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Abstract Despite a significant progress in electrification over the last decade, more than 1 billion people have no access to electricity, and about 3 billion use solid fuel or kerosene for cooking and heating purposes. More than 95 % of them live in sub-Saharan Africa or developing Asia, and around 80 % are situated in rural areas. Conventional approach to power supply such as transmission grid extension is not economical due to high investment and connection costs. Technological progress has shifted down capital costs of renewable off-grid solutions. However, in the most cases, it is not enough to reach feasibility of these solutions due to weak investment conditions and weak purchasing power of the local population in these areas. The choice of business model can have a vital role in bringing electrification and connectivity to rural areas, providing flexibility and adaptability of the technology to the market conditions. Analysis of existing literature on business models for off-grid solutions concludes that the model for rural areas in developing countries should be more service oriented, be scalable to various use case scenarios, should provide good risk balance between customer and provider, and should enable transparency and quality of service. This paper analyses recent developments in off-grid system solutions for sub-Saharan Africa and provides classification of business model innovations. Based on the analysis, the paper proposes an innovative business model for Fusion Grid project, scalable mini-grid integrated with connectivity solution. Feasibility of the project is tested for three different cases, depending on the type of the rural community. Results suggests that combining micro-grid based power supply and internet connection as one service can contribute to a viability of the project, and, furthermore, can contribute to achieving global electrification goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The results of an optimized design of grid-connected renewable energy system for University building are presented in this paper. Integrated modelling, simulation, optimization and control strategies are used to test the performance and select the best hybrid renewable power system. The main objective is to design a grid connected renewable energy system to meet the electric load of the building with high penetration of renewable energy, low greenhouse gas emissions, and low cost of energy. Hourly simulations, modelling and optimization were performed to determine the performance and cost of the hybrid power system configurations using load following and cycle charging control strategies. The results show that the grid-tied solar PV/fuel cell hybrid power system offers a good performance for the tested system architectures. With a solar PV capacity of 500 kW and fuel cell capacity of 100 kW integrated with the grid, the total energy generated from grid-tied renewable energy system to meet the desired load is 26% from the grid (purchase), 42% produced from the solar PV, and 32% from the fuel cell. From the total annual power produced, 95% is used to meet the AC primary load of the building and 5% is the sellback to the grid. The daily performance and electricity generation from the proposed grid-tied solar PV/Fuel cell power system is also presented in this paper. The proposed grid-tied solar PV/fuel Cell hybrid power system with the sale of electricity back to the grid has a high renewable fraction (40.4 %), low levelized cost of energy (71 $/MWh), and low carbon dioxide emissions (133 kg CO 2 /MWh). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Nowadays different kinds of renewable energy resources have got rapid development. For renewable energy planning, it is meaningful to assess the comprehensive performance of different candidate renewable energy schemes and distinguish the optimal. In view of this, based on data envelopment analysis(DEA), this paper presents a comprehensive evaluation method of renewable energy technical plans. Firstly, multiple indexes from different aspects are taken into consideration to establish the index system. And in the index processing stage, intuitionistic fuzzy number theory is adopted to describe the fuzziness and ambiguity in qualitative index and convert it into quantitative calculation. Then, super-efficiency DEA model is used to determine the relative ranking of different plans based on the concept of relative efficiency. Finally, a real case of renewable energy development in 2020 from a province in China is used to illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method in this paper. Results show that this proposed method can overcome the shortcoming of traditional basic DEA model and get more objective evaluation results and provide beneficial references for renewable energy planning and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Renewable energy can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing renewable electricity, heating, cooling and transportation. The main disadvantage of renewable energy supply is that once it reached a high share in electricity generation, the intermittency caused by renewable energy sources makes balancing of the energy system challenging. This study answers the question "What is the impact of renewable energy on public investment in R&D of energy storage technologies?" Empirical literature studying investments in renewable energy technologies is abundant, however empirical literature studying investments in energy storage technologies is highly limited. Using annual panel data from 28 OECD countries over the period 1990-2014 this paper provides an empirical evidence on the role of renewable energy deployment on public investments in energy storage technologies. The results of fixed effects estimation provide an empirical evidence that governments from countries with greater share of renewable energy invest more in energy storage technologies. Drawing from the empirical results, this paper provides policy recommendations on the need in investments in energy storage technologies due to a growing supply of renewable energy. Although this paper provides lessons from countries which experienced problems with high share of renewable energy and started to promote energy storage alongside with renewable energy, the results will be useful for policy-makers from developing countries with a growing share of renewable energy in total electricity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Rural areas in developing countries have constantly been plagued by poor sanitation and energy shortages. A key issue has been the decentralized nature of waste generation and energy consumption, leading to farmers burning crop stocks, lumber, and other agricultural waste. As 1.9 billion people lack access to waste collection services [1], untreated solid and liquid refuse hamper the health of many and irreversibly damage the local ecosystem. Considering the scattered nature of agricultural waste generation and centralized treatment difficulties, this study examines the feasibility of adopting decentralized blockchain system in trading biomass energy and agricultural products across the waste-to-energy ecosystem. A case study is conducted based on the Yitong system in Changzhi City, Shanxi Province, China. This plant collects and transports agricultural wastes (crop straw and animal residue), and converts them to clean energy and agricultural by-products like briquettes, fertilizer, and animal feedstock. This paper presents how a digital coupon or cryptocurrency can be introduced to trade the wastes, energy and by-products among the farmers and entrepreneurs. It argues that this system could maximize the use of agriculture wastes by incentivizing farmers and enterprises to work together. This paper covers three key areas: 1) Literature review, methodology preparation, and field assessment for introducing digital incentive mechanism to enhance rural wastes management. 2) Design of a prototype of blockchain-based model: (a) how the waste-to-energy plant managers collect the segregated waste from individual farmers through trucks connected to blockchain-based smart meters; (b) how systems on each of the trucks register the quantity of waste received onto a universal ledger when collecting. This quantity received will be translated into a certain amount of energy and products like fertilizer that the waste-to-energy plant owes each farm; and (c) how the farmers will receive digital coupons corresponding to the quantity of energy and agricultural products that they should receive. 3) Evaluation of the feasibility of blockchain-based model (technical and economic): (a) data collection on the total quantity of waste produced and the processing capabilities and availability of Waste to Energy plants; (b) assessing readiness of digital infrastructure (cyber-security and communications); and (c) economic evaluation of the incentives and responsibilities associated with the key stakeholders from the farmers to enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Climate change and global warming are currently the biggest threat to human society. In Iranian households, buildings expend 33% of the yearly energy consumption. The potential of renewable energy sources in Iran is high and Iranian government is taking steps to increase the use of renewable energy sources. This paper examines the use of renewable energy in two major city buildings in Iran. In this paper, solar radiation in two cities (Tehran and Yazd) is analysed. The average annual sum of solar irradiation in Yazd is 2200 kWh/m2 and in Tehran, the amount is 2000 kWh/m2 [1]. The major task in this paper is to quantify the impact of geographical region and to evaluate the viability of implementing renewable systems in buildings in Iran. To reach this end, the annual average solar radiation is calculated in each city. Hourly Analysis Program is used to design each building and calculate their respective heating and cooling loads. Photovoltaic solar systems and solar-thermal systems are designed for both of the buildings. It is seen that, although Yazd has hot and arid climate compared to Tehran, the cooling and heating load in the building in Tehran is higher, and the higher solar radiation in Yazd reduces the number of solar panels required for the designed building. However, the difference is not significant. It is assessed that in order to have more efficient systems, the grid infrastructure in Iran should be upgraded to enable applying large-scale renewable energy systems for buildings in a neighbourhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper a 2kWe small scale Organic Rankine Cycle system coupled with a concentrated solar linear Fresnel lens collector is investigated using a simulation analysis. Coupling small scale solar technologies with ORC system is a well-known solution in low temperature ranges. Efforts exist to achieve higher temperatures and overall efficiencies but at present such systems represent a challenge at small scale. This work is part of the EU funded Innova MicroSolar project about development and optimization of a solar linear Fresnel lens concentrator coupled with 2kWe Organic Rankine Cycle plant and with a PCM thermal storage system for residential applications. In this paper a preliminary assessment of the performance of two of the main components of such system (i.e. solar linear Fresnel lens collector and ORC) is presented. A dynamic analysis of the system is performed by varying the operating conditions. In particular the influence of the system configuration and working temperatures on the ORC overall efficiency is evaluated. The final aim of the work indeed is to assess the best working conditions for such micro-CHP to be integrated in residential buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper uses system dynamics modelling to analyse the development of bioenergy; economic system that uses biotechnology instead of conventional technology. The research is directed towards the use of biomass in the production of higher added value bioproducts in the forestry and agricultural sectors. This paper emphasizes and evaluates the energy sector, which uses low quality wood. The main aim for this research study was to build a framework to analyse the development options for wood pellet production. A system dynamics model was created of energy wood supply, processing and consumption. Production capacity, energy consumption, technology efficiency, required labour, the price of wood, energy and labour are all taken into account. Validation and verification tests with available data and information have been carried out. These indicate that the model constitutes a viable dynamic hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper links energy and climate change with disadvantage in Australia and explores the dual disadvantage of steeply rising electricity prices and increasing climate change impacts. It reviews the potential of energy policy and climate policy to alleviate disadvantage, over the short and longer term, and suggests that renewable energy in particular has a role to play. However, the prospect of renewable energy policy advances in Australia is constrained, it is found, by the politicised nature of climate policy more broadly, the influence of the fossil fuel lobby, and the predisposition of current governmental policy. Drawing upon the policy streams and advocacy coalition theories of policy change, the paper assesses the political and ideological bases of this constraint, and the prospects for improved policy that could alleviate energy disadvantage. It finds that, whilst renewable energy does have an important role to play in achieving energy affordability, it needs to be supported politically, and complemented, in practical terms, by a range of policies and measures at all levels of government. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural electrification by using mini-grids has been the objective of many development policies over the past years. Most mini-grid projects turned out as failures because of poor suitability to user needs, local conditions and expectations of investors and several other risks. In order to shed light on the principles and processes involved in determining a mini-grid risk rating this paper develops and elaborates a risk rating model based on a standardized risk management procedure (SRMP). Five key criteria were outlined and explained in detail using an empirical case study on a mini-grid located in India. Ultimately, this paper aims to have shown how a methodology to achieve a risk rating for a mini-grid could be structured. In this sense a mini-grid rating is a decision supporting tool to enable sound investment decisions for debtholders and shareholders in a mini-grid and to contribute for de-risking renewable energy investments. The proposed standardized risk management procedure (SRMP) for mini grids should be considered as an educated, systematic attempt at measuring current and future development of a mini-grid's capability to fulfill future payment obligations and profitability expectations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is an increasingly important global concern at this moment. Fossil fuels meet a majority of world energy needs and because buildings are large energy consumers, they are also a major contributor to global carbon emissions and greenhouse gas (GHG) production. It's important for the European Union, including Romania to avoid these problems. Buildings are responsible for 40% of energy consumption and 36% of CO 2 emissions in the EU, according to United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The construction sector is developing since 2013 so in the future the energy consumption will increase very fast. As a result, renewable energy sources represent one of the main directions in reducing conventional energy consumption in buildings. In this paper the authors analyze solutions for decreasing the energy consumption required by the air-conditioning system in an office building of 6466m2, located in Bucharest. The current air conditioning solutions are the classical ones, based on either fan coils, supplied with chilled water of 12/7 °C, or air-coolers, as part of an Air Handling Unit (AHU). In the latter case, the cooled water is prepared by a vapor compression refrigeration unit chiller of 190 kW cooling capacity, working with R22. The solutions analyzed in this paper consider each of the following alternatives: a. Heat recovery from the exhausted air by using a heat exchanger integrated in the AHU; b. Replacement of the vapor compression refrigeration unit chiller with an one stage lithium bromide/water absorption refrigeration unit driven bysolar energy; c. Coupling the above mentioned solutions. All these solutions are discussed and analyzed from both technical and economical points of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is an increasingly important global concern at this moment. Fossil fuels meet a majority of world energy needs and because buildings are large energy consumers, they are also a major contributor to global carbon emissions and greenhouse gas (GHG) production. It's important for the European Union, including Romania to avoid these problems. Buildings are responsible for 40% of energy consumption and 36% of CO2 emissions in the EU, according to United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The construction sector is developing since 2013 so in the future the energy consumption will increase very fast. As a result, renewable energy sources represent one of the main directions in reducing conventional energy consumption in buildings. In this paper the authors analyze solutions for decreasing the energy consumption required by the airconditioning system in an office building of 6466 m², located in Bucharest. The current air conditioning solutions are the classical ones, based on either fan coils, supplied with chilled water of 12/7 °C, or air-coolers, as part of an Air Handling Unit (AHU). In the latter case, the cooled water is prepared by a vapor compression refrigeration unit chiller of 190kW cooling capacity, working with R22. The solutions analyzed in this paper consider each of the following alternatives: a. Heat recovery from the exhausted air by using a heat exchanger integrated in the AHU; b. Replacement of the vapor compression refrigeration unit chiller with an one stage lithium bromide/water absorption refrigeration unit driven by solar energy; c. Coupling the above mentioned solutions. All these solutions are discussed and analyzed from both technical and economical points of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potential energy from fluid flow of small rivers or irrigations could be extracted become electricity by using screw turbine. This turbine is promising because the advantages of ultra-low head and fish friendly.Experimental performance of screw turbine for ultra-low head hydro resource is presented in this paper. The screw turbine with anoutside diameter of 142 mm and the water flowrate of 1.2 l/s with the head of 0.25 m, can produce maximum power 1.4 W with 49% efficiency at 22 o angle of inclination. This turbine has one blade screw and screw turbine experiment apparatus is made by using locally available materials. The screw turbine has shown good potential to be used for low head micro hydro-electric installations. This paper reports on a performance analysis based on the experimental data collected from different performance tests carried out on some inclination angle position of screw turbine prototype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The MENA region is facing economic and social challenges such as creating job opportunities especially for the youth. It also exhibits vast potential for renewable energy and energy efficiency (RE&EE) and tapping this potential can create economic benefits and jobs. This paper analyses the economic impacts of RE&EE support for Tunisia. In Tunisia, RE&EE legislation is in force since 2009 with the Tunisian Solar Plan (PST). For the economic impact analysis of the PST, a team of German and Tunisian researchers developed an economic model based on Tunisian statistical data and in sync with the methodology suggested by international agencies such as IRENA or IEA-RETD. The approach is based on Input-Output-Analysis, which allows for an analysis of impacts in different sectors e.g. machinery, metal industry etc. The paper will present the methodology and give an outlook on new results from an ongoing update. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Uganda the low national electrification rate of around 15% and a very poor rate of progress in rural electrification, from an estimated 1% in 2001 to around 7% in 2013 are identified as major challenges for economic development and poverty reduction. In this context, the objective of this scientific paper is to analyze the economic feasibility of mini-grids based on renewable energies in the context of the Ugandan energy market as an off-grid electrification solution. In doing so, financial feasibility of mini-grids is also taken into consideration from macro-economic perspectives and risk management aspects. It acknowledges that off-grid electrification can be seen as mandatory to reach the ambitious national electrification targets and offering a huge opportunity in a so far almost untapped market, while at the same time still facing various financing- and market barriers in Uganda. By an executed case study, the paper simulates the level of subsidies required to reach economic feasibility, revealing that it can only be achieved with high level of subsidies involved due to the currently difficult financing conditions. Therefore, innovative financing recommendations are given by suggesting a layered fund as a multi-level financial support mechanism. Given the appropriate incentives, it can facilitate a subsidy phase-out for mini-grids in regards to a sustainable public sector engagement until self-sustaining market conditions are reached. It could attract investors by offering eligible investment conditions such as appealing return rates on decipherable risks by a reallocation between different shareholder layers, including public sector funding as a safety caution, while at the same time gradually transferring grant funding to revolving funding support step by step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of ORCs is growing in importance the last years, because this type of cycles permits to exploit energy sources which are characterized by low enthalpies (waste heat, low temperature geothermal, low concentration solar plants, etc.) and low installed power sizes (up to 50-100 kW). In this size range, volumetric machines are very attractive devices because they show better efficiencies than turbines. Volumetric expansion devices flow rate is not continuous as in turbines but on the contrary has a pulsating behavior and the effective flow area of the intake and exhaust ports plays an important role in determining the efficiency of such devices. In this paper an analysis regarding the influence of the intake and exhaust valves features on the performances of a rotary expansion device for micro generation derived from a Wankel engine is presented. The analysis which is presented in this paper was carried out by means of both numerical and experimental techniques. CFD simulations of two different types of valves were performed to obtain the values of discharge coefficient and, subsequently, the results were validated at the fluid dynamic test bench. These solutions were also evaluated by testing the prototype using compressed air as working fluid under various operating conditions (pressure ratio, rotating speed). The delivered torque, the air mass flow rate and the indicated cycle were taken into account for the evaluation of the influence of the valves shape and timing on the device performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth in population, technology, and economy are resulting in the rapid increase of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), which has a significant direct impact to the environment. MSW is generally disposed by landfill, which requires a lot of land space. Moreover, it is considered as a non-sustainable solution, by which only decomposable material is decayed where plastic and paper still remain inside. In order to provide the land space for recently large amount of waste, the old MSW need to be reclaimed and used as alternative fuel for sustainable disposal and converted into green and clean energy through gasification process. However, using an as-receive reclaimed product faces the challenges of combustion behaviour because it is non-homogeneous and loosens. This study discusses the improvement of the characteristics of the as-received reclaimed product by converting it into high density Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF). The surrogate reclaimed landfill RDF used has been made of waste plastic (polyethylene) and paper with a ratio of 75:25%-wt. After densification by extrusion, RDF-5 has a density higher than 600 kg/m 3 . The experiment was conducted in a laboratory scale downdraft gasifier by feeding surrogate RDF 10 kg/hr with the air flow rate 12, 15 and 18 Nm 3 /hr, respectively. Charcoal was added as an additive at the same weight of RDF in order to increase the fraction of fixed carbon and improve concentration of producer gas. The influences of the additive on the producer gas concentration and combustion characteristics were investigated. Results showed highest CO% and LHV were affected by air flow rate of 12 Nm 3 /hr at 22.02%-vol and 4.39 MJ/Nm 3 , respectively, whereas highest H 2 % was obtained with air flow rate of 15 Nm 3 /hr. It was found that the densification of the reclaimed landfill and the mixing of the additive optimized the combustion behavior in terms of temperature distribution along the gasifier height and improved the producer gas quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regulatory uncertainties have often posed a business risk to renewable energy investors. Energy regulations in Spain were recently revised in June 2014. The objective of this study is to analyze the 50 MW wind power project under revised framework. The project is evaluated using NPV with risk and real options method through Monte Carlo simulations. As a part of this study, five scenarios were evaluated. The base scenario, “Business As Usual (BAU)” consist of recent framework that was into place, just before the new regulation was announced. The other scenarios (including newly introduced framework) were compared to the BAU. We have focused on “delay” option for the current scope. The overall results of the study suggest a negative NPV under the revised framework, with significantly higher delay value. From the results, it is advisable to delay the project. The paper presents the policy implications under scenarios selected in the papers. The article also presents the policy implication for developing countries. The study also served as the learning for developing nations from European Union states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyses possibilities for CO 2 emission reduction into the centralized district heating system by using the index decomposition analysis: Kaya identity equation. The classical Kaya equation is complemented with an energy efficiency indicator of a district heating system. The paper focuses on the impact of the Kaya equation components on the CO 2 emission reduction. The elaborated methodology is tested in order to analyze possibilities for CO 2 emission reduction at district heating systems in Latvia. 3 scenarios were formed for the forecast of the CO 2 emission reduction. In case the current model for the state development is continued (scenario1) CO 2 emissions will be reduced for 13%; however, in the scenario of orderly and balanced DH systems they will reduce for 29% by 2020 as compared to 2012. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyses possibilities for CO 2 emission reduction into the centralized district heating system by using the index decomposition analysis: Kaya identity equation. The classical Kaya equation is complemented with an energy efficiency indicator of a district heating system. The paper focuses on the impact of the Kaya equation components on the CO 2 emission reduction. The elaborated methodology is tested in order to analyze possibilities for CO 2 emission reduction at district heating systems in Latvia. 3 scenarios were formed for the forecast of the CO 2 emission reduction. In case the current model for the state development is continued (scenario1) CO 2 emissions will be reduced for 13%; however, in the scenario of orderly and balanced DH systems they will reduce for 29% by 2020 as compared to 2012. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many Japanese cities, a significant amount of CO 2 is emitted by private vehicles since modern lifestyles are highly reliant on them. In order to develop low-carbon cities, the establishment of a sustainable mobility system is essential. Meanwhile, local cities are facing a serious decline in social vitality, due to rapid ageing and economic deterioration. This paper examines a new approach for local city revitalization by introducing a “low-speed electric community bus” as a low-carbon transportation system. The bus was developed by the university–government, –industry, –education board, and –NPO collaborations. The test project was conducted in Kiryu city of Gunma prefecture as one of the projects of the JST-RISTEX's environment-energy program. In this paper, we report the co-design and co-development of a “low-speed electric community bus” for the establishment of low-carbon transportation systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The security of supply and climate change issues and the linked recent growth of the local power generation by means of renewable energies technologies are providing real opportunities for the development of small scale biomass gasification systems. The present paper reports the state of art of the small scale gasification power plants. Initial attention has been given to the different biomass feedstock suitable for gasification, focusing on residues with low cost and low environmental impact. Then the two major typologies of gasifiers (fixed and fluidized bed) have been analyzed in terms of raw gas yield, composition and tar and particulate content. The different cold and hot raw gas conditioning systems, highlighting their compatibility with the different gasification system, are described. High efficiency examples of power production by means of internal combustion engine, micro gas turbine, Solid Oxide Fuel Cell or a mix of them, both as realized plants and process simulated ones, have been then reported. The paper provides an overview of the different power plants in terms of efficiency, reliability and cost. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Self Excited Induction Generator (SEIG) is an isolated power source whose terminal voltage and frequency are controlled by the excitation of the capacitance or the load impedance. This paper presents a method for calculating the minimum excitation capacitance using the equivalent circuit approach for analyzing the steady state operation of SEIG. A new strategy based on an active power filter (APF) for controlling the current and power quality of the self excited induction generator (SEIG) is also presented in this paper. The shunt active power filter was implemented using a three phase PWM current controlled voltage source inverter (VSI) and connected to the wind generator and loads in order to compensate the current harmonics and reactive power. The PWM-VSI gate control signals are derived from hysteresis band current controller. The proposed active filter proved to play an important role and give good dynamic response and robust behavior upon changes in load parameters. This investigation demonstrated that power average control strategy can facilitate the improvement of the power quality. The proposed control method extracts fundamental (reference) components of the source current for the shunt active power line conditioners for nonlinear and unbalanced loads. The Power average approach additionally maintains the voltage of the capacitor (of the PWM inverter) nearly constant without any external control circuit. The shunt APF in conjunction with the proposed controller performs perfectly under different steady state and transient conditions. The simulation results with nonlinear loads and unbalanced loads have showed the effectiveness of the proposed scheme for harmonic reduction in Wind based Power Generation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper shows the topology of grid-connected green power system and the performances of the front-end threephase power inverter by applying an advanced state feedback control. The proposed topology benefits a common DCAC inverter which injects the generated power into the grid. The control structure of the power inverter is of vector control type, in synchronous reference frame, and it uses the power balance concept. The solution presented in this paper adds supplementary benefits to the power system beside to the conventional state feedback control: the designed input filter assures zero steady state error and an adequate component is added for dynamic rejection of the load disturbance. The obtained experimental results are shown. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Renewable energies are growing fast and have occupied great percentage in power generation. However, one major drawback of most renewable energies is the variability due to the stochastic nature of wind speed, solar irradiation, and etc. It is important to integrate the risk of wind power''s uncertainty into profitability assessments for investors. In this paper, certain effective ideas from portfolio theory in financial engineering field are exploited to deal with renewable energies as risky assets to be invested. It''s a systematic way to neutralize risks as well as maximize return values. To adjust these financial tools used to solve renewable energy''s problem, some other financial models and concepts are introduced. Time Series models, ARMA (autoregressive moving average), GARCH (generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity) and PSO (particle swarm optimization) algorithm are utilized to modify data to be real-time effective. Utility function is introduced to evaluate different energy resources. This paper is abundant with interdisciplinary ideas using advanced risk management methods on renewable energy issues. The proposed approach is also applied in real world problem to provide consulting evidence for power system planning and dispatching in Gansu province, northwest of China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: With the economic development, the demond for energy is growing in China, and the traditional non-renewable energy makes the energy transformation is imminent.In this paper, based on the fully understanding of our existing energy structure, and from the perspective of supply and demand, the author analysis the changes in the structure of future energy and gives the suggestion.The paper argues that China''s energy structure will gradually turn to be comprehensive and diverse, but the cost and market constraints will obstruct the promotion of renewable energy sources.Therefore, the traditional high-carbon energy is still the main form of domestic energy consumptionin a very long period of time.Only by improving technology and using of the macro-control can reduce the costs and regulate the import and export, which can achieve sustainable development of changing from a high-carbon energy to low carbon. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the present paper, a new approach to the management of energy resources in the Research and Technology Centre of Energy (CRTEn -Tunisia) is proposed and evaluated by the monitoring of a PV installation realized for the cooperation project DE.DU.ENER.T, using renewable energy and economic criteria. The aim of this project is to improve energy efficiency order to minimize the electricity cost consumed at the CRTEn laboratory. According to the bills of electricity received, we noticed that there is a high consumption of electrical current. So, we targeted to install a photovoltaic field of 12KWc to reduce these bills by using the sustainable, green and clean sources. A theoretical study of the PV system sizing realized in order to know in the first hand the compatibility between the different equipment of this installation and to compare the results with those found by the SMA Sunny Design and PV*SOL software in the second hand. The experimental results show that the performance factor of the proposed system is 84.6%. Meanwhile, the cost of the energy generated by the proposed system is 0.045 USD/kWh, which means that the payback period, is about 11 years. The conclusion from this study is that the price of energy generated by PV systems in Tunisia is lower than the subsidized price of energy generated by fossil fuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, net zero or plus-energy buildings (PEB) have been widely analyzed and discussed for their benefits of increasing energy savings and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A successful transition to energy-efficient buildings must, however, develop an efficient method that examines technical, economic, environmental and social criteria. In this paper, a method for design optimization based on spatial analysis combined with multi-criteria decision-making was proposed for achieving plus-energy buildings in Algeria. To apply the proposed method, a single family residential building was chosen. First, the annual energy consumption of the building at 40 locations was evaluated and the results are then interpolated for the whole country. The best energy efficiency measures and renewable energy are then chosen using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. Finally, energy balance and spatial analysis were carried out based on the geographical information system. The results showed the energy plus target was achieved in large parts of the country using a high-performance envelope, more efficient appliances and solar energy (solar photovoltaic and thermal). In addition, the southern provinces, mainly Adrar, Tindouf, Bechar, Ouargla, and Illizi, have identified the most suitable areas for setting up new buildings with an energy-plus target. In addition, applying the method will reduce the overall energy demand by 43 % and reduce GHG emissions in the country by around 23 % by 2030. Therefore, the method will have a significant impact on sustainability locally and worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This article summarizes the design, the manufacturing and the testing of a small scale Organic Rankine Cycle using Concentrated Solar Power as the heat source. First, the choice of the nominal point of the cycle is detailed, including the operating environment of the ORC (characteristics of the solar field and ambient temperature) and the constraints of operation. The paper presents the design of a radial turbine with a power of 3 kW and the numerical simulations of flow in the fluidic part of the turbine (nozzle, wheel etc). It also deals with system engineering, the calculation and the selection methodology of main components such as exchangers, pumps, and sensors. In the second part, the results of the laboratory tests is presented. The experiment was performed using as hot source, a thermal oil boiler. The analysis of the results shows isentropic efficiency around 40% on a rather large range of pressure drop, and a cycle efficiency of 5 % which, is encouraging in view of the first test conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Integration of renewable energy source (RES) generation to displace diesel generation can present clear economic, environmental and social benefit. While low level RES integration is relatively easy to achieve, both the cost and complexity escalate as systems target increasing RES penetration. A key barrier to greater RES penetrations remains the inefficiency of diesel generation to operate at low or partial loading. To achieve low or partial loading, conventional fixed speed diesel technologies must rely on prescribed purge routines, which serve to increase emissions intensity and fuel consumption. Fixed speed constraint remains the primary barrier to increased engine flexibility and improved partial load efficiency. This paper investigates redesign of the diesel generator to achieve variable speed operation. A suitable design basis is developed, with laboratory testing used to validate unit performance, ahead of economic evaluation. Economic modelling is presented to explore the improve engine flexibility, required of hybrid diesel applications. Variable speed application is shown to reduce diesel fuel consumption by up to 40 % in comparison to conventional hybrid diesel applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In Saudi Arabia, the current production of electric power is mainly relying on crude oil which causes a high percentage of carbon dioxide emissions and no power is generated from any renewable sources. However, recently Saudi Government has announced a development plan 'The Saudi Vision 2030' where the target is 20% of the production of power from the renewable sources mainly from solar and wind. Like other countries e.g., China, India, US and UK that produce a significant amount of their electric power from renewable sources. Saudi Arabia has a vast land area where there is a plenty of prospect to install renewable power plants (solar and wind farm) to generate a significant amount of electric power to meet their 2030 target. This paper analyses past 10 years wind data in various location of Saudi Arabia to investigate the feasibility to generate power. This study also recommends the potential locations that are suitable for wind power generation including suggestions of the wind turbine specifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract With the advent of human-induced climate change, an effort towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions has been a priority for many communities and households. Pool heating is highly energy intensive and it accounts for major part of energy bills and a large carbon footprint. It is important to investigate the possible ways of reducing the energy consumption of the heated pools. The pool selected for this study is a 25 × 18-metre swimming pool located at Central Queensland University Community Sports Centre, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia. The pool maintained at a temperature of 28 °C during the winter months by burning natural gas which causes excessive energy bill and ramps up the emissions of the university's operations. A mathematical model of the swimming pool incorporating the weather data files and various heating options is developed using the software TRNSYS, adopting relevant Australian Standards. The model is to be used to study the various heating options such as flat plate solar collectors, evacuated tube collectors, photovoltaic systems, electricity-driven heat pumps, natural gas heat pumps. With the use of this model, this paper investigates the amount of natural gas cost that is reduced when applying alternative heating concepts that exploit renewable energy or higher coefficients of performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract As the demand for renewable energy is increasing, China has gradually formed two-level power market mode with inter and inner provincial market. The traditional market model cannot reduce the risk of real-time operation caused by the intermittency of renewable energy, and cannot further promote the consumption of renewable energy. This paper introduces the model of China's two-level market, and proposes a segment bidding mechanism based on the minimum dispatchable interval (MDI). Finally, the mechanism is proved to reduce the risk of real-time operation and demonstrate the effectiveness of renewable energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Renewable and smart grid technologies play a key role in delivering a sustainable energy future for non-interconnected islands. In this context, societal acceptance of proposed interventions manifests itself as a major determinant of planned transitions. With extant scholarship on public acceptability of sustainable energy technologies focusing on local opposition to wind farms, this paper presents timely survey data from the island of Tilos to provide a better