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Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have the advantages of tunable pore sizes and porosity and have demonstrated unique advantages for various applications. This study synthesized composite MOF nanomaterials by modifying MOF801 or AlOOH with UIO66. The composite nanomaterials, UIO66/MOF801 and UIO66/AlOOH showed increased Zeta potential than their pristine form, AlOOH, UIO66 and MOF801. For the first time, the composite MOFs were used to fabricate filter paper-based evaporation-driven power generators for spontaneous electricity generation. The MOFs-KBF membrane was constructed by coating filter paper (10 × 50 mm) with composite MOFs and conductive Ketjen Black. The UIO66/MOF801 decorated device achieved a maximum open circuit voltage of 0.329 ± 0.005 V and maximum output power of 2.253 μW. The influence of salt concentration (0.1–0.5 M) on power generation was also analyzed and discussed. Finally, as a proof-of-concept application, the device was employed as a salinity sensor to realize remote monitoring of salinity. This work demonstrated the potential of flexible MOF composites for spontaneous power generation from water evaporation and provides a potential way to enhance the performance of evaporation-driven power generators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research presented in this paper introduces a novel environmental energy‐harvesting technology that harnesses electricity from the evaporation of water using porous structural materials. Specifically, a strategy employing paper‐based hydroelectric generators (p‐HEGs) is proposed to capture the energy produced during water evaporation and convert it into usable electricity. The p‐HEGs offer several advantages, including simplicity in fabrication, low cost, and reusability. To evaluate their effectiveness, the water evaporation‐induced electrical output performance of four different p‐HEGs are compared. Among the variants tested, the p‐HEG combining wood pulp and polyester fiber exhibits the best output performance. At room temperature, this particular p‐HEG generates a short‐circuit current and open‐circuit voltage of ≈0.4 µA and 0.3 V, respectively, thereby demonstrating excellent electrical stability. Furthermore, the electrical current and voltage generated by the p‐HEG through water evaporation are able to power an LED light, both individually and in series and parallel connections. This study delves into the potential of electricity harvesting from water evaporation and establishes it as a viable method for renewable energy applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial fuel cell is a promising technology to harvest energy from wastewater, and effective anode catalysts are essential for its applications. In this study, zero-dimension nitrogen-doped carbon dots, as biocompatible efficient modifiers, were synthesized and decorated onto the carbon paper surface to prepare microbial fuel cell anode. The as-fabricated nitrogen-doped carbon dots decorated carbon paper anode was able to enhance electricity generation and efficient wastewater treatment. It was found that the as-fabricated electrode had a high hydrophilicity, which was favorable for the microbial immobilization. Compared with the carbon paper anode, the biofilm on the as-prepared anode was almost twice of thickness. After introducing nitrogen-doped carbon dots, the extracellular electron transfer process from the microorganisms to the anode was enhanced. The microbial fuel cell with the as-developed anode generated a remarkable power output of 0.32 mW, 1.1 times higher than that of the raw carbon paper anode with same measurement area. Moreover, 16 sRNA pyrosequencing analysis shows that the quantity of Pseudomonas on the electrode increased by ∼40%, which also promoted the electron transfer rate by excreting mediators like phenazines or phenazine derivatives. This work developed a new approach to design microbial fuel cell anode material and fabricate a high-efficiency and environmentally friendly anode for electricity generation from wastewater. Image 100697 • Notable power output was obtained from MFC with N-doped CDs@carbon paper electrode. • The carbon paper electrode was highly hydrophilic by decorating with N-doped CDs. • The EET efficiency was enhanced by modifying the electrode with N-doped CDs. • The relative abundance of Pseudomonas was enhanced with N-doped CDs' decoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The subsector of pulp and paper presented in 2013 an electric power consumption of 9.3% of electricity consumption in the industrial sector in Brazil. It experienced a significant growth of production in the last 20 years, exceeding 160%, and their consumption of electricity increased by 130%, reaching the level of 19,594GWh. Due to its characteristics, with a known structure and production processes, and its importance in the country's industrial sector, this subsector was selected for study in this paper, to evaluate the behavior of its long-term annual electricity demand, at the horizon of 20 years ahead, in energy efficiency scenarios through bottom-up approach. This approach is data intensive and requires data with good quality; it consists of a hierarchical structure that enables to check how specific actions can affect the results at each level and its effect on higher levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recovery and utilisation of industrial excess heat has been identified as an important contribution for energy efficiency by reducing primary energy demand. Previous works, based on top-down studies for a few sectors, or regional case studies estimated the overall availability of industrial excess heat. A more detailed analysis is required to allow the estimation of potentials for specific heat recovery technologies, particularly regarding excess heat temperature profiles. This work combines process integration methods and regression analysis to obtain cogeneration targets, detailed excess heat temperature profiles and estimations of electricity generation potentials from low and medium temperature excess heat. The work is based on the use of excess heat temperature (XHT) signatures for individual sites and regression analysis using publicly available data, obtaining estimations of the technical potential for electricity generation from low and medium temperature excess heat (60–140 °C) for the whole Swedish kraft pulp and paper industry. The results show a technical potential to increase the electricity production at kraft mills in Sweden by 10 to 13%, depending on the level of process integration considered, and a lower availability of excess heat than previously estimated in studies for the sector. The approach used could be adapted and applied in other sectors and regions, increasing the level of detail at which industrial excess heat estimations are obtained when compared to previous studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Demand response (DR) is one of the most cost-effective and logical smart grid terms for power systems that can be used during peak load hours, whereas load shedding (LS) is the last and most expensive solution in emergency grid situations. The aim of them is to satisfy equilibrium constraints between consumption and generation and restore the power system frequency to normal bounds at the least possible time. The rapid increase in power grid costs and limitations on