Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Rashi Dhanraj, Varun Punnathanam, Yogendra Shastri
Summary: This study proposed a multi-objective optimization model to design lignocellulosic biofuels production system, considering factors such as regional water availability, land availability, and competing water demands. The results showed a significant trade-off between ethanol cost and irrigation water requirement, recommending specific crops and biorefinery locations in different regions.
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jikai Zhao, Yang Yang, Juhee Lee, Meng Zhang, Donghai Wang
Summary: This study proposes a facile process for ethanol fermentation by adjusting pH, reducing water and chemical consumption. Economic analysis shows that raw material and utility costs are important factors in annual operating costs, and the costs of corn stover and water for cooling are dominant elements affecting ethanol minimum selling prices.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
M. Chaitanya Reddy, K. Venkata Rao, Gamini Suresh
Summary: By optimizing energy consumption and minimizing surface defects in wire cut electric discharge machining, energy can be saved and machining quality can be improved. In this study, two optimization algorithms were used to optimize controllable parameters, with TLBO method significantly reducing energy consumption and improving performance characteristics compared to GTUC method.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Xing Zhou, Guang Li, Fan Liu, Na Li
Summary: A new ethanol production process from corn straw based on chemical looping gasification is developed and simulated in this study. The system demonstrates high energy efficiency, low ethanol selling price, and a relatively low investment in chemical looping gasification equipment.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Natalia Naval, Jose M. Yusta, Raul Sanchez, Fernando Sebasti
Summary: Pumped hydro-energy storage will become an essential component of power systems by adding value to renewable integration and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. This research presents an optimized model for combining photovoltaic and wind power plants with reversible pump-turbine units to maximize profits and meet electricity demand. The results demonstrate that the integration of renewable energy and pumped hydro-energy storage reduces energy dependence and ensures the security and stability of power systems.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Imran, Naeem Iqbal, Do Hyeun Kim
Summary: This paper explores the application of IoT-based energy-saving technologies in smart residential buildings, proposing an IoT task management mechanism based on predictive optimization for minimizing energy consumption. The results demonstrate that the predictive optimization mechanism outperforms traditional prediction and optimization methods in achieving energy savings in residential buildings.
ENERGY AND BUILDINGS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Siraprapa Yosthongngam, Roengchai Tansuchat, Woraphon Yamaka
Summary: This paper fills the research gap by examining the co-volatility spillover between corn and ethanol markets in the United States, Brazil, and China. The empirical results show a significant bidirectional volatility spillover between corn and ethanol in all countries, and the co-volatility fluctuates over time.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Usame Ali Usca, Serhat Sap, Mahir Uzun, Mustafa Kuntoglu, Emin Salur, Abdulkerim Karabiber, Danil Yu Pimenov, Khaled Giasin, Szymon Wojciechowski
Summary: The current study investigates the influence of machining and production parameters on the milling of Cu/B-CrC composites. The relationship between energy consumption and cutting speed, feed rate, and reinforcement ratio is examined. The results reveal that the reinforcement ratio has the most significant impact on energy demand, followed by the feed rate and cutting speed.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Shuhang Wang, Xu Wang, Zhenghui Fu, Feng Liu, Ye Xu, Wei Li
Summary: A combined heating and power (CHP) system is a distributed energy system with high energy efficiency and low pollutant emissions. Exploring the relationship between energy production and water consumption in CHP systems is crucial in reducing water consumption while maximizing system benefits. Additionally, incorporating water availability into traditional CHP operation optimization models can achieve a balance between water resource protection and energy demand satisfaction.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nikos Goliopoulos, Daniel Mamais, Constantinos Noutsopoulos, Argyri Dimopoulou, Christos Kounadis
Summary: Wastewater treatment plants in Greece consume significant energy and produce greenhouse gas emissions. This study assesses the energy and carbon footprint of Greek WWTPs and proposes methods to improve energy efficiency and reduce GHG emissions.
