Next Energy最新文献

Energy harvesting through harnessing mobile cars is possible by combining mechanicals systems with advanced materials. Piezoelectric polymer blends with excellent mechanical properties facilitate energy harvesting using the car-tire as a source. Furthermore, by adding simplicity of preparation to the blends with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), an increase of energy conversion can lead to improved existing polyvinylidene fluoride/polymethylmethacrylate (PVDF/PMMA), films. This work focuses on investigating the best concentration of MWCNT to achieve car-tire energy harvesting as a sustainable and renewable energy option. The results show that 0.05 wt% of MWCNT is the best concentration among several values. A test set-up applying normal stress, simulating car-tire deformation indicated enhanced voltage generation. Compared to the energy consumption of combustion cars, the enriched films generate up to 4.3 kWh. This energy is harvested over a car trip of 100 km. A higher nanotube concentration caused saturation of the blend film and poor output. The novel enriched polymer must be tested for resisting cyclic loads to encourage sustainable energy harvesting using car tires.

This research focused on the detailed analytical characterization of the poultry litter-derived biochar followed by its conversion into electrodes for supercapacitor application. Biochar was prepared from poultry waste by pyrolysis at 600 °C for 3 hours and activated it by mixing with potassium hydroxide and re-pyrolyzed at the same temperature for 1 hour. Both the biochar and activated biochar were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Infrared spectroscopy (IR), Time of Flight – Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analyses. SEM analyses suggested that the biochar’s surface became more porous and homogeneous after activation with potassium hydroxide. The specific surface area of biochar increased by more than 200 folds to 814 m² g⁻¹ after KOH-activation confirmed from BET analysis. IR indicated the activated biochar contained sulfur- and phosphorous-functional groups but few or no oxygen-functional groups. The decrease in oxides of nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorous was also observed in ToF-SIMS analysis. In spite of the decrease of oxides, the surface oxygen concentration (at%) increased from 42.3% to 46.6% after activation and was assumed to be present as C-O corroborated by XPS. The specific capacitance of activated biochar calculated from galvanostatic charge-discharge is 152 F/g attributed to its hierarchical porosity, heteroatoms presence, and hydrophilicity. This research is expected to contribute towards the sustainable management of agricultural wastes.

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have become the predominant and widely used energy storage systems in portable electronic devices, such as video cameras, smartphones, laptops, and plug-in hybrid vehicles, along with in stationary energy storage applications like power banks and backup energy storage systems. Moreover, they are widely used in the latest models of all electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). However, to meet the demand for EVs and HEVs, notable improvements in commercially available LIBs are required. These include improving energy density, cycling life, power and rate capabilities, safety, and cost. In spite of the initial commercialization of LIBs in 1990 by Sony, current commercial LIBs still rely on graphite/carbon as the anode material, providing a theoretical capacity of approximately 372 mAh g⁻¹. The search is on for viable alternatives to graphite with higher capacity materials, and silicon (Si) has emerged as a promising candidate with a theoretical capacity of approximately 4200 mAh g⁻¹. However, Si anodes face several challenges, such as considerable volume expansion during the lithiation/delithiation process, which leads to significant crystallographic-related phase-induced stresses, continuous formation of a solid electrolyte interface (SEI), and cycle retention decay. The volume expansion caused by stress leads to the pulverization of Si electrodes. This results in the loss of electrical contact with the substrate or current collector, causing a significant and rapid decrease in capacity and ultimately leading to battery failure. This review explores the challenges associated with Si-based anodes, their underlying causes, and their comparative advantages over conventional anodes. Furthermore, the review discusses innovative solutions to address these challenges, such as utilizing novel binders, electrolyte additives, structural, interfacial, composite engineering techniques, and prelithiation methods. Finally, considering the material cost, the suggestion to transition entirely to using up to 100% wt. silicon for anode development is proposed, streamlining practical and commercial implementation in future LIBs.