understanding of energy-users' perceptions vis-à-vis novel smart island proposals. Against stultifying narratives highlighting the lack of community acceptance for local interventions, we uncover: a) the widespread acceptance of sustainable and smart energy solutions, and b) the willingness of a large proportion of locals to play their part, as engaged energy prosumers, in a green energy transition. In turn, these findings form the basis for future academic and technical interventions on the island, and inform broader conclusions on public engagement around energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In contributing towards the realisation of plans to transform the Aegean into a "green" archipelago, the internationally acclaimed TILOS research consortium seeks to transfer tacit knowledge of smart micro-grids beyond the island of Tilos. However, research on public acceptability of sustainable energy technologies suggests that local opposition might undermine such plans. In order to minimize the problems of technological transfers it is, thus, imperative to embark on an early-stage exploration of public attitudes towards proposed interventions. In this paper, we draw on survey data from across the Aegean to uncover the widespread acceptability of green energy solutions. Simultaneously, though, we uncover how broad acceptability does not always translate into actual acceptance of the TILOS energy model, especially with respect to solutions that affect the end-user. In turn, we argue that these findings should inform future interventions with the ultimate aim of securing public support to "green" the Aegean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract As high penetration of uncertain wind and solar energy into power system, spatio-temporal correlation of wind and solar energy is of great necessity for planning and operation of wind farms and PV plants. A Copula function and first order Markov process based Monte Carlo simulation method of multivariate wind speed and PV power spatio-temporal series is proposed in this paper. In the proposed approach, either spatial correlation or temporal correlation of wind speed and PV power series is considered including cross-correlation between all series and self-correlation of every series. The results of case study based on National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) of the U.S. Department of Energy are analyzed, which verify the scientific and feasibility of the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Communities situated in distant areas are deemed as 'remote' and have either very limited or no access to power grid lines. Therefore, most of these communities greatly depend on diesel-burning for power and heat provision at all times. Nonetheless, nearly 30% of the energy associated with the diesel burning and power generation process is dissipated as heat through the exhaust streams of diesel generators. The waste heat in the exhaust stream is usually recovered during the winter season and directly used as a heat source when the communal heat demand is peaked. However, recovery of this energy potential is usually discarded during the summer period due to the low demand. Seasonal thermal storage on rock piles is a developing concept that can be a low-cost solution to resolve this issue. This paper proposes utilization of the heat wasted through the exhaust stream of diesel generators on rock piles as temporary storage during low demand times. In this sense, a remote cold climate community, such as those of Canada and Norway, is selected and potentiality of the seasonal rock pile thermal storage is investigated and presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Global inclination towards renewable energy projects, facilitates deployment of alternative energy systems in various scales. However, due to the noise in usable energy generation and fluctuations in the source availability, battery units are deemed as an integral part of any mini-grid energy generation system. Although, sharp turns in battery prices have taken place over the last few years, batteries are still one of the largest capital components of such systems. On the other hand, like many other heavy industries, mining industry is also closely interested in renewable energy generation on site because of certain environmental and financial reasons. Nonetheless, the size of feasible energy generation and attached storage units are still forcing mining companies to reconsider. In this regard, renewable energy based coolth storage systems can help mining companies to enhance the financial outcomes of mine air-conditioning projects where heavy refrigeration is demanded. This paper promotes power generation via renewable energy systems and proposes coolth/energy storage by analyzing two options. The financial impact of substituting battery storage units and downsizing the refrigeration plant size by storing the peak demand as coolth was also studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper employs a panel quantile regression method to study the impacts of economic growth, renewable energy, and development of patents on carbon emissions. Panel quantile regression is more useful method compared to the ordinary least squared (OLS) method because both individual heterogeneity and distributional heterogeneity are considered in a panel quantile regression, which provides comprehensive information of the relationship between carbon emissions per capita and different variables. To be specific, for economic growth, its impact on carbon emissions per capita is significant and positive, but its impact decreases for fast-increase emission countries. The results do not support the Environmental Kuznet Curve hypothesis. As for renewable energy, its impacts on carbon emission show an inverted U-shaped trend at different quantile levels. As for the development of patents, its effect is non-significant and positive at different quantile levels. Based on the results, we propose some policy recommendations to control carbon emissions per capita. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract With the advanced ICT (information and communication technology) support, the local energy trading rapidly develops and plays an important role in energy supply in recent years. Because the demand and supply directly occurs at local level, the transmission cost saves a lot and the distributed renewables energy resources are capable to be used in energy supply. This paper presents a multi-supplier trading system for the local power market, which is formulated as a non-cooperative Cournot game. In this model, four types of providers: thermal power plant, wind power plant, PV power generation and customer-operated storage electricity supplier are considered separately. Their cost functions have been extensively formulated. A unique Nash equilibrium (NE) exists and the optimum strategies can be derived as demonstrated in a typical local market. The proposed approach can effectively model local energy trading of different types of energy providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper evaluated the economic implications of developing net-zero energy buildings (NZEBs) for four types of residential houses (i.e. flat, terraced house, semi-detached house, and detached house), across different locations in the UK. Models specific to different locations and loads were created with varying combinations of renewable energy technologies. Houses were further classified as existing ones and new ones, and the latter had an 55% improvement in energy (heat) efficiency compared to the former. A cost-benefit analysis was conducted for each of the potential NZEB designs. Without energy storage, income from renewable technology in existing households can produce a mean net profit between 5-51% of the overall expenditure for NZEB designs. The results will enable policymakers to make informed decisions for the fulfilment of NZEBs in the UK which can potentially play an important role in mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and help the UK achieve its climate change targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The rapid increase in application of intermittent renewable energy generation has stimulated the development of energy storage system to guarantee a stable supply in electricity grid. As a large-scale storage technology, Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) technology has attracted many attractions in recent years due to it offers many unique advantages including high energy density, mature technologies based and geographical-constraint free. However, current LAES has relatively low round trip efficiency (less than 60%) and still needs improvement. In the LAES, the recovered cold energy from the liquid air is insufficient to cool the compressed air to the lowest temperature with the shortage of ~18% and liquid air yield does not achieve the maximum in the charging process; external free cold sources would be needed to further increase the liquid air yield, and the round trip efficiency could easily break through 60%. This paper proposes an innovative LAES system integrated with LNG regasification process, the objectives in this established work are to improve the product yield of liquid air and enhance the overall roundtrip efficiency. Sensibility analysis and exergy efficiency analysis of charging process and discharging process at LAES are discussed. Meanwhile, the comparisons of system performance are made between traditional LAES system and LAES with LNG regasification system (LAES-LNG) at same operating parameters. Through the LAES-LNG system, more liquid air is generated. Results show that relatively higher round trip efficiency could be obtained, with 15-35% enhancement compared with the current LAES. Also, liquid air yield obtains a significant improvement to 0.87. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Direct usage of low-to-medium enthalpy geothermal energy can provide clean and renewable energy for heating purposes. Optimum geothermal extraction strategies improve the efficiency and effectiveness supplying heat energy, which calls for a comprehensive and integrated study on geothermal reservoir development. In this paper, an integrated modeling workflow considering surface energy demands is presented to analyze the heat extraction process in a sedimentary geothermal reservoir. Effects of surface demands, well positioning, heat production rates, and number of geothermal wells on heat extraction efficiency are thoroughly studied. Results indicate that surface energy demands, well positioning, and heat production rates jointly decide the heat extraction effectiveness and the number of geothermal wells required. Neglecting surface energy demands decreases the effectiveness of heat extraction strategy planning. For the 27 surface energy demand cases studied in this work, the geothermal project can sustainably meet the surface demands in certain cases for up to 30 years, while in some cases, the project can only meet the surface demands for 4 years. In addition, the well spacing of 300m can maintain the heat production temperature at its initial level regardless of the heat production rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The energy system's operation strategy has a significant influence on the system efficiency. The determination of the optimal operation strategy requires the effective application of a substantial amount of data accumulated from the operation or even forecasting process. However, data processing, which is not obtained based on the physical mechanism, may fail to explain, under certain boundary conditions. Therefore, using E-CPS to combine data mining and physical model to build a more efficient and accurate model or even a real-time model is vital and has received more attention in practical applications. This paper proposes a general process for constructing E-CPS and applies it to the simulation of building energy systems. The E-CPS results in a 70% reduction in the renewable energy waste rate of the building's energy system and a 57% reduction in the purchase of electricity. Finally, it is concluded that the use of intelligent algorithm-based data mining combined with physical models to build E-CPS is practical and effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The paper introduced a smart renewable energy based microgrid system which is composed of three subsystems: solar photovoltaic subsystem, air source heat pump subsystem and energy storage subsystem. This microgrid system was applied to the demonstration project located in Xining City, Qinghai Province, China. The energy performance of the smart renewable energy based microgrid system was evaluated and compared with that of traditional energy supply system which totally depends on the electricity grid and natural gas. The comparison study demonstrates that the proposed hybrid energy supply system is superior to traditional system, significantly decreasing additional energy consumption for buildings and reducing pollutant emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Due to the obvious different characteristics of multi-energy power sources, it is necessary to take into account the economic and safety requirements of the power grid at the same time to achieve optimal operation strategy (OOS). This paper focuses on the OOS of multi-energy power system (MEPS), which contains wind power, cascade hydropower, thermal power, and pumped-storage power. Considering the complementary coordinationc characteristics of different types of energy, a completed set of day-ahead coordinated and optimized operating models of MEPS is established, with multiple optimization objectives of maximizing the safety, economy and renewable energy consumption. In order to solve this complex multi-objective problem, a three-stage solution method based on Benders decomposition is proposed. Through decoupling the safety object and economic object of MEPS, efficient solution of the OOS is achieved. The digital simulation discusses the influence of factors such as the diversity of natural scenarios and the safety requirements of the system operation, and simulation results verify the effectiveness of proposed strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Most of isolated resident islands rely largely on imported fresh water and fossil energy. Generally, the cost of transport these basic necessities is expensive and therefore limit the human activities on these islands. This paper proposes a model which uses renewable energy (solar and wind energy) to produce both electricity and fresh water for a 5.6 km2 island in the South China Sea. To mitigate the intermittency of natural renewable energy, the water desalination system was regarded as an energy storage facility. In order to make the energy-fresh water coupling system operating smoothly, a central control system was formulated. Reverse osmosis desalination method was used