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The purpose and objectives of this paper is to determine the determinants for computing sustainable footprint for a typical semiconductor manufacturing facility and subsequently to benchmark the sustainability footprint with other semiconductor manufacturing environment. Sustainability index studies have been used by different agencies mostly for public listed companies. Suitable checklist was used to determine the sustainability index of an organization and the results were compared with other similar organization. Using one approach, sustainability index was computed and compared with the other similar organization. By computing the sustainability index for a manufacturing organization, it will help the organization to identify the areas to improve for more sustainable operations. Sustainability index is a function of wellbeing, management, resource and compliance. By using Analytical Hierarchic Process (AHP) model a simple Sustainability index formula was developed for this study SI = (0.375*Wellbeing +0.25*Compliance+0.25*Resource+0.125*Management)/5, Using a structured questionnaire and giving a scoring for each construct, SI for a manufacturing company was computed. For one of the company, Sustainability Index was computed as 80%. Benchmarking can be done with similar industrial sector and will also help shareholders and other interested parties to know better of the organization in terms of their ability to be sustainable. Organizations with low sustainable index will be preferred and will be better recognized in the market. This paper has attempted to define sustainable index and also a method to compute sustainability Index (SI) for a manufacturing organization in Singapore. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semakau Landfill, Singapore's only waste landfill, is estimated to be filled completely by 2035. To avert future crisis for a new landfill, it is crucial to divert the incineration ash and utilize it for construction purposes. Understanding characteristics of incineration ash would be the first step towards ash utilization. This paper analyses the chemical and physical characteristics of the bottom ash from a Singapore Incineration Plant via Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). These characteristics are used to identify and relate the ash components- heavy metals and unburnt waste, to their responsible sources in the various waste streams in Singapore. This paper also reviews waste streams that should be targeted for pre-sorting of municipal solid waste to improve the ash quality and complement any post-treatment processes for the ash. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As of 2016, Singapore has only about 100 charging points in commercial, residential and public places according to LTA data. There is a total of 120 electric and hybrid vehicles currently on Singapore roads. LTA has announced its plan to install 2000 charging points in Singapore. With the electric car-sharing programme, another 1000 Electric Vehicles (EV) will be added to the ecosystem. In this paper, we propose a framework that leverages on the real-time information sharing between EVs and charging stations. EV charging stations can update the number of EV chargers (quick charger and normal charger) available onsite and provide the peak / off-peak pricing chargers, average waiting time and customer service index for the charging locations. In this paper, we study the criteria for optimal selection of charging stations by EV users. The cost of charging, average waiting time and the distance to the charging station are the major factors that are taken into consideration. The EV user can select the optimal charging stations based on a weighted combination of the above factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While technology advancements are increasingly improving the energy efficiency of buildings, occupant behavior remains a critical factor in ensuring the effectiveness of such enhancements. To this end, numerous eco-feedback systems have been developed to reduce building energy use through adjusting occupants’ behaviors. The information represented in an eco-feedback system affects the users’ engagement, motivation, and interpretation. In this paper, we introduce a new information representation method in which a building information model (BIM) is integrated with energy use information to enhance visual representation of energy use. The BIM-integrated energy visualization approach developed in this paper allows users to visualize energy consumption values of each building room through a color-coding scheme in an as-built BIM. Colors correspond to the levels of energy consumption in individual rooms compared to other rooms in a building, which enables a visually intuitive normative comparison for building eco-feedback systems. This representation may lead to increased user engagement in and improved interpretation of eco-feedback systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mini-groove flat heat pipe, due to high thermal conductivity, good temperature uniformity, simple structure and so on, is very suitable to be used to cool electronic devices with high heat flux and required temperature uniformity. In this paper, the axial flow and heat transfer mathematical model of mini grooves flat heat pipe in steady state is built to study the distributions of pressure, velocity of working fluid, wall temperature, etc. along the axial direction. As the wick structure plays an important role in the mini-groove flat heat pipe heat transfer enhancement, this paper utilizes the above model to investigate the influence of the size of the mini-grooves and wall with grooves along the axial direction on the heat transfer coefficient of mini grooves flat heat pipe. The best solution of the size of the mini grooves and wall with grooves along the axial direction is put forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Driven by concerns about CO2 emissions and environmental pollution, the development of the China’s wind power industry has accelerated in recent years. In China, most of wind power plants are located in the “three north” region (northeast, north, northwest), those areas are very cold in winter, and the heating period lasts for 4-6 months per year, thus heat demand is very large, so wind heating conversion was proposed and it has become a hot point to exploit for investors. This paper provides a brief overview of the development of the wind power in China, discusses some of the current challenges in the application of wind power heating in northern China, such as technical challenges, supporting policies and benefit pattern, finally puts forward four pieces of advice for improvement. This paper hopes to play a reference in China’s future development of wind power heating projects, which helps to control air pollution and optimize the energy structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asset management and automation are acknowledged by distribution