Search

A Virtual Power Plant (VPP) is a centralized energy system that manages, and coordinates distributed energy resources, integrating them into a unified entity. While the physical assets may be dispersed across various locations, the VPP integrates them into a virtual unified entity capable of responding to grid demands and market signals. This paper presents a tri-level hierarchical coordinated operational framework of VPP. Firstly, an Improved Pelican Optimization Algorithm (IPOA) is introduced to optimally schedule Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) within the VPP, resulting in a significant reduction in generation costs. Comparative analysis against conventional algorithms such as Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) demonstrates IPOA's superior performance, achieving an average reduction of 8.5% in generation costs across various case studies. The second stage focuses on securing the optimized generation data from rising cyber threats, employing the capabilities of machine learning, preferably, a convolutional autoencoder to learn the normal patterns of the optimized data to detect deviations from the optimized generation data to prevent suboptimal decisions. The model exhibits exceptional performance in detecting manipulated data, with a False Positive Rate (FPR) of 1.92% and a Detection Accuracy (DA) of 98.06%, outperforming traditional detection techniques. Lastly, the paper delves into the dynamic nature of the day ahead market that the VPP participates in. In responding to the grid by selling its optimized generated power via the day-ahead market, the VPP employs the Prophet model, another machine learning technique to forecast the spot market price for the day-ahead to mitigate the adverse effects of price volatility. By utilizing Prophet forecasts, the VPP achieves an average revenue increase of 15.3% compared to scenarios without price prediction, emphasizing the critical role of predictive analytics in optimizing economic gains. This tri-level coordinated approach adopted addresses key challenges in the energy sector, facilitating progress towards achieving universal access to clean and affordable energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a specific method of environmental impact assessment applied in Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the National Emission Reduction Plan (NERP) in the Republic of Serbia, based on air quality. The specificity of the approach is in the application of a semiquantitative method of multicriteria evaluation based on air dispersion modeling and the integration of SEA goals, indicators and criteria for assessing the impact of the NERP on the quality of air and other environmental elements in this method. When predicting changes in air quality for the planning horizon to 2028, the physical, geographical and climatic characteristics of the area were taken into account, as well as technical measures to reduce SO2 emissions, since this was the dominant pollutant from the Serbian coal-fired power plants studied by the NERP. Air pollution modeling was carried out using the AERMOD software package based on the data collected, and the quantitative results obtained were used in a multicriteria evaluation as part of the SEA. The results of the research indicated the importance of applying this approach in order to significantly increase objectivity in the SEA process, since it is an important element of decision making at the strategic level. In addition, a comparative presentation of the modeling results before and after application of the NERP was an important part of the SEA process, and it provided a clear insight into expected changes in the air quality. This is a key argument for making appropriate policy decisions on spatial, energy, environmental and socio-economic development in the Republic of Serbia, which, like other developing countries, is sluggishly following global trends in energy transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The main goal of the paper is to review the existing state and propose a model solution for the introduction of the waste-to-energy concept in the Republic of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as these Balkan countries are a source of high pollution due to the inefficient use of fossil fuels and the operation of coal-fired power plants. Besides, these countries have very low level of waste management, which results in the uncontrolled disposal of a large amount of waste which consists of plastic and microplastic materials which are difficult to decompose in natural ecosystems. Methods: Considering the type and objectives of the study, a mixed research method was chosen as a combination of exploratory research, descriptive research, explanatory research, and modeling. Results: The main result of the research shows the unfavorable situation in the field of waste management in the Republic of Serbia, as well as in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Both countries have adopted adequate strategies and plans, but waste management is not implemented accordingly, Nevertheless, numerous problems create considerable opportunities for improvement, especially regarding the potential for energy production from waste, which is an important approach to implementing the circular economy model. The study showed that the situation is particularly unfavorable in rural areas. Hence, the research proposes (a) a novel model for waste-to-energy governance and (b) a novel model for waste-to-energy management in rural areas. The research was done, and models were developed based on the examples of the Republic of Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, the results can be used in countries with a similar level of waste management and with a larger share of rural areas. Conclusions: The paper emphasizes the importance of a holistic and systemic approach to waste management, with emphasis on using waste-to-energy concept as particularly applicable in the transition to circular economy. This study proposes a model for the integration of waste management (with emphasis on plastic and microplastic) and energy efficiency, presenting a model of approach that can be used in countries that are at the beginning of introducing a circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gas flaring