to produce fresh water. In order to figure out the most appropriate configuration of the system, HOMER model which was developed by NREL was used. The simulation results show that local solar power combined with near sea offshore wind power are sufficient to make energy and fresh water self-dependent of the target island. This study also reveal that energy storage facility is the most critical components of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Combined heat and power plants driven by renewable energy sources (RES) are becoming more and more popular, given the energy transition towards the integration of more renewable energy sources in the power generation mix. In this paper an innovative micro-solar 2kWe/18kWth Organic Rankine Cycle system, which is being developed by the consortium of several Universities and industrial organizations, with the funding from EU under the Innova MicroSolar project, is considered. In particular, its application to supply electricity and thermal energy for Domestic Hot Water (DHW) in a residential building is investigated by means of simulation analysis. Different Domestic Hot Water supply plant configurations are evaluated and the design parameters are varied in order to determine the best configuration to recover as much energy as possible from the ORC, while maintaining the final users' comfort. It was found out that with the considered plant around 67% of the Domestic Hot Water energy demand of 15 apartments can be satisfied with a water storage tank of 10'000 liters. However, in order to always guarantee the supply water temperature, a back-up boiler, which serves directly the final users when needed, is requested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The combined operation of renewable energy and seawater desalination equipment will be the directions of the cleaner freshwater producing technology in the future. A CCHP system that includes wind turbine, photovoltaic, combined heating and power (CHP) and seawater desalination is built in the paper. Based on load characteristics of seawater desalination devices and other critical equipment and characteristics of renewable energy, the optimal planning and operation strategies of CCHP system is discussed by considering economical and environmental benefits, the electric cooling ratio and the capacity of critical equipment are optimized by considering capital cost, operation cost and maintenance cost, energy cost and equivalent carbon tax. Simulation and analysis result verifies the feasibility of the proposed planning and operation strategies that the total cost and CO2 emission reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract With the rapid development of economy, the lack of freshwater resources has become increasingly urgent in many areas of China. Desalination can ease some of the pressure on freshwater supply, especially in coastal areas and isolated islands. The micro energy network is an efficient distributed energy supply system that can be used to supply electricity, cooling, heat and freshwater simultaneously. In this paper, wind turbine, photovoltaic(PV), combined cooling, heating and power(CCHP) system and desalination unit are integrated into the micro energy network. A multi-objective optimization research is conducted on the key equipment capacity and the operation of the desalination unit, with the goal of optimizing the life cycle cost and annual CO2 emissions simultaneously. And through the study of cases, the impact of the operation of desalination unit on the planning solutions of micro energy network is researched. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Chance-constraint optimal power flow has been proven as an efficient method to manage the risk of volatile renewable energy sources. To address the uncertainties of renewable energy sources, a novel distributionally robust chance-constraint OPF model is proposed in this paper, in which the discrete reactive compensators are accurately modeled. Compared with the commonly used DC OPF equations, the proposed model considers the reactive parameters such as Q and V, and also their impacts on the dispatch of active power sources. Besides, a novel Wasserstein-Moment metric is utilized to solve the distributionally robust chance-constraint OPF model. The new Wasserstein-Moment metric is able to combine the advantages of both Wasserstein metric and Moment metric, and decrease the conservatism of the robust optimisation solution greatly. Furthermore, the proposed method is data-driven, which means that the more data is available, the less conservative the solution would be. Finally, numerical case studies are carried out on IEEE 118-bus system to verify the effectiveness of the proposed chance-constraint OPF model and the proposed WM metric. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Due to the privileged location of Ecuador in terms of solar radiation, the analysis and use of renewable energy system (RES) using solar energy has been of great interest during the last years. At the same time, the supply support of RES in terms of direct current (DC) can be faced by using fuel cell (FC) systems which can give to the systems fully autonomy from fossil fuels. The aim of this paper is to propose the design of a hybrid photovoltaic-fuel cell-battery (PV-FC-B) system to supply the required electrical energy for residential use in the city of Guayaquil. The feasibility analysis, constitutive elements of the system, and adjusted variables are computed and presented using a computational tool. The results evidence that this system is not economically viable since the cost of energy (COE) in Ecuador is low compared to the COE of the proposed system. However, a more detailed analysis considering the inherent benefits of no emission of pollutant gases is required to have a complete outlook. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Renewable energy is free, abundant, clean and could contribute towards a significant reduction of the global warming emissions. It is massively introduced as a source of electricity production across the globe and is expected to become the primary source of energy within the following decades. However, despite the naturally replenished energy, the supply is not always available. For this reason, it is necessary at times of excess energy, any surplus quantity to be sufficiently captured, stored and later used when a deficit occurs. In this paper, an overview of a backup power system operating with a hydrogen-biodiesel dual-fuel internal combustion engine is provided. The system is utilizing the organic chemical hydride method for safe hydrogen storage and transportation. The high energy content of hydrogen stored in the form of an organic hydride under ambient conditions makes it an ideal energy backup medium for large-scale and long-term applications. The research work focusses on the operation and emissions output of the dual-fuel internal combustion engine running on fully renewable fuels and the results are compared with the conventional petroleum-derived diesel engine. Biodiesel-hydrogen operation shows significant benefits in the reduction of carbon and soot emissions but deteriorates the NOx formation compared to the conventional diesel-powered engines. The operation of the engine at high loads can provide high exhaust thermal energy while alternative combustion strategies are necessary to be implemented at low load conditions for the optimum operation of the backup power system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Shrimp farming has been rising significantly not only around the world but also in Vietnam. The shrimp industry in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam makes a substantial contribution to national economy via exporting to foreign countries. Nevertheless, the shrimp aquaculture sector requires high energy for aeration systems to maintain suitable dissolved oxygen level in ponds continuously for improving water quality and promoting shrimp growth. The designs of mechanical aerators have been amended to save energy costs and increase oxygen transfer; moreover, their operation is optimized to reduce operational costs, and renewable energy has been recently started applying to power aerators to mitigate energy security and environmental impacts. However, electric motors driving aerators inherently consume a lot of power, leading to high operational costs and potential impacts from using conventional power resources. In order to attain economical production and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the sustainable energy model for shrimp farms is proposed in this paper. The energy model exploits renewable energy to power the advanced aeration system for shrimp ponds, which might produce the onsite oxygen while the by-product hydrogen is stored and might be used to regenerate electricity to compensate imbalance when power load demand is higher than renewable power sources. The optimal design for renewable power resources according to the oxygen consumption of shrimp and the optimal operation of innovative aeration system based on the changes of dissolved oxygen at ponds are presented elaborately with the main objectives being economical and environmentally sustainable production for shrimp farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The objective of this paper is to discover through a survey, the Spanish wine sector's attitude towards incorporating renewables. To that end, the multivariate statistical technique of factor analysis is applied to the information provided by a sample of 87 wineries stratified by Spanish regions. This resulted in a set of four indicators describing the determinant factors (Cost, Conviction, Motivation and Investment) influencing a winery's decision to implement renewable energies. Furthermore, a cluster analysis resulted in three groups of completely different wineries. The first contains a 25.3% of the wineries, which are not concerned about environmental issues. The second comprises a 26.7% of the wineries, which are dissuaded from adopting renewables as they perceive a high investment is necessary. The third group involves a 48% of wineries, which are committed to renewables because they are absolutely convinced of their benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The objective of this paper is to discover through a survey, the Spanish wine sector's attitude towards incorporating renewables. To that end, the multivariate statistical technique of factor analysis is applied to the information provided by a sample of 87 wineries stratified by Spanish regions. This resulted in a set of four indicators describing the determinant factors (Cost, Conviction, Motivation and Investment) influencing a winery's decision to implement renewable energies. Furthermore, a cluster analysis resulted in three groups of completely different wineries. The first contains a 25.3% of the wineries, which are not concerned about environmental issues. The second comprises a 26.7% of the wineries, which are dissuaded from adopting renewables as they perceive a high investment is necessary. The third group involves a 48% of wineries, which are committed to renewables because they are absolutely convinced of their benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Many countries committed to promoting eco-friendly transportation by accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in their country due to their beneficial feature, including in Indonesia. The ancillary services by EVs will be one of solution for power system due to their unique characteristic as energy storage. Indonesia is one of the developing countries that has a thousand islands which are mostly not connected to each other. Java-Madura-Bali (JAMALI) system is one of the large systems that has energy mix which is mainly produced by coal-fired power plant and limited energy storage. Large capacity battery from penetrated EVs in the future might be a good opportunity to support the grid, with time mapping for charging and discharging. Duration and period of opportunity can be determined by frequency recognition that has been measured for 1 month. This paper shows the opportunity of parked EVs utilization by releasing and absorbing the electricity for the load leveling and frequency regulation. The impacts of EVs adoption and V2G participation rates, which are motivated by some incentive from Transmission Service Operator (TSO), are analyzed. The results show that controllable charging and discharging behaviors of EVs have led to the idea of EVs utilization for supporting the grid. The feasibility of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) in Indonesian electrical grid is evaluated in this study. The evaluated ancillary services include load leveling and frequency regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The extension and development of energy saving buildings, green buildings and low carbon buildings have promoted the application of renewable energy. Shanghai has formulated a number of policies for the promotion of renewable energy in buildings. In this paper, the present status of the main renewable resources in Shanghai is introduced. Common application of renewable energy in buildings in Shanghai mainly focuses on the solar hot water (SHW) systems, solar photovoltaic (PV) system, ground source heat pump (GSHP) system. The above three forms of renewable energy application are discussed from two aspects of investment recovery period and energy saving. Suitability for the use of renewable energy in different building types is analyzed and suggestions are given to improve the comprehensive utilization of renewable energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Stabilization and reduction of the atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO 2) concentration will be one of the prime challenges for the energy sector in the upcoming decades. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is widely seen as a possibility to continue fossil power generation while contributing to CO 2 abatement. In future energy systems with high shares of fluctuating renewable energy generation, nuclear power will become increasingly important for power generation. The development of natural gas power is considered as one of effective ways to reduce emissions and socio-economic costs as well. As a measure to establish a climate-friendly energy system, a power system research on coordinated development of nuclear and natural gas power would be considered. Therefore, future electrical power scenarios aimed at environmental and economic effects for China would considered a full mix of energy options. Based on the LEAP tool, this paper establishes a bottom-up model (LEAP-China-Power) to simulate different electric power planning policy scenarios that could be enacted from 2012 to 2050. In addition to a baseline scenario, we design CCS scenario and nuclear and Natural Gas Combined Cycle(N&N) scenario. The results indicate that N&N scenario is superior to CCS scenario. And China's future power planning recommendations are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The utilization of distributed power generation system plays an essential role in the design of resilient cities. With the ever increasing of efficiency and decreasing of production cost, Photovoltaic (PV) system is becoming a globally welcomed city component. During the design of PV systems, the matching of demand and supply power curve is critical. This paper evaluates the PV usage potential in different neighborhoods of Shanghai through matching the rooftop PV generation profile with the electricity demands of office buildings. The typical electricity use pattern of an office building is calculated by clustering method with data from a sub-metering platform, and PV generation curve is generated through simulation approach. Case studies were done in 140 neighborhoods of Shanghai City, and theoretical self-utilization ratio and PV utilization of each neighborhood were calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Over the past decades, different types of energy converters have been invented because wave energy is a renewable energy source with high potential for extraction of considerable clean energy. Many numerical and experimental tests have been conducted to calculate the power generation of ocean waves, and these tests have demonstrated the significance of this energy. In this paper, the hydrodynamic performance of a new energy converter called "Searaser" has been evaluated using numerical simulation to study different aspects of this energy converter. Since previous studies have found ocean wave energy converters excellent for implementation in the Caspian Sea, the aim of this study is to investigate its performance for that sea, so this study presents a numerical simulation of Searaser inside an experimental wave tank using commercial software Flow-3D. To model the motion of the energy converter, Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes was coupled with a volume-of-fluid (VOF) model to generate three-dimensional numerical linear propagating waves for solving the fluid field. Grid independency was also carried out to determine the best mesh numbers for the original simulations. Finally, the Searaser hydrodynamic performance was numerically calculated for different wave heights, and some of the most important parameters of point absorbers were captured, including output flow rate in different seasons, extractable wave power, and output power. Accordingly, the obtained results indicate that the output flow rate and the power generation are significantly increased by incremental changes in wave height, and using this type of converter device has potential for practical and profitable use in industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The blooming of biogas plant installation undergoing wet anaerobic digestion processes is an evident trend at EU condition. The use of biological feedstocks from farm and agricultural origins together with the use of alternative feedstock like marine macroalage provide benefits in terms of waste management and avoided natural resource extraction. Nevertheless, the seasonal fluctuations of the type and amounts of feedstocks available for a specific biogas plant, together with their optimal co-digestion, can affect the overall efficiency and optimization of the biogas operations with potential drawback on the overall sustainability of the system. A proper design of the biogas plant is thus a key step to have profitable biogas-based systems. In this paper, based on the available literature around the topic of design and sizing of a biogas plant and on interviews with practitioners in the field, the design of all the system components of a biogas plant fed with Cladophora Sp. algae and wheat straw is reported. The kinetical analysis of the digestion and the biomethane potential of the biomass employed have been determined based on a set of experiments lead by the authors. The scope of the presented case study is to help to fill the gap identified in literature and take a step towards defining standards and benchmarks for the sector and to provide a step-by-step approach for biogas plant design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid development of intermittent renewable energy has caused emerging demand of flexibility for power systems. This paper quantifies operational flexibility from heating networks to enable the flexibility to participate in power system operation and markets. Concepts and physical meaning of the flexibility are discussed. Quasi-dynamic models are used to describe temperature propagation and transport delay in heating networks. Then two flexibility models are proposed to quantify the flexibility. Parameters of the flexibility models are coupled and determined by properties, operation strategies and baseline scenarios of the heating networks, as well as flexibility demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the ways to integrate of distributed sources, energy storage and flexible loads, micro grid technology is closely related to demand side response and has become the important area of energy research. In this paper, the micro grid optimization model is established considering the operation characteristics of different types of micro sources and the demand for different test modes of demand response. Then the model and adjustment strategy of flexible loads in rolling algorithm are proposed. Finally, by means of simulation analysis, it shows the demand side response management system model not only improves the electricity consumption economy and energy efficiency, but also plays a role of peak load shifting, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the rolling algorithm and model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-layer power flow control for a grid-tied photovoltaic plant equipped with battery-supercapacitor energy storage system is presented in this paper. The proposed strategy aims at simultaneously handling the intermittent nature of the solar radiation received by the photovoltaic collectors and the need to consistently supply the specified power taking advantage of the complementary characteristics of the energy storage technologies. It relieves the batteries from stress through the use of the photovoltaic and the supercapacitor to supply the high frequency power demands by means of hierarchical control. Extensive simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed power flow control strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the design, modelling, and testing of a PEM single fuel cell based on the use of 3D printing. The design of the housings was made of SolidWorks, while MATLAB/SIMULINK were used to model performance. The fabricated cell performed satisfactorily with no leaks of gas, showing that the 3D printing method can be used in the additive manufacturing of fuel cells thus leading to significant cost savings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy crisis is one of the most crucial topics in today's world. Conventional energy resources are not only limited and costly, but also the prime cause for environmental pollution. The environmental pollution and rising cost of the fossil fuels have drawn considerable attention to renewable energy sources. Solar energy, being the cleanest and most reliable renewable energy source, is widely utilized in thermal systems to heat water and air. It offers a vast opportunity for public and private organizations to reduce carbon emissions and cut electricity costs. A viable approach to maximizing the solar panel efficiency is solar tracking. This paper, therefore, proposes an automatic microcontroller-based solar tracker with a hybrid algorithm for locating the sun's position. The proposed hybrid solar tracking algorithm combines both sensors and mathematical models to determine the precise sun's position, thereby harnessing optimal solar energy for all weather conditions. Experimental results consistently show that the hybrid solar tracking algorithm can yield higher solar power that the traditional active and chronological algorithms. A webpage was also developed to facilitate real-time monitoring of solar data. As such, the solar tracking process is fully automated, maximizing the collection and management of solar energy for solar thermal systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Malaysian Government has been introducing fuel diversification policies over the past decade by considering other sources of fuel such as alternative and renewables into the electricity mix as a measure to lengthen the oil and gas reserves against premature depletion. Since electricity consumption forms about a fifth of the total energy consumption, and directly impacts the country’s economy and people’s well-being, it is necessary to pay emphasis on Malaysia’s long-term power sector planning by identifying sustainable options which will enhance Malaysia’s energy security and mitigate climate change. This paper presents an analysis of the long-term power generation options for Malaysia by deploying the integrated MARKAL-EFOM system (TIMES) model. The examined scenarios are business as usual (BAU) and optimized least cost scenarios which include: existing technology, plus renewable, plus nuclear as well as, plus photovoltaic (PV) and storage. The results indicated that Malaysia has sufficient renewable energy resources to meet the projected electricity demand by 2050 and fossil fuels can be fully replaced with electricity sourced from large hydropower and combination of other indigenous sustainable energy sources. The variability issue of renewables can be stabilized with the integration of storage systems into the grid. This analysis also demonstrated that installation of 8.57 GW solar PV panels on existing rooftops combined with 3.6 GW large-scale pumped heat energy storage (PHES) system can generate electricity comparable to a 2.0 GW nuclear plant at a lower system cost of $102.4 billion. Hence, if Malaysia were to adopt a sustainable policy, then nuclear power would not be an ideal option as uranium fuel relies on continuous imports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is growing interest for utilization of biomass and waste for the significant environmental benefits, energy security and long-term fuel sustainability. Malaysia has enormous biomass resources that is currently under-utilized for electricity generation. The variation in the chemical composition, moisture and alkali contents across different biomass feedstocks requires pre-treatment to avoid problem during thermochemical conversion processes. On the other hand, the problem associated with municipal solid waste limit the application for useful fuel due to heterogeneous in nature and high moisture content. This paper reviews the prospective waste to energy technologies in Malaysia using hydrothermal treatment for production of solid fuel from biomass and municipal solid waste. The selection of thermochemical conversion technologies will be based on the fieldwork, characterization and laboratory experiments, environmental and economic evaluations. The overall objectives are to enhance the physical and chemical properties of the biomass and waste and to increase the thermal efficiency of power plant as part of nation renewable energy mix to reduce dependency to fossil fuels particularly coal. The effective use of biomass and waste can supply the required fuel for future electricity generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the use of energy storage technologies coupled to renewable energy sources in rural electrification as a way to address the energy access challenge. Characteristic energy demanding applications will differently affect the operating conditions for off-grid renewable energy systems. This paper discusses and evaluates simulated photovoltaic power output and battery state of charge profiles, using estimated climate data and electricity load profiles for the Altiplanic highland location of Patacamaya in Bolivia to determine the loss of load probability as optimization parameter. Simulations are performed for three rural applications: household, school, and health center. Increase in battery size prevents risk of electricity blackouts while increasing the energy reliability of the system. Moreover, increase of PV module size leads to energy excess conditions for the system reducing its efficiency. The results obtained here are important for the application of off-grid PV-battery systems design in rural electrification projects, as an efficient and reliable source of electricity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The approach of this paper relies on a prospective study up to 2050 conducted by the TIMES model, combined with a quantitative assessment of the French power sector reliability. It is to take into account the short term power grid transient conditions in long-term prospective analysis. For this purpose, a reliability indicator related to the kinetic reserves has been defined and endogenized in the model in order to observe how the power system reliability may evolve in response to a high share of renewable energy source (RES) integration and stability constraint. It enables us to draw for reliability-constrained scenarios with high shares of RES, the possible shape of investments, additional back-up and flexible options needed to guarantee the grid’s stability anytime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research project is to develop a solar-powered refrigerator in the lower capacity range of up to 5 kW of cooling power. With the use of liquid pistons and one of the most efficient thermodynamic cycles known, the Stirling cycle, this product has the potential to outperform rival solar cooling technologies while providing inexpensive, reliable, quiet, environmentally-friendly, and efficient solar cooling for residential use, due to its straightforward manufacturing, simple design and inert working gas. Presented in this paper are the newest results of the theoretical and experimental investigation into deducing the key design parameters and system configuration of the so called Liquid Piston Stirling Cooler (LPSC), which will lead to optimal performance. Computer models of the complex unconstrained system have been constructed and validated using the modelling software Sage and shown to replicate system behaviour with reasonable accuracy in experiments. The models have been used to predict system improvements and identify limitations imposed by the use of liquid pistons. The results to date provide a unique insight into a relatively little studied area in Stirling research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of renewable energy systems into the electric grid creates several technical challenges. To investigate the impact of renewable energy injection into