utilities as a useful strategy to improve service reliability, but the challenge facing decision makers is how to maximize the long-term return on a project whilst minimizing the investment and operation costs. The objective of this paper is reliability improvement by installing the optimum number of sectionalizing switches at appropriate locations in an electricity distribution network. This is achieved by adding new switches and the relocation of existing switches. Determining the number and location of switches become an optimization problem efficiently solved using an ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm. The performance of this approach is assessed in the paper and illustrated using various case studies on a typical UK distribution network. Test results show that the proposed ACO methodology provides an optimum solution based on a trade-off region between the reliability indices and cost of multiple switches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentration of CO 2 in the atmosphere, which causes a serious impact on the climate, provided a development space for the carbon capture technology. The adsorption technology for carbon dioxide capture has been extensively studied because of its low energy consumption. The experimental study on carbon dioxide capture adsorption technology, which commonly require enough time-consuming and funding, determines the significance of numerical investigation. In this paper, the progress on numerical investigation and mathematical model of heat transfer and mass transfer in the adsorption chamber is reviewed. The simplified method of the adsorption process is analyzed in the following aspects: the mass transfer process is commonly simplified as the adsorption kinetic model and the adsorption equilibrium model, the pressure loss is expressed by the bed pressure drop, and the heat transfer process is analyzed by the temperature distribution in the adsorption chamber. The construction and application of various researchers’ models are finally summarized in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The approach developed aims to identify the methodology that will be used to deliver the minimum cost for hydrogen infrastructure deployment using a mono-objective linear optimisation. It focuses on minimizing both capital and operation costs of the hydrogen transportation based on transportation via truck which represents the main focus of this paper and a cost-minimal pipeline system in the case of France and Germany. The paper explains the mathematical model describing the link between the hydrogen production via electrolysers and the distribution for mobility needs. The main parameters and the assumed scenario framework are explained. Subsequently, the transportation of hydrogen via truck using different states of aggregation is analysed, as well as the transformation and storage of hydrogen. This is used finally to build a linear programming aiming to minimize the sum of costs of hydrogen transportation between the different nodes and transformation/storage within the nodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, Aspen Plus® models of biomass gasification process combined with plasma reactor for tar removal and plasma gasification process were developed respectively, validated and analyzed thermodynamically. The analysis shows that plasma technology is capable of producing syngas with acceptable tar content for gas turbine application. However, this comes with a huge energy penalty. For example, within the context of the analysis carried out in this paper, the thermodynamic efficiency of the biomass gasification process combined with plasma tar cleaning was found to be 43.6% while that of the plasma gasification process was 37.3% despite its higher bio-syngas calorific value. The lower efficiency recorded for the plasma gasification process occurs as a result of the higher electrical energy required to attain the high temperature needed for the gasification of the biomass material. As a result of the low efficiency, plasma tar cleaning of raw bio-syngas or plasma gasification, although technologically feasible, may not be a viable route for producing bio-syngas for gas turbine application. However, it may be a viable option for energy storage if the plasma reactor will be powered with electricity from wind and other renewable energy resources during off peak period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The component of marine diesel fuel is complex. The muti-component mechanism with aromatic hydrocarbon can more accuracy the combustion of marine diesel engine. The new reduced n-tetradecane-toluene mechanism of marine diesel engine has been developed in this paper. The established model consists of 85 species and 317 reactions without cross reaction. This paper discuss the cross reaction on the effect of marine diesel engine for different mechanism, the new mechanism and the mechanism with 15% toluene content. The results show that the computed ignition delay time with the new mechanism was agreement with the data of mechanism with cross reaction. The in-cylinder pressure are almost same for all case. However, the heat release rate is higher at the end of for the mechanism with cross reaction. The error of CO2 and NOx is minimum using the mechanism with 15% toluene content added cross reaction. The cross reactions has large effect on the emission of marine diesel engine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper represents a systematic economic and environmental assessment of biodiesel plant waste heat recovery retrofit. Two otherwise identical biodiesel plants except that one has waste heat recovery unit, namely recuperative heat exchanger, the other one does not have are compared in this paper; the economic and environmental consequences of integrating waste heat recovery unit to the biodiesel plant is evaluated through analyzing the simulation results of Aspen Plus and Aspen Economic Analyzer. The results show that waste heat recovery retrofit can significantly reduce the CO 2 emission of biodiesel plant, whereas the economic penalties have to be pondered carefully before the implementation of waste heat recovery retrofit. [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]

