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We investigate ammonia decomposition under temperature pulsing toward enhancing H 2 production. We observed up to a 10x increase in conversion with rapid pulsing under certain conditions. Our kinetic analysis identified the association of N 2 as the rate-limiting step, showing significant rate enhancement by pulsing at high frequencies and temperature amplitudes. These findings highlight that rapid heat addition and removal, through joule heating, can boost performance and assist with decarbonization. [Display omitted] • Rapid pulse heating of ammonia decomposition can increase ∼10x the ammonia conversion compared to conventional heating. • Pulse heating enhances the N 2 dissociation step by promoting NH 2 ∗ and reducing the N∗ coverage. • Low average temperatures and high frequency-temperature amplitude maximize performance enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Translation abstract Architecture of Berlin S‐Bahn during the great electrificationFor passengers the symbol of mayor electrification of the city railway in Berlin are its stations, for architects and engineers as well the modern transformer, rectifier and signal boxes designed by Richard Brademann (1884–1965). Brademann created truly iconic buildings with Ilse clinker bricks for the S‐Bahn, which are still considered exemplary and forward‐looking today. The essay describes the architecture in the light of the technical developments and history of electrification of the Berlin S‐Bahn, which began operations for the first time 100 years ago on August 8, 1924. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Programmed droplet transport which is typically directed by surface energy gradients or external fields, is crucial in domains ranging from chemical reaction modulation to self‐powered intelligent sensing. However, droplet motion control remains constrained by path reconfiguration, requirements on chemical surface modification, and platform complexity. Here, a more universal plug‐and‐play droplet manipulation paradigm based on liquid‐solid contact electrification and triboelectricwetting on common dielectric surfaces is reported. By regulating the electrical double layer via asymmetric ion dynamics, the triboelectric charge polarity of droplets can be adjusted, enabling in situ manipulation without path reconfiguration dictated by the conventional droplet motion output. Droplets achieved an ultrahigh velocity of 450 mm s−1 on general surfaces, significantly exceeding the speeds observed in droplets subjected to constant electrostatic fields with chemical modifications. This flexible and modular functionally decoupled manipulation strategy offers an environmentally friendly, cost‐effective, and versatile paradigm, facilitating applications in chemical analysis and smart sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) can collect and convert random mechanical energy into electric energy, with remarkable advantages including broadly available materials, straightforward preparation, and multiple applications. Over the years, researchers have made substantial advancements in the theoretical and practical aspects of TENG. Nevertheless, the pivotal challenge in realizing full applications of TENG lies in ensuring that the generated output meets the specific application requirements. Consequently, substantial research is dedicated to exploring methods and mechanisms for enhancing the output performance of TENG devices. This review aims to comprehensively examine the influencing factors and corresponding improvement strategies of the output performance based on the contact electrification mechanism and operational principles that underlie TENG technology. This review primarily delves into five key areas of improvement: materials selection, surface modification, component adjustments, structural optimization, and electrode enhancements. These aspects are crucial in tailoring TENG devices to meet the desired performance metrics for various applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remotely sensed nighttime light data have become vital for electrification mapping in data-scarce regions. However, uncertainty persists regarding the veracity of these electrification maps. This study investigates how characteristics of electrified areas influence their detectability using nighttime lights. Utilizing a dataset comprising the locations, installation date, and electricity purchase history of thousands of electric meters and transformers from utilities in Rwanda and Kenya, we present a systematic error assessment of electrification maps produced with nighttime lights. Descriptive analysis is employed to offer empirical evidence that the likelihood of successfully identifying an electrified nighttime light pixel increases as characteristics including the time since electrification, the number of meters within a pixel, and the total annual electricity purchase of meters in a pixel increase. The performance of models trained on various temporal aggregations of nighttime light data (annual, quarterly, monthly, and daily) was compared, and it was determined that aggregation at the monthly level yielded the best results. Additionally, we investigate the transferability of electrification models across locations. Our findings reveal that models trained on data from Rwanda demonstrate strong transferability to Kenya, and vice versa, as indicated by balanced accuracies differing by less than 5% when additional data from the test location are included in the training set. Also, models developed with data from the centralized grid in East Africa were found to be useful for detecting areas electrified with off-grid systems in West Africa. This research provides valuable insight into the characterization of sources of nighttime lights and their utility for mapping electrification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aircraft propulsion electrification is currently being considered by industry and academia as one of the most promising strategies to reduce air transport emissions and increase overall efficiency levels. In the past decade, several papers were published on this subject, with the majority indicating encouraging fuel burn benefits versus conventional, fossil-fuel-based propulsion systems when future technologies, novel aircraft configurations, and synergistic propulsive-airframe integration are employed. However, a much smaller effort has been applied to the economic aspects of hybrid and fully electric propulsion, which are crucial for a successful product introduction. The present paper describes the modeling of a baseline general-aviation-type aircraft and its propulsion system retrofit with electrified architectures, exploring different electrification strategies for a fixed airframe design. Analyses are performed at the aircraft level, comparing recurring and cash operating costs for several cost and durability scenarios. While considerable CO2 reductions may be achieved in some electrification strategies, aircraft performance is significantly penalized, and important improvements in economic figures of merit are needed in order to make electrified propulsion cost-competitive. Electrified architectures tend to increase costs: turboelectric increases recurring equipment costs, while hybrid-electric increases recurring and direct maintenance costs, especially at higher degrees of energy hybridization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The challenge of providing reliable electricity during power interruptions, especially in rural and remote regions, has prompted the exploration