has been identified as a major contributor to global warming and climate change. It is used either as a safety measure or as a means of disposal for technical or economic reasons. Over 250 toxins have been directly/indirectly associated with gas flaring and its associated emissions. Most of these toxins have been known to have significant inimical impacts on humans' health, plant biodiversity, and the environment. With the recent rise in global energy insecurity, several EU countries have either returned to coal power generation or extended the lifetime of their coal-fired plants thereby increasing anthropogenic carbon emissions. This increase in carbon emission has necessitated the re-evaluate of gas flare practices vis-à-vis the environmental challenges and the financial potentials. This paper presents a holistic review of gas flaring, its types, composition, systems design, estimation methods, social and environmental challenges, the abatement measures, and the re-utilization strategies. It identified the potential to save a minimum of US$10.4 billion globally if more stringent gas flare abatement measures were pursued. Furthermore, the paper highlights the recent trends in flare gas re-utilization technologies such as the production of bioproducts which has been reported to hold a potential for an annual production of about 148 million bbl of biocrude and 67 million metrics of algae protein from 140 bcm of globally flared gas. Finally, it explored the possible way forward and stringent measures that can be pursued to disincentivize gas flare and also increase investments in gas processing technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The main goal of the paper is to define the level of energy efficiency in the economies of selected countries in the Balkan region that have opted for the EU Green Deal, a circular economy, and a transition to carbon neutrality. Energy efficiency, as a determinant of carbon neutrality, was selected as an indicator for analysis because it records particularly unfavorable indicators in the region under observation. The research was carried out on a sample of seven Balkan countries and their surrounding areas. An initial qualitative analysis was followed by a quantitative analysis based on a combination of statistical methods and soft computing. Six indicators were selected for the analysis covering a period of 30 years (1990–2020). Results: A significant obstacle to the green transition and the region's transition to a circular economy and carbon neutrality is energy efficiency and energy related pollution—the reliance of most countries on coal-fired thermal power plants for electricity generation. The research results showed the following: (a) the degree of economic development and membership in the European Union are not significantly related to the level of energy efficiency; (b) most of the sampled countries are in the initial stages of introducing activities to achieve carbon neutrality; and (c) only Slovenia has documented consistent indicators and evident advancements in its efforts to achieve carbon neutrality. Based on the research findings, proposals for improvements were made in the direction of policymaking and in a methodological sense. Conclusions: The implementation of circularity and carbon neutrality as a long-term goal of the European Union is not necessarily related to the level of economic development, nor can its trajectory be exclusively ascertained by means of data processing and monitoring. A more precise understanding of a carbon-neutral future can be achieved through the incorporation of qualitative data to a greater extent, a realistic evaluation of historical facts and their repercussions, as well as projections of the effects that reality and global developments after 2022 will have on each country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work investigates the decarbonization potential of large-scale implementation of BECCS (in the form of biomass co-firing and post-combustion amine-based CO2 capture) in over 150 existing coal-fired power plants in China, combining GIS-based geospatial analysis of biomass availability from agricultural residues and modelling of the techno-environmental performance of the retrofitted power plants. Using a 500-m resolution map of cropland in China, the availability of residual biomass at a radius of 25–100 km from each power plant is estimated. The biomass yield is then matched with the required input for a set of co-firing scenarios, identified by the optimal mix of different co-firing ratios (10%, 25%, and 40%) and increasing % of total plant's capacity to be retrofitted with the chosen BECCS system. Power generation performance and required biomass for the retrofitted plants are modelled in the Integrated Environmental Control Model (IECM). According to the results, the total decarbonization potential of the modelled large-scale implementation of BECCS ranges from 0.3 to 1.8 Gt CO2/yr (15–81% of BAU emissions), depending on the biomass collection radius. The Chinese provinces of Shandong, Jiangsu, Anhui, and Henan have the most potential for BECCS implementation, while coal-rich regions (e.g. Inner Mongolia) or highly developed coastal areas (Guangdong, Zhejiang) are constrained by local biomass availability. Overall, this work demonstrates the significant potential of the sustainable large-scale implementation of BECCS in China and provides suggestions to policymakers to include this technology in the portfolio of solutions towards carbon neutrality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper follows a practical approach to evaluate particulate matter emissions from biomass-fuelled power plants and analysis measurement uncertainties. Sixty-seven measurement reports from 11 biomass power plants, all equipped with fabric filters as dust control device, were analysed. Particulate matter emission measurements by gravimetrical standard reference method were chosen to provide the most reliable values to investigate the influence of bag filter parameters, such as media age or bag filter length. 