In this paper we test the hypothesis of convergence in China’s regional energy efficiency in agriculture over a time period that ranges from 1995 to 2014. The potential convergence is analysed by two different methodologies in this paper. Firstly, the output value of the agriculture energy consumption per unit is tested and the sigma-convergence is presented by means of standard deviation (SD). Secondly, the widely-used Barro-type regressions indicate that the unconditional beta-convergence exists during the entire period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, cooling of data centres efficiently is proving a challenging feat for many companies. With constantly increasing server size and IT demand, combined with the ever increasing energy consciousness of the world, many cooling systems are no longer up to the task of effectively cooling these Data Centres while maintaining an energy efficient environment. A review of journal papers, white papers, and information from companies who manufacture data centre cooling solutions was undertaken. The literature reviewed shows that any solution to this increasing problem needs to be flexible. Investigation was carried out on two different types of cooling system which showed the most promise within the literature review. An air-cooled type (hot aisle containment air cooling) and a liquid-cooled type (single-phase liquid immersion cooling) were the two types of data centre cooling systems selected. 2D simulation of each of these systems, using ANSYS © Fluent 17.2 Academic, was carried out to demonstrate the flexibility of each system when rack density is increased from 15kW to 30kW. Conclusions were drawn that air was not a flexible cooling method if changes were to be made to the IT equipment, with a maximum outlet temperature of 324K (51°C) for the 15kW system rising to 342K (69°C) when changed to a 30kW system. It was also found that liquid immersion cooling was flexible and maintained an average outlet temperature of 298K (25°C) even when the IT equipment was uprated to 30kW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distillation is a common separation process since its emergence in the early 20th century due to its capability for mass production without compromising the product(s) quality. However, the energy efficiency is still become the challenge for the industry players. Since then, they put so much effort in ensuring the energy efficiency of the process. It is not only for economic purpose but also to address the environmental issue whereby the legislation become stringent over the years. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the energy efficiency of distillation column sequence by using the pinch analysis method. Rigorous simulation of the distillation for component n-butane, n-hexane, n-heptane and n-nonane has been carried-out for 5 different sequences namely direct, indirect, driving force sequence (indirect-direct), direct-indirect and split for energy analysis. Aspen HYSYS V9 has been used for the simulation while the data was extracted for pinch analysis including the construction of problem table algorithm to obtain the minimum cooling and heating load for each sequence. The results that were analyzed and compared including total heat load, heating load and cooling load. Then the grid diagrams for the best sequence was constructed. From the results of energy analysis, all distillation sequences except for direct-indirect sequence recorded further energy saving compared to the base case whereby the highest saving is driving force sequence at 6.31% total energy saving. It also recorded the highest percentage of heating and cooling load at 4.85% and 9.05% respectively. This paper also strengthens the advantage of driving force method in determining the best sequence since it was proved to produce lower energy consumption compared to others. Then, the energy can be further reduced by using the pinch analysis. Therefore, for this case study, it can be concluded that the heat integration via pinch analysis is a promising method for further saving for any distillation column sequence. [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]

Solvent-based post-combustion carbon capture (PCC) process is widely viewed as the most viable option for reducing CO 2 emission. This technology has been deployed globally and many researches have been conducted in this area. In this paper, current status of dynamic modelling, system identification and control scheme of solvent-based PCC process is reviewed. Different research directions of these areas are discussed to conclude the existing challenges. Based on this, this paper is also trying to provide potential solutions as possible pathways for flexible and economical operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the cornerstone of social progress, industry’s future development pathway is greatly influenced by basic socio-economic assumptions, thusly is of big uncertainties, especially in developing countries, and the developing pattern of industry will bring significant differences in the whole energy system and carbon emission pathway. In order to explore industrial energy demand and emission under different developing patterns, this paper designed three scenarios describing discrepant socio-economic development characteristic based on SSP1, SSP2 and SSP5, conducted energy system optimization with application of GTIMES model, and presented main comparative results under three pathways. To reflect the great differences in industrial characteristics of advanced industrial countries and emerging economies both on industrial energy consumption and carbon emission, this paper also took America and India as instances to conduct simple comparison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a two-staged entrained-flow bed gasifier is proposed for the co-gasification of coal and biomass. The effect of biomass blending ratio on the two-staged co-gasification characteristics and the influence of fuel price, loan ratio, biomass blending and electricity price on the technical and economic efficiency of the IGCC system are considered. The results indicated that the content of H 2 in syngas increased firstly and then decreased with the addition of biomass, which reached the maximum value of 30.87 % at 10 % biomass ratio. The content of CO increased with the raising of biomass ratio, and the growth rate reached the maximum at 10 % biomass ratio. The carbon conversion (CC) firstly raised and then decreased with the increase of the biomass ratio at the second stage. The cold gas efficiency (CGE) increased nearly 10 % when the biomass ratio increased from 0 to 10%. The CGE of two-stage co-gasification was above 85%, indicating two-staged co-gasification of coal and biomass can significantly improve the efficiency of cold gas. The technical-economical analysis on the IGCC system indicated that the loan rate had a significant influence on the system dynamic investment, internal rate of return and net present value. With the increasing of loan rate, the total dynamic investment based the benchmark interest rate of 6.15 increased from 413.67 million to 431.58 million under the maximum lending rate of 8.61%. When the lending rate was larger than 8.15%, the internal rate of return (IRR) was slightly higher than the benchmark rate of return in the power sector. The further increase of the loan interest rate would result in a reduction of the internal rate of return and a negative net present value.The internal rate of return, the cost ratio, and the net present value decreased with the increase in the fuel price. When the price ceiling of coal and biomass was 600 RMB·t -1 and 450 RMB·t -1 , the IGCC system was economically viable. The influence of biomass blending ratio on technical, economic indicators was