as a promising green fuel. This paper explores the viability of CBG as a mobility fuel through a comprehensive analysis of its energy potential, environmental benefits, economic feasibility, and exergy performance. With an estimated biogas potential of over 62,000 million m³ annually from agricultural residues, municipal waste, and animal dung, India holds vast feedstock resources for large-scale CBG production. CBG demonstrates energy content comparable to CNG, while reducing lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% on a per-kilometer basis. Well-to-wheel evaluations underscore CBG’s efficiency and emission benefits over fossil fuels. Government initiatives such as the SATAT scheme and bio-energy policies have catalyzed private sector investments and technology deployment. This paper also incorporates a detailed 4E analysis—Energy, Environment, Economy, and Exergy—highlighting CBG’s role in decentralizing energy production, creating rural employment, and contributing to national decarbonization goals. With advancements in anaerobic digestion, biogas purification, and logistics optimization, CBG can be a cornerstone of India’s renewable energy-driven mobility transition. The study concludes with strategic recommendations for expanding CBG infrastructure and accelerating its nationwide adoption.

Keywords: compressed bio-gas, mobility fuel, anaerobic digestion, 4E analysis, renewable energy, well-to-wheel emissions, SATAT, GHG reduction, India

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Authors: Tosin Oreyeni, Amos Oladele Popoola, Emmanuel Omokhuale

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The increasing need for environmentally friendly and energy-efficient solutions in agriculture and water management has led to a rise in the use of solar power pumping systems that utilize solar thermal technologies like Parabolic Trough Solar Collectors (PTSC). This research examines the performance of a solar-powered pumping system that utilizes a tri-hybrid nanofluid made up of Copper (II) oxide, Titanium dioxide, Carbon nanotubes within a PTSC. Combining Copper (II) oxide, Titanium dioxide, Carbon nanotubes has the potential to enhance the efficiency of Photovoltaic cells thus making them better suited for real-world applications and increasing the longevity of PV cells. The employed model follows the cubic autocatalytic reaction, exponentially space-based heat source, thermal stratification and thermal radiation. A similarity transformation approach is employed to convert the governing partial differential equations into a system of non-linear ordinary differential equations which are then solved numerically using Runge-Kutta 4th Order alongside shooting techniques. Findings indicate that suspension of ternary hybrid nanoparticles significantly optimizes thermal and flow performance. Furthermore, this research offers new insights into the design and improvement of advanced solar thermal pumping systems potentially increasing the efficiency of energy harvesting in renewable energy applications.

Keywords: ternary hybrid nanofluid, stratification, heat source, solar power pumping system

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Authors: Asselah Amel, Boucherouri Chaima, Bakour Mona, Benadouene Hayet

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This paper investigates the valorization of marine green algae biomass ‘Ulva Lactuca’ through its transformation into a high added value product as biosorbent to removal of cadmium from aqueous solution. The green algae were collected of the Boumerdes sea from the Algerian coast. The various parameters affecting the biosorption as initial cadmium concentration, biosorbent amount, contact time, pH, and temperature were studied in batch experiments. The adsorption mechanisms of cadmium ions onto the algal biosorbent were examined using various analytical techniques: Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy coupled to energy-dispersive X -ray, and X-ray diffraction. Results indicated that at the optimum pH value of 6, about 4 g of Ulva Lactuca was enough to remove 99% of 6 mg/L of cadmium when it was exposed for 1 hour at 25 °C in the aqueous solution. The results show that these parameters influenced cadmium removal using green algae considerably. Pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, intraparticle and extraparticle diffusion kinetic models were applied to explain the kinetic data, and the pseudo-second-order model achieved good agreement controlled by extraparticle, and intraparticle diffusion. The equilibrium data was well fitted with the Langmuir isotherm. The monolayer adsorption capacity was 111.11 mg/g. The calculated thermodynamic parameters indicate that the cadmium biosorption onto Ulva Lactuca was spontaneous and exothermic beneath tested conditions. The tested green algae biosorbent was regenerated using chlorhydric acid as desorption reagent and a percentage of 90 % was recovered. The promising results obtained are expected to promote the use of green algae biomass as an efficient and eco-friendly sustainable biosorbent.

Keywords: adsorption, biosorbents, cadmium, algae

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Authors: Lawani Arouna Temidire

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In an era marked by information overload and limited attention spans, delivering accurate and timely news in a concise format is essential. This paper presents "Flash Info 60s", an innovative digital news platform designed to provide global news in 60-second formats (text, audio, and video). The platform targets the general public, especially in Africa, using popular messaging applications (WhatsApp, Telegram), social media (TikTok, YouTube Shorts), and a dedicated mobile application. The economic model is based on low-cost subscriptions, advertising, and strategic partnerships. The goal is to make reliable information accessible, engaging, and inclusive.