92.1% of total dust emission measurements were below lower BAT-associated emission levels (BAT-AELs) for waste incineration. Data also showed that bag filter media older than 6 years can still secure very low dust emission levels. This work also gives a summary of findings and problems with uncertainty of automated measuring systems for dust emissions in biomass combustion applications in practice and quality assurance level one (QAL1) process related to very low emission levels such as lower best available techniques reference document (BREF) values. Practical examples on issues of continuous dust emission monitoring devices are also given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Many historical industrial activities, including coal mining and burning, have started near geogenic anomalies. It resulted in spatial overlap of anthropogenic and natural causes of elevated soil risk element contents. Here, distinguishing between anthropogenic and geogenic contributions cannot be achieved by conventional geochemical soil mapping, in particular, when only pseudo-total contents of risk elements were obtained, soil depth profiles were not acquired, and geological maps were not implemented. Methods: The local geology, topography and anthropogenic activities were taken into account when planning the soil sampling. Soil profiles were obtained using an auger sampler. Total contents of risk and lithogenic elements were obtained by X-ray fluorescence. Aqua regia extraction and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were also used for analyses. Results: Coal use in the study area increased the soil contents of Cd, Hg, and Zn in 7 km circle east of the major power plant, typically to 2 × local background in topsoils. In the profiles closest to that plant, Cd emissions have already been translocated to soils below ploughed horizons that weaken the contamination signal in topsoils. The highest As and Pb contents in the Most Basin soils originated from a local geogenic anomaly and not coal burning. Conclusion: Common soil mapping projects and data mining routines cannot decipher anthropogenic contribution to the soil risk elements unequivocally, as it is demonstrated in this paper. When working in geogenically anomalous areas, a fundamental knowledge of the mechanisms controlling the content of risk elements in soils is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large amounts of cooling water are required for the cooling process in coal-fired or nuclear power plants. Because the primary use of water in a power plant is to condense steam and remove waste heat as part of a Rankine cycle, seawater temperature (SWT) is of critical importance for electrical output in power plant applications installed at the seaside. Moreover, the analysis of SWT is an important criterion for researching sea life and global climate, and it also serves as an important indicator of climate change. In this paper, multilayer perceptron, which is in the class of a feed-forward artificial neural network, deep learning approach based on long short-term memory and bidirectional long short-term memory neural networks and data-driven methods, such as adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) accompanied by fuzzy c-means, ANFIS with grid partition and ANFIS with subtractive clustering methods were applied to make 1-day ahead SWT predictions. Analyses were conducted using 5-year daily mean SWTs measured by the Turkish State Meteorological Service for Antalya province between 2014 and 2018. The models were evaluated using mean absolute error (MAE), root-mean-square error (RMSE), and correlation coefficient (R). According to the daily SWT prediction, the best MAE, RMSE, and R values were obtained with the ANFIS-SC model, which were 0.1877 °C, 0.2683 °C, and 0.99814, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies explore the ideal co-combustion ratios of gangue and coal and improve CFB power generation technology. Here, we use life cycle assessment to establish a model to evaluate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy use efficiency (EUE) of a circulating fluidized bed (CFB) coal-fired plant with gangue and coal co-combustion technology. The life cycle includes coal mining, coal washing and power generation. The functional unit is 1 MWh electricity output. Considering the different fuel components of coal and coal gangue, we conduct six scenarios with coal mass ratio of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% in the mixed fuel, respectively. The results show that the increase in the proportion of coal will lead to the decrease in GHG emissions. The scenario with pure gangue has the highest GHG emission of 1105 kg CO2 eq/MWh, while the scenario with 50% coal has the lowest GHG emission of 956 kg CO2 eq/MWh. Among all GHGs, CO2 contributes the largest GHG emissions. The power generation is the main source of GHG emissions. Overall, the ultra-low emission of N2O ensures that CFB power generation technology has the advantage of low GHG emissions. The EUE will increase with the coal mass ratio increases. The scenario with pure gangue has the lowest EUE of 34.0%, while the scenario with 50% coal has the highest EUE of 35.5%. Fuel consumption and plant auxiliary power consumption are the main energy inputs. Finally, we provide the ideal co-combustion coal mass ratio of 20% to 30% and suggest some corresponding measures to reduce GHG emissions and improve EUE simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is of great significance for the engineering popularization of CO2-ECBM technology to evaluate the potential of CCUS source and sink and study the matching of pipeline network of deep unworkable seam. In this study, the deep unworkable seam was taken as the research object. Firstly, the evaluation method of CO2 storage potential in deep unworkable seam was discussed. Secondly, the CO2 storage potential was analyzed. Then, the matching research of CO2 source and sink was carried out, and the pipe network design was optimized. Finally, suggestions for the design of pipe network are put forward from the perspective of time and space scale. The results show that the average annual CO2 emissions of coal-fired power plants vary greatly, and the total emissions are 58.76 million tons. The CO2 storage potential in deep unworkable seam is huge with a total amount of 762 million tons, which can store CO2 for 12.97 years. During the 10-year period, the deep unworkable seam can store 587.6 million tons of CO2, and the cumulative length of pipeline is 251.61 km with requiring a cumulative