electricity generation resources have resulted in the increasing need for industrial customers' participation as an alternative solution to peak load spikes. Therefore, this paper considers the estimation of imbalance active power in a smart strategy to introduce a critical DR (CDR) in heavy industries (pulp and paper, cement, and medium density fibreboard (MDF)) based on direct load control (DLC) technique in order to reduce the need for LS in frequency restore. To evaluate the proposed model, a real case study including the typical pulp and paper, cement, and MDF industries processes with actual power consumption data is considered. The numerical and graphical results confirm that the proposed CDR can be used as an inexpensive solution to replace the costly spinning reserves and avoid load shedding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Alarmingly low pulp prices in early 2009 left pulp and paper mills across North America desperate for any way to improve thin profit margins. One solution that continues to gain popularity among the industry is improved energy management systems for cogeneration systems, which use steam for two purposes – to provide heat for the pulping process and to generate electricity for sale to regional providers. This paper presents an energy optimization algorithm for use in a pulp and paper mill cogeneration system. The algorithm is applicable to a number of popular mill configurations, power sale contracts, and fuel purchasing scenarios. The method is also extended to address weather-dependent cooling limitations encountered by a mill cogeneration facility, in which case an iterative solution is proposed in order to maintain convexity of the optimization problem. Results are presented in the form of three case studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The possibility of co-processing paper sludge with coal in power plants for power production and useful products was investigated as an alternative to the disposal option. The thermal behaviour of the fuels and their blend during pyrolysis and combustion processes was studied, kinetic models were developed and the compatibility of each component in the blend was evaluated. The experiments were conducted in a thermogravimetric analysis system, at non-isothermal heating conditions, over the temperature range 25–850°C. The effect of the inorganic constituents of the fuels and their mixture on thermal conversion characteristics, reactivity, slagging and fouling propensities and environmental pollution was examined. The thermochemical reactivity of the two fuels was different in both nitrogen and air. Devolatilization of paper sludge occurred earlier and with a higher rate, while its combustion was hindered by the high content of ash. When the two fuels were mixed their pyrolysis or combustion reactivities did not substantially change. A first-order parallel reactions model for pyrolysis and a power low model for combustion fitted the experimental results accurately. The kinetic parameters of the blend could be predicted from the data of the individual components. Co-firing paper sludge with subbituminous coal might somehow improve the slagging/fouling potential of the coal. However, if the mineral matter of paper sludge is partly removed before use, then the combustion behaviour of the mixture could resemble that of coal alone and the overall efficiency of the process would increase. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Increased interest in sustainable agriculture and bio-based industries requires that we find more energy-efficient methods for treating cellulose-containing wastewaters. We examined the effectiveness of simultaneous electricity production and treatment of a paper recycling plant wastewater using microbial fuel cells. Treatment efficiency was limited by wastewater conductivity. When a 50 mM phosphate buffer solution (PBS, 5.9 mS/cm) was added to the wastewater, power densities reached 501 ± 20 mW/m2, with a coulombic efficiency of 16 ± 2%. There was efficient removal of soluble organic matter, with 73 ± 1% removed based on soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) and only slightly greater total removal (76 ± 4%) based on total COD (TCOD) over a 500-h batch cycle. Cellulose was nearly completely removed (96 ± 1%) during treatment. Further increasing the conductivity (100 mM PBS) increased power to 672 ± 27 mW/m2. In contrast, only 144 ± 7 mW/m2 was produced using an unamended wastewater (0.8 mS/cm) with TCOD, SCOD, and cellulose removals of 29 ± 1%, 51 ± 2%, and 16 ± 1% (350-h batch cycle). These results demonstrate limitations to treatment efficiencies with actual wastewaters caused by solution conductivity compared to laboratory experiments under more optimal conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Various carbon nanotube-based devices are developed for solar energy utilization. • The water evaporation system can generate freshwater (1.28 kg m−2h−1). • The solar-thermoelectric system can output a voltage and charge a cellphone. • The supercapacitor performs an areal specific capacitance of 19.6 mF cm−2. • The hybrid energy system can produce freshwater, generate and store electric power. Nowadays, multi-functional systems driven by solar energy have been explored to alleviate the crisis of energy and freshwater scarcity. However, it remains a great challenge to integrate multi-functions into one hybrid system with a monolithic material, which can harvest, convert and store solar energy synergistically. Here, we firstly propose a multi-functional carbon nanotube paper, which starts from a material level to solve these problems. The carbon nanotube paper is fabricated by vacuum filtration. It exhibits high efficiency of solar-thermal conversion. Secondly, three types of energy conversion/storage systems (e.g., solar-thermal evaporation system, solar-thermoelectric generation system, and supercapacitor) are constructed based on the carbon nanotube paper, which extend the research to a device level. The solar-thermal evaporation system shows an evaporation rate of 1.28 kg m-2h−1 under simulated sunlight irradiation of 1 kW m−2. The solar-thermoelectric generation system demonstrates a stable electric power generation with an output voltage of 100 mV under light irradiation of 1 kW m−2. The supercapacitors perform the energy storage function with an areal specific capacitance of 19.6 mF cm−2. These devices and systems can be used in freshwater generation (0.84 kg m-2h−1, sunlight irradiation of 1 kW m−2), water purification/desalination (inorganic ions rejection larger than 99.9%) and portable solar charging system (maximum output voltage of 5 V). Finally, a hybrid energy system is innovatively proposed from the system level to simultaneously produce freshwater, generate and store electric power. Through the synergetic coupling of solar conversion and storage technologies, the hybrid energy system can supply sustainable freshwater and electricity for remote areas in daily life, highlighting the superiority of multi-energy (thermal energy, electrical energy, and electrochemical energy) complementary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • We develop a novel portable and disposable paper-based biobattery. • Our biobattery is on-demand electricity generation activated by a drop of tap water. • A low-cost, simple-structure battery case is created by single layer of paper filter. • We proposed integrated air-cathode