Article
Thermodynamics
Qiaoxin Zhang, Rang Tu, Mengdan Liu
Summary: This paper proposes a heat pump driven atmospheric water harvesting system that can operate in direct cooling mode and desiccant wheels assisted cooling mode. Investigations were conducted to identify the optimal operation mode and operation parameters under different ambient conditions and daily water harvesting requirements. The performance of the system in different climate zones was also analyzed.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Natasha E. Batista, Paulo C. M. Carvalho, Luis M. Fernandez-Ramirez, Arthur P. S. Braga
Summary: Based on a systematic and bibliometric review, the combined use of Portfolio Theory (PT) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is proposed for the energy management of a Hybrid Renewable Energy System (HRES) powered reverse osmosis (RO) plant. The aim is to achieve Multi-Objective Optimization (MOO), decreasing the Drinking Water Cost (DWC) and increasing the system reliability and components lifetime. The review reveals that HOMER is the most commonly used software for hybrid plants sizing and optimization, but it has limitations in terms of component power range and computational cost associated with hydrogen production and storage. In contrast, optimization methods based on PSO show lower computational cost and robust results. Additionally, the use of PT for HRES energy management is innovative, as PT has traditionally been applied in the economy sector.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Zongyi Xing, Junlin Zhu, Zhenyu Zhang, Yong Qin, Limin Jia
Summary: This article proposes an energy consumption optimization model for tramway operation based on an improved PSO algorithm. By establishing an energy consumption model and applying the improved algorithm, the operational cost of tramway is reduced. The effectiveness of the developed method is validated using the Guangzhou Haizhu tramway as an example.
Article
Thermodynamics
Tamas Miseta, Attila Fodor, Agnes Vathy-Fogarassy
Summary: This paper focuses on the predictive control and profit optimization model of storage-based renewable power plants. It proposes electricity price prediction and electricity trading optimization strategies, and validates their effectiveness through testing, proposing a novel model predictive control workflow and sizing guide.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Guozhen Li, Zhenyu Zhang, Wankai Shi, Wenyong Li
Summary: In this study, a hybrid train power component model was developed to analyze power flows in different operating modes and derive the train operating efficiency and optimal integrated efficiency. Mode division rules were determined based on the overall optimal efficiency, and proportional integral control was used to ensure engine and motor operation at target speed and torque. A forward simulation model for overall efficiency optimization was built in MATLAB/Simulink, and simulation results verified the effectiveness of the energy management strategy based on integrated efficiency optimization in hybrid trains.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Cesar Ramirez-Marquez, Aurora del Carmen Munguia-Lopez, Mariano Martin, Juan Gabriel Segovia-Hernandez, Jose Maria Ponce-Ortega
Summary: The present study aims to design and optimize a multi-product solar grade silicon refinery using a systematic approach, considering different equity schemes to maximize profit. The results demonstrate that the Nash scheme can achieve fair resource allocation while meeting market demands.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH & DESIGN
(2022)
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)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Physical
Mariano Martin
Summary: A recent paper in Joule suggests that hydrogen may become a competitive heat source technology compared to natural gas by 2050.
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
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
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Edgar Martin-Hernandez, Clara Montero-Rueda, Gerardo J. Ruiz-Mercado, Celine Vaneeckhaute, Mariano Martin
Summary: Intensive livestock farming generates a large amount of organic materials, leading to nitrogen releases that contribute to various environmental problems. Nitrogen recovery and recycling are feasible and cost-effective approaches to reduce nutrient pollution caused by livestock operations. This study conducted a techno-economic assessment of different techniques for nitrogen recovery and recycling, and the results showed that processes such as transmembrane chemisorption, MAPHEX, and stripping in packed bed are effective and have lower recovery costs compared to economic losses from uncontrolled nitrogen release. Overall, nitrogen recycling is important for both environmental and economic benefits.
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION
(2023)