Diesel-fuelled vehicles used in heavy transport operations of extractive industries release an estimated annual 400 Mt of carbon dioxide (CO₂), approximately a 1.1% of global CO₂ emissions. To address this issue, extractive industries aim to replace diesel with alternative fuels of lower or zero CO₂ emissions. Synthetic fuels such as synthetic methanol (e-MeOH) and synthetic natural gas (SNG) present significantly lesser CO₂ emissions than conventional fuels, due to their production process utilising CO₂ otherwise released in the atmosphere. Green hydrogen (H₂) is another alternative fuel associated with zero CO₂ emissions during combustion, and near zero emissions from production through renewable energy sources (RES). The goal of this study is to assess the environmental impact of alternative fuels utilised in the heavy transport operations of a marble quarry located in north Greece through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The LCA was conducted according to ISO 14040:2006 and 14044:2006/A1:2018 and the International Life Cycle Data (ILCD) Handbook, using the commercial software package Sphera LCA for Experts. The results showed the e-MeOH, SNG and green H₂ utilisation result in 51%, 28% and 69% reduction in CO₂ eq. emissions, compared to diesel combustion. The study offers an overview of the benefits of alternative fuels for extractive industries, to support decision makers and promote the penetration of greener solutions in the highly emissive sector.

Electric Vehicles (EVs) will play a crucial role in next years to reach the desired reduction of CO₂ emissions. One of the most critical aspects limiting the spread of this type of vehicle is the shorter range compared to conventional Internal Combustion Vehicles (ICVs). According to recent studies, in cold climate up to 50% of battery energy is used to control climate of passenger compartment.

This paper presents the design, development, and experimental analysis of a prototype open sorption Thermal Energy Storage (TES) system specifically engineered for air heating and dehumidification in EVs. The prototype includes 1 kg of zeolite 13X in spherical beads and a Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater for regeneration. Experimental results, conducted under representative winter conditions, indicate that the device can provide a dry and warm airflow for 45–90 minutes, depending on the mode of operation. Integrating this TES system into the vehicle's air handling unit significantly reduces the outdoor airflow rate without risk of window fogging. Simulations show that the device can reduce the thermal power required to heat the cabin by up to 50% during vehicle operation. During discharge, energy saving is approximately 1300 Wh when the outdoor temperature is 0 °C.

In conclusion, the proposed open sorption TES prototype demonstrates a viable approach to enhancing energy efficiency and passenger comfort in EVs.

The urgency of addressing climate change has underscored the necessity for implementing a new energy policy. Lately, an increasing number of countries and corporations have initiated the exploration of alternative energy sources to replace fossil fuels. There is a rising interest among individuals in photovoltaic solar panels as a sustainable means of generating electricity. Photovoltaic solar systems, on the other hand, rely significantly on weather conditions. As a result, the electricity generated by photovoltaic (PV) systems is unreliable. Harnessing biogas might serve as a captivating alternative for generating electricity. The study presents a proposal for a hybrid power system that combines PV solar panels and biogas. This system regards the PV solar system as the primary system. A forecast of PV production power is calculated using advanced machine-learning techniques. Subsequently, the projected power is juxtaposed with an approximation of the necessary load. If the PV system is unable to provide the necessary power demand, it is advisable to employ a biogas system to achieve a consistent and reliable power supply. Furthermore, this method offers a forecast of the daily waste demand for a reliable electrical grid. High-capacity manufacturing during the winter season is tested using a proposed solution for calculating biogas capacity and waste amount. The study introduces mathematical equations to address the daily biomass requirements of the system and implements an automated control system to oversee operations. The utilization of the proposed equations and control flow chart methodology effectively facilitates the precise quantification of methane generated from beef manure, reducing the margin of error from 12.82% to 8.28%. Additionally, it enables prompt adjustments to optimize equipment performance. This approach assists engineers in streamlining assessments and lays the groundwork for future improvements in design parameters.

In the quest for cleaner energy sources in the automotive industry, lithium-ion batteries are increasingly favored as an alternative to fossil fuels. However, their performance, lifespan, and safety are highly influenced by operating temperatures. Consequently, extensive research is underway to develop more efficient battery thermal management systems (BTMS), taking into account the predicted average output of battery packs.

This study conducts a numerical analysis of the performance of an air-cooled battery pack used in a formula-style racing car. Unlike traditional approaches that use a constant heat source, the simulation here employs the actual electric current consumed by the vehicle's motor, estimated through a vehicle dynamics simulation on the race track. The battery cells are represented using an equivalent circuit model (ECM), consisting of three parallel resistance-capacitor (RC) elements, evaluated at three different temperatures.