nonlinear. When the biomass ratio increased from 0 to 50%, the IRR, income ratio and net present value of the project increased firstly and then decreased. The effect of the grid price on the technical economic indicators was opposite to that of the fuel price. This paper provides a useful guide for optimization of the co-gasification process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buildings consume significant amount of energy for heating or air-conditioning in most countries. Therefore, educating the public and young generations to enhance their engagement and encourage them to reduce carbon emission and energy consumption in their daily life is becoming essential worldwide to drive continuous improvement towards more sustainable future. This paper presents an innovative educational tool to simulate energy performance and its use in educating university students and teaching school children about the subject. The paper outlines the developed educational tool and presents its benefits via two detailed case studies, with wide and diverse level of knowledge and learning outcomes. The educational technology includes a small-scale multi-layered model of buildings where insulation layers can be added to or removed from the building’s envelop to influence energy performance. Qualitative and quantitative research has been conducted. The results show that the technology is capable of engaging the young generation and to help them to understand the thermal performance and energy efficiency of buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electricity generation of renewable sources has got great development to reduce the usage of fossil fuels. Linear generator is a newly-developing orientation to utilize the power with reciprocating movement. In the paper, the structure and principle of the direct-driven linear generator (DLG) are introduced. The induction electromotive force is given in detailed based field & circuit method. Meanwhile, the paper introduces the design, fabrication and testing of a DLG prototype, theoretical model of the free-piston engine is presented, and the DLG operation driven by Simulated Power Source (SPS) is discussed. Furthermore, the performance of the system is investigated in detail under different conditions. The results show that, there is an optimal capacitance to get the highest coefficient, which is 25μF here. The frequency has obvious effect on the output at lower load resistance, but it has little effect on the efficiency, the efficiency depends more on the ratio of the load resistance and generator internal resistance. Lastly, according to the analysis results with the phasor algorithm analysis, the proposed model and analytical method are correct and effective. The DLG has a good application prospect in the energy conversion field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large chilled water plants with multiple chillers were widely used at large-scale public since a reduced starting in-rush current and a reduced power cost under part load conditions. It is important that the cooling load should be allocated to individual chillers operating in order to optimize their aggregate COP of the multi-chiller system. In this paper, an optimization method was developed to optimize the load sharing strategies for a multiple-chiller system, based on the operational data of a multi-chiller system in a shopping mall. The first step was that using the Least Squares Method (LMS), the parameters of efficiency performance models of each chiller were identified based on the operational data of a multi-chiller system in a shopping mall. The second step is that a genetic algorithm (GA) was used to optimize the load sharing strategy for the multiple-chiller system, resulting in optimizing their aggregate COP of the multi-chiller system. Lastly, this optimization method developed was applied to control the multi-chiller system in the shopping mall under a typical summer day. The results that compared with the conventional control method, the optimization control method can reduce the energy consumption by 3511.26 kW*h in the summer typical day. It can seen that the optimization method developed in this paper can help reduce the energy consumptions of the multi-chiller system in the shopping mall. Moreover, there was a larger energy saving potential in summer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), millions of worshippers come from across the globe to perform religious rituals of Pilgrimage (Hajj) and Umrah. Madinah-tul-Munawara is one of the holiest city, where pilgrims come after performing rituals in Makkah. In this city, most of the collected municipal solid waste (MSW) is disposed of in the landfills after a partial recycling of paper, cardboard, and metals (~10-20% of total MSW). The Saudi’s government has recently launched a new policy of Vision 2030, which outlined the safeguard of local environment through increased efficiency of waste recycling and management, pollution prevention strategies and generating renewable energy from indigenous sources, including the waste. Currently, the recycling practices in KSA are mainly regulated by an informal sector through waste pickers or waste scavengers. This has led to the need of recycling schemes, especially in the holiest cities of Makkah and Madinah through a public-private partnership (PPP). Huge amounts of energy can be conserved, that would otherwise be spent on raw material extraction, transportation, and manufacturing of materials, through recycling into the same materials. Around 10,009 TJ of energy can be saved through recycling of 24.21% of MSW in Madinah city, including glass, metals, aluminum, cardboard, and paper. It is estimated that around 10,200 tons of methane (CH 4 ) emissions and 254,600 Mt.CO 2 eq. of global warming potential (GWP) can also be saved. In addition, carbon credit revenue of US $5.92 million, and landfill diversion worth of US $32.78 million can be achieved with a net revenue of US $49.01 million every year only by recycling 24.21% of MSW in Madinah city. The waste recycling doesn’t require high technical skills and labor, and complicated technologies for large-scale implementation, and therefore, can be implemented easily in the holiest cities of Makkah and Madinah to achieve multiple economic and environmental benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To match for the different temperature of the geothermal resource and strengthen the flexibility of organic Rankine cycle (ORC), this paper proposes a variable capacity power generation superstructure based on Flash and ORC for geothermal energy. A combined Flash-ORC experimental prototype is newly established to investigate its performance on both steady and dynamic conditions in this paper. Pressured hot water is adopted as the extensive worldwide existed hydrothermal geothermal resource, eliminating the influence of the used heat transfer oil on evaporating process. Important variables are investigated including the working fluid mass flow rate, loads quantity and outdoor