Article
Energy & Fuels
Antonio Sanchez, Elena Castellano, Mariano Martin, Pastora Vega
Summary: Energy storage will play a crucial role in a future power system dominated by renewable sources like wind and solar. The utilization of power-to-chemicals, specifically ammonia, shows promise for medium to long-term storage solutions. By producing ammonia with renewable energy and converting it back to energy, it presents a pathway to decarbonization. The evaluation of an ammonia-based power plant with a focus on thermo-chemical processes highlights its potential as an alternative storage option.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Elena C. Blanco, Antonio Sanchez, Mariano Martin, Pastora Vega
Summary: In the current energy transition, liquid fuels are being considered as energy storage due to the fluctuations of renewable energy sources, and as energy carriers to introduce renewables in hard-to-electrify applications. Methanol and ammonia are the most promising green liquid fuels. This study assesses the transformation of methanol/ammonia into power through thermochemical and electrochemical routes, with the former showing higher efficiency and better energy performance. The cost for the thermochemical route is currently around 0.3 euro/kWh, while the electrochemical route is around 0.6-1 euro/kWh.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Emanuele Moioli, Tilman Schildhauer
Summary: This review presents the available technologies for the flexible utilization of biomass and explores the potential of coupling bioenergy production with the electrical grid to convert excess electricity into storable chemical molecules. The flexible use of biomass can be an essential part of future CO2-free energy systems, providing year-round energy carriers and carbon-neutral carbon for synthetic fuel production.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Tansu Galimova, Manish Ram, Dmitrii Bogdanov, Mahdi Fasihi, Ashish Gulagi, Siavash Khalili, Christian Breyer
Summary: Renewable electricity-based fuels and chemicals are expected to have a growing role in sustainable energy systems. This study analyzes their demand, production potential, costs, and global trading potential. The availability of renewable resources enables diversification of energy markets, reducing the volumes of traded e-products compared to fossil fuels. South America, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East and North Africa regions emerge as important exporters. Global trade of e-fuels and e-chemicals is estimated to reduce costs and bring additional benefits to both importers and exporters.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Antonio Sanchez, Qi Zhang, Mariano Martin, Pastora Vega
Summary: This research examines the prospects of solar and wind energy as part of the future energy mix, proposing a combination with different energy storage technologies to address grid stability issues. By evaluating various future scenarios and integrated energy systems, the study demonstrates the importance of storage alternatives in meeting energy demand and addressing social inequalities.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Bryn Pickering, Francesco Lombardi, Stefan Pfenninger
Summary: This study develops a high-resolution model to simulate the entire European energy system and generates 441 technically feasible system designs. The results show that a wide range of systems based on renewable energy are feasible without the need to import energy from outside Europe. The model solutions also reveal flexibility in the choice and geographical distribution of new infrastructure.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jeongdong Kim, Meng Qi, Jinwoo Park, Il Moon
Summary: This paper proposes a data-driven, reliability-based optimization approach for designing a grid-assisted PtX process and understanding the impact of renewable uncertainty on its design and optimal sizing. The approach uses generative adversarial networks (GANs) to capture the complex patterns of renewables in temporal and spatial dimensions, and considers both the mean and variance of production cost as objectives. A power allocation and performance evaluation model is developed to assess uncertainty propagation and the impact of renewable uncertainty on process performance. A case study on methanol production in South Korea demonstrates the balancing of mean and variance of production cost in reliable PtX process design under renewable energy uncertainty.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Philipp Kenkel, Timo Wassermann, Edwin Zondervan
Summary: This work presents a superstructure optimization study for the production of renewable fuels, combining Power-to-X routes with Biomass-to-X via an algae-based biorefinery. Economic optimization results show that the integrated PBtX process can produce fuels at lower costs, and uncertainty analysis is conducted for input data.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Upeksha Caldera, Ashish Gulagi, Nilan Jayasinghe, Christian Breyer
Summary: This study examines the feasibility of using indigenous renewable energy resources to meet Sri Lanka's energy supply needs and demonstrates that a completely renewables-based energy system can meet the country's growing energy demand while reducing costs and carbon emissions.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Lorenzo Ferrari, Gianluca Pasini, Umberto Desideri
