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In the EU's perspective, energy efficiency is one of the most effective ways to reduce energy consumption and contribute to the fight against climate change. Recent studies have shown that energy efficiency alone is not sufficient to achieve sustainable development goals. The real challenge is to combine energy efficiency with energy sobriety. This work aims at raising a debate about the relationship between energy efficiency and energy sobriety and at studying how the principle of sobriety works. In particular, the objective of this paper is to investigate how the principle of sobriety is expressed in the acts of private autonomy and to show how civil law relationships, inspired by the principle of energy sobriety and thus subject to a positive "control of merit", can contribute to a bottom-up, just and inclusive energy transition and to adaptation to climate change, in accordance with the objectives of the European Green Deal, the EU Adaptation Strategy and, more generally, the UN 2030 Agenda (Goals 7, 11, 13). This paper uses legal institutes and arguments of "civil law and constitutional legality" applied to energy and links them to real-life experiences with a normative approach. The work also has to be considered as the outcome of an empirical analysis of two case studies: L'Aquila Rugby Association, Centre Italy; Cooperativa di Comunità in Melpignano, Southern Italy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of energy self-sufficiency is currently crucial. The concept of energy selfsufficiency is closely related to the concept of energy security; yet, there are many definitions for the term energy security. The essence of all of them is for a country to secure enough energy resources to cover its needs. If a country can secure these resources on its own without depending on imports from other countries, one refers to energy self-sufficiency. Energy self-sufficiency can be achieved in a number of ways such as reducing energy demand, improving fuel efficiency, securing physical infrastructure networks, increasing storage capacity, or increasing the use of renewable energy sources. Fundamental forms of energy self-sufficiency are external self-sufficiency, internal selfsufficiency, and energy consumption; overall, energy self-sufficiency consists of four components: availability; affordability; energy and economic efficiency; and environmental stewardship. Low energy self-sufficiency has a significant economic and social impact, which is reflected in a country's balance of payments and employment, it can lead to economic crises and price instability. Lack of access to reliable and affordable energy can result in food insecurity; health problems; limited access to education, social and economic development. The linkages between energy, food self-sufficiency, and self-sufficiency of water resources are considered in terms of the so-called WEF Nexus (Water-Energy-Food Nexus) that focuses on the interconnectedness of water, energy and food systems to promote sustainable development and address global climate change. Based on the application of scientific methods in relation to the investigation of energy self-sufficiency (the "E" Matrix in the framework of the WEF Nexus) on the background of quantitative & qualitative sustainable development and CSR trends, the main aim of our paper is to assess energy self-sufficiency in the context of the WEF nexus as well as in the light of the United Nations 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in order to formulate opportunities arising from the European Union Recovery and Resilience Plans. When documenting quantitative & qualitative sustainable development trends in the context of the WEF Nexus, our paper addressed the United Nations 2030 Agenda (alias "SDG diplomacy") as well as the NextGenerationEU Agenda (alias "Green Deal diplomacy"). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining the optimal trajectory of a manipulator is a mathematically complex part of control due to the time-consuming determination of inverse kinematics, the complexity of which increases as the manipulator's degrees of freedom increase. The control of manipulator actuators is based on algorithms focusing on the shortest possible control time and zero position deviation. Values such as power consumption, which affect the growth of the carbon footprint, are not taken into account. For this reason, alternative control methods are being investigated, some of which can be used to determine the optimal trajectory in an uncertain and variable environment paying attention to instantaneous power consumption. This paper examines the capabilities of an artificial neural network algorithm for determining the trajectory of a four-axis manipulator with special emphasis on power consumption. The chosen method for learning artificial neural networks was reinforcement learning. Unlike the classical approach to determining inverse kinematics, the solution presented in the paper is based on model output signals. The artificial neural network determines the control policy based on the angular position, angular velocities, power consumption of the manipulator's actuators, and feedback, which is the reward function. The network was trained to reach a desired point from a fixed and random initial state of the robotic arm in optimal time and effective power requirements in such a way as to maintain a set distance from periodically moving obstacles. A three-dimensional representation of the manipulator designed in a CAD environment and mathematical models of the manipulator's drives were used for training. This approach accelerated the learning process of the algorithm, and the steps taken guarantee very similar, if not identical, performance on a real object. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the maritime industry was shifting towards sustainable practices, focusing on minimising environmental impact and maximising energy efficiency. Fishing vessels are increasingly adopting hybrid energy systems to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels. However, finding the optimal hybrid energy configuration specifically determined for a certain vessel type, its technical specifications, and operational requirements remains a complex challenge. This paper presents the development of an user-friendly application called "HENSUS", i.e. Hybrid Energy System for fishing vessels. The application considers technical characteristics (such as engine power), and operative factors (fuel consumption, working time and average engine load). It contains a comprehensive database of energy sources, from conventional marine fuels to alternative ones (LNG, biodiesel, hydrogen etc.) and full electrification. Through a user-friendly interface, users can input specific vessel details and operational parameters. The application then processes this information to generate a range of optimal hybrid energy configurations. The configurations are evaluated based on the results of the life-cycle cost assessment, which also includes the calculation of carbon tax based on produced tailpipe emissions. The proposed application promotes the adoption of sustainable energy solutions in the fishing industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental friendliness, energy efficiency and sustainability are very important issues in all aspects of human lives. This is particularly true for shipping, including all its modes like long-distance, short-sea and inland shipping, where environmental regulations have become very strict in the last decade. On the one hand, fishing vessels are slightly out of these regulations, but on the other hand greening the fishing fleets is highly promoted by the European Union funding bodies as well as by the local authorities, while at the same time fishing vessels are rather aged with low energyefficient fossil fuel-based power systems. This paper illustrates aims, activities and current outcomes of a network of scientists and fishery cooperatives oriented to improve environmental friendliness of fishing vessels in the Adriatic Sea. In that process, an extensive fuel consumption measurement campaign involving 10 fishing vessels (9 purse seiners and 1 trawler) is being conducted and is offering an insight into emissions of these vessels and their relation to the operative profile and benefit for the society expressed in amounts and type of the caught fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of renewable energy is discussed, monitored and regulated by organizations all over the world in the current context of transition to green economies. Moreover, the focus of the debates in the scientific world is targeted towards emissions reduction which has become one of the most significant impact assessment tool of the renewable energy use. By the extensive review of the publications regarding energy access and the monitoring of sustainable development around the world, it can be concluded that the data regarding the access to energy of the majority of countries (including developed ones) is superficial and the reports use inaccurate generalizations regarding what the European Union refers to as the right of its citizens to have their homes connected to the local electricity network. The results of researches conducted on the subject generally indicate that first poverty must be combated and education programs must be implemented before accessing renewable energy. This paper discusses the significant social issue which is disregarded in the current reports about the monitoring of energy at national levels, namely the access to energy, and proposes a shift in perspective from the purpose of on-grid connections of the households to accessing renewable energy resources which could represent the solution of this social issue worldwide. In