of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (HRESs). This systematic review employs the PRISMA framework to conduct a comparative analysis of HRES configurations, specifically those integrating rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV), diesel generators (DGs), converters, and battery energy storage systems (BESSs). This review assesses the techno-economic performance of these systems in various countries, highlighting the cost efficiency, reliability, and environmental impact compared to traditional single-resource systems. The analysis reveals that HRESs offer significant advantages in managing energy supply during power interruptions, particularly in regions with high solar potential but unreliable grid access. A comparative analysis with other countries demonstrates that while HRES configurations are tailored to local conditions, the integration of solar PV with diesel generators is a consistently effective strategy across different contexts. This review provides essential insights for policymakers and stakeholders, facilitating the optimization of energy solutions tailored to regional needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of electric vehicle fleets is an important element of today's economic, social, and ecological development. This multidimensional sustainable process, although not easy, generates many tangible benefits for various stakeholders, ranging from environmental to financial and competence issues. Despite the fact that the phenomenon of transformation toward rational energy management is gaining momentum on a global scale, there is a significant disproportion in terms of development levels depending on the origin of the economy. The aim of this research article is to identify the key factors affecting the development of fleet electrification in the transport, shipping, and logistics (TSL) sector in Poland. Based on a literature review, a fleet development framework was developed using a PESTEL (political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal) analysis and evaluated by TSL companies. According to the conclusions drawn, the most important stimulants are economic factors and technological factors, which limit the development of electrified transport fleets in the TSL industry. Based on this, the authors propose various solutions to improve economic profitability and technological conditions. In addition, it was found that the attitudes of the decision makers at transport companies and cooperation within the TSL sector are also important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Near‐infrared (NIR) mechanoluminescence (ML), capable of visualizing internal biological stress, is crucial for advancing in vivo bioimaging applications. Nonetheless, the scope of its applications is significantly constrained by the scarcity of available ML materials as well as unsatisfied ML efficiency. In this work, a NIR‐ML phosphor of Gd3Ga5O12: Cr3+ (GGO: Cr3+) is synthesized, which is characterized by a peak at 725 nm and a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 100 nm. The NIR‐ML phenomenon of GGO: Cr3+ is demonstrated to stem from contact electrification generated by the interaction between the corresponding oxide powder and the employed elastomer. Accordingly, the NIR‐ML intensity is manipulated to be increased by 340%, attributed to the enhanced surface potential of GGO: Cr3+ for the incorporation of La3+ ions. Furthermore, the NIR‐ML of GGO: Cr3+/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) film performs excellent tissue penetration, which indicates its promising potential for in situ monitoring of biological stress. Hence, it paves the way for novel bioimaging within living organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community microgrids hold significant promise to address the challenges posed by the growing electrification of transportation and other energy-intensive demands, such as the electrification of heating. This potential is further supported by rigorous scientific research, which highlights their capacity to enhance energy resilience, reliability, and sustainability. In the specific context of Aotearoa New Zealand, community microgrids exhibit the potential to significantly improve energy resilience and self-sufficiency. This article outlines the evidence-based benefits, challenges, and high-potential use cases of community microgrids in Aotearoa New Zealand, drawing on both domestic and international research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bubble status monitoring is essential for designing material nanostructures and optimizing industrial processes. However, tracking the fluid dynamics of bubbles is challenging due to their random distribution and irregular dynamic changes. In this study, a tube liquid–solid triboelectric nanogenerator serves as a probe to investigate bubbles at the liquid–solid interface. The study explores the impact of bubble fluid dynamics on liquid–solid contact electrification, examining variables such as flow rates, volumes, and release intervals of bubbles. The study demonstrates that the liquid–solid triboelectric probe can work as a non‐intrusive and self‐powered sensor for monitoring bubble states in chemical fluid control. The sensor exhibits a sensitivity of 13.2 V·cm−3, a signal‐bubble volume correlation coefficient of 0.9964, and a rapid response time of 0.15 s. The sensor, integrated with a wireless module, enables continuous remote detection. This work provides a valuable tool for investigating tri‐phase contact electrification dynamics and presents promising technology for bubble state monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swarm electrification-driven communities face significant challenges, including implementing advanced distributed control in areas with limited ICT access and establishing trust among villagers hesitant to grant access to their assets. This paper proposes a distributed DC microgrid architecture for P2P energy exchange in these communities, ensuring stability and an effective exchange operation. By implementing a Blockchain marketplace specifically designed to suit the rural context, the proposed architecture ensures tracing of exchange transactions to fairly settle participants. Validation experiments demonstrate its efficacy in achieving peak shaving. It provides 11% of the requester's total demand from the community even while maintaining the constraint of reducing discharge–charge cycles to one per day, thereby preserving battery life. Additionally, the solution reduces prosumer production losses by 16% of the total PV production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an analysis of recorded variations (anomalies) in the potential gradient of electrical field in the atmosphere caused by the propagation of eruption plumes discharged by eruptions of Shiveluch and Bezymianny volcanoes in Kamchatka. The anomalies were recorded at various distances from eruption centers and under different conditions of atmospheric stratification. These conditions have enabled us to show that the eruption plumes of Shiveluch and Bezymianny possessed a 3D electrostatic structure that is consistent with a known phenomenological model derived on the basis of surveys conducted on various volcanoes worldwide. According to this model, the top of an eruption plume contains a positive volumetric electrostatic charge, while the respective charges are negative in the middle, and positive in the lower part of the plume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring and controlling the concentration of nanocellulose suspensions is