Summary: The need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is driving actions to decarbonize the energy sector. Increasing the penetration of renewable energy could help reduce emissions, but the variable nature of solar and wind power poses challenges. This study investigates the potential impact of increasing renewable energy in Italy and provides a useful evaluation platform that can be replicated in other countries.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Luiz Celio Souza Rocha, Paulo Rotella Jr, Giancarlo Aquila, Karel Janda
Summary: This article discusses the regulatory framework for utility-scale energy storage systems (ESS) in Brazil. It lists key regulatory points in four dimensions and proposes policy suggestions such as creating an energy storage agency, expanding time granularity, setting a minimum payout, and developing industrial policies.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Hueseyin Ersoy, Manuel Baumann, Linda Barelli, Andrea Ottaviano, Lorenzo Trombetti, Marcel Weil, Stefano Passerini
Summary: The availability of carbon-free electricity and fuels is crucial for achieving a fully decarbonized mobility and energy system. This study evaluates the techno-economic feasibility of using aluminum as a renewable energy carrier. The assessment shows that wet combustion of aluminum at 700 degrees C can generate heat and hydrogen with high round-trip efficiencies. The study also demonstrates the commercial viability of the aluminum-based e-fueling station business case and compares it with green hydrogen production from wind and solar power.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Xiaolin Wei, Yunfeng Shang
Summary: By selecting the top 10 Chinese universities, the interrelationship between university governance, sustainability level, and sustainable power generation is examined from 1999 to 2021. The findings, obtained through constantly updated and fully modified methods, indicate that a 1% increase in the sustainability level index leads to a 0.33% improvement in university governance. The inflow of foreign direct investment to the university's district diminishes the effectiveness of governance, while the expansion of sustainable electricity generation positively impacts governance. Additionally, a 1% rise in student enrollment results in a decrease of 0.08% in the governance performance of Chinese universities. Carbon dioxide emission does not significantly affect the governance level. Recommended practical policies include enhancing university participation in green financing markets, promoting green foreign direct investment, and improving education for sustainable development (ESD).
Article
Energy & Fuels
Erick Jair Reyes Rodriguez, Dayan Monzer, Chakib Bouallou
Summary: This study aims to examine the feasibility of integrating wind energy into a power-to-gas system based on a Molten Carbonate Electrolyzer (MCEC) from an economical and technical perspective. The findings suggest that installing more than two modules is technically infeasible, and installing one module is more economical. Additionally, it is necessary to have a purification process to remove excess CO2. Therefore, the importance of exploring a modular system with a control strategy to match the input renewable source with the system's output target is highlighted.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jin Zhong, Math Bollen, Sarah Ro
Summary: This study explores the possibility of achieving Sweden's goal of 100% renewable electricity production by strengthening wind power generation. By tripling the existing wind power capacity and combining it with existing hydropower, the goal could be reached within 20 years.
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Salvador I. Perez-Uresti, Ricardo M. Lima, Mariano Martin, Arturo Jimenez-Gutierrez
Summary: This work focuses on designing utility plants that use biomass, manure, solar radiation, and wind to generate steam and electricity. The authors propose an optimization framework that considers the hourly and interannual variability of solar and wind resources. Using clustering methods, they capture the resource variability and solve a multi-period optimization problem to minimize costs. The results show that the choice of representative days greatly affects the cost and plant topology.
COMPUTERS & CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Cesar Ramirez-Marquez, Musaed M. Al-Thubaiti, Mariano Martin, Mahmoud M. El-Halwagi, Jose Maria Ponce-Ortega
Summary: Nowadays, industrial processes need to meet market demands and be sustainable. Process intensification (PI) offers opportunities to enhance process performance and achieve sustainability objectives. PI can be achieved through reducing resource consumption, increasing efficiency, downsizing equipment, improving throughput, and reducing environmental emissions. This perspective article discusses the background, challenges, and opportunities of PI in order to identify options for enhanced sustainability. It also explores emerging tools that can help intensify conventional processes and improve sustainable performance.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jose E. Roldan-San Antonio, Mariano Martin
Summary: An integrated facility has been developed to produce biodegradable polymers from biomass residues, such as sawdust, CO2, manure, and sludge. This facility utilizes digested manure and sludge to grow algae, which are then used for oil and starch production. The oil is processed to obtain biodiesel and glycerol, while the starch is combined with glycerol and pretreated sawdust to produce the biodegradable polymer. Mathematical optimization is used to determine the best utilization of resources and optimal operation of the facility. This process captures 2.47 kg of CO2 per kg of biopolymer, with production costs of 0.89 and 0.95 $/kg and an investment capital of 717 and 712 M$, respectively.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Manuel Taifouris, Mariano Martin