order to sustain this proposal, data provided by the World Bank in the latest energy report is processed using Microsoft Power BI. Only by considering important dimensions other than the environmental or economical ones, which would seriously benefit from the use of renewable energy, a fair assessment can be made regarding the impact of transitioning to a green economy. Therefore, the discussion about the social dimension must start with emphasis on the assumptions which are made when assessing the status quo, which is one of the main discussion in this paper. By correctly identifying the social issues, the appropriate solutions can be then implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, in order to satisfy consumer's profits and the requirements of the environment, manufacturers strive for more ecological, modern and innovative solutions in the area of heat distribution. The paper presents the results of the examinations of the importance of information systems in the process of distribution of heat for final recipients. The main research problem of the paper was to determine the answer to the question of whether IT systems used in the process of heat energy distribution are important for the final customer. The related literature was used to prepare theoretical basis for author's own research. Next, the questionnaire survey was performed and a research tool was prepared (an online questionnaire). The on-line survey was completed by 232 people from Poland, among whom only 22 failed to fill in the questionnaire. The paper is composed of two parts. This part of the paper presents briefly the theoretical basis of the problem of distribution and used IT solutions. The results of the study were also presented: opinions of the respondents concerning the validity of the use of IT solutions in heat energy distribution. The first part of the paper contains a brief presentation of theoretical fundamentals of the concept of distribution and a reference of smart district heating networks to advances in distribution in the heating sector. The results obtained during the study in the heat energy sector were also presented in numbers compared to consumer awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, in order to satisfy consumer's profits and the requirements of the environment, manufacturers strive for more ecological, modern and innovative solutions in the area of heat distribution. The paper presents the results of the examinations of the importance of information systems in the process of distribution of heat for final recipients. The main research problem of the paper was to determine the answer to the question of whether IT systems used in the process of heat energy distribution are important for the final customer. The related literature was used to prepare theoretical basis for author's own research. Next, the questionnaire survey was performed and a research tool was prepared (an online questionnaire). The on-line survey was completed by 232 people from Poland, among whom only 22 failed to fill in the questionnaire. The paper is composed of two parts. The first part of the paper contains a brief presentation of the theoretical fundamentals of the concept of distribution and a reference of smart district heating networks to advances in distribution in the heating sector. The results obtained during the study in the heat energy sector were also presented in numbers compared to consumer awareness. The second part of the paper presents briefly the theoretical basis of the problem of distribution and used IT solutions. The results of the study were also presented: opinions of the respondents concerning the validity of the use of IT solutions in heat energy distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This paper aims to explore the efficiency of energy consumption on farms of different economic sizes in Latvia. Burning fossil fuels to satisfy a continuously growing demand for energy created by the industry, transport and households has been a cause of concern for several decades. It has been widely acknowledged as one of the major reasons for a massive increase in greenhouse gas emissions, a dramatic rise of global temperature and ongoing climate changes. Since farms use energy not only directly by operating machinery and equipment but also indirectly by utilizing energy-intensive fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals, nowadays, the agricultural sector meets a serious challenge of devising and employing sustainable methods of production to enhance the efficiency of consumed energy. Although this topic has been high on the agenda for researchers, policy-makers, national, international, governmental and non-governmental organizations, little attention has been paid to a comparative analysis of the efficiency of energy consumption across various farms in Latvia. This paper attempts to fill this gap in the literature by examining the consumption of energy per hectare of the utilised agricultural area and per livestock unit over the years since Latvia’s accession to the EU in 2004. The paper adopted a mixed-method approach by integrating and interpreting the results of quantitative and qualitative data analysis. A statistical analysis was based on data obtained from SUDAT - a national component of the EU Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) in Latvia. Research shows that the efficiency of energy consumption significantly differs between farms of various economic sizes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper analyses the principles and industrial applications of thermoelectric generators and energy harvesting devices in their almost 200-year history, e.g. from first documented application in 1840 till the current applications focusing on thermoelectric generators using waste heat from fireplace furnaces. Moreover, the energy harvesting devices as low power applications are involved in the paper. Applying the thermoelectric generators into existing products gives the managers an ability to innovate, be unique and develop the products and thus gain competitive success. A need to develop and implement new innovative products and services generate new ideas with implementation into products and processes. The main challenge today is how to be innovative. Innovation is a necessity for all industries today. Thermoelectric conversion of waste heat into electricity is considered a promising technology to increase the efficiency of existing energy processes, save non-renewable energy sources and reduce harmful emissions. The reasons given for the application of thermoelectric generators combine the basic needs of the present time contributing to saving the planet. This should draw our attention to the development of their applications. As an example of that is product innovation in a company producing the fireplaces inserts. Paper provides the application of thermoelectric generators in fireplace insert as a source of electric energy in areas without access to the public electric grid [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the precursory section of the paper, the authors succinctly present the Black Sea basin's oceanographic features with a focus on factors that can lead to naval accidents. The Black Sea basin is characterized, especially in winter months, by sudden storms, big waves, and winds, seriously affecting the ships and crews' safety. The said basin has also confined areas with pleasure crafts and commercial ships, offshore platforms with accompanying auxiliary fleet and underwater pipes and installations or shallow waters, and wrecks all of them favoring naval accidents. The naval accidents can lead to the dramatic loss of human lives, damage or loss of property and negatively impact on the marine environment. In the paper, we establish a model based on realistic wind and wave conditions present in the Black Sea and analyze the output given by an adapted Dijkstra algorithm. The authors set a study area, from the whole Black Sea basin, chose a specific region, split it into squares, and the algorithm found the potential waypoints of the recommended path as the vertexes of the established squares. Finding the optimal route between two ports being the most efficient from an economic point of view, reduced emissions, and the safety of the crew and the ship is the main objective of the paper. Usually, the routing algorithms apply longer routes considerably. The proposed algorithm was meant to assist shipmasters' and owners' decisions and minimize fuel consumption by choosing the shortest and safest path related to shipping and sea conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlled air recirculation is widely used in mines for minimizing the energy consumption of fans, winter air heating costs, as well as dedusting and dehumidification of mine air. In most cases today, controlled air recirculation is used for potash mines. However, it can be applied to metal and non-metal mines if its safety and energyefficiency are substantiated. For potash mines, a scientific substantiation for the applicability of the recirculation is also required in specific cases. The paper presents the study of the safety case of controlled air recirculation at the potash mines of Uralkali company and the metal mines of Norilsk Nickel company. As part of the study, a ventilation survey of several potash and metal mines is carried out, and the concentrations of various toxic gases are measured. Based on the obtained experimental data, a conclusion is made about the possibility of safe use of controlled air recirculation in considered mines. The paper also includes the analysis of the economic efficiency of controlled air recirculation for a general case. The condition under which the controlled recirculation leads to a decrease in the total energy consumption of fans