environment of ORC subsystem in the preliminary experimental study. Firstly, steady experiment indicates that the maximum net power generation of ORC subsystem is 0.74 kW, revealing the existing optimal working fluid mass flow rate of the specific system. Secondly, dynamic on-off investigation of working fluid pump illustrates that ORC system has a certain extent self-adaption capacity and reliability. In addition, power generation increases with the decrease of the loads, and the condensing temperature makes a big influence on system performance when ORC using the cooling tower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world is facing critical energy concern, in view of depleting fossil fuel reserves and increasing environment pollution. Biodiesel can potentially substitute fossil fuel, and is produced through the transesterification of vegetable oils. This paper will emphasize on the transition from first generation derived from waste cooking oil, to second generation biodiesel derived from calophyllum inophyllum, which is a non-edible plant. The objective of this paper is to optimize the performance of biodiesel blends with diesel in a 30 kW microturbine. The characterization of chemical fuel properties of distillate and biodiesel blends will be conducted to determine if it meets international standards for power generation. Temperature profiles, pressure, and flame imaging will be closely monitored to detect possible problems in operability of the combustor caused by the differences in fuel characteristics. The findings may provide useful information towards optimization of microturbine performance, considering the wide range of biodiesel feedstock that exist. The paper outcome will show the potential of non-edible biodiesel blends to be used as alternative fuel in microturbines for power generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building and the built envrionment contribute significantly to the rapid growing global energy consumption and environmental detrimental effects. Urban inhabitants become inseparable elements of building system dynamics since they spend more than 90% of their time indoor. Different behavior intervention programs have emerged to change the way occupants use energy. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of information conveying means on the effectiveness of behavior interventions in residential settings. Paper-based leaflet messages and electronic-based instant messages were comparitively studied with different sets of intervention stratgeies in several neighborhood communites in Hangzhou, China. We found that the effectiveness of intervention strategies depends on both the way the messages are delivered and the information messages contain. Paper-based delivering method demonstrated to be more beneficial with information-rich messages and over a long time of period. On the other hand, electronic-based instant messages, such as WeChat, need to be short and entertaining to be effective. This study contributes to the development of tailored feedback programs that may exert more effective energy-saving outcomes. It also suggests future intervention programs to include the consideration of different message delivering means based on the nature and the purpose of messages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of low-carbon technology has strengthened the linkage among various energy vectors in regional integrated energy systems (RIESs). For the sake of economy and stability, grid-level energy storage is in urgent need. To address this issue, a novel approach called generalized multi-source energy storage (GMSES) is proposed, taking advantage of synergies and complementary benefits of different energy systems. This paper focuses on the electricity-gas RIES, and two typical types of GMSES systems are studied based on the energy hub concept, while three modes of GMSES are modeled and analyzed, including charging, standby and discharging status. On this basis, an economic dispatch solution of GMSES is investigated along with steady-state multi-energy flow analysis, facilitating economic and stable operation of RIESs. Numerical studies show the applicability of the proposed method in this paper, and GMSES systems can be operated in a flexible way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the two thoughts on research of CO 2 emission abatement cost – as one of the inputs into the production function model or as the undesirable output into the production function model, this paper introduced China’s iron and steel industry CO 2 shadow prices were estimated respectively in 2010-2014. The results showed that: (1) there was a big difference of CO 2 emission abatement cost in each region of China. The shadow price in eastern coastal area was significantly higher than that of other eastern provinces, and the shadow price in eastern province was higher than that of the central provinces and western provinces. (2) The iron and steel industry CO 2 shadow price in most provinces presented the downward trend year by year.(3) The shadow price estimated is much higher than China’s seven pilot trading price of the carbon market. Therefore, in this paper, it is recommended that the government should consider the differences between regions and the reduction technology and experience mutually with formulating carbon trading price and related policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper evaluates the introduction of carbon capture and storage (CCS) to Mexico. The gasification technology is presented as a potential alternative to be applied into refinery plants due to high petcoke production. Although economic aspects, such as fuel price and selling CO 2 , are important in the selection of CCS alternatives, there are other limitations, i.e. water availability and space. In March 2014, Mexico launched its CCS technological roadmap. However, an evaluation of the installation of new CO 2 -capture ready power plants was not considered. For that reason, this study could be useful to create a technology roadmap that includes the design of CO 2 capture plants into refineries and how they will have to operate for CO 2 emissions reduction, and taking advantage that most of refineries and petrochemical plants are close to oil fields for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) with CCS was chosen in this paper for power generation using petcoke as feedstock. The emissions of CO 2 in kg/kWh could be reduced by 68%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a real-time certification system using Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to apply near-realtime data for measuring indoor comfort. We make use of the parameters of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), which is a building standard and certification system used across the world. These certifications basically use static values, for example, energy efficiency of electricity, water, and gas usage, while IoT technologies are provided with near-real-time values. The proposed certification system