paper-based proton exchange membrane. • Proposed battery can be used for paper-based diagnostic devices. Abstract A novel, portable, and disposable paper-based microbial fuel cells (MFC) generating electricity from harmless strain of Escherichia coli (E. coli) has been developed. This MFC is on-demand electricity generation activated by a drop of tap water in a dry anode containing the biofilm of E. coli. A low-cost, simple-structure MFC case was created by a single layer of paper filter with high order of folding, which could support interchangeable dry bacteria-loaded anodes. The paper filter was innovatively engineered to make an integrated air-cathode proton exchange membrane (ACPEM) by coating carbon nanotube mixed with potassium ferricyanide on one surface and spraying hydrophobic solution on the other surface, respectively. The E. coli biofilm pre-inoculated in the anodes made of activated carbon sheet was simply dried in the air for the sake of long-term storage and usage. The dry anodes can be simply set in the MFC case with the readily prepared ACPEM, which can be used for on-demand power generation within seconds after adding water with maximum power density of 8.8μW/cm2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Gold is among the highly conductive and stable materials, which are ideal anodes for microbial fuel cells (MFCs). However, previous studies have shown that bare gold surface is recalcitrant for the colonization of some exoelectrogens, e.g., Shewanella putrefacians. In this work, the problem regarding the poor bio-compatibility of gold as an anode material was sorted out through coupling it with carbon paper. A new composite anode material was fabricated through sputtering gold layer homogeneously on carbon paper matrix. Results of cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in Fe(CN)6 3−/4− solution demonstrated better electrochemical performance of the carbon paper–gold (C–Au) composite than either carbon paper or bare gold, when they were used in MFCs. With Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 as the inoculum, the C–Au anode-based MFC produced total electric charges higher than the carbon-paper-anode-based MFC by 47%. The cyclic voltammetry analysis and the scanning electron microscopy observation showed that the MR-1 biofilm growth was accelerated when the carbon paper surface was sputtered with gold. Utilization of such a carbon paper–gold composite significantly enhanced the MFC performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The central role of electricity in shaping the worldwide economy is broadly acknowledged in the energy literature. Having identified the then ongoing crisis of the electricity sector, the present Awami League government initiated restructuring the energy sector since 2009 to quicken the pace of the developmental activities. All these efforts resulted in landmark achievements in the Bangladesh energy sector, especially in increasing the electricity generation capacity. However, the global Covid-19 pandemic and its aftermath effects on the Bangladesh economy require a policy revision in Bangladesh's energy sector and electricity generation mix. To our knowledge, there is no study to analyse the adverse consequences of the Covid-19 in Bangladesh energy sector. By employing a SARIMA forecasting model, we reveal that electricity demand will remain less than the actual generation in the upcoming two years. Also, the DGE model finds that due to Covid-19, the economic growth rate will be around 4.5 percent in the long-run. We further simulate that the steady-state electricity demand and standard consumption values would fall by 8-10 percent and 6 percent, respectively. We recommend that a review of the power sector master plan is needed for future energy security and economic stability in Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Integration of biomass gasification with a pulp and paper mill is a possible route to create more value-added products. This route facilitates, for example, more advanced electricity generation and production of biomass based transportation fuels or chemical feedstock. Each unit operation in such a process affects overall efficiency as well as possibilities for process integration. In this paper, the impact of different dryer types in a biomass gasification combined cycle (BIGCC) has been evaluated in terms of efficiency and economic performance. The BIGCC was sized so that the excess heat would replace the current steam production from bark and oil. The results show that the dryer type can have a significant impact on economic performance and efficiencies. A BIGCC with an integrated belt dryer, utilizing excess heat to heat the drying air from the mill, can result in electrical efficiencies of up to around 40%, while e.g. a steam dryer can reach 36–37%. Choice of oxidant, air or oxygen, in the gasifier affects both capital and operational cost. Air was proven to be the most cost efficient solution for the cases evaluated in this study. The investment of around 100 to 140 million Euros for a BIGCC facility is profitable for most evaluated cases for an annuity factor of 0.1, while the net annual profit is negative for most cases when the annuity factor was increased to 0.2, even when including financial support for renewable electricity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An enormous gap exists between Africa's current electrification rate and the 2030 UN goal to ensure universal access to modern energy. A study by Sanoh et al. published in Renewable Energy in 2014 [1] is a rare example of finding a cost minimal solution for the Africa-wide generation and transmission network. Unfortunately, however, the paper exhibits a number of relatively serious flaws that demand attention given the alarming paucity of such research on Africa. Five issues of the study by Sanoh et al. are identified and discussed in this commentary paper. Specifically, the study does not account for capacity factors when deriving required capacity additions, misses transmission losses when sizing generation capacity, models country-level import constraints incorrectly, introduces a supply option redundancy, and reports optimisation results that can be shown to be mathematically sub-optimal. As a result of some of these issues, the Sanoh et al. significantly underreport the required capacity to meet additional African demand in 2025. In addition to discussing these flaws, this paper provides potential approaches to avoid each of the five issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY Previous studies by the authors have shown that energy savings in pulp and paper mills offer opportunities for increased electricity production on-site or wood fuel export. The energy export implies reductions in CO2 emissions off-site, where fossil fuel or fossil-fuel-based electricity is replaced. To assess this potential and the related profitability for a future situation, four energy market scenarios were used. For a typical Scandinavian mill, the potential for CO2-emission reductions was 15-140 kton year−1 depending on the scenario and the form of energy export. Extrapolated to all relevant mills in Sweden, the potential was 0.4-3.1 Mton year−1, which is in the order of percent of the Swedish CO2 emissions. Wood fuel export implies larger reduction in CO2 emissions in most scenarios. In contrast, electricity export showed better economy in most of the cases studied; with annual earnings