the electric network, it is necessary to examine the static and dynamic behavior of power systems. These studies are important to ensure the system stability and secure operation of the electric network under fault disturbance. Steady state and dynamic analysis configurations are proposed in this paper to analyze the Moroccan southern transmission network. They focus on the impact induced by any power unit added to the power system through power flow calculation and transient stability. The objective of the performed steady state analysis is to calculate the load flow on the transmission lines, transformers and the voltage profile of system buses. The dynamic stability study is conducted to determine the power system behavior when a three-phase fault is applied, at critical connection points of distributed generators, to the grid. In addition, this work identifies the critical fault clearing time of various power stations. The aforementioned studies are Abstract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is urgent necessity for estimating the capacity value of renewable energy sources (RES) in the planning of modern power systems to avoid excessive investment at generation side and RES curtailment. Firstly in this paper, the models of conventional units and the load curve are introduced along with the output model of RES, which takes the correlation between PV and wind plants into account using copulas. On the basis of these models, the sequential Monte Carlo sampling (SMCS) method is employed to compute the reliability index of generating system, such as loss of load expectation (LOLE) and expected energy not supplied (EENS). After that, in view of the concept of effective load carrying capacity (ELCC), the capacity value of RES is estimated by adopting secant method to maintain the reliability indices before and after RES integration unchanged. Finally, a study case is designed with the actual data of a certain western province in China to prove the correctness and feasibility of this proposed estimation method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the significant importance of the civil society stakeholders (CSSs) in promoting renewable energy. Indeed, the share of renewable energy has more than doubled within the past decade and CSSs has been an important driver for increasing renewable energy generation to date. Operationally, when it comes to promoting renewable energy, civil society along with a partnership with key actors may add a value because of their capacity to provide efficient public services. Despite the fact, that we, recently, have witnessed a proliferation of the literature about civil society, reviews have regularly omitted the stream of research conducted by social scientists. Furthermore, empirical studies have only focused on understanding civil society as a politically meaningful concept. Therefore, through a systematic review of academic literature and by using the theory of reasoned action (TRA) [1] as a theoretical framework, the current research attempts to propose a conceptual model focusing on CSSs attitudes toward the promotion of renewable energy from a Tunisian perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we present the results of monitoring a building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) system, which was installed in Medio San Juan (Andagoya), Colombia. The system is operating in the Building of Renewable Energy of Chocó - CERCHOCO - and it is composed of a 20 kW photovoltaic generator connected to the electrical grid through a 20 kW three-phase inverter. We installed a monitoring system for measuring and analyzing the performance and power quality of the BIPV system. The meteorological and solar radiation data in the site of installation are also analyzed to correlate with system performance. On the basis of 2016 monitoring results, the performance of the BIPV system has been analyzed for component perspective (PV array and inverter) and global perspective (system efficiency, electrical energy and power quality etc.). Energy analysis and economic evaluation revealed that to get a trade off between energy and economic viability, the BIPVS installations must be heavily subsidized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ensuring access to affordable. reliable. sustaiiiable modem energy is a key challenge in reducing poverty in developing countries. Off-grid rural electrification based on decentralized renewable energy lias been recognized as an effective way to increase access to energy in remote areas. However. there is some doubt about its long-tenn sustainability. Previous stndies hove indicated that once renewable energy génération facilities are installed. the responsibility for operation and maintenance is often handed over to the local community, and. eventiially. the project fails because of a lack of maintenance budget. This paper discusses issues related to the sustainability of MHP-based rural electrification as a case study in a remote village in West Java, Indonesia. that is deeply steeped local traditions. A complementary approach bervveen the community and a private company was introduced to improve the economie sustainability of MHPPs while simultaneously conserving local traditions and livelihoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper, a new approach for the management of energy resources in a research laboratory is proposed and evaluated. A simulation study for the photovoltaic (PV) installation was conducted under the Tunisian-Italian cooperation project DE.DU.ENER.T, using renewable energy and economic criteria. The aim of the study is to improve the energy efficiency in order to minimize the electricity cost consumed in the laboratory. A Hybrid Renewable Energy System consisting of a photovoltaic field of 12KWc was installed to reduce the exorbitant bills, due to intensive energy equipment such as drying ovens and workstations, using sustainable, green and clean sources. In addition, a sizing theoretical study of the PV system was primarily realized in order to evaluate, in the first hand, the compatibility between different equipment and to compare, in the second hand, with results given by two software SMA Sunny Design and PV*SOL. We designed and managed these systems optimally to promote the self-consumption of the electric energy in the LPT Research laboratory building. The focus would be on the use of the PV system by evaluating the impacts of electricity generation using renewable energy levied on electricity grid (energy injection and extraction) and the economies that can be achieved during operating hours. Results of PV-SYST study obtained by the simulation of our installation will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable power generation becomes more popular nowadays due to the low availability of fuels. This paper proposes an integration of single DC source reduced switch multilevel inverter topology for grid connected photovoltaic system to achieve a good quality output waveform. The proposed configuration requires less number of power semiconductor devices when compared to conventional multilevel inverter configurations for generating higher output voltage level with lower total harmonic distortion. A sine reference with phase disposition triangular carrier arrangement is utilized for generating the switching pulses to the proposed multilevel inverter. A single diode model in photovoltaic system and dual output boost converter is utilized in the proposed system to reduce the complexity. Also, the improved incremental and conductance maximum power point tracking is selected in this work. The proposed system is tested only in standard test condition using MATLAB/Simulink. Hence, the proposed system is well suitable for grid connected in photovoltaic system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents CO 2 mitigation potential in the power sector of Thailand regarding to the Power Development Plan (PDP 2015) and Alternative Energy Development Plan (AEDP 2015). Renewable energy and advanced technology have the potential to play an important role in providing clean energy. The Long-range Energy Alternative Planning (LEAP) model is used to analyze future electricity demand, fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions reduction in the long term planning during 2010-2050. Regarding to those plans, implementations of renewable energy and advanced technology are proposed for mitigation options. The mitigation scenarios offer sustainable potential of renewable technologies and advanced technologies such as solar, wind, biomass, nuclear, hydropower, hydrogen fuel cell, tidal, geothermal and fossil-fuel power plants with carbon capture storage (CCS). Four mitigation scenarios are modeled along with the BAU scenario. The Mitigation 1 (MIT01) scenario is the base-case mitigation scenario based on the target of PDP2015, which target of renewable energy is 19,634 MW in 2036. In the Mitigation 2 (MIT02) scenario, the technologies in the MIT01 plus new technologies such as hydrogen fuel cell, tidal and geothermal are implemented. Clean fossil fuel technologies with CCS, for example natural gas and coal technologies, are applied in the Mitigation 3 (MIT03) scenario. In the Mitigation 4 (MIT04) scenario as the peak CO 2 scenario. Results show that, in the BAU scenario, electricity demand and CO 2 emissions from the power sector will increase to 52,770 ktoe and 345,959 kt-CO 2eq , respectively in 2050. By adopting mitigation options, total CO 2 emissions in 2050 can be mitigated by 69.66% in MIT04, following by 50.83% in MIT02, 47.22% in MIT03, and 41.71% in MIT01 when compared to the BAU scenario. Moreover, regarding to the MIT04, Thailand can meet its peak CO 2 emission by 2036. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the development of low head small hydro power in Thailand. Hydropower is one of the renewable resources which spread across all regions in the country. Moreover, it is a source of renewable energy that cheaper than others. The development of local small hydropower design and manufacturing is important to the cost of generating electricity and the stability of domestic energy. The small hydro turbine designed as axial propeller turbine suitable for reservoir with water head range 10 to 20 meters. The runner blade designed as marine propeller shape with reversed mean camber line that obtained a high performance hydro turbine. The turbine has four fixed blades with a diameter of 0.4 meters, 0.35 hub to tip ratio and the 12 pieces of adjustable guide vanes. The turbine shaft directly coupling with a 160 kW induction generator at a rotational speed 1,000 rpm. The performance test results suited for water head all range of 10 to 20 meters with the guide vane angle 40 to 45 degrees and derived with the overall efficiency of 70% to 80%. Total cost of the small hydro turbine generator is USD513/kW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an analysis of CO 2 mitigation potential of renewable energy and energy efficiency in the residential sector in Indonesia and Thailand. The Long-range Energy Alternative Planning (LEAP) model was used to analyze future energy demand, energy consumption and CO 2 emissions during 2010-2050. This study applied demand side management (DSM) options to reduce CO 2 emission in the residential sector by implementing renewable energy and energy efficiency measures in lighting, cooking, and cooling devices. In this analysis, five mitigation actions were selected, called Sustainable Solar System (Solar), Sustainable Biogas System (Biogas), Efficient Lighting Devices (Lighting), Efficient Cooling Devices (Cooling), and Efficient Cooking Stove (Cooking) scenarios. Results show that in 2050 the Cooling scenario shows the highest energy saving of 22.99% when compared with the BAU. In the BAU, energy demand and emission in Indonesian residential sector will be 73,578 ktoe and 68,219 kt-CO 2eq in 2050, respectively. The highest CO 2 mitigation of 45,208 kt-CO 2eq , accounted for 33.73% of emissions in the BAU, will be achieved in the Cooling and Lighting scenarios. In Thailand’s residential sector, the Cooling scenario shows the highest energy saving of 6.04% in 2050 when compared with the BAU. In the BAU scenario in Thailand’s residential sector, energy demand and CO 2 emissions will be about 21,916 ktoe and 26,607 kt-CO 2eq in 2050, respectively. The highest CO 2 mitigation potential of 23,573 kt-CO 2eq will be achieved in the Biogas scenario, CO 2 reduction will be 11.42% of emissions in the BAU. The Lighting scenario shows the lowest potential of CO 2 mitigation of 25,221 kt-CO 2eq . The CO 2 reduction will be 5.21% of emissions in the BAU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrolysis of eucalyptus wood and refuse derived fuel was carried out in a continuously weighing fixed bed reactor performing as a macro thermogravimetric analyzer (macro-TGA). All samples were heated from ambient temperature to 800 ºC at different heating rates; 5, 10, and 15 ºC/min. Because of buoyancy effect and measurement uncertainties, noises were generally detected in mass change or thermogravimetric (TG) data obtained from the macro-TGA. The noises led to high degree of fluctuation in the derivative TG (DTG) data. These fluctuating data could not be used directly to analyze kinetic parameters. Smoothing was required in eliminating the noise to obtain reliable DTG data used for subsequent kinetic analysis. In this paper, Gaussian smoothing technique was applied to characterize the smoothing quality, based on mathematics and kinetics points of view. In mathematical analysis, values of smoothing parameters σ within 4-15 showed that raw-data can be improved to be sufficiently smooth to achieve DTG curves without high fluctuation by fourth-order central difference method. Smoothed TG curves did not significantly differ from the original signals. However, kinetic analysis results indicated that only Gaussian smoothing with 7 ≤ σ ≤ 10 can provide meaningful kinetic parameters ( E a ~ 140-150 kJ/mol), which can be used to describe pyrolysis behavior in macro-TGA satisfactorily (R 2 ≥ 0.99). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a solution to a problem of optimal allocation of distributed generator (DG) for multi objective minimization of real power loss, reactive power loss, reactive power generation and voltage deviation. The four objective functions are formulated and combined to form a single objective function using weighting factors. The problem is solved by using a technique formed by a combination of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Newton Raphson Power Flow (NRPF) methods. This hybrid strategy utilizes the global searching capability of PSO and its derivative free nature and the ability of NRPF method to find optimal solution when initial points are efficiently chosen to reach global optimal solution. The method is tested on IEEE 14-bus power system. To minimize cost one DG is considered for installation. The proposed method iteratively moves DG in each load bus of the test system, find optimal transformers’ taps settings and compute objective function value. The DG is assumed to generate 2.5 MW. The bus that gives the minimum value of the objective function is considered as the best candidate for DG installation. In this work, it is bus number nine. Distributed generator used is from wind energy technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the reliability of numerical models used for estimating multi-chamber oscillating water column (MC-OWC) response in the time-domain. The model for the internal water surface level and instantaneous pressure inside the chamber at regular waves conditions using a hybrid system of hydrodynamic and thermodynamic rigid piston models without power take-off. Reliability is assessed using experimental data obtained from a wave tank used in the model concept validation. The results show the method could be extended to describe the hydrodynamics of the MC-OWC in regular and irregular wave conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The green energy transition must be understood as a complex process requiring the involvement of many actors. Civil society stakeholders’ opinion on energy sources began to influence energy policy formation and implementation. It plays a significant and complementary role to central government’s actions in raising awareness about the green energy transition and positions themselves in the move towards a sustainable energy future. Greater understanding of civil society motivations towards the promotion of renewables will present both opportunities, and highlight challenges, for the delivery of an energy policy and action-taking aimed at progress towards energy sustainability. Previous researches have tended to analyze civil society participation from a more broadly perspective which interrogated the dynamic of group formation apart from the work we present in this paper which explores the civil society’s motivations and barriers to promote renewable energies in Tunisia through a qualitative research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the current situation of the renewable energies (RE) in Algeria and the structure of the national grid. In view of studying the issues of grid integration of injection of renewable energy produced by distributed systems. The main issues to be considered actually in Algeria are the lines upgrade and the protections design, to prepare the near future of large share of renewable electricity in the national energy mix. For grid integration, due to continuously decreasing cost of battery storage, the modeling and the structure of control of a photovoltaic grid connected system is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this paper is to design a map of the positive effects caused by the implementation, in a winery, of a series of prototypes for substituting non-renewable energies for clean energies. For this aim, we propose the use of a multi-level approach including three analyses: a multi-stakeholder analysis to determine all the interest groups affected by this intervention; a multi-dimensional analysis in order to identify the effects from the triple bottom line of sustainability; and a multi-term analysis to classify the effects depending on when they take place: immediate, intermediate and long-term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heating, ventilation and air conditioning plant of a historical valuable building in the centre of Vicenza (Italy) was retrofitted during 2007-2012 period. An underground water source electrical compression heat pump was installed with a monitoring and data logging system. In this paper the analysis of the performance data of the last three cooling seasons and the last two heating seasons (2014-2016) is developed. The analysis reveals that some critical aspects determined poor energy performance of the plant during the first operation period. Such issues and the technical solutions suggested by the Authors are presented in this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Production of algae biofuel from aquatic and terrestial systems are global emerging strategies for the reduction of the overreliance on fossil fuel based on its potentials to promote the green environment, which can be a panacea to the global warming, climate change and other earthly challenges affecting global evolution. Algae as bioenergetic resource has the capacity to solve the uneven energy supply of developing countries. This study adopts an exploratory research appraoch and uses a contextual SWOT model to assess what needs to be done on the premise of the prevailing situation in Nigeria and strategically analyzes the risk and potential benefits of biodiesel production from algae. The model helps to examine the strength, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the algae biofuel production and utilization peculiar to Nigeria. The result showed that there are prospects for the algae biofuel implementation in Nigeria, though with various limitations. Some of the challenges anticipated could be resolved with adequate government and private stakeholders support in terms of policies, funding and sustainable management. The main focus of this paper is on micro-algae, known for their rapid growth rate and suitability as feedstock for biodiesel (third generation of bio energy). With Nigeria’s total economic dependence on petroleum oils, algae derived biofuel could provide options as well as aid environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the current cause–effect relationships between the burning of fossil fuels and environmental, social and economic problems, the model of development for society's future requires transition pathways for a low carbon energy system. Here, the recognition of a smart dimension of rural areas associated with sustainable energy development, while still nascent, is both relevant and suggestive. The paper presents SMART RURAL, a model that revolves around a “think smart-plan local-act rural” approach, promoting a strong engagement with renewable energy, energy efficiency and smart grid toward net-zero energy balance at the municipal level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new generation of multifunctional, adaptive and dynamic facades is to be developed in the framework of the research project SELFIE to respond to the EU Directive 2002/91. The aim is to build novel adaptive envelope systems for nZEB to facilitate the exploitation of RES at building scale and simultaneously improve indoor environmental quality both in existing and new buildings. The project focuses on the design, testing and construction of innovative technological systems capable of integrating energy saving smart materials and novel technologies, for buildings located in the Mediterranean area. The Adaptive Box Window elements presented in this paper are designed to be preassembled, modular and adaptive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers are continually striving to improve the efficiency of photovoltaic panels which contain solar cells that convert light energy to electrical energy. The objective is to improve photovoltaic (PV) efficiency by maintaining it below maximum allowable temperature. Accordingly, the excess in heat must be dissipated efficiently in order to avoid excessive high temperatures, which have an adverse effect on the electrical performance of the cell. Therefore, in this paper an experimental study is presented to enhance the performance of PV panels using Aluminum finned plate, and cooling under natural convection. The use of heat sinks has been conducted to address this problem by using an optimum design of Aluminum finned plate. The results show that the use of an Aluminum finned plate has increased the solar to electrical conversion efficiency by 1.75%, and the output power by 1.86 Watt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic waste fraction disposed to landfill induce the release of greenhouse gas and leachate due to its degradation. The collection and treatment of such typology of waste is imperative in order to decrease environmental pollution and improve recycling rates. The aim of this study is to define a flexible and economically viable system to process all the RMSW and the OFMSW coming from SC, in a territory with low recycling rates. To that purpose, the survey provides a dynamic system which comply with future increases in the efficiency of SC systems. Dry anaerobic batch reactors are considered in order to treat RMSW and to operate the OFMSW, as long as SC improves. Four scenarios were considered, in particular for 10%, 25%, 50% and 75% SC rate. Biogas production has been estimated for evaluating the potentiality of each SC rate, since it can be exploited for generating electric energy and heating. Biogas generation is enhanced of the 21% by increasing from 10% to 75% SC, making the system more profitable under an energetic point of view. Moreover, the amount of electric energy which could be sold per year for each SC scenario was calculated, resulting as 631,293 kWh for the 10% SC and 442,527 kWh for 75% SC. Considerations on the exportability of the approach were also added in the paper, highlighting the affordability of the anaerobic digestion system in other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piezoelectric floors generate many microwatts up to many watts per step, depending on space pedestrians’ frequency and piezoelectric technology. Although there are a number of earnest researches that have focused on harvesting power from piezoelectric floors tiles, the piezoelectric application is still hindered by many factors, which leads to the deprivation of the advantages of this technology. The research addresses how to get the Maximum benefits from piezoelectric energy harvesting floor in Buildings’ interior spaces, according to the various weight of every usage factors, and through the integration of different kind of piezoelectric technology capabilities. This Paper seeks to spread piezoelectric energy harvesting floor applications, through Facilitate how to conciliate and harmonize between the challenging requirement of usage factors and the application possibilities using a proposed tool. Feasibility study guide supported by various case studies that has been described as a benchmark for the future applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Access to energy has increasingly been provided by some governments through new alternative sources of energy known as renewable energy (primarily hydropower, solar, biomass, wind, geothermal). Renewable energy has become a strategic energy source for some countries as it provides clean, reliable, affordable and sustainable energy to millions of people. Negative externalities of fossil fuels together with positive externalities of renewable energy have driven the adoption of renewable energy technologies in some countries. As renewable energy technologies require high up-front investment, private sector capital, technology and innovation have often been claimed through public-private partnerships to supplement limited public sector funding in providing such public services. This paper will first review the externalities that have driven the increase of renewable energy projects. Successful international PPP practices in renewable energy sector will then been analyzed to identify key arrangements that contribute to mitigate the risks attached to a particular renewable energy project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, investment into carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies has been seemingly sidelined to encourage larger renewable energy generation investment. High initial CCS costs have to compete with decreasing renewable costs and in some scenarios the role of CCS is completely overtaken by renewable energy. However, not recognising the value of a wider variety of low-carbon options in an energy system and committing to a single low-carbon technology can lead to a reduction in flexibility and further down the line even a lock out from successfully adapting the system to new advancements in smart technologies. On the path to a greener British energy system, gas power plants are considered as the transitional technology given the intermittent nature of most renewable generation. CCS can play a crucial role in mitigating the polluting effects of conventional generation. This paper employs real options analysis (ROA) to explore various cost and flexibility states, accounting for various penetrations of CCS and renewables working in cohesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European statistics (EUROSTAT) showed that, until some years ago, Romania has been considered a country without pumped storage plants (PSPs). Currently, Romania appears to have a total capacity of 91.5 MW, installed in five pumped storage plants operated by Hidroelectrica within their hydropower developments portfolio. The paper presents the hydropower developments of PSPs type in Romania; and an evaluation of their electricity production with emphasis on the renewable component, as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) is one of the most promising solutions to generate renewable electricity in the built environment. BIPV applications can replace regular building components into prefab integrated components that at the same time generate electricity, contributing to the aesthetics in the built environment. In this paper we thoroughly review the existing BIPV stakeholders, the BIPV ecosystem and policy and legislation for BIPV in the Netherlands. The information that is provided throughout this research and the conclusions that were drawn should be taken into account by the government, academia and the BIPV industry when further designing the BIPV (export) strategy for the Netherlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intelligent algorithms for optimal management of renewable power applied to an autonomous hybrid system for water pumping are presented in this paper. The hybrid system combines a wind turbine (WT) with photovoltaic panels (PV) as the sources of energy, storing energy in a battery bank. The algorithm aims to ensure the system autonomy, a continuous load supply and a safe operation for the battery bank, with the load considered the water pumping in a rural area. After presenting the modeling of the various elements that consititute the system, three algorithms: TOR, Fuzzy Logic and Genetics Algorithms are studied for deciding the connection of battery bank and the different energy sources to the local microgrid. These three techniques are then compared using a simulated water pumping system, showing that they effectively optimize the use of renewable energy to meet the load demand and to ensure a safe operation for the Battery Bank. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]