crucial for various industrial processes. Because of the high complexity of traditional concentration measurement devices, new techniques that offer simple, reliable, and real-time concentration monitoring have been developed. Here, we report a method for real-time concentration monitoring using a tubular structured liquid–solid triboelectric nanogenerator (LS-TENG). The LS-TENG was operated in single-electrode mode with a triboelectric layer comprising a polytetrafluoroethylene tube. Further, we systematically investigated the dependence of the device output performance on variables such as concentration, flow rate, tube diameter, and tube material, finding it to be directly proportional to the flow rate and tube diameter and inversely proportional to the concentration. Furthermore, the output current of the LS-TENG exhibited an exponential relationship with the concentration of the nanocellulose suspension and the Reynolds number, achieving a correlation coefficient above 0.94 for the corresponding regression equation. This study provides a direct, accurate, real-time, and self-powered method for monitoring nanocellulose suspension concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A technique has been developed and, for the first time, sufficiently complete data on the radiation-induced conductivity (RIC) of polystyrene (PS) at a temperature of 79 K, close to the boiling point of liquid nitrogen (77 K). RIC has been studied under pulsed and continuous exposure to electrons with an energy of 50 keV. It is shown that the RIC of PS at a temperature of 79 K, as well as at room temperature, determined by the sum of two components: prompt and delayed. Both components at 79 K are much smaller than at 298 K. The total signal falls off by a factor of 40, while the delayed component falls off by a factor of almost 200, and the prompt component dominant in the RIC signal. The possibility of the occurrence of electrostatic discharges (ESD) in PS with decreasing temperature was studied. It has been shown that PS, which is capable of resisting the occurrence of ESD at room temperature, at 79 K passes into the category of materials in which ESD is possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing environmental concerns have prompted the shipping industry to adopt stringent measures to address greenhouse gas emissions, with fuel-powered ships being the primary source of such emissions. Additionally, alternative forms of ship propulsion, such as internal combustion engine hybridization, low-carbon fuels, and zero-carbon fuels, face significant challenges either in terms of cost or emission-reduction capability at present. In order to decarbonize navigation, countries are focusing the maritime industry's transition towards low-carbon alternatives on transforming energy consumption, with widespread attention on the electrification of ships. Therefore, this paper provides a comprehensive review of the feasibility of fully electrifying ships, covering aspects such as technological prospects, economic viability, and emission-reduction capabilities. Firstly, the current state of research on ship electrification technology is summarized; the applicability of different battery types to electric ship technology is compared. Subsequently, the economic viability and emission-reduction capabilities of five different electric ship lifecycles are discussed separately. The results indicate that ship electrification is a key pathway to achieving zero-emission shipping, with lithium-ion batteries being the most suitable battery technology for maritime use currently. Short-to-medium-range electric ship types have demonstrated economic advantages over traditional diesel ships. As battery costs continue to decline and energy density keeps improving, the economic feasibility of ship electrification is expected to expand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emerging need for cost- and energy-efficient propulsion systems have shifted the research interest to radical concepts, with several challenges to overcome in order to enter into service. However, revitalizing old yet provably successful engine designs--a practice followed by engine manufacturers over the years--can provide low-risk alternative solutions to move immediate market demands. The paper reviews this approach, known as concept of growth engines or core commonality, and investigates how a geometrically fixed or geometrically similar engine core can be utilized across a family of engines. The development programs of the highly successful CFM56 and PT6 engine families are analyzed, proving the success of this concept over the years. The idea is based on the engineering paradigm of product families and is briefly presented from a theoretical perspective. Implementation methods and simulation tools to initiate, conceptualize, design, and evaluate an engine family program are reviewed. The potential application of engine core commonality into electrified propulsion systems is investigated. Design challenges and opportunities that electrification imposes to the growth engine concept are discussed. Finally, the concept of growth electrified propulsion systems is introduced, conveying future research directions to achieve a successful family of engines for electrified applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cost-effectiveness of the hybrid design of microgrids for determining if a hybrid MG system is necessary is taken into consideration as the study focuses on improving power access in an optimal and economical manner. Both the cost of electricity (COE) and the loss of power supply probability (LPSP) of the hybrid MG design are optimized. The hybrid microgrid design including the photovoltaic (PV)-wind systems with battery storage and diesel generators are modeled and optimized for technical and economic feasibility using MATLAB. The energy management technique is applied between hybrid energy sources and loads. For this hybrid microgrid energy management system, an optimisation approach called spider monkey optimization (SMO) is employed. Using their distinct fission and fusion techniques, spider monkeys always engage in natural foraging behavior. Here, a variety of common constraints related to PV, wind, energy storage elements, inverters, and diesel generators with a variety of cost functions and dimensions are resolved by the proposed optimization method. The SMO optimization method is used to find a utilitarian optimal hybrid energy system configuration with a minimum COE, minimum LPSP, and leading renewable factor to meet the customer load throughout the entire time horizon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrification mode is one of the important factors affecting the energy consumption and drainage effect of the electroosmosis method. In this work, a series of laboratory tests were performed to explore the impact of continuous changes in the electric field on the migration of ions and electrons, as well as the migration of electroosmotic flow. The results show that different electrification modes had a significant impact on the current and water discharge. An electrode reversed from anode to cathode, from one circuit to another, is beneficial to drainage, while an electrode reversed from cathode to anode, from one circuit to another, is unfavorable to drainage. The drainage effect of the specific cyclic and progressive electroosmosis (CPE) is not as good as the conventional electroosmosis method. However, combining the two electrification modes can further enhance the shear strength of the soil near a designated electrode. The generation of transverse