Keywords: digital inclusion, short-form journalism, ethical media, news bots, Africa, Islamic communication

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Authors: Willian de Vasconcelos Silva, Sergio Andres James Rueda, Leticia Bizarre, Annie Fidel-Dufour, Vanessa C. Bizotto Guersoni, Marcelo Souza de Castro

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Wax precipitation is a significant concern in petroleum transport, particularly in offshore and cold environments, where the temperature drops below the Wax Appearance Temperature (WAT) can lead to rapid wax crystallization. This results in partial or total pipeline blockage, increasing maintenance frequency, and significantly impacting production efficiency. Understanding the conditions that promote wax deposition is essential for optimizing flow assurance strategies. This study investigates wax deposition behavior using crude oil and model oils in a laboratory-scale cold finger apparatus. The primary aim is to analyze how operational parameters - temperature, deposition time, and fluid dynamics (static vs. dynamic) influence the formation, rate, and composition of wax deposits. These insights contribute to the design of more effective mitigation strategies for wax-related flow assurance problems. We selected two oil types for the experiments: a real crude oil sample and a model oil formulated with a mixture of solvents (C9–C16) and 15% wax. The use of model oil provides a simplified matrix for isolating the effects of wax concentration and hydrocarbon distribution, enabling a comparative understanding of crude oil's complex composition. We conducted cold finger experiments at bulk fluid temperatures set just above and below the WAT for each oil, approximately 55 °C (above WAT) and 40 °C (below WAT). The WAT values were determined to be 53.5 °C for the crude oil and 47.9 °C for the model oil. The cold finger was maintained at a constant 10 °C to simulate a cooled pipeline wall, and we conducted the experiments for 4 and 8 hours. Both static and dynamic flow conditions were evaluated, with dynamic conditions set to 350 rpm to simulate turbulence in pipeline flow. Gas chromatographic analysis was employed to characterize the chemical composition of the wax deposits, particularly the distribution of n-alkanes. This analysis is essential for identifying the hydrocarbons most prone to crystallization and determining differences between deposits formed under varying conditions. Understanding the molecular composition also aids in formulating chemical inhibitors and other wax control strategies. The experimental results allow for quantifying the deposition rate, total deposited mass, and the specific characteristics of the wax formed under different thermal and flow regimes. Dynamic conditions are anticipated to reduce the extent of wax buildup due to shear-induced resuspension of forming crystals. Additionally, we expect the model oil to produce deposits with a narrower range of hydrocarbons than crude oil, reflecting its more straightforward composition. By systematically comparing real and model systems, this study provides relevant data for industrial applications such as insulation design, pigging frequency optimization, and developing targeted chemical additives. Ultimately, this research contributes to the broader understanding of paraffin-related flow assurance in oil transport systems.

Keywords: wax deposition, cold finger, gas chromatographic, wax rate of deposition, flow assurence

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Authors: Abishek R., Naveen K., Sathish B.

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As demand for sustainable energy resources increases, along with the electric vehicles (EV) market, the need for renewable and decentralized charging systems has become increasingly important. This paper overviews the design, implementation, and analysis of a solar-powered wireless EV charging system. Components such as Arduino, solar panels, boost converters, high-frequency inverter circuits, transmitting and receiver coils, and battery banks are employed. This wireless energy transfer system plugs into a wall outlet and can be charged at an output voltage of 6.6V, progressing towards a 12V charge. The paper describes each component, evaluates performance, and discusses challenges, advantages, disadvantages, and future potential.

Keywords: solar energy, wireless charging, electric vehicles, Arduino, boost converter, inductive coupling

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Authors: Haona Zhang

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The oxygen source of oxygenates is the fundamental issue for CO₂/CO electroreduction, which was firmly believed to originate from the gas feed (Ogas) for a long time. However, recent experiments have confirmed that most O atoms of the generated alcohols via CO reduction arise from the solvent (Oaq), indicating the existence of a rather mysterious ‘oxygen exchange’ process. In this work, we solved this mechanistic puzzle by using comprehensive computations. Our results revealed that high CO pressure enables COgas oxidation by surface *OaqH, which opens a pathway for oxygenate production. The generated *COgasOaqH can react with another *CO to form *COCOgasOaqH, which leads to the formation of a series of carboxyl-containing intermediates (RCOgasOaqH) in the subsequent steps. Due to the dynamic ionization equilibrium, H+ moves rapidly between Ogas and Oaq via reversible ‘inner’ proton transfer (*RCOgasOaqH ⇌ *R-COgasOaq‒ + H+ ⇌ *RCOaqOgasH). The oxygen exchange completes when *RCOaq forms via the dehydroxylation of a certain *RCOaqOgasH. The completed reaction pathways were further explored by using COgas reduction into C2H5OaqH as an example, which explains related experiments. Therefore, these results refresh the insights into CO2/CO electroreduction and give specific guidelines for the optimization of catalytic performance.