is determined. The controlled recirculation is effective in mines with high air resistances of shafts and main intake and return airways. In this case the pressure of the main fan on the surface is spent on overcoming the air resistance of the shaft and main intake and return airways, while the pressure of the booster fan is spent on overcoming the air resistance of the recirculation loop, and the main and booster fans work without opposing each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is descriptive in nature and it is an attempt to recall the most probable scenarios of transport development in Poland against the background of other countries of the European Union. Having in mind the implementation of the EU assumptions associated with rationalization of energy consumption management and an increase in energy efficiency in motor transport in the time perspective, the premises have been the assumptions of the concept of sustainable development. There are two parts of the paper. Part 1 of the paper includes literature review focused on concept of sustainability, transport development and management area, as well as characteristics of road transport in European Union and Poland based on statistics data. The analysis of transport activities is founded on the environmental aspects. Particularly transport-related emissions, energy consumption management in road transport and the contribution of transport sector in energy expenditure in selected countries of the European Union in the past and nowadays were considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most important stages of the rehabilitation process, in the case of historical buildings, is to find the best solutions that can ensure, in the most efficient and nonaggressive way, the thermal comfort inside the building. In the study of this case, the authors identified several essential aspects in determining the best practices for assuring the heat consumption in buildings declared as historical monuments dating back to the 18th century. Among these we can mention: the destination of the building (tourist purpose), the dimensions and areas with the most significant heat loss, its location in a geographic area rich in geothermal water sources, as well as the thermal level of the thermal springs. It is obvious that taking into account the location of the analyzed building, the most convenient solution to occur is the use of heat from the thermal waters that feed the baths from the tourist premises. This method, taken by itself, in the climatic conditions in Romania, fails to cope with the peak demand for thermal energy during cold winter periods. For this reason, we must also call on additional sources such as electric radiant panels, hot water pipe panels (heated water or coming from renewable sources - source temperature is approximately 55 °C) or heat pumps. From calculations resulted that in the cold periods, of the maximum thermal load required, with the best solution for using the heat from the geothermal source, can cover about 35 %. The remaining 65 % requiring the installation of additional heating systems. It has also been studied the possibility of introducing a micro-cogeneration source, to ensure not only optimal thermal parameters but also a high degree of energy autonomy. In this sense, it will be interesting to analyze, in a future paper, solutions not only from a technical point of view but also from an economic point of view. One of the most important stages of the rehabilitation process, in the case of historical buildings, is to find the best solutions that can ensure, in the most efficient and nonaggressive way, the thermal comfort inside the building. In the study of this case, the authors identified several essential aspects in determining the best practices for assuring the heat consumption in buildings declared as historical monuments dating back to the 18th century. Among these we can mention: the destination of the building (tourist purpose), the dimensions and areas with the most significant heat loss, its location in a geographic area rich in geothermal water sources, as well as the thermal level of the thermal springs. It is obvious that taking into account the location of the analyzed building, the most convenient solution to occur is the use of heat from the thermal waters that feed the baths from the tourist premises. This method, taken by itself, in the climatic conditions in Romania, fails to cope with the peak demand for thermal energy during cold winter periods. For this reason, we must also call on additional sources such as electric radiant panels, hot water pipe panels (heated water or coming from renewable sources - source temperature is approximately 55 °C) or heat pumps. From calculations resulted that in the cold periods, of the maximum thermal load required, with the best solution for using the heat from the geothermal source, can cover about 35 %. The remaining 65 % requiring the installation of additional heating systems. It has also been studied the possibility of introducing a micro-cogeneration source, to ensure not only optimal thermal parameters but also a high degree of energy autonomy. In this sense, it will be interesting to analyze, in a future paper, solutions not only from a technical point of view but also from an economic point of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban railway transit is one of the most sustainable and environmentally friendly means of transport in the modern European city. There is a significant incentive for municipalities in Europe to construct new urban railways as the latter combine high energy efficiency with high carrying capacity. One of the main arguments in opposition to expanding existing urban rail networks is the noise and vibration impact of the new line on the surrounding area. This paper addresses the issue by means of formulating a theoretical model for urban railways' vibrational output evaluation. The aim is to provide key insights in the field of assessing the practical environmental impact that a newly installed public transit urban railway line has on the urban environment. Results obtained by this study can be used as input data in future impact assessments for public intentions of investment in the field of urban railway transit infrastructure systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with the a + ß titanium alloys, due to their good properties such as low specific weight and high values of mechanical properties have found wide application as a construction material. Their disadvantage is high price and complicated production of the basic material - titanium but also alloying components (molybdenum, chromium), associated with high energy demand and undesirable effects on ecology. The inhomogeneity of the deformation with formation of deformation bands are typical for these alloys, which can significantly deteriorate the properties of forgings. The recycling of such products is complicated and energy-intensive. The goal of the presented work is to establish a regression equations that defines the forging parameters, in which deformation inhomogeneity - bands do not arise or their character does not significantly deteriorate the property of final product. It can be considered as a novelty of research. Used linear regression takes into account the forming temperature, the strain rate, and the degree of strain. It is possible to predict the mechanical properties of the structure that will be created in this way: strength, hardness, and plastic properties. The contribution of the authors lies in the practical implementation of deformation experiments, measurement of mechanical properties and metallographic analysis of forgings and the resulting summarization of the knowledge obtained in this way in the form of regression equations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, there is increased interest in valuing energies that are often unused. This phenomenon is called energy harvesting. Thermoelectric generators are often used to "harvest" thermal energy and to transform it into electrical energy. In the preliminary study presented in this paper have the purpose to use thermoelectric elements to capitalize thermal energy release outdoor by the air conditioning equipment. The results of experimental research showed a mean temperature difference (Δt) of 50℃ between the hot and cold sources. The energy which can be generated with this temperature gradient, according to technical data of a specified thermoelectric module, is around 1W and it can be raised by installing more modules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous development of human society from a technical-economic point of view is closely related to the increase in energy consumption. However, this implies the rapid depletion of existing fossil fuels and an accelerated increase in global pollution. At the moment, to counteract these impediments, one of the most important sources that can be used for the purpose of energy production, without having a negative impact on the environment, is hydrogen. Due to the fact that, when mixed with air, hydrogen can generate potentially explosive atmospheres, it is necessary to adopt and apply protective measures aimed at ensuring an acceptable level of protection in accordance with current regulations. These measures materialize mainly through the use of appropriately protected technical equipment in locations where potentially explosive atmospheres generated by the presence of hydrogen are possible. Some of these equipment's are provided with non-metallic casings on which the type of protection of the respective equipment depends. That is why, in order to demonstrate the ability of the non-metallic materials that make up the equipment casings, to maintain the specific type of protection after exposure to extreme, positive