cracks in soil is mainly due to the drainage difference caused by the electroosmotic flow, which is caused by the adjacent electric field at that location. When the electroosmotic flow is strong, longitudinal cracks will occur in the soil along the strongest electroosmotic flow path. In practical in situ engineering applications, the electrification mode of CPE will be more energy‐efficient than conventional electrification modes with the same processing time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decarbonizing fossil-fuel usage is crucial in mitigating the impacts of climate change. The burning of fossil fuels in boilers during industrial process heating is one of the major sources of CO2 in the industry. Electrification is a promising solution for decarbonizing these boilers, as it enables renewable energy sources to generate electricity, which can then be used to power the electric boilers. This research develops a user-driven simulation model with realistic data and potential temperature data for a location to estimate boilers' current energy and fuel usage and determine the equivalent electrical boiler capacity and energy usage. A simulation model is developed using the Visual Basic Application (VBA)® and takes factors such as current boiler capacity, steam temperature and pressure, condensate, makeup water, blowdown, surface area, and flue gas information as input. Random numbers generate the hourly temperature variation for a year for discrete-event Monte Carlo Simulation. The simulation generates the hourly firing factor, energy usage, fuel usage, and CO2 emissions of boilers for a whole year, and the result compares fossil-fuel and electrical boilers. The simulated data are validated using real system data, and sensitivity analysis of the model is performed by varying the input data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process integration and electrification concept has significant potential to support the industrial transition to low- and net-zero-carbon process heating. This increasingly essential concept requires an expanded set of process analysis tools to fully comprehend the interplay of heat recovery and process electrification (e.g., heat pumping). In this paper, new Exergy Pinch Analysis tools and methods are proposed that can set lower bound work targets by acutely balancing process heat recovery and heat pumping. As part of the analysis, net energy and exergy load curves enable visualization of energy and exergy surpluses and deficits. As extensions to the grand composite curve in conventional Pinch Analysis, these curves enable examination of different pocket-cutting strategies, revealing their distinct impacts on heat, exergy, and work targets. Demonstrated via case studies on a spray dryer and an evaporator, the exergy analysis targets net shaft-work correctly. In the evaporator case study, the analysis points to the heat recovery pockets playing an essential role in reducing the work target by 25.7%. The findings offer substantial potential for improved industrial energy management, providing a robust framework for engineers to enhance industrial process and energy sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Progress in numerical models and improved computational capabilities have significantly advanced our comprehension of how aerosol particles impact thunderstorm clouds. Yet, much of this research has focused on employing bulk microphysics models to explain the impacts of aerosol particles acting as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) on electrical activities in thunderstorm clouds. The bulk thunderstorm models use mean sizes of particles and terminal-fall velocities. This causes calculation deviation in the electrification simulation, which in turn leads to deviations in the simulation of lightning processes. Developing this further, we established a three-dimensional high-resolution cloud–aerosol bin thunderstorm model with electrification and lightning to provide more accurate microphysics and dynamic fields for studying electrical activities. For evaluating the impacts of aerosol particles, specifically CCN, on the properties of continental thunderclouds, aerosols from both clean and polluted continental environments were selected. Cloud simulations indicate that droplets develop a narrower spectrum in polluted continental conditions, and weakened ice crystal growth increases the number of small ice crystals compared to clean conditions. Smaller droplets and ice crystals result in less effective riming and decreased graupel concentration and mass. Consequently, a significant decrease in large ice particles leads to a weakened process of charge separation under conditions of pollution. As a direct result, there is about a 43% reduction in lightning frequency and a delay of approximately 5 min in the lightning process under polluted conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlling the size and morphology of gold nanoparticles occurs in the absence of added reducing agents or other excipients such as surfactants, on UV irradiation (λ 254 nm) of aqueous auric acid (H[AuCl4]) in a thin film of liquid in a vortex fluidic device (VFD) within a rapidly rotating tilted quartz tube. This involves contact electrification (CE), which occurs at the solid−liquid interface with the oxidation of water photoinduced, forming the hydroxyl radical, OH•. In air, the redox couple is reduction of 3O2 to the superoxide radical anion, O2−•, which then reduces Au3+ to elemental gold, as does other reactive oxygen species present, competing with CE reduction of Au3+. The resulting nanogold structures effectively mold the different high‐shear topological fluid flows in the VFD, being isolated as ultrathin 2D sheets, prisms, hierarchical structures comprising nanoparticles embedded within these sheets, and rosette and tubular structures, depending on the VFD processing parameters and the concentration of auric acid. Processing under a nitrogen atmosphere while UV irradiated affords mainly 2D gold through the above reduction of Au3+. The findings establish a paradigm for VFD processing in water involving photo‐CE, generating hydrogen peroxide and hydrogen gas with the surfaces of the gold nanoparticles pristine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Republican administration showed a visionary management in almost every issue and got the results of these policies. The impact of these policies even can be seen today. During this period, electrification efforts accelerated with many hydroelectric power plants and electricity factories powered by fossil fuels. Turkey's industrial and electrification journey has also progressed and gained momentum thanks to the successful works carried out in this period. Institutional infrastructures were prepared by the institutions established during the Period of Atatürk and pre-planned energy policies were established. In our study, during the Period of Atatürk the impacts of industrial, energy and economic policies on the energy sector and especially on electrification are studied. Our research utilized published materials, dissertations and articles, national archives, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) archives, and the Official Journal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ongoing electrification of the transport sector is expected to cause an increase in electricity demand and, therefore, trigger significant network investments to accommodate it. This paper focuses on investment decision-making for electricity distribution grids and specifically on the strategic and incremental