Keywords: DFT, electroreaction, CO pressure, oxygen exchange

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Authors: Yuxiao Meng

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Single-atom catalysts (SACs) exhibit excellent selectivity toward C1 products due to higher atomic utilization to replace conventional nanoparticle catalysts in the electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR). The proposed theoretical design principles are mostly employed to predict high activity catalysts without considering the influence of electrochemical environment (such as electrode potential). Herein, we propose a descriptor to quantify the intrinsic charge transfer capability of the metal center and the sensitivity of SACs catalyst to electrode potential. The descriptor integrates the intrinsic metal properties (electronegativity, d–electron number) and potential correction (Ur). The training and test databases are mainly for electrode potential ranges of –1.20 to 0.00 V vs RHE and 3d–5d transition metals. The resulting descriptor shows great accuracy in predicting the thermodynamic free energy and kinetic reaction barriers and generalizability. Moreover, the variation trend of Faraday efficiency (FE) of the CO product for Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Nb, and Mo single–atom catalysts (SACs) predicted is consistent with the experimental data. An interpretable electrode potential–dependent descriptor not only explains the electronic effects of SACs catalysts but also deciphers the sensitivity of metals to electrode potential. This insight has important guiding significance for the rational design of SACs catalysts in realistic electrochemical conditions.

Keywords: single atom catalyst, electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction, Design principle, working condition

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Authors: Qianglong Fang

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A substance is chiral if its mirror image cannot overlap with it. Recently, the unique spin polarization phenomenon in two-dimensional chiral organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites has attracted great attention and has been widely used in various spintronic devices. Although chiral perovskites have been widely developed over the years, some open questions in this field remain elusive due to the lack of systematic research, such as the unique chiral transfer process in chiral perovskites. In this work, we first propose that the chirality of different inorganic lattices can be determined based on TDDFT calculations without the need for experiments. Secondly, we point out that orbital polarization is ubiquitous in chiral inorganic lattices, which means that the counter-propagating electrons carry opposite spin-orbital angular momentum. Furthermore, we propose that spin can be manipulated through photon-orbital-spin interaction during circularly polarized photon injection. In addition, we derive a simple and easy-to-understand descriptor to deeply study the physical mechanism of chiral transfer. In fact, chirality transfer from chiral organic molecules to inorganic frameworks is an underexplored aspect unique to 2D chiral organic-inorganic perovskites to date. Our work thus provides useful guidance for interpreting chirality-induced phenomena and designing hybrid devices with chirality- and spin-related properties.

Keywords: chiral, perovskite, descriptor, spin

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Authors: Amarjit Singh Sarpal, Laiz Helena Soares Falchetto, Thaisa Duarte Santos, Gabriela Barcellos Curi Leal, Claudia Bandeira Das Neves, Michele Greque de Morais, Andrei Vallerao Igansi, Jorge Alberto V. Costa

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Biofuels produced from various biomass sources, particularly biodiesel and biojet aviation fuels, have emerged as sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives for the transport sector. They have been widely recognized as viable options for replacing fossil fuels, as evidenced by the increasing number of recent publications in the field. Biojet fuel, or synthetic aviation fuel (SAF), is produced from renewable resources such as vegetable oils, agricultural waste, sugars, and algal oils. It has been found to be highly compatible with fossil-based kerosene jet fuel. Microalgae biomass contains key components such as lipids (triacylglycerides, TAGs; fatty acids), proteins, carbohydrates, bioactive compounds, and minerals.The hydrocarbon composition and physico-chemical properties of microalgae-based biodiesel and biojet aviation fuels such as density, viscosity, specific heat, freezing/pour point, combustion characteristics, and oxidation stability depend on the molecular structure of the extracted lipids, mainly TAGs, as well as the hydroprocessing routes employed. The Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) process has proven to be a reliable route for converting TAGs from vegetable and algal lipids into biojet fuel. The present study focus on produced biojet fuels by blending biodiesel and conventional jet fuel obtained from algal TAG lipids through the conventional transesterification process. The biomasses were cultivated from Chlorella sp. and Spirulina sp. The physico-chemical properties specified in ASTM D7566 such as lipid content, fatty acid profile, density, freezing point, ester content, combustion characteristics (cetane number), and oxidation stability were analyzed using conventional methods as well as by advanced techniques, including NMR, IR, and GC-MS. The results indicate that algal oils are promising biojet and biodiesel production feedstocks. Algal oils extracted via ultrasonic methods were found rich in TAG lipids, with fatty acid profiles similar to those of vegetable oils. Additionally, oxidation stability can be improved by hydrogenating polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as C18:3, C20:5, and C22:6, which were found in higher concentrations than vegetable oils.

Keywords: microalgae lipids, biojet aviation fuel, biofuels, triacylglycerides

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Authors: George Elkes Abanoub Hanna Ibrahim

