Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Debajit Palit, Atul Kumar
Summary: Despite significant progress, the electrification sector in India still faces multiple challenges. This study examined the drivers and barriers to rural electrification, highlighting the importance of enabling policies and government support. The research identified political, economic, and financial factors as the main drivers for centralized grid expansion, and convergence with livelihood programs and electricity for irrigation as strong drivers for RE-based mini-grids. High electricity costs and customers' inability to pay were perceived as barriers for both central grid and mini-grids.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Economics
Rafia Zaman, Debasish Kumar Das, Oscar van Vliet, Alfred Posch
Summary: This study reveals that higher borrowing constraints result in higher costs for solar home system loans for rural households, imposing a poverty penalty on highly constrained borrowers. It is recommended to implement targeted intervention mechanisms to reduce the financial burden on borrowers in poverty-stricken areas.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Reena Sayani, Paloma Ortega-Arriaga, Philip Sandwell, Oytun Babacan, Ajay Gambhir, Darren Robinson, Jenny Nelson
Summary: Demand growth scenarios and choice of mini-grid sizing approaches have significant financial and operational implications for the design of systems for rural electrification. The use of a multi-stage approach in sizing mini-grids can result in cost savings.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS-ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Nicolo Stevanato, Silvia Corigliano, Marina Petrelli, Francesco Tonini, Marco Merlo, Emanuela Colombo
Summary: This study examines the use of standalone solutions like Solar Home Systems in the last-mile electrification of rural communities, questioning the paradigm and proposing alternative approaches that include penalty based on missed services. Results from a case study in Cochabamba, Bolivia, show how incorporating shadow costs can influence optimal electrification strategy, increasing the percentage of users connected to the main grid.
ENERGY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Rohit Sharma, Deepak Choudhary, Sayli Shiradkar, Praveen Kumar, Jayendran Venkateswaran, Chetan Singh Solanki, Gautam N. Yadama
Summary: The study revealed that awareness and willingness to pay for solar products among rural households in India have increased over time, but there is still room for improvement, especially in terms of awareness for solar home systems and solar water pumps. Higher income households are more likely to pay for solar lamps at market price, but this relationship is significantly influenced by their awareness of solar products and motivation to adopt solar technology.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Richard Cartland, Al-Mas Sendegeya, Jean de Dieu Khan Hakizimana
Summary: The power sector in Uganda has been steadily increasing its focus on rural electrification, specifically through grid extension and isolated mini-grids. However, there are issues with system failures and load shedding in the hydropower mini-grids implemented in rural communities. This study investigates the possible causes of these issues and proposes a hybrid system to improve reliability and reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Fernando Antonanzas-Torres, Javier Antonanzas, Julio Blanco-Fernandez
Summary: The current electrification status in West African countries requires improvement, and off-grid mini grids have shown great potential in addressing energy challenges, attracting international funding. Despite rapid growth in the market, research and data on the social impact of mini grids in this region remains scarce.
Article
Economics
Temilade Sesan, Unico Uduka, Lucy Baker, Okechukwu Ugwu, Ewah Eleri, Subhes Bhattacharyya
Summary: This study examines the impact of the regulatory framework on rural electrification and universal energy access goals in Nigeria's mini-grid sector. The findings suggest that while the current framework has fostered sector growth, additional measures are necessary to ensure equitable distribution of access among rural populations.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Alexander Boakye Marful, Oliver Kornyo, Michael Asante, Richard Opoku, Daniel Yaw Addai Duah, Benjamin Tei-Partey
Summary: This study proposes SoAMIRural, which integrates solar PV mini-grid and advanced metering infrastructure for rural communities. The sustainable demand generation capacity of the mini-grid system is determined using the Solar PV Selection Equation Matrix and Sample Size Equation. Load estimations and need assessments are conducted to identify the electric load and priority needs of the rural community. SoAMIRural is evaluated with a 5% error margin, achieving 95% accuracy in energy consumption threshold management and monitoring for energy conservation and sustainability of the mini-grid system.