investment network planning approaches. In particular, the former involves network planning with the consideration of a long-term multi-stage study horizon, as opposed to a shorter–term view of the future that applies to the latter case. An investment analysis that is carried out underlines the economic savings generated from adopting a strategic investment perspective over an incremental one. These economic savings are achieved from the fact that the associated fixed investment costs are incurred only once in the horizon under strategic planning. On the other hand, incremental planning involves a series of network reinforcement decisions, thereby incurring the fixed cost multiple times. In addition, sensitivity analyses that are carried out capture the effect of key parameters, such as investment cost, discount rate and investment delay, on the generated economic savings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural gas (NG)-powered compressors/engines used in liquified natural gas (LNG) plants are a major source of methane emission. The Allam–Fetvedt cycle (AFC), an oxyfuel, carbon-neutral, high-efficiency power plant, generates pipeline-grade CO2. This work performed novel process modeling, economic analysis, and greenhouse gas emissions analysis for a heat-integrated, electrified LNG/AFC/air separation unit (ASU) complex (LAA), then compared it to standalone LNG and AFC/ASU plants (baseline) as well as an LNG plant electrified with AFC/ASU without heat integration. The low-grade heat generated from compressors of the LNG plant can enhance the AFC net power output by 7.1%. Utilizing the nitrogens cold energy reduces the compressor power requirement by 1.6%. In the integrated LAA complex, not only are GHG emissions avoided, but the energy efficiencies are also improved for both the LNG plant and the AFC power plant. A cash flow analysis of LAA was performed over a 20-year period with 5%, 7%, and 10% discount rates and three levels of LNG prices. The 45Q CO2 credit of USD 85/T as stipulated by the recent Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 has been incorporated. The results clearly indicate the economic and environmental benefits of the proposed electrification and heat/power integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most studies on industrial heat decarbonization by electrification focus on energy and greenhouse gas emissions. However, there are additional potential environmental impacts to be considered to make a fair comparison. The aim of the proposed work is therefore to highlight the benefits and drawbacks of switching to electricity, using life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology to explore more environmental issues. In addition, in order to evaluate the environmental sustainability of this transformation, the LCA results are compared with sustainability thresholds defined with two different methods, on a global scale using the "sustainable levels" concept. The first method is based on the current environmental impacts of industrial processes, while the second considers the economic added value. Industrial heat production levels for the Danish and French food industries are used as case studies. The results show a large number of environmental trade-offs associated with electrification, some of which are leading to unsustainable levels. Sustainability thresholds based on economic added value ensure a fairer distribution between sectors, in particular by preventing the most virtuous sectors and processes from being penalized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accuracy requirements for short-term power load forecasting have been increasing due to the rapid development of the electric power industry. Nevertheless, the short-term load exhibits both elasticity and instability characteristics, posing challenges for accurate load forecasting. Meanwhile, the traditional prediction model suffers from the issues of inadequate precision and inefficient training. In this work, a proposed model called IWOA-CNN-BIGRU-CBAM is introduced. To solve the problem of the Squeeze-and-Excitation (SE) attention mechanism's inability to collect information in the spatial dimension effectively, the Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM) is firstly introduced as a replacement. This change aims to enhance the ability to capture location attributes. Subsequently, we propose an improved Whale Optimization Algorithm (IWOA) that addresses its limitations, such as heavy reliance on the initial solution and susceptibility to local optimum solutions. The proposed IWOA is also applied for the hyperparameter optimization of the Convolutional Neural Network–Bidirectional Gated Recurrent Unit–Convolutional Block Attention Module (CNN-BiGRU-CBAM) to improve the precision of predictions. Ultimately, applying the proposed model to forecast short-term power demand yields results that show that the CBAM effectively addresses the problem of the SE attention mechanism's inability to capture spatial characteristics fully. The proposed IWOA exhibits a homogeneous dispersion of the initial population and an effective capability to identify the optimal solution. Compared to other models, the proposed model improves R2 by 0.00224, reduces the RMSE by 18.5781, and reduces MAE by 25.8940, and the model's applicability and superiority are validated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global shift towards sustainable transportation, primarily through vehicle electrification, is critical in addressing climate change. Qatar presents a knowledge gap with specific challenges and opportunities in this transition. This study calculates the potential reduction in CO2-eq, NOx, and PM2.5 emissions resulting from substituting Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles (ICEVs) with Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) in Qatar, considering ICEV ban scenarios in 2030, 2035, and 2040, alongside five policy pathways. A Vehicle Stock Model (VSM) simulates Qatar's fleet evolution from 2022 to 2050, focusing on the vehicle's operational phase. An ICEV ban in 2030 would result in a 34% cumulative emission reduction in road transport between 2022 and 2050 compared with the Business-as-Usual (BAU) scenario. For NOx and PM2.5, cumulative emissions for the 2030 ICEV ban pathways are approximately 20% and 9% lower, respectively, compared with BAU. This study underscores the necessity of localising environmental strategies to meet Qatar's specific needs and climate commitments, where results indicate significant emission reductions are possible through BEVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study employed numerical simulations to explore the impact of varying ice nucleation processes on the microphysics and electrification within thunderstorm clouds. A two-dimensional cumulus model, incorporating both noninductive and inductive charge separation schemes, was utilized. The findings revealed that the freezing nucleation mechanism significantly influenced the microphysical development, electrification, and charge structure of thunderstorms. Homogeneous freezing generated a large quantity of small ice crystals near the cloud tops, which were primarily responsible for the development of positive charge regions through a non-inductive charging process. Conversely, heterogeneous freezing resulted in larger ice crystals, enhancing graupel formation and leading to a more rapid and intense charge separation rate of around -15°C. Ice crystals formed heterogeneously and charged negatively during the development stage, resulting in an inverted dipole charge structure. When