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The growing need for sustainable energy solutions is a defining challenge of the modern era. As the global population continues to expand and industrialization accelerates, the demand for energy is surging. This trend underscores the critical importance of sustainable energy and environmental sciences in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change, reducing dependence on finite fossil fuels, and promoting long-term ecological balance. Sustainable energy is derived from sources that are abundant, renewable, and environmentally friendly, such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass energy. Unlike traditional fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gases, renewable energy technologies aim to harness natural resources while minimizing ecological impact. These technologies represent a pivotal shift in energy production and consumption, serving as a cornerstone in the transition to a more sustainable and equitable future. Environmental sciences provide a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the intricate relationship between human activity and the natural world. This field of study encompasses key areas such as ecology, conservation biology, environmental chemistry, and atmospheric sciences, offering critical insights into the causes, effects, and solutions to environmental issues. Through research and innovation, environmental sciences inform policy-making, drive technological advancements, and empower communities to adopt sustainable practices. Despite the promising potential of sustainable energy and environmental sciences, there are significant challenges to overcome. One major obstacle is the initial cost of renewable energy infrastructure, which can be prohibitively expensive for developing nations. Another challenge is the intermittency of certain renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, which require advanced storage solutions to ensure reliability. Conversely, there are countless opportunities for progress. Advances in battery technology, smart grids, and energy-efficient systems are facilitating the integration of renewable energy into global networks. Environmental sciences, too, are witnessing breakthroughs in areas such as carbon sequestration, habitat restoration, and pollution control. These developments hold the promise of a cleaner, greener future. Government policies and international cooperation are pivotal in advancing the goals of sustainable energy and environmental sciences. Incentives for clean energy adoption, funding for scientific research, and commitments to global agreements such as the Paris Climate Accord are examples of policy-driven progress. Education also plays a vital role in fostering awareness and empowering individuals to act as stewards of the environment. Sustainable energy and environmental sciences are not merely disciplines; they are vital tools in addressing humanity's most pressing challenges. By embracing innovation, prioritizing environmental stewardship, and fostering global collaboration, society can pave the way for a resilient and sustainable future. Keywords— sustainable, energy, solutions, defining challenge, modern era, the global population, industrialization acceleration, the demand for energy, trend, the critical importance, sustainable energy, environmental sciences, mitigating the adverse effects, climate change, reducing dependence on finite fossil fuels, promoting long-term ecological balance.

Keywords: sustainable, energy, solutions, defining challenge, modern era, the global population, industrialization acceleration, the demand for energy, trend, the critical importance, sustainable energy, environmental sciences, mitigating the adverse effects, climate change, reducing dependence on finite fossil fuels, promoting long-term ecological balance

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Authors: Amit Kumar Sharma, Rahul S. Raj, Siddharth Jain

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Torrefaction has emerged as a promising thermochemical pre-treatment for upgrading municipal solid waste (MSW) into high-energy-density biofuels. This study evaluates the environmental and energy efficiency of torrefaction through two key metrics: Global Warming Potential (GWP) and Energy Return on Investment (EROI). Experimental results indicate that torrefaction at 300°C for 30 minutes with 50% MSW blend increases the higher heating value (HHV) from 9.36 MJ/kg (raw MSW) to 19 MJ/kg, significantly improving fuel quality. The optimized condition of 290°C for 30 minutes with 90% MSW results in an HHV of 16.53 MJ/kg with an EROI of more than 6. The highest HHV of 22.12 MJ/kg was observed at 250°C for 60 minutes with 0% MSW, though MSW-rich blends achieved better balance in energy yield and environmental impact. The torrefaction process reduces moisture and volatile content while affecting GWP, which varies from 0.562 to 0.961 kg CO₂-eq per kg biochar, depending on temperature and residence time.

Keywords: torrefaction, municipal solid waste, global warming potential, energy return on investment, LCA, waste-to-energy

Procedia PDF Downloads 28

Authors: Akuma Oji, Obumneme O. Okwonna, Erekosima Tonye, Tom Abasi-Ofon

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This study focused on the review of selected Nigerian biomass, solely agricultural crops. It was particularly focused on the valorization of the waste generated from these biomass materials, as these wastes are presently grossly under-utilized. The profiles of these wastes were reviewed together with existing thermal processes with a bid to converting them. The selected biomass constituted of rice husk, groundnut and palm kernel shell with annual production estimated to be 600 million Kg/yr, 665 million kg/yr, and 880 million Kg/yr, respectively. The thermal processes reviewed were pyrolysis, gasification and hydrotreating. Experimental investigations on these processes for both selected and non-selected biomass materials were reviewed to validate the suitability of biomass materials for biofuels and energy production. The potential products from these materials namely bio-oil, producer gas and solid char and their amounts were evaluated. The use of these products as blending stocks to produce fuels for IC engines in refineries has been identified as the alternative use. These products can be purified and upgraded to standard specifications to meet the required standards. The equipment specification for the thermal processes and the techno-economic analysis were not considered. The power potentials of these materials (based on gasification) were calculated to be 331,050,228.31W (331 MW), 401,285,832.06W (401 MW), 522,670,218.16W (523 MW), respectively while the corresponding energy potential of these materials were obtained as 870,000,000,000W (870 GWH), 1,054,579,166,666.67W (1055 GWH), 1,373,577,333,333.33W (1374 GWH), respectively. Furthermore, assuming 30% efficiency of the gas turbine, the electric power equivalence values were obtained as 99,315,068.49W (99 MW), 120,385,749.62W (120 MW), 156,801,065.45W (157 MW). The use of these products as blending stocks to produce fuels for IC engines in refineries has been identified as the alternative use. These products can be purified and upgraded to standard specifications to meet the required standards. The equipment specification for the thermal processes and the techno-economic analysis were not considered.