Summary: Dependence on fossil fuels and supply disruptions by natural gas suppliers pose a threat to the energy security of European countries. Therefore, analyzing the potential of a circular economy to reduce reliance on fossil natural gas is crucial. This study evaluates the availability of waste and models waste treatment processes as well as analyzing the necessary infrastructure and optimizing the technology and location for waste valorization. The results show that Spain has the potential to cover 35% of its natural gas demand through a circular economy approach, with 19 provinces becoming self-sufficient in natural gas.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Carlos Sanchez Hernandez, Jose L. Sanchez, Jennifer Marcos, Isabel Grondona, Mariano Martin
Summary: Product quality is crucial for maintaining customer trust. This study focuses on the cooling stage of powder products, specifically fertilizers, during storage to prevent damage. A first principles model is developed to evaluate the operation of industrial fluidized vibrating cooling units. The model considers heat transfer efficiency and losses to accurately predict cooling cycle needs and estimate operational costs.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH & DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Elena C. Blanco, Antonio Sanchez, Mariano Martin, Pastora Vega
Summary: In the current energy transition, liquid fuels are being considered as energy storage due to the fluctuations of renewable energy sources, and as energy carriers to introduce renewables in hard-to-electrify applications. Methanol and ammonia are the most promising green liquid fuels. This study assesses the transformation of methanol/ammonia into power through thermochemical and electrochemical routes, with the former showing higher efficiency and better energy performance. The cost for the thermochemical route is currently around 0.3 euro/kWh, while the electrochemical route is around 0.6-1 euro/kWh.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jose D. Hernandez-Betancur, Gerardo J. Ruiz-Mercado, Mariano Martin
Summary: Analyzing chemicals and their effects on the environment from a life cycle viewpoint can help predict and understand potential end-of-life management activities and recycling loops. This work uses quantitative structure-transfer relationship (QSTR) models based on chemical structure-based machine learning (ML) models to predict industrial end-of-life activities, chemical flow allocation, environmental releases, and exposure routes. These models assist stakeholders in making environmental decisions and assessing end-of-life exposure for chemicals.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Mariano Martin, Manuel Taifouris, Guillermo Galan
Summary: Biomass has the potential to be a sustainable source of chemicals, but the challenges it presents necessitate an integrated approach to design a novel production system. The use of multiscale approaches in biorefinery design and deployment has been limited due to the extensive experimental and modeling work required. A systems perspective provides a systematic framework for analyzing the availability and composition of raw materials, as well as the impact on process design and product portfolio. The use of lignocellulosic materials requires multidisciplinary work and the development of process engineers with technical competencies in biology, biotechnology, process engineering, mathematics, computer science, and social sciences for a sustainable process/chemical industry.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Carlos Prieto, Antonio Sanchez, Mariano Martin
Summary: As renewable energy production increases, the demand for energy storage and carrier systems becomes crucial. Hydrogen, with its low volumetric energy density and challenging storage conditions, is positioned as a powerful tool for this purpose. Liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) are considered a promising option for hydrogen storage, but the reactor technology for LOHC processes has not been thoroughly assessed. In this study, a three-phase reactor analysis is conducted to evaluate the two most important reactors for three-phase reactions, trickle bed and slurry. The influence of operating and design variables is studied for two attractive LOHC systems. The results show that the resistance in hydrogenation slurry reactors is mainly gas-liquid in the first region and eventually transitions to kinetics control in the second region. Trickle bed reactors, on the other hand, are primarily controlled by mass transfer. Surrogate models are developed to optimize reactor performance and facilitate the deployment of LOHC systems.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Antonio Sanchez, M. A. Martin Rengel, Mariano Martin