has the potential to provide information on a home's current status, for instance, age deterioration. This paper describes means of collecting real-time data using IoT technologies and provides results regarding how the system provides useful information to residents for maintaining indoor comfort. To test the system's applicability, we utilized data collected by two household types for one month. The results indicate the difference between static and dynamic data using the certification system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy demand prediction of building heating is conducive to optimal control, fault detection and diagnosis and building intelligent. In this paper, the prediction models are developed using machine learning methods including extreme learning machine (ELM), multiple linear regression, support vector regression and BP neural network. The feature variable sets are optimized through correlation analysis and supplementing indoor temperature. Besides, this paper proposed a strategy to determine the time ahead of prediction model. The thermal response time of building is used as the prediction time step of model. The prediction performances of ELM models with different hidden layer nodes are analyzed and contrasted. The actual data of the building heating using ground source heat pump system are collected and used to test the performances of the models. The results show that the thermal response time of the building is about 40 minutes. Four feature sets are obtained and performances of models with FS4 are better. For different machine learning methods, the performances of ELM models are better than others. In addition, the optimal number of hidden layer nodes is 11 for the ELM model with FS4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is to research the price relationship of coal and natural gas in the international market with the method of econometrics. There is not yet an integrated market for natural gas in the international market. In North America, there is a balanced supply and demand of natural gas, with a developed market and a mature trade center. While the price in the European market is in the process of marketization, and it is mainly influenced by the price of the alternatives. There is still no trade center for natural gas in the Asian market, which is represented by Japan and ROK. And the price is hooked with that of the alternatives. In this paper, the research area of natural gas and coal in the international market will focus on the North America, Europe and Japan and Republic of Korean. After the marketization reform of coal price of China has been completed, the relationship of the price of the two will be similar to that of the European market, there will be a stable relationship between the price of natural gas and coal in the long term. The influence of natural gas on coal is bigger than vise verse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates how glass contamination in refuse-derived fuel can be quantitatively detected using near-infrared spectroscopy. Near-infrared spectral data of glass in four different background materials were collected, each material chosen to represent a main component in municipal solid waste; actual refuse-derived fuel was not tested. The resulting spectra were pre-processed and used to develop multi-variate predictive models using partial least squares regression. It was shown that predictive models for coloured glass content are reasonably accurate, while models for mixed glass or clear glass content are not; the validated model for coloured glass content had a coefficient of determination of 0.83 between the predicted and reference data, and a root-mean-square error of validation of 0.64. The methods investigated in this paper show potential in predicting coloured glass content in different types of background material, but a different approach would be needed for predicting mixed type glass contamination in refuse-derived fuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertical Greenery Systems (VGS) are getting popular in congested urban cities throughout the world. The selection of suitable plant species heavily influences the success of VGS. Plant selection principles of VGS are barely discussed in existing literature. Therefore, this paper intends to explore factors influencing selection of plants in detail. The paper discusses the plant characteristics and plant selection principles. Furthermore, EnergyPlus simulations have been performed based on a case study in Hong Kong to demonstrate the effect of different plant characteristics on energy saving. The results show that leaf area index is the most influential plant parameter in thermal performance of VGS. The study highlights the importance of selecting suitable plant species in enhancing the energy benefits of VGS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper summarized the research done in min-grid field. Mini-grid is small, stand-alone power system, which role is to provide constant and affordable electricity in remote places, where the connection with main grid is unprofitable. Mini-grids are important tools in fight with power-poverty in developing countries. The economics of power technologies is widely analyzed in different studies. The paper presents the advantages of application of integrated sustainable assessment for analyzing different power technologies for mini-grids. The paper highlight the importance of environmental and social aspects and its influence on local community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the various types of belt conveyors, the multi-drive technology has gained worldwide popularity in recent years because of the cost saving opportunities as a result of the possible reduction of the belt weight. Until recently, however, limited knowledge on the cost-effective design of such conveyor systems was reported in the literature. Following the findings of a novel contribution on this matter, this paper presents a comparative numerical study for the identification of the most advantageous belt conveyor design for a specific bulk material handling application. Three types of belt conveyor are compared: the single drive belt conveyor, the single-tandem drive belt conveyor and the multi-drive belt conveyor. Subject to the assumption made and the manufacturers supplied information, the study shows that the implementation of the most cost-effective multi-drive conveyor will result in equivalent annual cost savings of about 63,120 $(USD) and 29,475 $(USD) over the cheapest single drive and single-tandem drive contenders, respectively. Other economic and environmental spin-off effects are also evaluated in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper briefly introduces the origin and development of distributed energy resource, and analyses the advantages and disadvantages of the existing evaluation index of distributed energy resource system performance. Based on the consideration of diversification and difference in energy form and grade of