and negative temperatures, it is of particular importance to determine the thermal endurance of the respective casings by performing laboratory tests. This paper highlights the importance of determining the thermal endurance in the case of equipment with non-metallic casings and non-metallic parts of the casings intended to be used in potentially explosive atmospheres generated by hydrogen, as well as the method and equipment required to perform laboratory tests for its determination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the world adopts the technological era, the adverse effects of climate change have been experienced by the increasing population, which has led to a rise in energy demand. Heavy industries depend on dirty fossil fuels that release GHG emissions into the atmosphere. This paper aims to review the integration of a nuclear-renewable hybrid energy system (NRHES) to produce green hydrogen in decarbonizing hard-to-abate industries in the ASEAN region. In this study, the two main hydrogen production methods were identified, including thermochemical and electrolytic processes. The available renewable energy sources in ASEAN countries, such as solar, hydropower, biomass, geothermal, and wind, were also determined to evaluate the possible routes for coupling with nuclear power. Thus, considering the zero-emissions and baseload electricity from nuclear energy, integrating this with renewables in the region can accommodate their intermittent characteristics and supply the minimum electricity demand. This article suggests that as the region is rich in agriculture, nuclear-biomass is the most viable combination of energy sources to overcome different global issues. Furthermore, the prospects of hydrogen and its potential for industrial applications--mainly in transportation, manufacturing, chemical plants, and refineries--were presented in this analysis. This review determined the economic, technical, and societal impacts and policy frameworks of implementing NRHES for green hydrogen production to examine the possible challenges faced by Southeast Asia. Therefore, these challenges and gaps enable further exploration of the integration of NRHES to produce hydrogen as an alternative energy source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mediterranean Sea can be taken as a good example of the advantage of people transportation by water, in order to reduce pollution. This is mainly due to historical reasons, in fact the ashore private transportation along coasts of Italy, France, Spain, Slovenia, Croazia etc, has been developed during centuries on the basis of Roman Empire roads, and furtherly with development of railways, offering basically 2 different ways of transport. But recent solutions and studies shows the possibility to give a significant contribution to the reduction of emissions by the use of appropriate vessels. In fact, the present generation of propulsion system in marine application, and the developments of hybrid propulsion, with new technologies for batteries, makes possible to build a vessel with a significant reduction of pollution. The author, after studying also, as a benchmark, the transportation used on main Italian Lakes, and using his experience with other vessel, also hydrofoil and fast vessels, consider a case study of transportation applied to Ligurian an Tirrenic sea, by the use of a fleet of fast vessels, capable to carry 350-400 passengers at an average speed of 22-24 knot, comparing the fuel consumption and the cost of each vessel with the average capability and price of a train and comparing the fuel consumptions of the vessels with the total amount of fuel used by the amount of private cars used to move the same amount of people. The study takes in consideration also the average sea condition, to demonstrate that especially in the area considered, a similar service can guarantee a long-term usage. The result of the study shows how is possible to adopt a significant benefit for the environment, due the possibility now offered to use e-fuels, or green fuels, to reduce the ashore facilities, no need of bridges, tunnels, road etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is descriptive in nature and it is an attempt to recall the most probable scenarios of transport development in Poland against the background of other countries of the European Union. Having in mind the implementation of the EU assumptions associated with rationalization of energy consumption management and an increase in energy efficiency in motor transport in the time perspective, the premises have been the assumptions of the concept of sustainable development. There are two parts of the paper. In part 2 of the paper there was investigated as a scenario for European Union logistics development, associated by the effects assessment of the transport growth in future, particularly the impact on freight transport achievements. Moreover the reference scenario and modernization scenario for Polish transport were analyzed. Pro-environmental aspects of motor transport considered as the most burdensome for the natural environment, mainly referring to energy consumption management, were presented in the recalled transport development scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past two decades, biotechnology has provided a motor for environmentally sustainable production and for the development of a diverse range of innovative products. The potential economic and environmental benefits of biotechnology have created a growing strategic interest in bioeconomy. Bioeconomy combines highly research and knowledge intensive economic activities in agriculture, forestry and the food sector with the innovative use of renewable raw materials for material and energy use. This paper aims to study the potential for the further development of bio-based sectors in Latvia and main challenges the development of innovations in bioeconomy faces in Latvia and Baltic Sea Region countries. In this study, the authors have analyzed current situation in Latvia regarding bioeconomy development and have identified innovations fostering sustainable use of natural resources. The research finds out that bioeconomy innovations in the traditional biobased sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, forestry, fisheries, renewable energies, food and feed, pulp and paper, goes in line with the principles of sustainable development and thus it effects development of sustainable use of natural resources. This paper reviews the support systems for innovations in bioeconomy in EU and Latvia and studies the potential for the further development of bio-based sectors in Latvia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Countries around the world are concerned with securing enough fuel and energy for their national economy. At present it is important supply of buildings with energy and their efficient consumption. The economical use of energy and fuel in the nonproductive sphere consists of rationalizing energy consumption in the building and energy supply to the buildings. The most energy consumed is recording heating of buildings the reason is to cover thermal losses. The European Union is focusing on supporting the modernization and renovation of apartment buildings. The aim of this paper was to analyze the socio-economic factors and their impact on the renovation of apartment buildings. Our aim was to assess by research the current position on building insulation. Based on the distribution analysis, we identified the social factors that affect the final decision of the target segment - customers. In this paper we analyzed socialeconomic factors by statistical method - multidimensional regression analysis. The results of analyzes highlighted the key socio-economic factors affecting the renovation process of apartment buildings in Eastern European countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The last decades witnessed an explosive increase of the demand for digital data in the economy. This led to a significant growth in the number and the sizes of data centers. The energy used by the data centers has increased dramatically. This situation determined the quest for metrics that measures energy efficiency in data centers. A classical metric for measuring energy efficiency in data centers is PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness). It was introduced in 2006 by C. Malone and Christian Belady. It is defined as the ratio between the PDC (total power used in the data center) and PIT (the power used for the IT equipment). PDC is the energy requirement for the major IT components of the data center plus the energy for supporting the infrastructure. The infrastructure is composed by: power delivery components, cooling system components and other miscellaneous component loads, such as data center lighting. PIT is the energy requirements associated with all the major IT components of the data center, such as server, storage, network, and other devices (KVM switches, monitors, and workstations/laptops) used to monitor or otherwise control the data center. PUE is a very popular metric for measuring energy efficiency in data centers. It has advantages and disadvantages. The present paper proposes an analysis of new metrics for measuring energy efficiency in data centers. This thing is necessary in order to attain sustainability goals. A globally accepted metric on the energy efficiency of computer servers in business applications is still missing, despite a great interest from stakeholders. Some complementary metrics and new metrics for improving PUE are synthesized. This analysis can help researchers to identify the main trends of energy efficiency assessment in data centers. The paper provides also a comprehensive and critical survey of energy efficiency metrics in data centers. It motivates the quest