both immersion and homogeneous freezing processes were considered, the competition between these two distinct freezing processes resulted in reduced cloud water content and weaker electrification. Under conditions of low cloud water content at lower storm levels, graupel particles were negatively charged through non-inductive charging, causing the charge structure to quickly revert to a normal dipole structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European "Horizon 2020" LEILAC and DESTINY projects are two examples of electrification in the cement industry. LEILAC shows how resistance heating can be applied as a substitution of an existing gas-supplied process. The use of microwave heating in the DESTINY project illustrates the downscaling of the production paradigm towards small on-site-of-demand cement production, allowing a further reduction in CO2 emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial electrification is a crucial strategy for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and tackling the challenge of renewable energy consumption. With the advancement of low-carbon electricity, chemical process electrification has garnered extensive attention. This work focuses on the electrification reconfiguration and carbon emission reduction of traditional chemical process, which mainly concerns the indirect electrification of processes and direct electrification of utilities, using the state-of-the-art Coal-to-Ethylene glycol (CtEG) process as a case study. The conventional CtEG process results in high CO 2 emissions due to water gas shift reaction. The indirect electrification path of the conventional CtEG process is achieved by introducing green hydrogen from solid oxide electrolysis cell technology (SOEC-CtEG). Electric heaters are directly used for the hot utility in SOEC-CtEG process to form a semi-electrification scenario (SES). To investigate the performance of different electrification levels, the full-electrification scenario (FES) is also designed. The results showed that the total CO 2 emissions for the four scenarios are 3.047, 0.576, 0.278 and 0.334 t/t EG, with energy efficiencies of 47.86%, 50.11%, 50.07% and 46.74%, respectively. Production costs are 3024.4, 3497.4, 3869.4, and 6147.8 CNY/t EG, respectively. The present work will contribute to the carbon reduction and process electrification of the CtEG process. • Four scenarios with different levels of electrification for CtEG are being investigated. • Electrification results in an increase in the carbon efficiency of CtEG to 90.24%. • Energy efficiency of the indirect electrification process is the highest at 50.11%. • Semi-electrification process achieves a significant 90.88% reduction in CO 2 emissions. • Full-electrification scenario is not the ideal choice when comparing performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Net zero targets have resulted in a drive to decarbonise the transport sector worldwide through electrification. This has, in turn, led to an exponentially growing battery market and, conversely, increasing attention on how we can reduce the environmental impact of batteries and promote a more efficient circular economy to achieve real net zero. As these batteries reach the end of their first life, challenges arise as to how to collect and process them, in order to maximise their economical use before finally being recycled. Despite the growing body of work around this topic, the decision-making process on which pathways batteries could take is not yet well understood, and clear policies and standards to support implementation of processes and infrastructure are still lacking. Requirements and challenges behind recycling and second life applications are complex and continue being defined in industry and academia. Both pathways rely on cell collection, selection and processing, and are confronted with the complexities of pack disassembly, as well as a diversity of cell chemistries, state-of-health, size, and form factor. There are several opportunities to address these barriers, such as standardisation of battery design and reviewing the criteria for a battery's end-of-life. These revisions could potentially improve the overall sustainability of batteries, but may require policies to drive such transformation across the industry. The influence of policies in triggering a pattern of behaviour that favours one pathway over another are examined and suggestions are made for policy amendments that could support a second life pipeline, while encouraging the development of an efficient recycling industry. This review explains the different pathways that end-of-life EV batteries could follow, either immediate recycling or service in one of a variety of second life applications, before eventual recycling. The challenges and barriers to each pathway are discussed, taking into account their relative environmental and economic feasibility and competing advantages and disadvantages of each. The review identifies key areas where processes need to be simplified and decision criteria clearly defined, so that optimal pathways can be rapidly determined for each end-of-life battery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of a ranking-type Delphi study on the critical risk factors for the adoption of an electric road system (e-road) for trucks on the main motorways in Sweden. The investment cost of such a system is high, necessitating an upfront evaluation of the adoption risk factors to reduce the likelihood of budget overruns and project delays. Participating Swedish e-road experts (N = 52) from the public sector, private sector, and academia identified 32 unique risk factors, which were divided into five categories. The three most critical risk factors, as ranked by the experts, were 'low expansion rate,' 'low utilization rate,' and 'lengthy public-sector evaluation.' Overall, market and financial risks were ranked as more important than institutional, technological, and sustainability risks. This study has important implications for policymakers in countries considering e-road adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Contact electrification (CE) is a well-known phenomenon that ubiquitously exists in the charge transfer between solid–solid (S-S) or solid–liquid (S-L) and plays pivotal roles in energy harvesting and self-powered sensing. However, little is known about the CE mechanism during the phase transition. Here, we investigated the mechanism of charge transfer between a representative crystalline ice and a dielectric material during the solid-to-liquid phase transition. This study aimed to determine how the phase transition affects the charge transfer efficiency. Before ice starts melting, electron transfer within S-S contact predominated. As the melted micro-droplets smoothed the rough surface of the ice, the contact area between the materials increased, resulting in a roughly 6-fold enhancement of charge transfer. When the ice melted, droplets condensed on the surface and established S-L contact with the dielectric material. It resulted in the formation of an electrical double layer (EDL) composed of ions and electrons at the contact interface, effectively shielding the surface net charge of the dielectric material and impeding charge transfer between the materials. After the complete melting of ice into water, a stable S-L contact was established, and the EDL formed a stable and strong screening effect, resulting in the lowest level of charge transfer. The findings contributed to enhancing knowledge about interaction and charge transfer between different substances in dynamic phase transition