Keywords: biomass, biofuels, energy recovery, gasification

Procedia PDF Downloads 23

Authors: Bruno Rafael de Almeida Moreira, Sameer Punde, Damian Hine, Sudhir Yadav

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This study evaluates the conversion of invasive environmental weed biomass into renewable solid biofuels via optimised pelletisation. Biomass from 15 species—including both woodies and non-woodies—was extensively characterised by measuring lignocellulosic composition and particle size distribution to assess densification mechanisms such as mechanical interlocking and chemical cohesion. Using a desktop pellet press, 135 pellet types were produced under varying temperatures (25°C, 50°C, 100°C) and pressures (50, 100, 150 bar) and evaluated against standard fuel quality metrics (density, mechanical durability, calorific value, ash content, and mineral composition) in line with ENplus® and ISO 17225 specifications. Advanced analyses using Principal Component Analysis and Response Surface Methodology identified key quality predictors and optimal processing conditions. Notably, Solanum seaforthianum exhibited 24.1% lignin, 97.3% mechanical durability, and calorific values of 18.8–19.9 MJ/kg, while Ruellia simplex showed high ash content (~36.5%) and elevated levels of fouling-related elements. Additionally, grasses such as Urochloa decumbens and Melinis repens achieved competitive calorific values (~19.5 MJ/kg) but produced pellets with low bulk densities (<150 kg/m³), which may limit logistical performance. Further research—including co-pelleting, binders, torrefaction, and pilot-scale evaluations—is recommended to enhance economic viability and environmental performance, thereby facilitating integration with existing fuel pellet infrastructure for a net-zero energy future.

Keywords: carbon neutrality, climate change, decarbonisation, net zero

Procedia PDF Downloads 31

Authors: Sohail Ibrahim

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The environment consists of earth, water, air, plants and animals. If we pollute them, then the existence of man and nature will be hampered. One of the biggest sources of this pollution is the generation of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in industries which spread out in the form of gases in the environment. Smoke pollutes the air. It is the root of air pollution. The smoke discharges from industries, automobiles and kitchens are a mixture of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane etc. The impure air causes diseases, impairs our health, causes death and depletion of the Ozone layer. The paper comprises the study of the impact of these Greenhouse and poisonous gases, which is part of the depletion of the Ozone stratospheric layer to some extent as well as the effect on the health of human beings. The results show that CO is more effective compared to NO and SO₂. CO and SO₂ have a significant correlation with O₃. Therefore, a multiple regression model has been designed to study and analyze both pollutants in Ozone. In the descriptive statistics portion, it is observed that concentration data of NO, CO, SO₂ and O₃ are not normally distributed; they exhibit a right-skewed distribution. Environmental pollution is the biggest menace to the human race on this planet today.

Keywords: air pollution, pollutants, ozone, CO, NO, SO₂

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Authors: Hongmei Yuan, Changyu Weng, Xinghua Zhang, Lungang Chen, Qi Zhang, Longlong Ma, Jianguo Liu

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The climate crisis and the need for green and sustainable energy drive the rapid development of hydrogen production from water electrolysis. Improvements in the kinetics of the anode reaction, which governs the efficiency of water electrolysis, are essential for efficient hydrogen production and key to effectively addressing global environmental and energy challenges. Hence, we focus on improving the kinetics of the anode oxidation reaction. The multi-walled carbon nanotubes coupled with bimetallic organic framework (CoFe-MOF-74) composite electrocatalysts (CoFe-MOF-74@MWCNT) were fabricated for OER and the kinetically more favorable glucose oxidation reaction (GOR). Compared to commercial RuO2, CoFe-MOF-74@MWCNT showed superior OER catalytic performance, exhibiting a lower overpotential (273 mV) and a lower Tafel slope (55 mV dec-1) at a current density of 10 mA cm-2. Moreover, after adding glucose to the anode, the potential required of 10 mA cm-2 was only 1.291 V (vs. RHE), a reduction of 212 mV compared to the OER potential. This reduction in potential demonstrates the efficiency of our catalysts and signifies significant energy savings. The characterization results and theoretical calculations indicated that the superior OER/GOR performance of CoFe-MOF-74@MWCNT can be ascribed to the synergistic effect between MWCNT and the mixed metal nodes of the bimetallic organic framework. The doping of MWCNT promoted the catalyst charge transfer efficiency (Rct was only 5.56 Ω) in the OER process. The mixed metal nodes of CoFe-MOF-74@MWCNT provided more active sites for the electrocatalytic reaction and promoted the bond-breaking of critical intermediates in the oxidation process, significantly reducing the free energy of catalytic intermediates and accelerating reaction kinetics. This work provides a strategy for designing multifunctional electrocatalysts for OER and biomass small molecule oxidation and highlights the potential for significant energy savings in practical applications.

Keywords: bimetallic organic framework, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), synergistic effect, oxygen evolution reaction, glucose oxidation

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Authors: Xiajin Ren

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The electrode materials for supercapacitors have attracted more attention to meet the urgent requirements of energy storage. In this study, we synthesized N/B porous carbon from corn stalk and organic solvent lignin (CSC-NB and OSLC-NB) as supercapacitor electrode materials through simple hydrothermal and carbonization methods. CSC-NB showed better electrical double-layer curves and provided higher capacitive performance than OSLC-NB. The excellent electrochemical properties of CSC-NB were on account of laminar porous structure and endowment by N/B atoms co-doping. Furthermore, cobalt oxide-porous carbon composite (CSC-NBCo) was also obtained as electrode material. CSC-NB and CSC-NBCo both showed excellent cycling performance, exhibiting great potential in the application of high-energy-density asymmetric supercapacitor devices.