cold, heat and power energies output by the distributed cold, heat and power system, this paper puts forward the index system and its corresponding calculation method consisting of the key indexes including thermo-electric ratio, cold-electric ratio, relative energy saving rate and exergy efficiency, etc., so as to provide methodology support for the scientific and appropriate evaluation of energy-saving efficiency of the distributed CCHP (Combined Cooling, Heating and Power) system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing reliance on natural gas, the power supply reliability of power systems is affected by the natural gas transmission capacity limits. Installing a certain amount of gas storage device is a feasible way to deal with this problem. The aim of this paper is to establish an optimal storage capacity model satisfying both electricity and natural gas systems constraints. In order to illustrate its benefits, this paper also established model utilizing coal power plants to supplement the lack of power supply due to gas shortage. Case studies demonstrated the effectiveness of gas storage in two aspects as annual costs and carbon emissions. It was found that the installation of gas storage devices in gas power plants can greatly improve its reliability of power supply. And the capacity obtained by the proposed model in this paper is the optimal capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a little difference between transformer split cooling system and conventional cooling mode, which refers to radiator mounting position and installation modes. Thanks to the specialty of split cooling system, it is complicated to research parameter formulation and model constructing of simulation model. At present, there have been little research about thermal simulation. And it is difficult to identify the accuracy of simulation. Maybe we are expect to carry out deeper simulation research and trial comparisons. The paper has conducted three-time temperature-rise test in terms of transformed 10 kV oil-filled transformer. There have set up transformer three dimensional flow of split cooling system-solid-thermal simulation model based on simulation trials. We adopt finite volume methods to solve region temperature field of transformer. And we have obtained winding heat spot of different locations in terms of split cooling. Though the analysis of comparisons, we have concluded that the center height of radiator of miniature oil immersed transformer improves 2 meters. And the hot-spot temperature declines to 8K. Horizontal distance between radiator and transformer shrinks 3.5m, while the hot-spot temperature declines 4K. After the comparisons of experimental data, we have acquired the results of theoretical calculation and simulation model. Besides, we have gained important data that relative error is within +5%, which has verified accuracy of simulation model and engineering practicability. The paper has analyzed the cooling efficiency of split cooling mode effectively. It provides technical support for the building of split cooling mode. It provides relative data for the cooling structure optimization of large-scale oil immersed transformer and orientation of hot-spot temperature measurement of optical fiber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents economic dispatch of the grid-connected microgrid that contains multiple energy storage systems as its only controllable distributed energy resources. Daily control schedules of distributed energy resources are achieved by solving the economic dispatch problem. The main objective of economic dispatch is maximizing the profit from the power trade with the grid. The economic dispatch problem presented in this paper considers the different characteristics of energy storage systems. Each energy storage system has its unique characteristics such as the charge/discharge efficiency and capacity fade rate. The result of the multi-objective problem shows that the energy storage system with the highest efficiency and the lowest capacity fade rate is controlled more frequently than the others. The Pareto optimal set of the resulting control schedules is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to develop renewables based energy systems, the installation of the offshore wind power plants (WPPs) is globally encouraged. However, wind power generation is intermittent and uncertain. An accurate modelling and evaluation reduces investment and provide better operation. Hence, it is essential to develop a suitable model and apply optimization algorithms for different application scenarios. The objective of this work is to develop a generalized model and evaluate the Optimal Power Flow (OPF) solutions in a hybrid AC/DC system including HVDC (LCC based) and offshore WPP (VSC based). This paper also shows the significance and impact of control parameters in OPF applications. An integrated hybrid power system network is adopted in this paper and OPF techniques are applied on it by considering the impact of different control parameters. In addition to the impact of the control variables, the wind power production level also plays a major role in a hybrid system on transmission loss evaluation. The developed model is tested in Low, Medium and High wind power production levels to determine the objective function of the OPF solution. MATLAB Optimization Toolbox and MATLAB script are used to develop the model for the case studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper proposes the effects of multi-distributed generators (multi-DGs), which is integrated into the distribution system in terms of reliability indices and power losses. The distributed generators (DGs) under the study are connected to the distribution system at 22 kV of Thanyaburi substation on the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), which is a part of distribution system in Thailand. Multi-objective functions are considered the effects of multi-DG to improve system reliability and power losses. Moreover, this paper has proposed to determine the system average interruption frequency index (SAIFI), the system average interruption duration index (SAIDI) and the expected interruption cost (ECOST) are evaluate as reliability indices and determine active power loss (Ploss) and reactive power loss (Qloss) of power losses in distribution system. The optimal allocation of multidistributed generators on distribution system reliability and power losses using Differential Evolution algorithm in MATLAB calculated and investigated in DIgSILENT Power Factory program. Aggregated results can be concluded by focuses on the placement and sizing of multi-DG, which are important factors that impacting the reliability indices and power losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With distributed generations (DG) including the wind and photovoltaic power generations continually connected to the distribution network, reasonable allocation of energy storage system is extremely important to active distribution network (ADN). In this