scenarios. It could also provide valuable insights into the optimization and advancement of CE-based triboelectric nanogenerators for energy harvesting and self-powered sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Off-grid solar technologies have emerged as one of the remedies to Africa's severe lack of access to electricity. Evidence from Ghana, Malawi, Tanzania, and Kenya suggests that these systems positively affect income generation, education, health, and safety and security. Despite its potential, off-grid solar power's technical limitations, combined with concerns about durability and environmental impact, underscore the need for more comprehensive solutions. Addressing Africa's electrification crisis requires a multifaceted approach involving collaboration among various stakeholders to ensure sustainable, reliable, and inclusive energy access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the Washim district's socioeconomic growth to determine the criteria for district development. This study found that the Washim district comes under the rural area, where the child sex ratio is inferior. Even in some villages, it has zero value. In some regions where the Scheduled Caste (SC)/Scheduled Tribe (ST) population is more, the child sex ratio is less. Out of six sub-districts, four sub-districts have a low literacy rate (less than 75%). The mean literacy rate is found as 81.7%, and its standard deviation is evaluated as 7.0. In the region where the literacy rate is higher, people are less busy with farming, and hence the percentage of the cultivator is less and vice versa. In the region where SC and ST population is more, the percentage of Household Industry (HHI) worker is higher and vice versa. Out of 698 inhabited villages, 692 villages are electrified in the district, with 99.1% of towns having installed power supply. The use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)/piped natural gas (PNG) is minimal in the Washim district. In the region where firewood availability is accessible and adequate, the use of LPG/PNG is found to be less than its average value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A growing body of literature suggests that access to electricity has a positive impact on household's living standards and social welfare. This paper sheds new light on this discussion. Using expenditure dependent equivalence scales, this paper examines the impact of electricity access on food consumption economies of scale (FCES) and thereby the poverty measurements of households with and without access to electricity in Sri Lanka during 1990-2016. Results indicate that a low-income household of four adults with access to electricity spends about 20% less on food compared to a similar household without access to electricity. The results also reveal that although the incorporation of FCES into poverty measurements reduces the overall poverty levels considerably, the reduction in poverty levels is about 1.2% higher for households with electricity at the national level. These observations are consistent across the national and sub-national levels, however, with varying magnitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of new technological innovations for eco-friendly vehicles combined with the usage of renewable energy sources is essential for mitigating the environmental impact of freight transport. In this context, this paper investigates the opportunities for implementing the eHighway system, a novel recent technology designed to supply new hybrid trucks. This technology uses overhead catenary heavy-duty vehicles that are supplied with electric energy from overhead power lines through a pantograph that is positioned at the top of the truck. A novel bi-level multi-objective network electrification design (BM-NED) model is proposed to assess the environmental benefits and opportunities of adopting eHighways, considering the limited budgetary resources for road infrastructure electrification. Still, the implementation of eHighways requires collaboration between public and private stakeholder interests. The upper level considers multiple objectives aiming at minimizing the total travel cost, infrastructure, and environmental costs and maximizing the average traffic density of OC hybrid trucks on electrified arcs, whereas the lower level is the traffic assignment model. The Elitist multi-objective Genetic Algorithms are used as a solution approach for the multi-objective optimization and the Pareto front of the non-dominated solutions have been generated. Results of the model, tested on a part of a motorway network in the Veneto region in Italy, show that the implementation of the eHighway system can lead to an average emission reduction of about 66%, considering all Pareto-optimal solutions. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis has been carried out by giving different weights to the objective functions that can be a basis for decision-makers regarding the adoption of this new technology. • The implementation of the eHighway system is investigated to evaluate its benefits. • A novel bi-level multi-objective network electrification design model is proposed. • The model is tested on a part of a motorway network in the Veneto region (Italy). • Sensitivity analysis evaluates different solutions for potential decision-makers. • The study gives insights for policy makers regarding eHighway adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates Joule (resistive) heating as a potential method to electrify the heating process in steam‐methane reforming. The significance and relevance of this research are driven by three factors: (1) increasing global demand for hydrogen as feedstock for chemical manufacturing and refining; (2) expanding hydrogen as a carbon‐free energy carrier; and (3) decarbonizing the production sector of the hydrogen value chain. FeCrAl metal wire coils coated uniformly with Ni/ZrO2 catalyst were used in the Joule heating experiments. The resistive power was supplied in the range 50–90 W by varying voltage across the wire. Results show a notable, sharp increase in methane conversion at a power exceeding 60 W (750 °C estimated wire temperature). The results are compared with those for a conventionally‐heated coated wire as well as Joule‐heated uncoated ZrO2‐only wires to elucidate the roles of Ni and ZrO2 and differences in the heating methods. For a range of power the methane conversion obtained with the Joule‐heated Ni/ZrO2‐coated wire is higher than the conventionally‐heated Ni/ZrO2‐coated wire. The results demonstrate that Joule heating of a catalyst‐coated wire is effective for steam‐methane reforming under the experimental conditions examined in our study. Underlying causes for the interesting conversion features are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, renewable energy sources are integral to programs for the development of electric power systems. It is established that modern renewable generation units and energy storage systems utilize power electronic-based interfaces, such as voltage source converters, to convert power. On the one hand, the utilization of a voltage source converter provides certain advantages, such as the absence of a direct link to the network, the ability to operate on all quadrants of the PQ diagram, and the possibility of connecting renewable generation units to a weak network. On the other hand, the widespread use of renewable generation units utilizing voltage source converters reduces the overall inertia of the electric power system. However, excessive use of power electronic converters in the network leads to a