for new metrics for the assessment of data centers energy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper demonstrates the necessity for Russia to review its development strategy for energy markets and ensure phased transition to energy efficient technologies. Although the Paris Climate Agreement only outlines certain guidelines, implementing its provisions will have an impact on the Russian economy. The reason is that many countries have already embarked on a journey to carbon-free solutions and prevent products that do not meet their standards from accessing their domestic markets. Applying the Paris Agreements and transiting to a low carbon - and consequently - energy-efficient economy in Russia will affect the real estate sector, in particular construction and operation of buildings, in many aspects, such as energy saving and the introduction of "green" standards. The paper analyzes the possibility of putting the Paris Climate Agreement into practice in construction and operation of buildings, highlights the problems which this implementation involves, as well as substantiates the lines in the state policy, which help promote the introduction of "green" standards in real estate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the studies of an improvement of techniques for energy saving management on the principle of sustainable development. The authors proposed a hypothesis for the sociocultural, environmental and economic aspects of the sustainable development principles and their correlation with the management of energy-saving procedures in civil construction. Qualitative and quantitative efficiency from improving techniques of energy-saving managing are highlighted. The baselines of the energy consumption are identified and ranked upon the aims and purposes of the building functioning. A complex of improving managing techniques based on organizational principles, technical measures, and motivational effects is proposed. A general list of passive and active procedures contributing to energy-saving efficiency and resource consumption reducing is systematized on the detailing of goals, effects and applied technologies. Additional procedures that provide energy saving through the use of waste, secondary, renewable energy resources are focused. Managing techniques for energy saving highlighted in groups dealt with the building’s functioning regime, operation and maintenance of the building’s systems, energy consumption schedules, responsibilities assigning, energy and resource saving promotion, energy audits, and energy monitoring. The paper concludes the energy-saving management is to be improved on the basis of the principle of sustainable development considering the energetic, economic, ergonomic, social, environmental and financial effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with the energy efficiency of the ventilation systems (ventilation units) in different design alternatives (with heat recovery, without recovery, effective fans, etc...). The alternatives of operation of the ventilation system at intervals during the day and throughout the year are also presented. The calculation of the airflow was executed in accordance with laws and standards valid in the EU and Slovakia (EN 15251, EN 13779, etc.). A large potential for energy savings in the Slovak building generally, due to the fact that majority of the buildings were constructed before 1989, before first important requirements for energy performance and savings of building. This paper is part 2 and it is continuation of paper with the same title „The Energy Performance Model Of Ventilation System - Part 1„ [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successful development of business depends on using integrated information of business activities by management of the firm. Costs analysis of energy has important task in energy management, that present structural element for preparing of budget. Therefore it uses various economic analyses in praxis and energy management is one of these tools. Implementation of energy management in praxis goes out of necessity of environmental behavior. Using of energy management tools in area of energy cost decreasing presents following paper. In this paper we are using methods SWOT and comparison analysis, market analysis and indicator - return on investment. We obtained information for application high-cost arrangements for administrative building and her maintenance. Very positive effect has activity - facade insulation of building, that is the most expensive, but the return on investment is 1.9 years. Operation costs, energy costs to be reduced through high-cost solutions by 30%. Economic benefits of area of energy are in decreasing of operation costs and decreasing of consumption of power. The typical lifetime of energy built conditions for improvement of energy consumption and improvement of energy costs. New technologies of energy creation are renewable resources. In praxis is fast growing of renewable resources and this sector is affording economic growth in countries. Energy strategy is orientated for energy economy what means decreasing of energy costs and to use renewable resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recycling - the process of transforming waste into new materials - represent a modern alternative for eliminating waste and reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. Recycling - part of the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) in the hierarchy of waste - helps to reduce the consumption of raw materials and to reduce energy consumption, air pollution (in phase of combustion waste) and water (in phase of waste storage). Among the recyclable materials such as glass, paper, plastic, metal, textiles are used tires. These tires are a source of waste because of the high volume of products - requires large storage space, enhanced tire durability and the fact that the ecological tire components is a big problem - they are non-biodegradable materials. Often the tires are burnt to the detriment of environment but there are concerns constantly using them as recyclable material. Thus, between the uses of recycled tire it is crumb rubber modifier that used in asphalt mixture leads to a Rubber Modified Asphalt Mixture type. In this context fits this paper that shows a possibility of using rubber asphalt mixture used in the wearing course of pavement. It is studied in the laboratory the mix of aggregate, filler and bitumen (AC12.5 asphalt mixture type) together with an addition of Road+ additive (containing crumb rubber) and Gilsonite additive (pure bitumen) compared to the mixture without additives. The aim is obtaining better physical and mechanical characteristics that lead to good behavior asphalt layer in service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with the flat roof of low-energy buildings. The building sector is currently focusing on the maximum energy efficiency of buildings and related energy savings. At present, the building sector holds more than 40% of energy consumption and 36% production of greenhouse gas emissions. The whole sector of buildings uses more than 50% of the Earth's raw materials and produces approximately 50% of world waste. Roofs occupy about 20–25% of urban surfaces. The green construction practice expands and complements the classical building design concerns of economy, utility, durability, and comfort. According to the principles of sustainable development, future construction should be more focused on the reduction of pollution of the environment and the effective using of material resources. The aim of the contribution is multi-criteria assessment of the sustainability of the flat roofs. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the sustainability of six types of flat roofing systems in terms of environmental and thermal - technical parameters, financial and time requirements. The result of the contribution is the recommendation of the most suitable option for implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The territory of the Danube Region represents one fifth of the European Union´s total area and is home to more than 100 million inhabitants. The Danube Region is characterized by a divergent group of 11 countries (9 of them are EU member states, 5 are non-EU countries) concerning the process of integration and the preconditions in geographic, economic, cultural and socio-demographic terms. In order to increase growth and strengthen cooperation at a macro-regional level, the European Union established the Danube Region Strategy with eleven priority areas, among them one focusing on energy. The aim of the paper is to perform quantitative evaluation on the relationship between economic development and energy consumption based on decoupling model theory. The paper focuses on the case of the Danube region countries in the period of 1994 – 2014. Throughout 20 year period examined, the countries spread out into different forms of decoupling. The results of analysis suggest that in most observed partial variables occurs the absolute or relative decoupling of economic growth and energy consumption, what can be considered as positive trend. Though decoupling index convey a positive message, the Danube region countries will need to accelerate their implementation of new policies, while restructuring the ways how they meet their demand for energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing gas emissions which affects the Earth's climate system is an important goal of vehicle operation. In order to achieve this objective, the operation of motor vehicles and their component systems must be carried out under the most efficient conditions. The maximum efficiency can be achieved by knowing in detail the technical state of the vehicles, and depending on the diagnosis defects by performing