Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Hui Wang, Mehdi Torki, Arian Taherian, Mohsen Beigi, Hong-Mei Xiao, Xiao-Ming Fang
Summary: Recently, it has been proven that the combined use of non-thermal technologies can improve the performance of hot air dryers in terms of energy and quality. However, there is no study on the thermodynamic analysis of such hybrid systems. This study investigated the influence of ultrasonic power combined with convective hot air dryer on the exergetic performance of the system. The results showed that the exergy loss decreased with increasing power level, while the exergy destruction decreased at higher air temperatures and velocities. The combination of ultrasonic power with hot air intensified the exergy destruction.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Ana M. Blanco-Marigorta, J. Daniel Marcos
Summary: This paper discusses key issues in the exergy analysis of H2O/LiBr absorption refrigeration cycles, including the identification of the dead state, calculation of exergy of the currents, and definition of exergy efficiency. The study clarifies controversial assumptions, proposes a coherent approach, and compares with existing literature. Results emphasize the importance of correct calculation of chemical exergy and rational exergetic efficiency for absorption refrigeration systems.
CASE STUDIES IN THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Gurjeet Singh, V. V. Tyagi, K. Chopra, A. K. Pandey, R. K. Sharma, Ahmet Sari
Summary: This study conducted a comparative thermodynamic analysis of two-stage and three-stage milk drying units, with the findings indicating that the thermodynamic behavior of the two-stage spray dryer was superior to its three-stage counterpart.
JOURNAL OF THE BRAZILIAN SOCIETY OF MECHANICAL SCIENCES AND ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Water Resources
Joanna Gwoiciziej-Mazur, Piotr Jadwiszczak, Bartosz Kainnierczak, Karina Kozka, Joanna Struk-Sokolowska, Katarzyna Wartalska, D. Marcin Wdowikowski
Summary: Climate changes have a significant influence on the potential for rainwater harvesting in households in Central Europe in Poland. Designing rainwater harvesting systems based on historical climate data and considering long-term rainfall changes can improve system performance.
APPLIED WATER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
C. G. Cutillas, J. Ruiz, F. Asfand, K. Patchigolla, M. Lucas
Summary: This paper compares three condensation systems for heat dissipation in a solar power plant, finding that the cycle refrigerated with a cooling tower achieves the best performance, and the wet system has the highest exergetic performance.
CASE STUDIES IN THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Ranjeet Kumar Rai, Rashmi Rekha Sahoo
Summary: The experimental analysis of a diesel engine with 5% water in diesel emulsion (5% WiDE) based hybrid nano fuel incorporating various-shaped nano-additives showed improvements in brake thermal efficiency, exergy efficiency, engine sustainability, and exergy destruction rate. The application of nano additive in water in diesel emulsion fuel has the potential to enhance engine performance and sustainability.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Anil Basaran, Tuncay Yilmaz, Sukru Taner Azgin, Can Civi
Summary: This study focused on improving energy efficiency and environmental impact of drinking milk production, proposing an inductive heating system and demonstrating its energy-saving potential compared to conventional systems. The results showed that this novel design could significantly reduce energy and exergy consumption, while also lowering production costs.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Abdul Salam Khan
Summary: This study compares the performance and cost-effectiveness of rainwater harvesting systems with conventional water sources. The findings indicate that rainwater harvesting systems are more cost-effective, but need to be integrated with the government supply line for non-potable water demand.
WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Muhammad Usman Sajid, Hafiz Muhammad Ali, Yusuf Bicer
Summary: This study analyzed the impact of different factors on the thermal and exergetic performances of corrugated minichannel heat sinks and compared the thermal performance between different coolants. The results showed that the heat sink with the smallest wavelength and amplitude had the lowest wall temperature, and the use of nanofluid increased the Nusselt number of the heat sink.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Muhammad Ibrahim, Abdallah S. Berrouk, Ebrahem A. Algehyne, Tareq Saeed, Yu-Ming Chu
Summary: This study conducted an exergy analysis on a novel heat sink with nanofluid stream of alumina water, revealing that increasing Reynolds number decreases the maximum and average temperature of the heat sink. This decrease is also observed with the addition of nanoparticles. Furthermore, increasing Reynolds number and volume percentage of nanoparticles result in lower output temperature values.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Abdul Hanan Muhammad Zaheer, Lassaad Gzara, Ahmed Iqbal, Fransesca Macedonio, Mohammed Albeirutty, Enrico Drioli
Summary: This study conducts an exergy analysis on a laboratory membrane distillation unit using brines from reverse osmosis, aiming to assess the system efficiency. It is found that at high feed temperatures, the flux and exergy change increase, leading to higher water recovery and feed side exergetic efficiency.
Article
Thermodynamics
Vikash Kumar
Summary: This study evaluated the exergetic efficiency of a solar air heater duct system with 3 side concave dimple roughness and compared the results with a 1 side roughened system. The experiments under different parameters showed the influence of Reynolds number and temperature parameter on exergetic efficiency.
Article
Engineering, Aerospace
Ozgur Balli, Alper Dalkiran, Tahir Hikmet Karakoc
Summary: This study examines the performance of a micro turbojet engine used in unmanned aerial vehicles at four different modes, focusing on aviation, energetic, exergetic, environmental, sustainability and exergoeconomic aspects. The findings show varying energy and exergy efficiency, cost rates, and exergy cost of engine power across different modes, with Mode 4 achieving the highest efficiency. The novelty of the study lies in its detailed approach to thermodynamic, thermoeconomic and environmental assessments, providing insights for similar systems.
AIRCRAFT ENGINEERING AND AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Shirko Jafary, Shahram Khalilarya, Ali Shawabkeh, Makatar Wae-hayee, Mehran Hashemian
Summary: This study compares two solar powered trigeneration systems from energetic and exergetic viewpoints. The system with ORC-IHE configuration demonstrated higher energy and exergy efficiency compared to the RORC configuration, with energy efficiencies of 93.35% and 86.66%, and exergy efficiencies of 12.69% and 6.641%, respectively.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Ozgur Balli, T. Hikmet Karakoc
Summary: This study presents a detailed analysis of exergy, exergoeconomic, environmental damage cost and impact of the aircraft engine turbofan (ATFE) in the aerospace industry. The results indicate the need to reduce waste exergy rate to improve exergy efficiency and sustainability index of the turbofan engine.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Angelica Mendoza Beltran, Roc Padro, Maria Jose La Rota-Aguilera, Joan Marull, Matthew J. Eckelman, Jacob Cirera, Annalisa Giocoli, Gara Villalba
Summary: Peri urban agriculture has the potential to provide local food in a more sustainable way, but it also brings environmental impacts. This study used a life cycle assessment method to evaluate the environmental impacts of peri urban agriculture in the Barcelona metropolitan area. The study identified the most impactful land uses and resources. The findings provide valuable baseline data for transition scenarios and sustainable strategies for peri urban agriculture.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Nick Martin, Laura Talens-Peiro, Gara Villalba-Mendez, Rafael Nebot-Medina, Cristina Madrid-Lopez
Summary: Many long-term sustainable energy transition policy decisions rely on models that do not consider environmental impacts and constraints, leading to incomplete and potentially misleading information. The ENBIOS framework integrates a broader range of indicators into energy modelling and policymaking practices, providing deeper insights into potential energy systems.
Article
Agronomy
E. Appolloni, G. Pennisi, I. Paucek, A. Cellini, A. Crepaldi, F. Spinelli, G. Gianquinto, X. Gabarrell, F. Orsini
Summary: Growing conditions and agronomical inputs are crucial for fruit quality and nutritional traits. Supplementary LED interlighting during greenhouse tomato cultivation can increase fruit firmness, extend storage time, and maintain nutritional content.
