Article
Energy & Fuels
Thossaporn Wijakmatee, Nichakorn Hemra, Suwimol Wongsakulphasatch, Phavanee Narataruksa, Kraipat Cheenkachorn, Chaiwat Prapainainar
Summary: The study compared three biodiesel production processes and found that the integrated microscale reactor and separator (Case III) showed the highest methyl ester yield, the least number of unit operations and waste water generation, as well as the minimum energy consumption and footprint area, indicating it as a sustainable and efficient approach for biodiesel production.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING AND PROCESSING-PROCESS INTENSIFICATION
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Omar Aboelazayem, Mamdouh Gadalla, Ibrahim Alhajri, Basudeb Saha
Summary: This study investigates the conceptual design of integrating supercritical biodiesel production process with ORC, and provides energy and techno-economic comparative study for three different scenarios. The integration of biodiesel process with ORC resulted in electric power generation that satisfies the process electric requirement and provides excess power.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Renzo Carlucci, Juan A. Arancibia, Guillermo R. Labadie
Summary: Phytosterols, naturally occurring plant sterols, have been found in various plant-based foods and have potential beneficial effects on human health, particularly in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. In this study, an efficient method for preparing phytosterols from a by-product of biodiesel production was developed and optimized using an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional mineral acids. The optimized method showed improved yield and offered a greener approach in terms of E factor, energy consumption, and safety. This has important implications for the food and nutraceutical industries, which are increasingly focused on using renewable and eco-friendly sources.
SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY AND PHARMACY
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mostafa E. Elshobary, Rania A. El-Shenody, Abd El-Fatah Abomohra
Summary: This study evaluated eight seaweeds for dual biodiesel and/or bioethanol production, finding that the brown seaweed Dilophus fasciola had the highest lipid and carbohydrate contents. The sequential production method (R3) showed higher yields and energy output compared to direct production methods (R1 and R2).
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Hye-Jin Cho, Seong-Yong Cheon, Jae-Weon Jeong
Summary: This study evaluated the energy saving potential of a new dual-core energy recovery ventilation unit. The results showed that this unit could reduce building airconditioning loads by 14.1% to 15.9% in summer, intermediate season, and winter compared to a conventional system. The proposed system also presented an annual primary energy savings of 10.6% over the reference system.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Vahid Pirouzfar, Hossein Sakhaeinia, Chia-Hung Su
Summary: In this study, the production of biodiesel and its combustion for electricity generation were simulated using Aspen HYSYS software. From technical, economic, energy, and environmental perspectives, the gas cycle was identified as the better option for generating electricity from biodiesel.
Article
Thermodynamics
Bingxin Zhang, Ming Gao, Weiqi Tang, Xiaona Wang, Chuanfu Wu, Qunhui Wang
Summary: This study investigated the effects of methanol vapour esterification (MVE) on catalyst activity and reusability. The results showed that MVE achieved a high conversion yield of 98.8%, and the catalyst could be reused up to eight batches with a conversion rate of 83.4%. Compared to liquid methanol esterification (LME), MVE offered a higher turnover frequency and number of catalyst reuses. It also reduced leaching and chemical derivatization of the acidic groups on the catalyst surface, resulting in a lower production cost of methyl oleate.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Joao R. Pacheco, Hugo G. D. Villardi, Raquel M. Cavalcante, Andre F. Young
Summary: This study explores three nonconventional supercritical routes for industrial biodiesel production, with Routes 1 and 3 proving to be technically feasible while Route 2 requires further development.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Abu Yousuf, Md Shahadat Hossain, Nishat Paul, Md Woashib Shikder, Deepak Kumar, Domenico Pirozzi, Ahmed Nazmus Sakib, Pejman Kazempoor
Summary: This paper presents a systematic approach for producing methanol from industrial waste gases. The study investigates the impact of process parameters on methanol synthesis and develops an efficient heat exchange network system. The findings provide insights for further improvements in methanol synthesis processes.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Daniel Vazquez, Gonzalo Guillen-Gosalbez
Summary: The chemical engineering community is increasingly focusing on designing sustainable processes. A new approach incorporating absolute sustainability criteria using the planetary boundaries concept is proposed to address the limitations of conventional life cycle assessment methods. The results show that the sustainability level of fossil-based chemicals can be significantly improved by selecting hydrogen sources appropriately, opening up new avenues for including absolute sustainability criteria in process design.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mustafa Kamal Pasha, Lingmei Dai, Dehua Liu, Miao Guo, Wei Du
Summary: Biodiesel is considered a promising alternative to fossil fuels with similar properties and environmental benefits. Developing cost-effective catalysts and using a variety of feedstock are key to reducing production costs and optimizing the biodiesel manufacturing process. Process systems engineering provides an efficient approach to design and optimize biodiesel production systems, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for sustainable enzymatic biodiesel technology.
BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Reda Z. K. Hussein, Nahed K. Attia, Mai K. Fouad, Shakinaz T. ElSheltawy
Summary: Waste cooking oil was used to synthesize biolubricant, with optimized conditions achieving the highest conversion rate. The structural and thermal properties of the produced biolubricant were tested, showing compliance with ISO VG68 viscosity grade and better low temperature applicability. Simulation results demonstrated the industrial applicability of the studied biolubricant production process using different models on Aspen HYSYS program version 9.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Ronaldy J. M. C. L. Silva, Thiberio P. C. Souza, Diego R. M. Elihimas, Josivan P. Silva, Allan A. Albuquerque, Jose G. A. Pacheco, Jose M. F. Silva
Summary: An innovative integrated process of ethanol dehydration and ethylic biodiesel production using absorption and reactive distillation processes was demonstrated, showing high purity ethanol, high oil conversion rate, and high biodiesel yield. The process proved to be economically attractive and efficient for ethylic biodiesel production.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Henrique Vieira de Mendonca, Marcelo Henrique Otenio, Leonilde Marchao, Alice Lomeu, Denise Salvador de Souza, Alberto Reis
Summary: The study shows that using dairy wastewater for microalgae biofuel production is feasible and can potentially replace a portion of the fossil fuels currently used in Brazil. The growth yield and chemical composition of microalgae vary under different modes, but using dairy wastewater still offers a sustainable solution for biofuel production.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Naveenkumar Rajendran, Jeehoon Han
Summary: This study compared the sustainable production of polylactic acid (PLA) and biodiesel from Food Waste (FW) in four countries, showing that FW from the USA has better economic feasibility. The composition of FW from different countries impacts the production rates of PLA and biodiesel, while sensitivity analysis indicates that biodiesel-selling price, PLA-selling price, income tax, and project lifetime affect techno-economic analysis parameters.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
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.