Keywords: biomass, porous carbon, N, B co-doping, transition metal oxide, supercapacitors

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Authors: Armen Ohan

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Global warming and climate change have become the main challenges for the continuation of life on planet Earth after the rate of desertification has become at dangerous rates and has caused the extinction of many sorts of species of animals and plantations that were unable to be qualified for climate changes and their consequences, such as the lack of drinking water and food. The idea of rehabilitating the desert and transforming it into a green environment has become an urgent request to restore the original environment to those areas that have turned into deserts.

Keywords: desertification, molecular diffusion of water, greenhouses., lack of drinking wate

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Authors: Magdy Tadrous Zaky, Asmaa Said Morshedy, Ahmed Abdelhamid Maamoun, Walaa Shabaan Gado, Othman Ahmed Mohamed Omar

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Paraffin wax is widely recognized as an organic phase change material (PCM) with significant potential for thermal energy storage, particularly in solar energy applications. Its advantages include low cost, abundant availability, colorless appearance, stable physical and chemical properties, high latent heat of fusion, and a low melting point suitable for solar thermal systems. Additionally, paraffin wax can be stored at room temperature for extended periods without degradation, but its low thermal conductivity limits its practical applications in thermal energy storage systems. This study investigates the enhancement of the thermal properties of paraffin wax by incorporating zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and nanobiochar composites. ZnO NPs were selected for their excellent thermal conductivity, while biochar, derived from waste biomass, was utilized as a sustainable and porous support material to further improve thermal performance. A series of ZnO NPs doped nanobiochar - paraffin wax composites (2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, and 12.5 wt.%) were synthesized. Also, the effect of loading ZnO NPs onto the nanobiochar surface at different mass ratios (10, 20, and 30 wt.%) on their catalytic thermal stability efficiency via using sonication rays. The as-prepared materials were investigated and characterized using various techniques such as XRD, FT-IR, Raman, DLS, SEM, TEM-EDX, BET, TGA, DSC, XPS, and their thermal properties were evaluated using a thermal performance system (TPS). By testing the as-prepared materials to know the actual increase in the thermal conductivity of paraffin wax, it was found that 20% of ZnO/biochar with the biochar to the paraffin wax molar ratio of 10% was the most efficient, as it achieved an increasing up to 1.322 W/mK with thermal conductivity enhancement of 340.66%, while the paraffin wax only and with 10 % biochar without ZnO attained to 0.300 and 0.445 W/mK, respectively. Also, this study explored the scalability of ZnO/biochar composites, including potential hurdles and future approaches for large-scale deployment. The results reveal a significant improvement in thermal conductivity and energy storage efficiency compared to pure paraffin wax. These findings suggest that ZnO/biochar composites are effective additives for improving the thermal performance of paraffin wax, making it a more efficient and sustainable option for latent heat thermal energy storage, providing a sustainable and efficient solution to critical energy and environmental challenges.

Keywords: paraffin wax, phase change material, nano biochar, solar energy applications, thermal energy storage

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Authors: Hemlata Karne, Riddhi Bhor, Mrugank Ghaisas, Kedar Kamath, Pradyumna Galgali

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The research deals with the treatment of Aspergillus niger for citric acid production under various conditions. These contain substrates such as potato peels, whole potatoes, beetroot, and beetroot peels. There were three systematic stages of experimentation with a view to improving the production process. Through the Substrate evaluation it was observed that potato peels provided the highest citric acid production, samples were shaken, and, after 48 hours, titrated. R3 and all subsequent run experiments, they were taken into account the variations in the concentration of an ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) factor for optimum citric acid production, at intervals of 2-6 days for sealing its incidence for incubation. The experiment was conducted at 29°C with constant shaking at 100 rpm after sterilization of substrates for ensuring microbial safety and uniformity. Titration was performed to quantify the level of citric acid production. Experiments have proved the highest yield of citric acid with potato peels at maximum NH4Cl concentrations. It highlights the strategies for low-cost and sustainable substrates towards citric acid production using agro-industrial wastes. The study focused on low-cost management of these unused by-products not only optimized the process of fermentation but also turned biomass wastes into waste to value for ecologically more benign and economically viable industrial applications.

Keywords: citric acid production, Aspergillus niger, agro-industrial waste, potato peels, substrate optimization, nitrogen source, incubation, fermentation, sustainability

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Authors: C. Cristofari

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Nowadays, the islands have a very high carbon content in their energy mix, and their insularity means that they are highly dependent in terms of energy supply. Although the Corsican electricity mix is characterised by a very high proportion of renewable energies (RE), the island remains dependent on external supplies for almost 87% of its total primary energy consumption in 2022 (fuels for transport, liquefied petroleum gas for heating in particular, fuels for electricity production, electricity imports via the interconnections with Italy and Sardinia, etc.). As electrical energy in Corsica is 09 times more carbon-intensive than in continental France, the connections of energy systems to the insular electrical grid highlight the limits to the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources into the energy mix. As a result, this raises questions about the possible levers for accelerating an efficient transition and leads us to define an R&D strategy that puts potential solutions for the coming years into perspective, particularly in terms of storage, networks, and intelligent systems. The R&D strategy of University of Corsica is to develop technology platforms in order to validate modelization and optimization of systems and so in order to have robust digital twins. This choice enables us to offer to propose renewable energy systems viable. Two platforms have been developed: MYRTE, a hydrogen chain and PAGLIA ORBA, a smart Grid. We propose to present an exemple of transferring our research through these Platforms.