POSTHARVEST BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Beatriz Espinosa-Aquino, Xavier Gabarrell Durany, Roberto Quiros Vargas
Summary: The social and spatial segregation structures in Latin America lead to the concentration of social or demographic groups in specific geographic sectors of the city, creating poor, wealthy, and marginal areas. This segregation destroys the symbolic and territorial urban continuity, resulting in marginalization and fragmentation. A bibliographic evaluation was conducted in eight Latin American countries to understand the behavior and conditions of informal waste pickers. The study evaluated their environmental contribution, organizations, and their link with urban metabolism. The findings showed that well-organized waste pickers contribute to the city's sustainability and provide better living conditions, while marginal groups engage in waste collection for economic support.
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Sergi Ventura, Josep Ramon Miro, Juan Carlos Pena, Gara Villalba
Summary: Heatwaves are expected to increase in duration and intensity in the coming decades, but their synoptic and mesoscale behavior in mid-latitude regions is not well understood. This study proposes a combination of temperature and synoptic patterns to better define and understand heatwaves, and applies this approach to the Iberian Peninsula and the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona. The results show that four synoptic patterns explain a significant portion of heatwave variability, and these patterns continue to be relevant in future scenarios. Future heatwave events are characterized by an increase in geopotential height at 500 hPa and changes in atmospheric dynamics. These findings highlight the importance of considering synoptic patterns and geopotential height in heatwave prediction.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gaia Stringari, Joan Villanueva, Antoni Rosell-Mele, Nuria Moraleda-Cibrian, Francesco Orsini, Gara Villalba, Xavier Gabarrell
Summary: The promotion of urban green installations can increase sustainable and accessible food production, as well as improve the environmental performance and liveability of city buildings. However, the increase in biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) caused by these installations, especially indoors, may raise health concerns and limit the implementation of building-integrated agriculture.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Elisa Appolloni, Ivan Paucek, Giuseppina Pennisi, Luigi Manfrini, Xavier Gabarrell, Giorgio Gianquinto, Francesco Orsini
Summary: In a high-wire tomato greenhouse, solar radiation is mostly intercepted by the top of the crop canopy, and the role of lower leaves diminishes with age, turning them into sink organs rather than sources. Basal leaf defoliation is a widely used practice in high-wire greenhouse cultivation management. However, supplemental LED lighting for high-density tomato production may affect the role of basal leaves, promoting their source role for fruit development and growth.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Francesco Cirone, Mara Petruzzelli, Fabio De Menna, Antonella Samoggia, Enrico Buscaroli, Emanuele Durante, Francesco Orsini, Marti Rufi-Salis, Pietro Tonini, Xavier Gabarrell Durany, Luuk Graamans, Agnes Fargue-Lelievre, Veronique Saint-Ges, Runrid Fox-Kaemper, Kathrin Specht, Jose J. Pascual-Fernandez, Matteo Vittuari
Summary: To assess the sustainability of City Region Food Systems in Europe, a simplified scoring system was designed and tested based on a Life Cycle Thinking approach. The research involved stakeholders from multidisciplinary expertise and resulted in a qualitative-quantitative appraisal survey tool, providing insights on the social, economic, and environmental impacts.
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Susana Toboso-Chavero, Antonio Luis Montealegre, Sergio Garcia-Perez, Jorge Sierra-Perez, Joan Munoz-Liesa, Gara Villalba, Xavier Gabarrell Durany, Cristina Madrid-Lopez
Summary: The external resource dependency of urban areas leads to the externalization of environmental and socioeconomic impacts. Implementing food, energy, and water production systems on urban rooftops can increase cities' self-sufficiency, depending on the city's urban morphology. This study analyzed the supply potential and impacts of different roof mosaic scenarios in Cerdanyola, a town in the metropolitan area of Barcelona. The results showed variations in self-sufficiency levels and impacts based on different urban forms.
SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Pietro Tonini, Pere Munoz Odina, Xavier Gabarrell Durany
Summary: This study aimed to understand food waste behaviors in households with children and investigate the predictive abilities of socioeconomic characteristics and related behaviors. The findings showed that perishable food items were the primary items wasted in these households, and two patterns of food waste were identified - inadequate food management and over-purchasing perishable items. Household type and purchasing habits were significant predictors.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Urban Studies
Perla Zambrano-Prado, Alejandro Josa, Joan Rieradevall, Ramon Alamus, Fernando Perez, Juan Marchan, Santiago Gasso, Xavier Gabarrell
Summary: In recent years, rooftops have been increasingly utilized as productive spaces, and this study aims to explore the potential of using hyperspectral data to identify roof materials for resource production. The case study conducted in a Mediterranean region north of Barcelona identified diverse building typologies, uses, and population densities. By employing two hyperspectral remote sensors, the study successfully identified seven roof classes using the k-means clustering algorithm. The majority of roofs were found to be made of metals, followed by ceramic tiles. The findings indicate that 51% of the rooftops analyzed have the potential for food, water, or energy production, although further criteria are needed for a more comprehensive assessment.
JOURNAL OF URBAN TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Veronica Arcas-Pilz, Xavier Gabarrell, Francesco Orsini, Gara Villalba
Summary: Urban agriculture activities are becoming more popular and important due to increased food demands and reduced agricultural land. The recovery of nutrients from waste sources in urban areas can enhance circularity, self-sufficiency, and reduce environmental costs. This study identifies various strategies for nutrient recovery and assesses their potential to meet the nutrient demands of urban agriculture in Barcelona. The results show that while the current perception, legislation, and costs hinder the implementation of nutrient recovery strategies, they hold promise for the future.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yui Kawasaki, Sayaka Nagao-Sato, Misa Shimpo, Kahori Fujisaki, Emi Yoshii, Rie Akamatsu, Petra Warschburger
Summary: This study qualitatively describes sustainable dietary behaviors (SDBs) that Japanese and German adults can implement in their lives, and quantitatively compares the similarities and differences in understanding SDBs between the two samples. The study found that Japanese participants were more focused on food waste prevention, while German participants were more focused on solving environmental problems.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kechun Chen, Yuan Ding, Liming Yang, Zhihao Wang, Haoxuan Yu, Difan Fang, Yufa Feng, Liying Hu, Chenxi Xu, Penghui Shao, Xubiao Luo, Liang Chen
Summary: This study proposes a targeted repair scheme for the recovery of graphite anodes from spent LIBs by systematically characterizing and analyzing the structure and composition of spent graphite (SG). The results show that the repair scheme achieves effective SG repair and the repaired graphite anode displays excellent lithium storage performance.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Takao Ueda, Shigeki Koyanaka, Tatsuya Oki
Summary: Fires caused by accidental crushing of batteries are a serious issue in the e-waste recycling process. A new in-line sorting system that uses X-ray scanning and deep learning has been developed to accurately detect batteries. Through a validation study, the system achieved higher accuracy compared to other existing programs.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hannes Geist, Frank Balle
Summary: Research on circular economy often lacks empirical data, especially in the theory of circular process design and design for remanufacturing. This study systematically collected and analyzed engineering data on seven remanufacturing processes in the European automotive remanufacturing industry for the first time, providing empirical support for circular engineering challenges, potentials, and solutions.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaojing Li, Fan Lue, Nanlin Liao, Hua Zhang, Na Yang, Pinjing He
Summary: This study assesses and predicts the greenhouse gas emissions on the timeline as waste treatment technologies develop in Shanghai from 1991 to 2025 using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. The findings demonstrate that GHG emission has reached net-zero in 2019 owing to the application of alternative technologies and waste segregation.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bingchun Liu, Haoyang Wang, Xiaoqin Liang, Yibo Wang, Zijie Feng