Summary: In order to achieve decarbonisation goals, a zero CO2 emissions large ship propulsion system is proposed, where a large ferry is powered by an internal combustion engine using an ammonia-hydrogen blend as fuel. Only ammonia is loaded onto the vessel, and the required hydrogen for engine combustion is produced onboard through ammonia decomposition. A selective catalytic reduction (SCR) reactor is designed to address NOx emissions. The system's energy and exergy efficiencies are evaluated to be 42.4% and 48.1% respectively, while the total capital cost is estimated to be 8.66 Meuro (784 euro/kW) with operating costs ranging from 210 euro/MWh to 243 euro/MWh. A sensitivity analysis demonstrates the feasibility of reducing operating costs to below 150 euro/MWh in the near future.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jose D. Hernandez-Betancur, Gerardo J. Ruiz-Mercado, Mariano Martin
Summary: Chemical flow analysis (CFA) is used for collecting life-cycle inventory (LCI) and estimating environmental releases. Data-driven modeling is a useful tool for streamlining these tasks, but a data ingestion pipeline is required for real-world deployment. This work contributes a chemical-centric and data-centric approach to extract, transform, and load comprehensive data for CFA at the end-of-life (EoL) stage.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Manuel Taifouris, Mahmoud El-Halwagi, Mariano Martin
Summary: This study evaluates the valorization of grape pomace, the most important waste generated during wine production, and finds that for small or very large capacities, production of high-value-added products is the best option. For intermediate capacities, combustion and gasification stand out while anaerobic digestion excels in low greenhouse gas emissions.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Diego Santamaria, Borja Hernandez, Mariano Martin
Summary: This study compares the economic and environmental aspects of two processes (direct chlorination and hydrochlorination of methanol) for producing chloromethanes from waste brine and CO2. The modeling of both processes using equation-based approach helps determine the optimal operating conditions, particularly related to the reactors. The optimization results show that hydrochlorination of methanol is a more profitable process (minimum selling price of $1.8/kgmethyl chloride) with approximately 5 times higher conversion compared to direct chlorination, although both processes aim to produce methyl chloride. Additionally, direct hydrochlorination has higher emissions (16.2 kgCO2/kgmethyl chloride) compared to hydrochlorination of methanol (4.6 kgCO2/kgmethyl chloride), mainly due to electricity requirements in the electrolyzer, but this can be reduced to -0.5 kgCO2/kgmethyl chloride with fully renewable electricity source. The study also evaluates renewable energy alternatives and processing routes for chloromethanes production.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Yong Cheng, Fukai Song, Lei Fu, Saishuai Dai, Zhiming Yuan, Atilla Incecik
Summary: This paper investigates the accessibility of wave energy absorption by a dual-pontoon floating breakwater integrated with hybrid-type wave energy converters (WECs) and proposes a hydraulic-pneumatic complementary energy extraction method. The performance of the system is validated through experiments and comparative analysis.
Article
Thermodynamics
Jing Gao, Chao Wang, Zhanwu Wang, Jin Lin, Runkai Zhang, Xin Wu, Guangyin Xu, Zhenfeng Wang
Summary: This study aims to establish a new integrated method for biomass cogeneration project site selection, with a focus on the application of the model in Henan Province. By integrating Geographic Information System and Multiple Criterion Decision Making methods, the study conducts site selection in two stages, providing a theoretical reference for the construction of biomass cogeneration projects.
Article
Thermodynamics
Mert Temiz, Ibrahim Dincer
Summary: The current study presents a hybrid small modular nuclear reactor and solar-based system for sustainable communities, integrating floating and bifacial photovoltaic arrays with a small modular reactor. The system efficiently generates power, hydrogen, ammonia, freshwater, and heat for residential, agricultural, and aquaculture facilities. Thermodynamic analysis shows high energy and exergy efficiencies, as well as large-scale ammonia production meeting the needs of metropolitan areas. The hybridization of nuclear and solar technologies offers advantages of reliability, environmental friendliness, and cost efficiency compared to renewable-alone and fossil-based systems.
Editorial Material
Thermodynamics
Wojciech Stanek, Wojciech Adamczyk
Article
Thermodynamics
Desheng Xu, Yanfeng Li, Tianmei Du, Hua Zhong, Youbo Huang, Lei Li, Xiangling Duanmu
Summary: This study investigates the optimization of hybrid mechanical-natural ventilation for smoke control in complex metro stations. The results show that atrium fires are more significantly impacted by outdoor temperature variations compared to concourse/platform fires. The gathered high-temperature smoke inside the atrium can reach up to 900 K under a 5 MW train fire energy release. The findings provide crucial engineering insights into integrating weather data and adaptable ventilation protocols for smoke prevention/mitigation.
Article
Thermodynamics
Da Guo, Heping Xie, Mingzhong Gao, Jianan Li, Zhiqiang He, Ling Chen, Cong Li, Le Zhao, Dingming Wang, Yiwei Zhang, Xin Fang, Guikang Liu, Zhongya Zhou, Lin Dai
Summary: This study proposes a new in-situ pressure-preserved coring tool and elaborates its pressure-preserving mechanism. The experimental and field test results demonstrate that this tool has a high pressure-preservation capability and can maintain a stable pressure in deep wells. This study provides a theoretical framework and design standards for the development of similar technologies.