of 5-6 M€, this is an economically robust option. In the market pulp mill investigated, the wood fuel export was in the form of lignin. Lignin could possibly be valued as oil, regarding both price and potential for CO2-emission reduction, making lignin separation an option with good profitability and large reductions of CO2 emissions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We reported a novel, non-optical technique to analyse and quantify the transportation of bacterial cells in paper-based microfluidics. This approach was based on real-time measurement of the microbial electricity production. Our device was designed to have three hydrophilic regions linked by a channel on a paper layer by patterning hydrophobic barriers in the paper. Each region came into contact with an anodic electrode layer which was stacked with a cathodic compartment through a proton exchange membrane. When bacterial cells were transported to each region by capillary force, the bacteria cells were promoted to adhere onto the anode and the cells completed their respiration by transferring the electrons to the anode. A conductive load connected the anode and cathode to complete the external circuit through which the electrons flowed. The protons generated by the anodic reactions passed through the proton exchange membrane and travelled to the cathode, where they combined with electrons in the reduction process. By measuring the current through the load, bacterial cells’ transportation through the channels in paper was quantitatively investigated according to the pore size of the paper. Further understanding was made by analysing electron microscope examination of the hydrophilic regions. This work will determine more efficient cell movement within a paper material by controlling the paper's microfluidic dimensions and pore size. It will also provide a quantitative understanding of the flow of large organisms for use in paper-based diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chile has a very ambitious energy transition agenda and massive challenges ahead to accomplish it. To integrate the high solar energy potential in the north an the high wind power potential of the south of the country, considerable investments in the electrical grid and new balancing mechanism and storage capacities are necessary. This study addresses the potential of individual industries, particularly the paper industry, to provide flexibility to the electrical system on-site. To achieve this, an optimization model that minimizes energy provision costs is proposed. The model considers the demand of a company including its demand side management potential, combined heat and power generation capacities, as well as on-site renewable energy generation location potential from photovoltaics and wind power. The model is computed under multiple parametrization scenarios to estimate under which conditions it would be advantageous for the company to use renewable electricity. This allows to evaluate how much of the renewable electricity produced in high peaks can be used by the company, and in how far, demand side management and combined heat and power can compensate low generation periods of renewable electricity. The model is feeded with typical hourly electricity and heat demand profiles of a prototypic paper producing company, which were statistically derived from one and a half years of measurements. Moreover, electricity generation time series from photovoltaics and wind power are derived from physical models that rely on ERA5 reanalysis data. The latter data set allows to compute the model in locations all around Chilean territory in a 30 km x 30 km spatial grid. Results are presented in the form of maps of the shares of renewables that would be enabled at avery location by industries of the same characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a discounted cash flow methodology, we have performed a detailed analysis of the current costs of electricity from two Indian nuclear reactors. We compare these costs to that from a recently constructed coal-based thermal power plant of similar size. Our results show that for realistic values of the discount rate, electricity from coal-based thermal power stations is cheaper than nuclear energy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

There is a large global effort to improve microbial fuel cell (MFC) techniques and advance their translational potential toward practical, real-world applications. Significant boosts in MFC performance can be achieved with the development of new techniques in synthetic biology that can regulate microbial metabolic pathways or control their gene expression. For these new directions, a high-throughput and rapid screening tool for microbial biopower production is needed. In this work, a 48-well, paper-based sensing platform was developed for the high-throughput and rapid characterization of the electricity-producing capability of microbes. 48 spatially distinct wells of a sensor array were prepared by patterning 48 hydrophilic reservoirs on paper with hydrophobic wax boundaries. This paper-based platform exploited the ability of paper to quickly wick fluid and promoted bacterial attachment to the anode pads, resulting in instant current generation upon loading of the bacterial inoculum. We validated the utility of our MFC array by studying how strategic genetic modifications impacted the electrochemical activity of various Pseudomonas aeruginosa mutant strains. Within just 20 minutes, we successfully determined the electricity generation capacity of eight isogenic mutants of P. aeruginosa. These efforts demonstrate that our MFC array displays highly comparable performance characteristics and identifies genes in P. aeruginosa that can trigger a higher power density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to report the current status of life cycle assessment (LCA) in Saudi Arabia. It summarizes the LCA studies conducted in academia and industry. It also examines LCA collaboration networks and training opportunities. It then points out current gaps in implementing LCA in Saudi Arabia. Finally, it delineates the steps required to promote LCA both as a research methodology and as a sustainability assessment tool in Saudi Arabia. Methods: Using Scopus database and the Internet, a state-of-the-art review was conducted for this paper. "LCA", "Life Cycle Assessment" and "Saudi Arabia" were the key words used for searching scientific studies, industrial reports, training courses and conferences related to application of LCA within Saudi Arabia. The search resulted in 32 scientific documents and one industrial report. Further scrutiny reduced the final sample considered for this paper to eleven scientific documents and one industrial report that used a complete LCA study to report environmental impacts. Results and discussion: Studies considered for this paper were related to fossil fuels, buildings, electricity generation, desalination, and food consumption. However, overall number of publications and industry reports related to LCA in Saudi Arabia is very little as compared to other advanced economies. This sheer lack of studies conducted in Saudi Arabia can be attributed to lack of educational programs, consultancies, and research projects related to LCA. This points to the vast potential for developing LCA both as a research tool and sustainability assessment tool in Saudi Arabia. There is a need to develop a local network of LCA researchers, a local LCI database, and training courses. Conclusions: This study revealed that use of LCA as a sustainability assessment tool is still in its early stages within Saudi Arabia. There are only a handful of LCA studies that are reported in scientific literature related to Saudi Arabia. Additionally, most of these studies relies on non-local databases rendering the results of these studies less reliable. There is an urgent need to promote LCA within Saudi Arabia and academia can play a leading role by offering short courses, training for industry, and participating in joint projects to conduct LCA studies. Furthermore, local LCA databases and consultancies should also be promoted. It is conjectured that in the future, the use of LCA will grow in Saudi Arabia as the county is targeting to become a net zero carbon economy by 2060. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new paper‐based anti‐reflection coating for solar cells is presented showing a large reduction in the reflection over the entire solar spectrum for a wide range of angles. This process is simple and inexpensive, requiring no high temperature or vacuum‐based processing, and is made from renewable cellulose fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on KAMa pulp and paper mill, a polygeneration system integrated with a black liquor gasifier is proposed. The effects of CO2 captured by oxygen-fuel combustion and Selexol absorption on the performance of the polygeneration system are studied in terms of both thermodynamic performance and cost assessment. Using the Aspen Plus simulator, the performance of the studied polygeneration systems are analyzed from the perspectives of the first and second laws of thermodynamics. Compared with the reference system, the first law efficiency of the polygeneration system increased from 15.7% to 29.3%, with an investment increment of 17.9%. The investment incremental rates for CO2 capture by oxyfuel combustion and Selexol absorption are 15.1% and 16.7%, respectively. Energy penalty due to CO2 capture and compression is 0.61 MJ electricity/kg CO2, avoided in the oxygen-fuel method at a cost of $29.6/tonne CO2. However, energy penalty can reach 1.03 MJ product (electricity and methanol) per kg CO2, avoided in the Selexol absorption CO2 capture process at a cost of $46.0/tonne CO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many industries are charged fees based on the organic loads in effluents. Therefore, it can be advantageous to reduce the wastewater strength prior to discharge. We investigated the use of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) to reduce the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of a paper-plant wastewater while at the same time producing electricity in a continuous flow system. At a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of six hours, COD removal using an unamended wastewater (506 mg/L COD) (organic loading rate, OLR = 2.0 kg COD/(m3 d)) was 26±2%, with a power density of 5.9±0.2 W/m3 (210±7 mW/m2). This amount of power was similar to the maximum power density (5.2±0.4 W/m3) produced in fed-batch tests using a slightly lower strength wastewater in the same device (405 mg/L COD). Increasing the HRT to 25 h (OLR = 0.5 kg COD/(m3 d)) increased COD removal (41±2%) but substantially decreased power (2.8±0.3 W/m3). While wastewater strength affected removal rates, the solution conductivity (0.8 mS/cm) was primarily a factor in low power production. These results demonstrate that MFCs can be used to reduce organic loads in effluents at relatively short HRTs, while at the same time generating power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses articles in the issue on topics including photovoltaics (PV), silicon-based solar cells and electricity generation.

Dielectric testing techniques, in both time and frequency domains, are currently widely used by power utilities for assessment of the condition of transformer oil-paper insulation systems. However, it has been reported that results of these tests are highly influenced by the operating temperature during measurements. The distribution, migration and equilibrium of moisture between oil and paper in a complicated insulation system is highly temperature dependent. It requires adequate experience and proper understanding to interpret the dielectric response results in the presence of temperature variations and thermal instability. Proper analysis of the dielectric test result is only possible with an understanding of the physical behavior of the insulation system in response to temperature. A circuit model, which describes the dielectric behavior of the transformers main insulation system, has been investigated in this paper. The values of the parameters of the model have been identified from the dielectric tests. A correlation has been observed between the operating temperature and the equivalent model parameters that can be used as additional information for better interpretation of the dielectric test results. This paper thus reports a detailed study on the effects of temperature on dielectric measurements of a transformer under controlled laboratory conditions. Some results of practical on-site testing are also presented to demonstrate the possibility of errors that may be introduced in dielectric test results analysis unless temperature effects are taken into consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased innovation on finding new ways to generate energy from different sources to meet the growing demand of consumers has led to various challenges in controlling the power network when it faces different disruptions. To address these challenges, a new approach has been proposed in this research paper, which combines a controller with a soft computing technique called Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). The study considers a power system with four units, where three different energy sources are utilized and distributed across two areas. Each area has two power sources, with one area having a combination of thermal and gas power plants, and the other area consisting of a nuclear power plant and a gas power plant. Transmitting power from the nuclear power plant is particularly complex due to its high sensitivity to disturbances. Therefore, an intelligent and efficient controller is needed to ensure robust control in this type of power network that includes nuclear power. The paper also conducts a thorough analysis of the harmful emissions associated with electricity generation from the different power plants considered. The goal is to reduce the carbon footprint associated with power generation. The proposed work and analysis in the paper are implemented using the MATLAB/SIMULINK environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of renewable energies such as wind and solar has become an inevitable choice for many countries in order to achieve sustainable and healthy economic development [[1]]. The paper "Steady-State Analysis and Output Voltage Minimization Based Control Strategy for Electric Springs in the Smart Grid with Multiple Renewable Energy Sources" by Y. Zou et al. presented a general steady-state analysis and minimal compensating voltage control scheme for the second generation of electric springs in the power system with substantial penetration of intermittent renewable energy sources. The paper "Parallel LSTM-Based Regional Integrated Energy System Multienergy Source-Load Information Interactive Energy Prediction" by B. Wang et al. proposed an energy prediction strategy for multienergy information interaction in regional integrated energy systems from the perspective of horizontal interaction and vertical interaction. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract: A new tar destruction technology has been developed by integrating in-situ catalytic gasification and a hot-gas cleaning system in the catalytic gasification of paper-reject sludge. Experimental results indicated that the tar yield in syngas decreased significantly from 13.64 to 10.76 g/m3, when increasing the zeolite addition during in-situ catalytic gasification. When the syngas passed through the hot-gas cleaning system, the tar concentration measured from downstream was approximately 0.22 g/m3. The hot-gas cleaning system used in this research seems to have played a significant role in reducing tar concentration of the syngas. The major tar speciation identified after hot-gas cleaning system was 1-ring or 2-ring hydrocarbons, which included benzene, toluene, xylene, styrene and naphthalene. In summary, the energy yield efficiency of syngas will be enhanced due to the tar reduction and transformation. The syngas seems to be appropriate to use as a fuel in gas engines for electricity generation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The substantial portion areas are customarily habituated across the world is electricity. In need of electricity generation, no equipment, instruments, motor, or any machinery is functioning. The paper portrays consequently footsteps energy carries on exploited and it draws upon non-conventional sources of energy resources. There are many types of electricity generation i.e., solar power, wind conversion system, thermal, hydro-electricity, nuclear energy. Renewable energy and Non-Renewable Energy Sources are inherent notions in the Electricity generation system. The Walking Footsteps are and untapped natural resources. While employing the Walking Footsteps energy its more concise amount of cost means that it’s modest and innocuous for human. The metamorphosis technology is intermingled that electrical energy can proselytize to mechanical energy using footsteps walking of human beings. The consequent equipment’s efficacious used for procedure of footsteps is as supervening like pipe arrangement, nozzle type, unidirectional valve, water reservoir, turbine motor of any type, and DC motor. The occupied conformance is accomplished be pertinent pressure which is strive on the water reservoir; water flows amidst the direction of nozzle into the turbine and generates electrical energy. This type of electrical energy is kept stored in the energy battery storage. There is very much load disturbance in the consumers terminal so that there will be causing global warming and load shedding. This paper defines having advantages of the global warming and load shedding in best way of cleaner the cost-effective way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emission trading scheme (ETS) is popular to abate anthropogenic emissions throughout the world. Previous researchers focused on evaluating ETS policy effect, but ETS design is usually neglected because ETS is already mostly sophisticated worldwide. This is not the case in China, as the Chinese nationwide ETS (CNETS) came into effect in July 2021. Implemented for a brief period, the CNETS lacks implementation details and thus may not achieve mitigation targets cost-effectively. In this paper, we attempt to narrow the research gap by comprehensively designing the CNETS. Our research framework is based on a dynamic recursive computable general equilibrium (CGE) model. The CGE model results show that the appropriate CNETS should include the coverage of the electricity generation and manufacturing sectors, higher carbon price (175 C N Y / t C O 2 ), quota allocation based on the carbon intensity in the previous year, higher quota decline factor (2%) and time-decreasing free quota ratio. Although we have only designed the Chinese ETS in this paper, the research framework may become a paradigm of designing appropriate ETS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decision-making of generator start-up sequence plays a pivotal role in the power system restoration process following the blackout. In this paper, an optimized deep Q-learning network (DQN) algorithm is proposed to address this challenge. The generator start-up process is modeled as a Markov Decision Process (MDP) based on its characteristics. The DQN is tasked with deciding both the generator start-up sequence and the corresponding restoration path. To address the limitations of DQN, such as low exploration efficiency and slow convergence, the study incorporates the Artificial Potential Field (APF) algorithm to refine the reward function of it. This integration results in the development of the F-DQN (APF-DQN) algorithm, which enhances training efficiency. The effectiveness of this proposed method is demonstrated through the IEEE 39-bus test system. The results reveal that the DQN algorithm is capable of efficiently solving the model of the generator start-up sequence after the blackout. Moreover, the F-DQN algorithm exhibits superior learning efficiency, faster convergence, and higher-quality optimal solutions compared to the DQN. This paper also discusses the applicability of this method under partial blackouts. When compared to other decision-making algorithms, the proposed method offers a restoration scheme that is both time-efficient and results in increased electricity generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comments on the paper written by writer Ulf Hansen about the technological options for electric power generation, published in a 1998 issue of `The Energy Journal.' Characteristics of fuels for electrical power generation; Lack of concern about depletion of fossil fuels; Fossil-based electricity as a mature technology and the cheapest technical option for large units.

A two-compartment photoelectrochemical cell has been constructed and employed as a photoactivated fuel cell that can consume organic material to produce electricity. The cell comprises of a fluorine-doped tin oxide transparent anode electrode supporting a nanocrystalline titania photocatalyst, a Pt/carbon-black electrocatalyst deposited on a carbon cloth as the cathode and a porous membrane (glass frit) separating the two compartments. Both the anode and cathode compartments contain 1.0 M NaOH, but the anode compartment also contains the photodegradable organic substance. The cell runs without any external bias, only by UVA (black light) irradiation or by natural solar light. Glycerol and two higher polyols, xylitol and sorbitol, were tested as fuels. Both the open-circuit voltage and the short-circuit current depended on the polyol concentration up to a saturation value. The maximum current density was around 0.8 mA cm−2, calculated over the anode active geometrical area, and maximum open-circuit voltage was around 1.3 V. For quasi-monochromatic incident radiation (363 nm wavelength), the above maximum current density corresponded to an external quantum efficiency (IPCE%) of 77%. The fill factor of the cell was relatively small but improved when a thin cell design was applied. All three studied polyols gave similar data for the same molar concentration, suggesting that photodegradation possibly proceeds by steps affecting a single hydroxyl