capital of $ 4.26 × 1010. In the process of CO2 source-sink matching, the cumulative saving mileage of carbon sink is 98.75 km, and the cumulative saving cost is $ 25.669 billion with accounting for 39.25% and 60.26% of the total mileage and cost, respectively. Based on the three-step approach, the whole line of CO2 source and sink in Huainan coalfield can be completed by stages and regions, and all CO2 transportation and storage can be realized. CO2 pipelines include gas collection and distribution branch lines, intra-regional trunk lines, and interregional trunk lines. Based on the reasonable layout of CO2 pipelines, a variety of CCS applications can be simultaneously carried out, intra-regional and inter-regional CO2 transport network demonstrations can be built, and integrated business models of CO2 transport and storage can be simultaneously built on land and sea. The research results can provide reference for the evaluation of CO2 sequestration potential of China's coal bases, and lay a foundation for the deployment of CCUS clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the opening of the power market and the development of the energy Internet, the optimal allocation of regional energy systems has become the key to achieving energy efficiency and economic balance. The article studies how to achieve this balance by optimizing the allocation of regional energy systems under the influence of price fluctuations and load demand uncertainty in the electricity market. This study introduces a real-time electricity price adjustment mechanism to stimulate user participation in energy adjustments and improve energy utilization efficiency. By constructing an optimization model based on multiple uncertainties and comprehensive demand response, uncertainty factors such as energy market price fluctuations and climate change were considered, and user demand response was integrated. The research results indicate that electricity price fluctuations have a significant impact on system operation, while CSP power plant thermal storage fluctuations have a relatively small impact. After the introduction of demand response, the electricity load can be reduced to zero during specific periods, and the adjustment of electricity prices stimulates user participation and improves the consumption rate of renewable energy. The total revenue of the system increased by 54.147 million yuan, demonstrating the potential of optimized configuration in reducing costs and improving efficiency. This study provides important references for building more efficient and sustainable energy systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD) is a concerning chemical that is included in the United States Toxic Substances Control Act, and the Stockholm Convention. Knowledge of the sources of HCBD is insufficient and is pivotal for accurate inventory and implementing global action. In this study, unintentional HCBD release and source emission factors of 121 full-scale industrial plants from 12 industries are investigated. Secondary copper smelting, electric arc furnace steelmaking, and hazardous waste incineration show potential for large emission reductions, which are found of high HCBD emission concentrations of > 20 ng/g in fine particulate matter in this study. The highest HCBD emission concentration is observed for the secondary copper smelting industry (average: 1380 ng/g). Source emission factors of HCBD for the 12 industries range from 0.008 kg/t for coal fire power plants to 0.680 kg/t for secondary lead smelting, from which an estimation of approximately 8452.8 g HCBD emissions annually worldwide achieved. The carcinogenic risks caused by HCBD emissions from countries and regions with intensive 12 industrial sources are 1.0-80 times higher than that without these industries. These results will be useful for formulating effective strategies of HCBD control. Recognition on sources of hexachlorobutadiene is needed for their global control. This study clarifies hexachlorobutadiene emission factors from 121 industrial plants assigned to 12 industries and establishes their global emission inventory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coal-fired power plants (CFPPs) account for > 70% of electricity generation in India, but < 5% of facilities have installed technologies for sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOX) removal. Emissions of these pollutants lead to the formation of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and an increased risk of premature mortality for exposed populations. Here, we use a nested version of the GEOS-Chem global chemical transport model (0.5° × 0.625° resolution) for India to estimate reductions in PM2.5 concentrations that could have been achieved by implementing existing emission control technologies like flue-gas desulfurization (FGD) and/or selective catalytic reduction (SCR). We quantify the associated burden of disease using the integrated exposure response (IER) and global exposure mortality model (GEMM) functions and compare the costs of premature mortality to those for FGD installation. Model simulations for 2010 suggest installation of FGD would have reduced mean annual PM2.5 concentrations across India by 8%, compared to 3% with SCR installation, and 11% with both FGD and SCR. A 7–28% reduction in PM2.5 was simulated for local communities closest to CFPPs (same model grid cell), leading to up to 17% reduction in annual premature mortality. Overall, more than 0.21–0.48 million premature deaths would have been avoided over a 10-year period if FGD had been implemented on all CFPPs, compared to 0.09–0.21 million with SCR and 0.22–0.72 million with both FGD and SCR. Benefits associated with such actions are approximately $18.1–$604 billion USD per year, which is equivalent to ~ 0.44 to 10% of India's GDP. These results suggest that monetary benefits from avoided premature mortality far outweigh the capital and operational costs of FGD and/or SCR installation of $19.5 billion and/or $32.8 billion per year, respectively. This information is essential because the high costs of installation and operation are often given as reasons for delaying installation and commissioning. We conclude that policy actions to control air pollution from CFPPs are economically justifiable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]