maintenance activities in order to maintain the technical state at an appropriate level. The aim of this paper is to analyze the influence of the malfunctions on the fuel consumption by using the diagnostic unit (software and hardware) BOSCH KTS ESITRONIC 2.0. The implementation of microprocessor-controlled systems on vehicles has enabled the development of an electronic engine control system, with an increase in the number of tracked targets and the number of recorded and analyzed parameters. Sensor information arrives at the Engine Control Module (ECM), which establishes, depending on these, operating and adjustment parameters (idling speed, ignition timing, fuel injected, amount of air absorbed, air and fuel mixture, exhaust gas recirculation control and detonation control). The resulted data show that some false information arrived at the ECM, due to faulty sensors, but values in the allowed range (compared to the stored reference values) cannot be detected by the On Board Diagnostic System. Such failures do not correspond to the state of the engine, but are plausible for the control unit and can lead to the operation of the high-fueling engine, which generates increased exhaust gas emissions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traffic management systems are used usually to try to reduce congestion and improve road safety. The main sources of pollution at European level are cars. In the present paper, it presents the effect of these traffic management systems on vehicles emissions and pollutions. It presented the most frequently types used by traffic management systems and assessment of their possible effects on vehicle emissions and consumption of fuel. In 1990, the number of local public transport journeys was 2.5 billion, of which 52% was by buses and minibuses, 27.5% by tram, 10.5% by trolleybus and 10% by metro. In 2010, the number of trips fell to 2.1 billion, the peak of the last 21 years being reached in 1992, when the number of trips was 3.5 billion. The amount of greenhouse gases emitted by different modes of transport indicates that public transport is the most environmentally friendly means of transport. Increasing the attractiveness of public transport clearly leads to a decrease in pollutant emissions with significant environmental benefits. The European Union has set up a strategy that promotes sustainable urban mobility, a strategy that includes a series of actions such as promoting a larger market share of low-consumption vehicles and new propulsion technologies to reduce emissions; promoting the use of public transport and nonmotorized in combination with mobility management schemes; integrated intermodal passenger and goods transport systems as well as municipal logistics and improved terminals. In this paper for determining emission was envisaged use Mouves model. For this, Automatic Vehicle Location Cruise software was used using a particular car model. Real-time simulation of emissions was necessary in order to take a decision in an intelligent transport system for choosing an optimum route of travel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Companies worldwide are facing the challenge of transitioning to green economy, which is the result of a concerted effort together with governments, agencies, organizations to reduce the environmental burden of the modern activities in all sectors: manufacturing, transportation, energy production, etc. One generally accepted method of transition represents investing in renewable energy. In order to evaluate the impact of these investments indicators, such as NOx emissions, carbon footprint, energy consumption and others, are used by companies, external evaluators, and other stakeholders. When engaging in developing more complex evaluation methods of the impact, the difficulty resides in weighting different dimensions of the said environmental impact in one single model or checklist. This study proposes a new requirement for the impact evaluations performed by companies, by acknowledging the results already obtained by researchers regarding different types of assessments, namely a “multidimensional approach” of impact assessment. Although there is still no mathematical accurate method of weighting multiple dimensions of the impact, there is known evidence of the fact that one single indicator is not sufficient, which will be highlighted in this paper. Moreover, the case study will underline why and how a multidimensional method must be used in optimizing the impact assessment on the environment and obtaining more accurate results of the evaluation. This will serve both for companies, in order to obtain conclusions that are more relevant, and for other stakeholders, such as governments and agencies, in order to be able to evaluate the activities of the companies and obtain results which can indicate better policies and incentives for enabling the transition process to a green economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the woodworking industry is increasingly paying attention to the effective use of wood in the production of consumer goods. The key point in resolving this issue was and remains the careful and economical use of harvested wood. Logging volumes in Russia, according to analysts of the timber industry complex, have declined everywhere by 2017, while in the North-West region they have reached 3%. One of the possible and promising areas for the effective use of wood is gluing. Glued wood is widely used in various industries, as it has a number of unique properties in comparison with solid wood due to its dimensional stability, strength, reliability and durability. The effectiveness of gluing wood can be achieved by gluing wood with a high initial surface roughness, due to the reduction of allowances for mechanical processing of wood blanks before gluing. Existing technologies for gluing wood provide for preliminary preparation of the wood surface before gluing, due to removal of allowances for planing and milling, in order to level their surface and reduce its roughness to 200 microns or less. The exclusion of these operations from the technological process will lead to a reduction in the consumption of wood by an average of 20% of the nominal size of the workpiece and, as a consequence, will reduce the consumption of materials and energy intensity of the technological process. This article proposes using compaction as one of the possible methods for preparing the wood surface for gluing with high initial roughness, without first milling their surface. This method is based on the elastic-plastic properties of the wood material and is directly related to the deformation of the irregularities present on their surface and the magnitude of the applied load. Considering the problem of contacting wood surfaces, the authors experimentally proved that during pressing, glued wood surfaces initially had a small actual contact area, but as the pressure increased, the contact area of the mating surfaces increased due to the deformation of the tips of the protrusions on the wood surface. After deformation of all irregularities on the surface of the wood, the contact area of the blanks reached its maximum, and a further increase in the pressing pressure led to the destruction of the wood. The paper presents the results of research on this issue with a description of the research methodology. The pressures of pressure and the degree of contact of the mating wood surfaces are determined. The obtained experimental data and dependences are processed by standard statistical means. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last decades the energy consumption of data centers has increased exponentially. The high energy consumption is due to power consumption of the IT resources, to the cooling system and to the inefficient usage of the resources. From the total power consumption in a data center one half is consumed by active servers and another half is consumed by the cooling system, network of the data center etc. There are several techniques for increasing the efficient usage of the resources in a data center. One of these techniques is the virtualization technology. This enables each user to work with his own virtual machine that has its own operating system. The purpose of the present paper is to present an optimization model that tries to find the best allocation of virtual machines to servers in a data center that minimizes the overall power consumption. The model has two objective functions. The first objective function is the IT power consumption of the servers. The second objective function is connected with the power consumption of the cooling system. The aim of the model is the minimization of the two objective functions. Constraints are given on the resource availability of the server resources (CPU, memory, bandwidth etc). The decision variables of the model are represented by a matrix with binary entries that describes the allocation of virtual machines to servers and by a vector with binary entries that indicates the active servers. In the paper is used a new idea for cooling power minimization. In order to do this the variance of the consumed power of the servers is minimized. This ensures the minimization of cooling power. Starting from the above multi-objective model we formulate several single objective models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes an application for monitoring and diagnosis of ambient conditions, based on fuzzy-multi agent intelligent tools. The aim of this paper is to design, using Matlab, a graphical user interface able to assist the users for home smart energy savings. The main objectives of this approach is to minimize energy consumption, automate every-day tasks in smart settlements and increase energy efficiency, thought the integrated tools for monitoring and diagnosis. In this