paper, a method to optimize the location and capacity of the embedded distributed energy storage system (DESS) is proposed to meet the needs of ADN and DGs. Firstly, the model of DGs is built according to the natural characteristics of wind and solar energy. Secondly, the model of allocating the DESS is established to achieve the best economical investment results with the constraints of ADN, DG and DESS themselves. Finally, a test ADN with wind and photovoltaic power generations is used to verify the efficiency of the method proposed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The marine controlled source electromagnetic transmitter is a crucial device of marine electromagnetic method, its transient state and steady state is followed with interest. In this paper, an improved model of the phase-shifted full-bridge converter is minutely described on the basis of some specific challenges of electromagnetic transmitter based on full-bridge structure, such as power losses and duty-cycle loss. Then, an efficient current-loop compensator designed with improved model proposed in this paper is mentioned. The comparative analysis and simulation results of the improved model and the traditional model could prove the superiority of the improved to the system response speed and control stability. The electromagnetic transmitter could achieve better transient state and steady state characteristics by the compensator designed with the improved model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar photovoltaics (PV) is a popular method of green energy-based electricity generation for regions with rich solar radiation. In this paper, we introduce a conceptual framework where PV can be used for multi-purposes: electricity generation and frost prevention, specifically for frost prevention of apricot orchards. After introduction of the conceptual framework, the system modelling, optimization, and control/automation research challenges for such a multi-purpose use are summarized. This paper targets at opening a new application area and the associated research rooms for PV systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, various business models collect and store data generated from events using the Internet and various sensors and use them effectively. It is changing smartly into a convenient and safe new business model. In this paper, we present directions through experiments to understand and develop evolving types of business models by collecting data using various sensors in a test bed environment. We implement and experiment with technologies using Bigdata in addition to IoT(Internet of Things) technology. Renewable energy projects are attracting attention due to environmental issues such as global warming. In this paper, we introduce energy prosumer service model applying blockchain technology. This allows various energy sources to be connected to various users and producers. Also, we try to improve energy efficiency by analyzing energy pattern of users. We propose a transaction model that can collect, utilize, and process data more efficiently by combining the above technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes significance and necessity of PTVM hot-water boilers modernization and substitution by hot-water boilers with higher efficiency rates and improved ecological indexes. It also describes an analysis performed in relation to different ways of PTVM-100 boilers modernization across CIS countries, which were aimed at extension of boiler's heat efficiency period working on natural gas and fuel oil. Results of this analysis showed that the issue of ash and soot formation on convective surfaces during operation of boiler on fuel oil, which is directly connected with high exhaust temperatures of PTVM-100 furnace chamber, is still remains to be unsolved. Designs of new hot-water boilers KV-GM-42 and KV-GM-145 with bi-radiated screens and optimized convective heating surfaces, suggested by authors of this paper, are considered to fit the old series of boilers, and allow to have efficiency rate at about 93% level. This paper contains assessment of economical and ecological effects, which are going to be used as grounds for substitution of hot-water boilers that have come to the end of their service lifetime. Assessment was performed based on current tariffs and normative acts and in accordance with statistics data across the Republic of Kazakhstan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smart microgrids are small modern centralized power systems which contain all constituents as large power systems (production - usually Renewable energy sources (RES); power storage systems; transfer - from the source to the consumer; consumers). The basic characteristic is that the microgrid contains distributed generation and it can be in the island operation or connected to a large power system. Detection and protection from island operation of distributed generation, or in fact, protection of microgrid based on synchronized measurement technology (SMT) requires hardware (Phasor Measurement Unit -PMU) and the appertaining software support. This paper presents the solution for protection from island operation of distributed generation based on SMT. PMU devices transfer measurements to the central controller, which by applying certain algorithms that provide an image of the distributed generation condition in real time, and also make adaptive protection. The focus of the paper is on software algorithm for detection of distributed generation (microgrid) island operation, but it is open for implementation of various applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A key element of the Energy Performance of Building Directive 2010/31/EU is the introduction of nearly zero energy building (NZEB) standard for new constructions. However, considering the very low rate of new built volume, the major change for achieve the sustainable grow of the European economy, appears to be the renovation of existing building stock. But, is it possible to reach very low or nearly zero energy standard during refurbishment design? Proposed paper tries to answer this question, evaluating if the refurbishment of historic architectures to very low energy need is possible and economically feasible. With reference to a case study, this paper investigates the cost-optimal energy refurbishment of a Renaissance-style palace, located in the center of Naples, South Italy. The adopted methodology consists of various steps. Firstly, a model of the building has been accurately built and calibrated. Then, it has been used to evaluate possible interventions concerning both the envelope and the energy systems. The best solutions, chosen according to the European methodology of cost-optimality, have been combined in a last simulation. The results show that great energy savings as well as economic and environmental improvements are possible, although heritage buildings present a less flexibility in the proposal of energy efficiency measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]