Article
Thermodynamics
Aolin Lai, Qunwei Wang
Summary: This study assesses the impact of China's de-capacity policy on renewable energy development efficiency (REDE) using the Global-MSBM model and the difference-in-differences method. The findings indicate that the policy significantly enhances REDE, promoting technological advancements and marketization. Moreover, regions with stricter environmental regulations experience a higher impact.
Article
Thermodynamics
Mostafa Ghasemi, Hegazy Rezk
Summary: This study utilizes fuzzy modeling and optimization to enhance the performance of microbial fuel cells (MFCs). By simulating and analyzing experimental data sets, the ideal parameter values for increasing power density, COD elimination, and coulombic efficiency were determined. The results demonstrate that the fuzzy model and optimization methods can significantly improve the performance of MFCs.
Article
Thermodynamics
Zhang Ruan, Lianzhong Huang, Kai Wang, Ranqi Ma, Zhongyi Wang, Rui Zhang, Haoyang Zhao, Cong Wang
Summary: This paper proposes a grey box model for fuel consumption prediction of wing-diesel hybrid vessels based on feature construction. By using both parallel and series grey box modeling methods and six machine learning algorithms, twelve combinations of prediction models are established. A feature construction method based on the aerodynamic performance of the wing and the energy relationship of the hybrid system is introduced. The best combination is obtained by considering the root mean square error, and it shows improved accuracy compared to the white box model. The proposed grey box model can accurately predict the daily fuel consumption of wing-diesel hybrid vessels, contributing to operational optimization and the greenization and decarbonization of the shipping industry.
Article
Thermodynamics
Huayi Chang, Nico Heerink, Junbiao Zhang, Ke He
Summary: This study examines the interaction between off-farm employment decisions between couples and household clean energy consumption in rural China, and finds that two-paycheck households are more likely to consume clean energy. The off-farm employment of women is a key factor driving household clean energy consumption to a higher level, with wage-employed wives having a stronger influence on these decisions than self-employed ones.
Article
Thermodynamics
Hanguan Wen, Xiufeng Liu, Ming Yang, Bo Lei, Xu Cheng, Zhe Chen
Summary: Demand-side management is crucial to smart energy systems. This paper proposes a data-driven approach to understand the relationship between energy consumption patterns and household characteristics for better DSM services. The proposed method uses a clustering algorithm to generate optimal customer groups for DSM and a deep learning model for training. The model can predict the possibility of DSM membership for a given household. The results demonstrate the usefulness of weekly energy consumption data and household socio-demographic information for distinguishing consumer groups and the potential for targeted DSM strategies.
Article
Thermodynamics
Xinglan Hou, Xiuping Zhong, Shuaishuai Nie, Yafei Wang, Guigang Tu, Yingrui Ma, Kunyan Liu, Chen Chen
Summary: This study explores the feasibility of utilizing a multi-level horizontal branch well heat recovery system in the Qiabuqia geothermal field. The research systematically investigates the effects of various engineering parameters on production temperature, establishes mathematical models to describe their relationships, and evaluates the economic viability of the system. The findings demonstrate the significant economic feasibility of the multi-level branch well system.
Article
Thermodynamics
Longxin Zhang, Songtao Wang, Site Hu
Summary: This investigation reveals the influence of tip leakage flow on the modern transonic rotor and finds that the increase of tip clearance size leads to a decline in rotor performance. However, an optimal tip clearance size can extend the rotor's stall margin.
Article
Thermodynamics
Kristian Gjoka, Behzad Rismanchi, Robert H. Crawford
Summary: This paper proposes a framework for assessing the performance of 5GDHC systems and demonstrates it through a case study in a university campus in Melbourne, Australia. The results show that 5GDHC systems are a cost-effective and environmentally viable solution in mild climates, and their successful implementation in Australia can create new market opportunities and potential adoption in other countries with similar climatic conditions.
Article
Thermodynamics
Jianwei Li, Guotai Wang, Panpan Yang, Yongshuang Wen, Leian Zhang, Rujun Song, Chengwei Hou
Summary: This study proposes an orientation-adaptive electromagnetic energy harvester by introducing a rotatable bluff body, which allows for self-regulation to cater for changing wind flow direction. Experimental results show that the output power of the energy harvester can be greatly enhanced with increased rotatory inertia of the rotating bluff body, providing a promising solution for harnessing wind-induced vibration energy.