respect, firstly are presented concepts of: multi-agents and fuzzy logic controllers. Secondly, we have implemented these intelligent tools, using MATLAB programming language, in order to develop the prototype of a hybrid system for monitoring and diagnosis of ambient conditions (temperature, luminance, air condition, noise, amount of CO2 in air, humidity). The intelligent control techniques are tested using real monitored data and scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on a study regarding the use of waste in constructions: such as blast furnace slag from ironworks, as a by-product of the iron oxide reduction reactions by carbon monoxide resulting from coke burning. The slag is used in cement-based mortar mixtures under two forms: as granulated and ground slag powder under 63 μm and non-granulated slag as an 0/4 mm aggregate resulting from solid slag, processed in crushing equipment and then sorted according to the standards on mortar and concrete aggregates. At the global level, the necessity of reduction of non-renewable prime materials is very obvious. The use of recycled waste in constructions, in road infrastructure, such as slag waste, leads to decreasing the effect on the environment. The current study is in the preliminary phase of road concrete design mixture. This uses slag based waste, in order to reduce carbon print emitted during fabrication. Moreover, it reduces the consumption of prime non-renewable material, respectively of the mixdesign aggregates that have been conducted. This paper analyzes the effect of blast furnace slag on the physical and mechanical properties and on some aspects of sustainability such as freeze-thaw resistance of a new environmentally-friendly mortar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents an analysis of the behaviour of an air-water vapour compression heat pump at the variation of some of the decisional parameters as the state of the fluid at the compressor intake. Different refrigerants as CO2, NH3 and R600a, and different schematics are considered. The large use of rotary compressors in the industrial and domestic heat pump area has determined the investigation of the influence of the wet compression. The analysis is based on the exergy concept that enables to point out the location and magnitude of any malfunction. The exergy analysis gives solutions for improving the performance and design of the heat pump system. The exergetic analysis helps to improve the constructive structure of the heat pump schematic. The exergetic analysis points out that the largest exergy destruction in the CO2 cycle is due to the throttling process and offers solutions to diminish it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the near future, all new buildings across European Union will have to meet the nearly Zero Energy Buildings requirements, namely to have a lower primary energy consumption and lower carbon dioxide emissions. In this regard, each country set its own targets concerning the reduction of these values. The paper presents a computational study regarding the thermal performances of an apartment, insulated in the first case scenario with a common solution such as expanded polystyrene and for the second and third case scenario with nano insulation materials such as aerogel and vacuum insulation panels. The analysed insulations have different thicknesses and the apartment presents several thermal bridges which are considered in the analysis. The study establishes the level of thermal performance for each solution, computing its annual heating demand and the related primary energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, which are examined both from current standards point of view and also from the perspective of the Romanian nZEB targets for the residential sector. The results emphasize that the goals are achieved, without supplementary actions, only by the thickest common insulations or by the most efficient nano insulations, the latter being a better choice from the material quantity point of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, the increased focus on the Arctic zone is influenced by a number of reasons: The Arctic zone of the Russian Federation (the Russian Arctic) has the potential to become a new oil and gas region for our country; the military and strategic importance of the Arctic; the future outlook for the Northern Sea Route. The development of the Russian Arctic aims to enhance the social and economic growth of the region in line with the priorities set forth by the state policy and based on the range of socio-economic issues. The bottleneck that limits further improvement of local settlements as well as construction of new industrial and infrastructure facilities is power, a vital component in the industrial infrastructure. Power supply is key to any infrastructure and greatly affects the quality of life and the possibility of developing a region. In general, the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation can offer significant energy resources, but individual areas are facing power shortage. The paper describes limitations and possibilities of implementing RES in the Russian Arctic; it substantiates the need to use RES in the environment of decentralized power supply; the paper also provides characteristics of the regions and potential RES consumers; it also considers prerequisites for putting RES into operation and analyzes the resources of wind and solar energy in the Arctic region. Acknowledgement. The research was funded by the Russian Scientific Foundation, Project No. 17-78-20145, Social and Economic Levers for Mobilizing Human Resources to the Arctic Region of the Russian Federation. Saint-Petersburg Mining University. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper deals with problems of evaluation of limit states at determining of value of technical objects, who have significant impact on environment. Trucks belong typically to objects with environmental impact and the legal framework influences and limits the possibility of their usage. One of the important input values for determination of vehicle value is the length of its operating life. Currently the object limit state is considered, when the object is not able to fulfil the function, or the level of functional parameters drops below the admissible measure. Increasing ecology requirements of trucks invoke the needs to consider different point of view on causes of limit states origins. The need to deal with environmental limit states occurs. Such limit states of evaluated technical object have origin in surroundings of the object and occur at changes resulting from requirements on quality of functions or at changes of requirements resulting from impact of objects into surroundings or environment. Paper deals with analysis of such phenomenon and clarification or causes, which lead to the need of evaluation of environmental limit states at appraisement of trucks in connection of conditions changes in road traffic as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the paper, the comparative analysis of results of the research concerning energy consumption of separation process and influence of operational parameters is presented. Results are acquired basing on experimental and computational research. Scope of the analysis is stated within cascade system with lack of gas recirculation and membrane system with gas recirculation. Investigation is performed using UBE NM-BO2 A capillary polymer membrane. In the paper, operational characteristics of compared systems, obtained both on the basis of experiment and computational investigation, are presented. Results were obtained basing on varying feed pressure of the membrane module, as well as varying feed flows. Furthermore, comparison of the two systems concerning influence of their selected operational parameters and possibility of application in oxy-combustion systems is performed. Rationality of discussed systems application to industrial and power oxycombustion systems is emphasized. Investigated systems are characterized by number of advantages and certain limitations caused by mechanical properties. The paper states a part of research on possibility of use of discussed membrane technology in industrial systems and power oxy-combustion units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transport sector is one the most energy-intensive sector on planet. Whether we are discussing about cargo or travelers, the transport sector is causing environmental damage. Therefore an Impact Assessment study in the Transport sector concerning energy efficiency should draws attention. First of all the transport cost decrease, and second it contributes to the natural resources to be saved by the fossil fuels.Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and current rate of global warming can happen using a proper energy efficiency and alternative energy resources.Energy efficiency shall be studied under the yield point of view, between the aspects of useful energy and energy consumed. The energy efficiency principle can be applied in various fields, starting from extractor industries, manufacturing industries ending with the transportation sector.In the paper are listed a set of measurements for level pollutant emissions for the cities of Cluj-Napoca and Alba-Iulia in industrial and high traffic density areas.The measurements were made during 2014-2017 in industrial areas and junctions of intensive roads. It was disclosed Greenhouse gas, CO2, NO2 and CH4 with acid influence. A set of measurements were concerned particulate matter from combustion processes of industrial fuels. In particular Diesel thermal engines. The focus was on PM10 and PM2,5 particulate matter. The final part offers a comparative study between transportation services under de aspect of energy efficiency and reducing polluting emission. The papers contains a set of conclusions after an analysis on the measurements performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The special resources of renewable energy identified in Romania have generated far more extensive concerns and research on their capture, storage and use. The first part of this paper presents a couple of renewable energy sources, technologies for their capture and conversion, and also several new storage methods and technologies applied worldwide, in order to know the issue, scale and complexity of the field, advantages and difficulties encountered in harnessing these resources. By this we aim to identify the new evolutions, directions and trends emerging in recent years in the field of renewable energies so that to direct our own research towards the global trend. The second part of the paper presents several already achieved results consisting, in addition to documentation studies, in filing a patent application submitted to the Romanian patent authority (OSIM), and also in developing an experimental energy conversion and storage station project, which is to be physically developed and tested in the next step. The ultimate goal is to increase the capitalization of renewable sources, with increasing energy efficiency in converting, storing and using, by optimizing the structures and promoting new solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main factors that influence the efficient use of cogeneration systems is the heat demand variation. The second influencing factor is generated by the restrictions imposed by the related legislation. Besides this two, the poor stage of the consumer's insulation and of the heat distribution network, or the lack of the main know-how energy management concepts seriously affects the good functioning of a producer- consumer energy mix. The university together with the university Combined Heat and Power Plant (CHP) represent a supplier and consumer system. In this paper, are presented a few major energy management decisions that has been taken and applied to the university CHP and campus. This package of energy management solutions has been taken to increase the performances of university CHP and to bring them in accordance with the state of the art. At the present, in order to optimize the operating regimes of the cogeneration plant, authors have studied the correlation between functioning load of the plant and the possible solutions that could be applied to increase the plant performances. Those solutions have to be strongly correlated with the consumers' heat demand. In this regard one proposed measure is to sell the heat into the district heating network of the city. Another proposed solution for which there has been performed a technical-economic analysis, is the implementation of a new equipment that can generate centralized cold in order to supply a part of the University Campus buildings. The new cooling system will use as primer energy source the heat recovered from the CHP plant. In this special case study, two main important problems occurs, both being related to the type of the consumer: public institution where the demand for cooling suffers huge variations and where occupants have little incentive to follow the rules of good energy management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents model-in-the loop simulation results of the roadheader cutting speed control system. The roadheader is equipped with an 132kW induction motor supplied from the frequency inverter. The output frequency is calculated by a PI speed controller on the basis of speed error (signal difference between a reference signal from the load controller and the measured signal from the incremental speed encoder). The whole control system model (involving an inverter model, sensor model, induction motor linearized model, cutting head model and a PI controller) has been implemented using a Matlab/Simulink package. The induction motor equivalent circuit parameters have been calculated using a manufacturers data. Special attention has been paid to frequency rate limiter at the input of the frequency inverter. The load torque has been implemented using real signals recorded at the laboratory stand. As a controller setting selection criteria there has been used an integral criterion (Integral of Time multiplied by Absolute value of Error). The system stability has been checked using a Nyquist criterion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the lighting systems efficient utilization strategies analysis of lighting systems efficient utilization and through its synthesis with the options of intelligent control were for a design and calculation of lighting systems analyzes of the reference shop energysaving lighting system designs were carried out. The results of the rationalization procedures and measures that have been made for the purpose of a reduction of energy demand of industrial operations lighting systems, were the basis for a development of a methodical procedure of designing of energy-efficient lighting systems in the sphere of engineering shops. The methodology presented in this paper is drawn up on the basis of valid legislation of the assessment and evaluation of lighting systems in a working environment with regard to ensuring of a visual comfort and creation of requested conditions for a visual activity, taking into account its energy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetorheological (MR) fluids include ferromagnetic and paramagnetic particles suspensions with sizes included between 0.03 and 10 µm, located in a carrier fluid (usually mineral oil). The complex fluid viscosity strong depends of magnetic field applied. Each particle can be considered a small magnet, which tends to align in the direction of the magnetic field. The magnetorheological fluids have the ability to change their viscosity when they are introduced into a magnetic field, due to the aligned particles in "chains". An electromagnetic coil generates a magnetic field by the aid of a small electrical current. The paper aims to study the behavior of the magnetorheological fluids in some types of semi active shock absorbers of the motor vehicles, for different values of the current intensity applied to the electromagnetic coil, in order to improve the comfort of the passengers. The practical objective of the paper consists in the establishment a simple correlation between the magnetic field applied to the magnetorheological fluid, the rod speed, and damping force. The experimental measurements were being performed on a specialized test bench, equipped with transducers which monitor the stroke, velocity and acceleration of the shock absorber piston and damping force developed by the shock absorber. A NI PXI high-speed controller governs the test bench by the aid of NI LabVIEW software. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objectives of each of cities from Romania are sustainable development, energy efficiency, use of renewable energy and ensuring a clean and healthy environment for citizens in a modern city, attractive, prosperous and a high standard of living. The climate changes, increasingly present every day in the realities of city, mainly caused by human factor, obliges us to a new approach and orientation responsible for the future of our decisions in order to rational and efficient use of resources, especially in order to combate, to reduce and adapt to climate change. The way we intervene to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, to mitigate and adapt to climate change defines us, placing us among European citizens informed, responsible and active. Renewable energy and biomass energy, a type of renewable energy, are one of the issues that have been overemphasized since the 1990s. The fact that the countries of the world turned to renewable energy sources from fossil fuels and diversified their energy sources, the increasing importance of renewable energies in the energy security context, the lack of stability in energy prices, the fact that the countries adopted growth strategies based on local dynamics, the source of which they had in their lands, reducing transportation costs, alternatives to generate electricity were among the factors that brought this issue to the agenda of the world and made the scientists conduct studies on the issue. Biomass energy that is one of the renewable energy sources is an important energy source particularly for developing countries, and the production and use of it are increasing every day. Considering the geographic features of the region, the use of biomass for bio-economy development, comes naturally. In order to create a business model for the use and integration of biomass supply- chain, this study will focus on providing an overview on the current state of biomass availability and usage in West Region of Romania, as well as providing brief presentation of roadblocks for further development of biomass supply chains. Also, the focus will be on developing transnational interactions that could be a solution to biomass development in the region. In that sense, the target of the next chapters is to assess the energetic potential of existing biomass in Western Region, and the necessary features of the supply chain, needed in order to develop a sustainable business in biomass field. In this paper it will be estimated potential production of biogas from residues and waste for the western region of the country. To accomplish this is necessary to identify the types of wastes and wastes that can be used. Identification will be made by name, quantity, the theoretical potential of biogas and waste to flow through the availability of energy use. Consideration should also be given to the methods of using these wastes and wastes time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]