Keywords: energy, hydrogen, policy, technology-platform

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Authors: Mohsen Alamooti, Moones Alamooti

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The effective management of Coal Combustion Products (CCPs) has become increasingly important as the construction industry seeks sustainable solutions. This paper presents a comprehensive approach to CCP utilization in construction applications at the Middle East Mines & Mineral Industries Development Holding Company (MIDHCO), detailing the systematic transition from conventional disposal methods to innovative resource recovery practices. The study addresses technical challenges and practical solutions in implementing CCP recovery and usage within the specific context of Middle Eastern construction and environmental requirements. The research documents the evolution from traditional disposal methods to an integrated CCP management approach, with particular emphasis on quality control protocols and diverse construction applications. Through careful implementation of established processing techniques and innovative modifications, reliable methodologies for CCP recovery have been developed that align with current construction standards while maintaining stringent environmental compliance requirements. The approach incorporates both laboratory-scale validation and full-scale implementation studies, ensuring practical viability across different construction scenarios. The investigation presents detailed results in three key areas: (1) standardization of CCP quality for concrete applications, including physical and chemical characterization methods, particle size distribution optimization, and performance validation protocols; (2) processing methods specifically adapted to regional conditions, accounting for local climate effects, available technology, and market requirements; and (3) practical integration of CCPs into construction materials, with emphasis on workability, strength development, and durability characteristics. The findings provide valuable insights into establishing effective CCP management systems that successfully balance technical requirements with environmental considerations and economic viability. The study details a comprehensive quality monitoring system for CCP assessment, incorporating real-time analysis techniques and automated sampling procedures, alongside the implementation of waste reduction initiatives at production sites. Data from a three-year implementation period demonstrates consistent achievement of technical specifications and environmental targets. Results include achieving a sustainable 15% cement replacement rate in concrete applications while maintaining required performance specifications, successful utilization of CCPs in controlled low-strength materials for specific construction applications, and development of standardized quality control procedures adaptable to various production scales. The research quantifies environmental benefits, including reduced CO2 emissions through cement replacement and decreased landfill requirements, while addressing practical challenges such as transportation logistics and storage requirements.

Keywords: coal combustion products (CCPs), sustainable construction, waste management, construction materials

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Authors: Joseph Levodo, Olivier Durieux

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The increased demand for home cooling systems in Sub-Saharan African countries is driven by rapid population growth and rising temperatures due to climate change in the continent. Regular cooling systems, which depend heavily on electricity, contribute to high energy costs. Sub-Saharan Africa already has weak energy infrastructure, and heavy increased greenhouse gas emissions. Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) technology present a good solution for sustainable and efficient cooling in Sub-Saharan African countries' homes. By using underground temperatures, ground source heat pump technology (GSHP) systems can provide cooling solutions that could significantly reduce energy consumption and emissions and could also offer environmental and economic benefits and alternative technology by transferring heat between a building and the ground. This new technology offers several advantages over regular air conditioning systems, including cost reduction, higher energy efficiency, and a lower environmental impact. Furthermore, ground source heat pump aligns with the transition toward sustainable energy, and this can play an important role in supporting Sub-Saharan Africa's countries' efforts to achieve net-zero emissions targets, at the same time by addressing the growing demand for cooling in commercial, residential, and industrial buildings. Notwithstanding these advantages, the adoption of ground-source heat pumps in Sub-Saharan Africa faces significant challenges. A lack of technical skills personal, limited public awareness, high upfront costs installation, insufficient policy support, and significant barriers to the implementation of GSHP. Additionally, the climatic conditions and the diverse geophysical across sub-Saharan African countries require localised research for ground source heat pumps. This paper investigates the prospects of the use of GSHP systems for cooling in Sub-Saharan African countries and examines the economic, technical, and environmental feasibility. The paper highlights the potential energy savings and the achievable emissions reductions with the GSHP adoption, and this is supported by the case studies from Cameroon that demonstrate the successful of the technology. The research emphasises the need for capacity-building initiatives to develop local expertise in the design, installation, and maintenance of GSHP systems. Training programs and partnerships with national and international organisations can bridge knowledge gaps and ensure that local stakeholders are equipped to implement and manage these systems effectively in Sub-Saharan African countries. Moreover, public awareness campaigns and demonstration projects are vital to showcasing the benefits of GSHP technology and fostering acceptance among consumers and businesses. Collaboration among governments, private sector actors, researchers, and development partners is critical to overcoming these challenges and unlocking the full potential of GSHP technology. The ground source heat pumps offer a transformative opportunity to address the increasing demand for cooling in Sub-Saharan Africa while advancing the region's energy efficiency and sustainability goals. Ground source heat pump (GSHP) technology can become a key component of the region's cooling infrastructure. Their adoption not only supports the transition to low-carbon energy systems but also enhances resilience to the impacts of climate change, contributing to improved living standards and sustainable development in Sub-Saharan African countries.