Article
Economics
Asligul Serasu Duran, Feyza G. Sahinyazan
Summary: Nearly 900 million people lack access to electricity, with many in remote areas heavily relying on expensive diesel generators. Investments in rural electrification projects, especially through renewable mini-grids, face challenges. This study collects data on 104 renewable energy mini-grid projects to understand factors contributing to project success and community benefits.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC PLANNING SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Barbara Liz E. Miravet-Sanchez, Alberto A. Garcia-Rivero, Ricardo Yuli-Posadas, Luis Alberto Rnostroza-Ruiz, Victor Fernandez-Guzman, Yuli Anabel Chavez-Juanito, Jose Miguel Rutti-Marin, Jose Alfonso Apesteguia-Infantes
Summary: This article presents the main characteristics and current development status of photovoltaic (PV) energy in Latin American and Caribbean countries (LAC). It discusses the impact of PV energy on the electrification of isolated or difficult-to-access communities, such as homes, health institutions, and schools. The advantages of using PV energy instead of traditional fuels like firewood and kerosene are highlighted, including improved inhabitants' health and reduced CO2 emissions. The countries of Nicaragua, Peru, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile are notable for their growing PV energy development in the region. A case study on the electrification process by PV systems demonstrates positive changes in improving the quality of life and the physical and mental health of the inhabitants. Furthermore, significant reductions in CO2 emissions are achieved by electrifying houses and reducing firewood and kerosene consumption. However, it is crucial for LAC countries to adopt laws and regulations that regulate the use of PV energy, particularly focusing on recycling systems at the end of their life cycle.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Debajit Palit, Atul Kumar
Summary: This study examines the dynamics of rural electrification in India and the transition to sustainable rural electricity services through a complementary convergence of decentralized and centralized electricity systems. A novel socio-technical framework of analysis is developed and applied in Indian villages, revealing the significant impact of governance on technology performance and customer practices. Key drivers to effective governance include policy enablers, strong institutions, and actors at subnational and local levels.
ENERGY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
P. Pandiyan, R. Sitharthan, S. Saravanan, Natarajan Prabaharan, M. Ramji Tiwari, T. Chinnadurai, T. Yuvaraj, K. R. Devabalaji
Summary: This paper provides a comprehensive review on the enhanced hybrid electrification in rural areas using renewable energy sources such as hydro, wind, biogas, and biomass. It highlights the sustainable and reliable operation of hybrid renewable power generation systems, as well as factors influencing the selection of a particular hybrid energy system and the energy management strategy. The outcomes of this study can be utilized by researchers and stakeholders for rural electricity pricing and policymaking.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AND ASSESSMENTS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Emilia Ines Come Zebra, Henny J. van der Windt, Babatunde Olubayo, Geraldo Nhumaio, Andre P. C. Faaij
Summary: Access to sustainable and affordable electricity remains a challenge for rural communities in developing regions. This study used the HOMER Pro software to identify the most cost-effective system for meeting future electricity demand. The research focused on a solar PV mini-grid system in Mavumira village, Mozambique, and found that a hybrid solar PV/diesel/battery system was the most suitable option. The study also emphasized the importance of addressing economic, social, technical, and institutional aspects to ensure the long-term sustainability of the project.
ENERGY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Chih-Ta Tsai, Yirga Belay Muna, Hsueh-Yuan Lin, Cheng-Chien Kuo, Rainy Hsiung
Summary: The study focuses on implementing solar power microsystems for mini-grids in Myanmar, providing lighting and public electricity to 560 families in two villages. The research improved the quality of life for villagers, saved money on purchasing candles or kerosene, and was conducted with international cooperation.
MICROSYSTEM TECHNOLOGIES-MICRO-AND NANOSYSTEMS-INFORMATION STORAGE AND PROCESSING SYSTEMS
(2021)
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.