significant increase in harmonic pollution, thereby introducing fresh challenges to ensuring safe and stable operation of the electric power system. To ensure the dependable operation of an electric power system with renewable energy sources units and energy storage systems based on the voltage source converter, it is essential to update the control system of the voltage source converter to meet the requirements for traditional generation as part of the electric power system. This paper presents the outcome of the power oscillation damping controller application implemented in the voltage source converter, which enhances the electric power system's stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining production, being one of the most energy-intensive industries globally, consumes substantial amounts of fossil fuels and contributes to extensive carbon emissions worldwide. The trend toward electrification and advanced developments in battery technology have shifted attention from diesel power to battery alternatives. These alternatives are appealing, as they contribute to decarbonisation efforts when compared to conventional diesel trucks. This paper presents a comprehensive review of recent technological advancements in powertrains for Mining Haulage Truck (MHT). It also compares these configurations based on mining system-level considerations to assess their future potential. The evaluated configurations include Diesel-Electric Truck (DET), Trolley Assist Truck (TAT), Battery-only Truck (BOT), Battery Trolley with Dynamic charging truck (BT-D), and Battery Trolley with Stationary charging truck (BT-S). According to the analysis, the energy demand for on-board diesel or battery power (excluding trolley power) in these alternative options is as follows: DET—681 kWh, BOT—645 kWh, TAT—511 kWh, BT-S—471 kWh, and BT-D—466 kWh. The paper also illustrates the theory of battery size design based on the current battery technology, battery material selection, battery package design, and battery size selection methods. In the case of tailored battery size selection, BOT, BT-D, and BT-S configurations require LiFePO4 (LFP) battery masses of 25 tonnes, 18 tonnes, and 18 tonnes, respectively. Based on a techno-economic assessment of battery MHT alternatives with a future perspective, it has been determined that BT-D requires the lowest amount of on-board battery energy. Furthermore, over a span of 20 years, BT-S has demonstrated the lowest on-board battery cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cities play a pivotal role in achieving worldwide carbon neutrality due to their significant contribution to global energy consumption and carbon emissions. Therefore, planning effective strategies and guiding evidence-based policymaking at the city scale becomes even more crucial. Composite indices serve as a valuable tool for monitoring urban energy transition trends. This paper aims to present a novel approach, robust and flexible even under conditions of data scarcity, for tracking the energy transition trend of a city by means of a composite index (UETI). The Turin case study is introduced to test the applicability of the proposed approach. Additionally, to demonstrate the robustness of the composite index framework, the paper includes the findings of correlation and sensitivity analyses. This study reveals a significant improvement in Turin's environmental and energy domains, while the socio-economic domain shows more modest improvement. Furthermore, the study highlights the need to address the shortage of urban data to enhance the accuracy and reliability of metric-based frameworks and to extend the assessment to a larger sample of cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrification of transport is expected to progressively replace significant shares of light duty mobility, especially in large cities. The European Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) aims to drive the adoption of electric mobility by establishing specific targets for charging point deployment. Innovative charging concepts may complement and accelerate the uptake of this fundamental part of the urban mobility transition. In this paper, one such innovative concept is described and its potential impact is assessed. The core idea involves integrating charging points into existing city tramway infrastructures. Turin's tramway network is taken as a representative case study. The proposed technical solution encompasses a charging hub powered by four isolated DC/DC converters of 50 kW, directly connected to the DC tramway distribution line. Three of these constitute the heart of a 150 kW charger, while the fourth acts as voltage regulator. This native DC installation greatly simplifies the architecture of the DC chargers. Using a conservative approach, it was estimated that a single recharging station could charge more than 60 vehicles daily. This highly scalable and replicable solution, with the potential for over 100 conversion substations across Italy, would enable the installation of numerous high-power chargers in urban settings. Furthermore, additional benefits could be realized through enhanced recovery of kinetic energy from trams, which is currently dissipated on-board. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contact electrification has attracted interest as a mechanism for generating electrical charges on surfaces. To explore the factors contributing to electrification by droplets impacting the leaf surface, high-speed image capture and current measurements were used to quantitatively characterize the electrical response under different droplet parameters and leaf surface conditions. Upon impact and rebound from the leaf surface, neutral droplets acquire a positive charge. While this electrification phenomenon has been observed previously, there has been limited understanding of the parameters influencing the extent of droplet charging. In this study, we examine the effects of four parameters (droplet size, impact velocity, droplet ion concentration, and various leaf surfaces) on the electrical response signal. The results indicate that this electrification phenomenon is contingent upon the droplet–leaf contact area and droplet ion concentration. We propose a theoretical model based on the electric double layer to elucidate the electrification process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Providing electricity remains challenging in informal settlements. The relationship between electrification and the physical environment is critical but under-developed. I examine the temporary implications of electrification on the physical environment of Thembelihle in Johannesburg, South Africa. The results indicate that electrification has improved Thembelihle's physical environment by improving the street grid and strengthened its social cohesion by increasing resource equity. In-situ upgrading could be used to develop settlements in areas unsuitable for residential development. Still, it must be adopted carefully, considering the opposed visions of the residents and local government and the foreseeable future relocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a speech by James Chen at the Cox International Law Center Conference, discussing the challenges of climate change and the revolutionary shift in transportation towards electrification. Chen highlights the benefits of this transition, emphasizing its crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing environmental concerns, while also acknowledging the challenges associated with the increased demand for minerals and the potential geopolitical implications.