Keywords: ground source heat pump, Sub Saharan Africa, energy efficiency, cooling

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Authors: Luzie Krings

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The electrification of the transport sector is increasingly recognized as a vital strategy for decarbonization. However, integrating electric vehicles (EVs) into the energy grid poses challenges due to decentralized power units and the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources. Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology offers a compelling solution by enabling EVs to function as mobile storage units, providing system services, reducing grid congestion, and offering economic incentives. This potential is particularly significant in freight transport, which accounts for 38% of transport-related emissions. The aggregated use of energy storage in this sector can facilitate grid stability and renewable energy integration. Despite this, existing optimization methods for energy markets frequently overlook operational constraints, such as fixed schedules and state-of-charge requirements, while redispatch markets remain underutilized. This study introduces a risk-averse optimization model for marketing EV flexibilities across multiple energy markets in Germany. Using a linear optimization framework, the model incorporates technical, regulatory, and user constraints. EVs are modeled as energy storage units, and the integration of renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaic (PV) and wind energy, is evaluated. To benchmark performance, unidirectional charging with dynamic tariffs is used as the reference scenario. The research examines four distinct logistics depot fleets, each with varying capacities and schedules, to simulate commercial EV operations. The methodology employs a multi-market optimization model that integrates Day-Ahead, Intraday, and Redispatch energy markets, each with specific trading conditions and temporal offsets. The tool, developed using the Python-based library energy pilot by Fraunhofer IEE, also explores scenarios where proprietary renewable energy sources are incorporated to maximize benefits. By accounting for charging schedules, market requirements, and technical constraints, the study aims to enhance grid stability and improve economic outcomes and integration of renewable energies. The findings highlight the economic, environmental, and grid-related advantages of optimizing EV flexibility. Compared to the reference scenario of unidirectional charging, bidirectional strategies delivered an approximate economic benefit of 20%. Furthermore, the integration of proprietary renewable energy sources increased by 15%, demonstrating the potential for environmental gains. The study revealed that the duration of a single charging cycle has a greater impact on economic benefits than the total daily charging time spread across multiple cycles. This underscores the marketing potential of vehicles with extended idle times rather than frequent charging cycles. In conclusion, optimizing energy trading through flexible EV portfolios and efficient charging infrastructure offers substantial cost savings, particularly by increasing the number of charging stations and extending charging cycle durations. By leveraging multiple marketing options, high investment costs can be offset through enhanced revenues. Further gains could be achieved by simultaneously optimizing all trading options, though this approach introduces risks from price volatility and unreliable redispatch capacities. As electrified trucks are modeled as energy storage units, the study's findings are applicable to other forms of energy storage, offering a scalable and transferable framework for future energy systems.

Keywords: electric vehicles, energy markets, energy storage, energy grid

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Authors: Elaheh Sadeh, Abdolreza Farhadian, Matvei E. Semenov, Ulukbek Zh. Mirzakimov

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Recent advancements in solidified gas technology have demonstrated substantial potential for applications in carbon capture, storage, and natural gas transportation. The key factor limiting the industrial adoption of hydrates lies in the necessity for efficient and environmentally friendly promoters. This study aims to address this issue by synthesizing two biosurfactants – sodium oleate (SO) and hydroxylated sodium oleate (HSO) – as promoters for methane hydrate formation. The unique properties of these green, bio-based surfactants can potentially optimize solidified methane storage with wide-ranging applications in energy storage and transportation. The synthesis process of these promoters is simple and easily scalable for industrial production. The utilization of water as a solvent in the process helps to mitigate environmental impacts and simplifies the scale-up procedure. High-pressure autoclave experiments revealed a significant acceleration in methane hydrate formation kinetics with minute concentrations of the biosurfactants. Remarkably, just 5 ppm of SO and HSO facilitated a maximum water-to-hydrate conversion of 90%, equating to a storage capacity of 156 v/v in distilled water. Furthermore, SO and HSO demonstrated impressive biodegradability, exceeding 60% within 28 days. Toxicity assessments confirmed the biocompatibility of these biosurfactants, with cell viability above 70% for skin and lung cells at concentrations up to 180 and 90 µg/mL, respectively. These results indicate that SO and HSO could serve as an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic surfactants, such as SDS, for methane storage. The findings of this study have far-reaching implications for various industries and applications. These biosurfactants' efficiency in methane hydrate formation may contribute to improved seawater desalination processes and more effective carbon capture techniques, ultimately reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, their application in gas storage could revolutionize the way natural gas is transported and stored. The synthesis of effective biosurfactants like SO and HSO opens up a world of possibilities in environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, and industrial innovation.

Keywords: methane storage, solidified methane, gas hydrate, biosurfactant

Procedia PDF Downloads 53