We compare two scenarios: one using a time-averaged constant current, and the other applying a variable, transient current derived from vehicle dynamics simulations. Our findings reveal that the scenario with transient current results in a 6 °C (12.9%) increase in maximum cell temperature. This highlights the significance of incorporating realistic drive cycles in BTMS design and highlights the importance of dynamic current profiles in accurately predicting battery performance and temperature management.

This research explores the effectiveness of a Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) system for cooling purposes in Indian conditions. Key parameters considered include the water’s flow rate, grout material, run time, return air temperature, and borehole configuration. A series of trials were conducted to review the system’s cooling effectiveness by employing two types of grout materials, construction, and demolition (C&D) waste, and the surrounding soil in four distinct borehole layouts. A linear regression model was used to assess how critical factors affected the system’s efficiency for each type of grout. An analysis of variance was also performed to determine which factors had the most significant impact. The study found that factors such as borehole length, system efficiency, and thermal characteristics significantly influenced the GSHP system's thermal performance. The findings revealed that the Coefficient of Performance (COP) of the heat pump and the overall system increased with the number of boreholes and volumetric flow rate. At the same time, it decreased with the rise in initial air temperature and extended operation run time. The mean COP for the GSHP arrangement utilized in thermal management with C&D waste as grout material was determined to be 8.1% lower than the value achieved when using the surrounding soil as the grout material. The results signify that utilizing a GSHP arrangement has the potential to be a favorable choice for cooling purposes. The system is effective, offering considerable energy savings compared to traditional air-conditioning systems. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of the system is determined by various elements, such as the length of the borehole, overall system efficiency, and thermal properties. Therefore, it is vital to carefully consider these factors when designing and installing a GSHP system.

This study explores the role of financial technology (FinTech) and the energy transition in shaping income inequality across 45 sub-Saharan African economies (SSA). By employing the panel-corrected standard errors approach, the analysis takes into account contextual and institutional factors, as well as regional specificities, for the period extending from 2000 to 2021. This research elucidates the connections among energy transition, FinTech, and income inequality, emphasizing their significance for economic progress and clean energy access. The findings reveal significant inequality in the outcomes of SSA countries, with an average Gini index of 43.197, indicating that most countries are unequal. This study reveals a notable connection between transitioning to renewable energy sources and a reduction in income inequality, with a one-unit increase in the energy transition indicator resulting in a 5.10% decrease in inequality. Moreover, FinTech is also found to contribute to a reduction in income inequality, with a 1.31% decrease observed for every unit increase in the FinTech indicator. The analysis also revealed a weak, yet statistically significant, link between population density and income inequality, with a one-unit increase in inequality of 0.00632%. Notably, industrial value added is found to be an influential factor with a statistically significant coefficient of 0.129. The key implications of the study emphasize the importance of redistributive policies, financial inclusion, and the promotion of renewable energy sources in constructing more inclusive economic systems. Furthermore, the study underscores the significant value of accurate energy production prediction for informed decision-making in energy planning and policy-making on regional and global scales.

This review studies the cascading impacts of extreme weather events on the Water-Energy-Carbon (WEC) Nexus, with a focus on their combined and sequential effects. It synthesizes research on how droughts, floods, heatwaves, hurricanes, and wildfires each initiate a chain reaction within the interconnected domains of water, energy, and carbon. Key insights include the analysis of drought impacts, like in California, where hydroelectric power's share dropped from 18% to 7%, leading to a 34%increase in emissions from natural gas plants. In Europe, flooding led to operational challenges for power plants, with a projected loss of 0.6–4.6 TWh in energy generation by 2030 due to water temperature rises. The 2023 European heatwave saw Spain's energy demand spike by 20%, driven by increased use of air conditioning, and a corresponding 15–20% rise in carbon emissions in affected countries due to greater reliance on fossil fuels. The review emphasizes the need for integrated resilience strategies, leveraging the provided quantitative data to argue for policies that address these interdependent challenges. It urges for a nuanced understanding of the WEC Nexus's dynamics to inform more effective responses to the rising tide of climate change-induced extreme weather events. Furthermore, this review expands its examination to include cases from developing countries, showcasing how their unique challenges and responses within the WEC Nexus contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of global resilience strategies against extreme weather. This review brings to the forefront the ripple effects of alterations in energy production on water resources and carbon dynamics, underscoring the critical need for a nuanced understanding and integrated approaches in managing the WEC Nexus in the face of extreme weather events.