group at a time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thin wafers and thin wires are beneficial to the photovoltaic industry for reducing costs, increasing efficiency, and reducing the cost of electricity generation. It is a development trend in solar silicon wafer cutting. Thin wire cutting reduces the kerf between silicon wafers to less than 50 μm. Therefore, it is extremely difficult to supply cutting fluid to the cutting area. And this affects cutting performance. This paper proposes the use of the capillary effect produced by ultrasonic waves in fixed diamond wire slicing to improve the cutting fluid supply and reduce wafer adsorption. To explore the rules of ultrasonic capillary action between two plates and guide the industrial applications, the effects of the distance between parallel plates, the distance from the bottom of the parallel plates to the ultrasonic radiation surface, the non-parallelism between the plates, the temperature of the working fluid, the ultrasonic action time, and the type of working fluid on the liquid level rise height were studied. The conclusions can be used to guide the improvement of the supply of working fluid in fixed diamond wire slicing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Nippon Paper Group is planning to introduce power generation plants running primarily on new energy such as biomass fuel at four of its subsidiaries under an ¥31 billion investment programme. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Electric power generation is quickly transitioning toward nontraditional inverter-based resources (IBRs). Prevalent devices today are solar PV, wind generators, and battery energy storage systems (BESS) based on electrochemical packs. These IBRs are interconnected throughout the power system via power electronics inverter bridges, which have sophisticated controls. This paper studies the impacts and benefits resulting from the integration of grid forming (GFM) inverters and energy storage on the stability of power systems via replicating real events of loss of generation units that resulted in large load shedding events. First, the authors tuned the power system dynamic model in Power System Simulator for Engineering (PSSE) to replicate the event records and, upon integrating the IBRs, analyzed the system dynamic responses of the BESS. This was conducted for both GFM and grid following (GFL) modes. Additionally, models for Grid Forming Static Synchronous Compensator (GFM STATCOM), were also created and simulated to allow for quantifying the benefits of this technology and a techno-economic analysis compared with GFM BESSs. The results presented in this paper demonstrate the need for industry standardization in the application of GFM inverters to unleash their benefits to the bulk electric grid. The results also demonstrate that the GFM STATCOM is a very capable system that can augment the bulk system inertia, effectively reducing the occurrence of load shedding events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we use the literature to help us better understand carbon capture costs and how these estimates fare against those of avoided costs, focusing on bioenergy carbon capture and storage (BECCS), carbon capture and storage (CCS), as well as direct air capture technologies. We approach these questions from a meta-analysis perspective. The analysis uses meta-analysis tools while applying them to numerical rather than statistical studies. Our analysis shows that avoided costs are, on average, 17.4% higher than capture costs and that the carbon intensity of the feedstock matters: the estimates for coal-based electricity generation capture costs are statistically smaller than those for natural gas or air. From a policy perspective, the literature suggests that the costs of CCS are like the 45Q subsidy of USD 50 per metric ton of carbon captured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The government has set an ambitious target of renewable energy development in Malaysia. As a promising renewable energy source, wind energy plays an important role in the Malaysia renewable energy roadmap. Compared to onshore wind energy, offshore wind resources with better quality can be provided in the areas away from the coast, which has greater potential to contribute to electricity generation. Wind and bathymetry conditions are two important factors that determine the feasibility and economics of offshore wind turbines. In this paper, an investigation is conducted on wind and bathymetry conditions around Malaysia. The data source mainly originates from the Global Wind Atlas. The conditions of the coastal areas in different states and federal territories of both Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia are analysed, with a specific focus on wind speed, wind energy density, and bathymetry conditions in high-wind-speed regions. The data and survey are verified and compared with the past published literature. This paper aims to investigate the wind and bathymetry conditions around Malaysia, assess the potential of offshore wind energy, discuss the feasibility of offshore wind turbines, and provide references for offshore wind development in Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The daily production and life of human beings are inseparable from electricity. As the power supplier, electric power enterprises provide power demand for the majority of users. In the new era, electric power enterprises are also facing market-oriented reform. The focus of reform is electric power marketing. The formulation of electric power marketing strategy needs scientific decision-making analysis as guidance. With the increase of power demand, the scale of power grid is also expanding continuously. With the introduction of new energy equipment, the power system is becoming more and more complex, and it is difficult for relevant staff to effectively monitor and analyze the system. Combined with the above situation, this paper combined Bayesian network to build a power marketing decision analysis system, and combined Bayesian algorithm to test the power marketing real-time cost control system. The experimental results showed that the average judgment accuracy was 91.90 %, and the average warning time was 0.39 s. From the above data, it can be seen that this algorithm can play a good optimization effect on the performance of the system. In this paper, the elasticity test of the power system was also carried out from the aspect of wind speed, and the results showed that the maximum elasticity value can reach 0.94. It can be seen that the elasticity effect of the power system is good as a whole under different wind speeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fuel pellets are becoming popular for home heating and electrical generation. Although wood residues such as sawdust, chips, and shavings have been a significant fiber feed stock pellet production, paper waste, agricultural residue, and roundwood also can be used. In 2005, 41% of the fiber feed stock used to produce pellets in the Lake States was wood residue, 27% was wastepaper or agricultural residue, and 32% was multiple or unspecified fiber feed stocks. Between 2005 and 2008, the number of wood pellet processing facilities in the Lake States region nearly doubled, and the volume of products manufactured increased by 300%. Facility expansion required an additional 592,000 dry tons of fiber feed stock. Forty-three percent of the additional