Summary: The expansion of the photovoltaic market has resulted in a significant increase in PV waste. Therefore, conducting scientific research to determine the importance of the circular economy for sustainable growth in the PV industry is essential. The study demonstrates that accurate prediction of PV installed capacity and quantifying the importance of recycling in balancing the supply and demand of raw materials can be achieved through a multi-factor installed capacity prediction model and recovery potential prediction.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Chuanzhen Zhang, Baojing Gu, Xia Liang, Shu Kee Lam, Yi Zhou, Deli Chen
Summary: Reactive nitrogen is crucial for agriculture and human nutrition, but mismanagement can have detrimental effects on human health and ecosystem services, hindering the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Progress towards nitrogen-related targets varies across countries, highlighting the need for integrated management to achieve overall synergies.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Alessandro Gatto, Marijke Kuiper, Corina van Middelaar, Hans van Meijl
Summary: This study examines the economic and environmental effects of transitioning towards more circular food systems in the European Union (EU27) by feeding animals with low-opportunity-cost feed and better utilizing local feed resources. The results show that providing subsidies for circularity and promoting the use of low-cost feed can increase animal production, but also have negative impacts on land use and emissions. On the other hand, promoting domestic feed sourcing through import tariffs can decrease animal production and greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture. However, complementary policies are needed to mitigate drawbacks and enhance benefits of a more circular agri-food system.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jinbo Zhang, Liu Chen, Yulei Xie, Pingjian Yang, Zheng Li, Huaicheng Guo, Yang Zhang, Lirong Liu
Summary: This study examines the impact of carbon taxes on low-carbon development and climate change mitigation. By constructing a cross-system bi-layer model, the study finds that reasonable carbon taxes can promote the stability of the energy network, reduce carbon emissions and air pollutants, and optimize production efficiency and the structure of the energy system. This study contributes to a better understanding of the effects and implementation pathways of carbon taxes.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Konstantin Born, Mehmet Metehan Ciftci
Summary: Increasing recycling of metals is important for reducing reliance on mining, but it cannot fully meet future metal demand. Primary production of metals is expected to continue rising, highlighting the need for alternative circular economy strategies such as demand reduction and mitigating harmful impacts of primary metal production.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yinqiu Ma, Lin Huang, Jiahui Li, Wei Cao, Yumei Cai
Summary: Afforestation and reforestation, such as China's Grain for Green Program, have shown to effectively mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to carbon sink capacity. This study highlights the significant carbon potential of the program and its potential application in other countries to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Arlind Dervishaj, Kjartan Gudmundsson
Summary: This paper reviews digital tools for supporting the Circular Economy (CE) in the built environment and provides suggestions. The study identifies limitations in the functionalities of current tools, including a lack of representative data for LCA and underdeveloped circularity indicators. Further development is needed in terms of interoperability aspects, integration of more sources of data for LCA and circularity, and possibilities for a comprehensive evaluation of design choices.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mohamadreza Y. Azarfam, Anuj Maheshwari, Frank D. Blum, Siddhesh Chaudhari, Clinton Switzer, Ranji Vaidyanathan, Jay C. Hanan, Sudheer Bandla
Summary: This study introduces a feasible method for manufacturing recycled composites using post-consumer carpets and recycled resin. The resulting composites have impressive strength and modulus, surpassing commercial thermoplastics and making them suitable for structural applications. This research presents a promising approach to address carpet landfilling and reduce reliance on additives.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Pujiang Shi, Tianle Huang, Hong Kit Lim, Chiew Kei Tan, Jong-Min Lee, Chor Yong Tay
Summary: This study developed a highly porous bioadaptive 3D sponge-like construct from plastic materials in discarded keyboards for advanced in vitro applications. The findings demonstrate the potential of using discarded keyboards as a waste-to-resource feedstock to achieve waste reduction and maximize value-capture.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kuo-Jui Wu, Hailing Qiu, Caiyan Huang, Anthony S. F. Chiu, Ming-Lang Tseng
Summary: Government resource allocation practices for achieving carbon neutrality should be guided by dynamic system theory to identify potential dynamics. Carbon intensity control dynamics have a significant influence on other dynamics.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