feed stock was wood residue, 25% was roundwood, 18% was agricultural residue, and 13% was undefined or multiple feed stocks. In 2008, two facilities producing 67,000 tons of pellets were under construction, and four plants slated to produce an additional 600,000 tons of product were in the planning stage. The primary product manufactured in these new or planned facilities will be commercial fuel pellets, and the primary feed stock will be roundwood, harvest residues, and paper and agriculture waste. The potential increase in the demand for lower quality roundwood by these new facilities could replace the declining demand for this material by the paper industry. If the pellet industry continues to expand, it could compete for roundwood used by the fuel chips and pulpwood industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several recently signed environmental agreements and protocols emphasize the global need to reduce GHG emissions, with a focus on limiting coal consumption due to high NOx and CO2 emissions. However, many countries, including those in the Western Balkans, rely heavily on coal for electricity generation. The outdated thermal power plant infrastructure in these regions poses a major challenge when it comes to meeting modern environmental standards while maintaining efficiency. This study is part of the more comprehensive research which aims to develop an expert system that utilizes existing measurements to estimate key parameters crucial for both energy production and pollution reduction. The focus is on Serbian thermal power plants, particularly plant Nikola Tesla unit B1. One of the critical parameters for optimizing thermal power plant control loops is the heating value of coal, which is challenging to measure in real time due to the coal's varying chemical compositions and caloric values. This paper examines 74 different parameters measured in 59 instances to estimate the hating value of coal at unit B1. Through detailed analysis and feature selection methods, including linear regression, this research aims to identify the most informative parameters for estimating the heating value of coal, which will improve the control system that enables more efficient and environmentally friendly power generation in coal fired thermal power plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In light of the growing integration of renewable energy sources in power systems, the adoption of DC microgrids has become increasingly popular, due to its simple structure, having no frequency, power factor concerns. However, the dependence of DC microgrids on cyber-networks also makes them susceptible to cyber-attacks. Potential cyberattacks can disrupt power system facilities and result in significant economic and loss of life. To address this concern, this paper presents an attack-resilient control strategy for microgrids to ensure voltage regulation and power sharing with stable operation under cyber-attack on the actuators. This paper first formulates the cyber-security problem considering a distributed generation based microgrid using the converter model, after which an attack-resilient control is proposed to eliminate the actuator attack impact on the system. Steady state analysis and root locus validation illustrate the feasibility of the proposed method. The effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is demonstrated through simulation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes the possibility of hybrid electricity generation in already existing wind power plants (WPP) by additional installation of photovoltaic power plants (PVPP) on individual wind turbines (WT). Wind turbines have the lowest generation of electricity in the summer months, while PVPPs have the opposite, the highest generation in those months. Connecting the PVPP to the existing WT (hybrid electricity generation) brings a more even generation and a greater degree of use of the infrastructure of the existing wind farms (HV/MV transformer station, medium voltage cable distribution...). This way the variation of generation in relation to the average annual generation is reduced, which reduces the problems of balancing electricity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electric power is the basic industry of a modern country. The rapid development of the power industry has promoted economic development and social progress. With the establishment of the carbon neutrality target of carbon peak, China's power industry is also facing new situations and new challenges. This paper innovatively introduces the concept of allometric growth in biology, and uses the data of provincial electricity consumption and economic development from 1972 to 2017, to study the allometric growth relationship between electricity consumption and economics in China at multiple scales. Combined with the spatial autocorrelation analysis method, the temporal and spatial characteristics of allometric growth between electricity consumption and economic development were researched based on the analysis of spatial correlation of GDP electricity consumption intensity. The results show that: (1) The provincial GDP electricity consumption intensity shows an aggregate distribution, and the local aggregate pattern changed significantly from 1972 to 2017. (2) The High-High Cluster gradually disappeared, and the Low-Low Cluster moved southward, appearing in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. (3) The differential growth coefficient of electricity consumption and economic development increased initially and decreased from 1972 to 2017. (4) GDP would increase by 7.4%, 20.1%, and 15.6% in the simulation of electricity consumption, increasing 10% at the three stages of China's economic development. (5) The allometric growth coefficients of electricity consumption and economic development are very different in the three economic belts, eight economic zones, and provinces with different characteristics at the different stages of economic development. Formulating differentiated regulation policies for regional economic development and electricity consumption will be conducive to the coordinated development of electric power production and the national economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers two pertinent research inquiries: 'Can an AI-based predictive framework be utilised for the optimisation of solar energy management?' and 'What are the ways in which the AI-based predictive framework can be integrated within the Smart Grid infrastructure to improve grid reliability and efficiency?' The study deploys a Deep Learning model based on Long Short-Term Memory techniques, leading to refined accuracy in solar electricity generation forecasts. Such an AI-supported methodology aids power grid operators in comprehensive planning, thereby ensuring a robust electricity supply. The effectiveness of this framework is tested using performance metrics such as MAE, RMSE, nMAE, nRMSE, and $ R^2 $ R 2 . A persistent model is utilised as a reference for comparison. Despite a slight decrease in predictive precision with the expansion of the forecast horizon, the proposed AI-based framework consistently surpasses the persistent model, particularly for horizons beyond two hours. Therefore, this research underscores the potential of AI-based prediction in fostering efficient solar energy management and enhancing Smart Grid reliability and efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]