bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Redox Cycles, Active Materials, and Reactors Applied to Water and Carbon Dioxide Splitting for Solar Thermochemical Fuel Production: A Review
Authors: Abanades Stéphane
Published: September 2022

The solar thermochemical two-step splitting of H2O and CO2 based on metal oxide compounds is a promising path for clean and efficient generation of hydrogen and renewable synthetic fuels. The two-step process is based on the endothermic solar thermal reduction of a metal oxide releasing O2 using a high-temperature concentrated solar heat source, followed by the exothermic oxidation of the reduced oxide with H2O and/or CO2 to generate pure H2 and/or CO. This pathway relates to one of the emerging and most promising processes for solar thermochemical fuel production encompassing green H2 and the recycling/valorization of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. It represents an efficient route for solar energy conversion and storage into renewable and dispatchable fuels, by directly converting the whole solar spectrum using heat delivered by concentrating systems. This eliminates the need for photocatalysts or intermediate electricity production, thus bypassing the main limitations of the low-efficient photochemical and electrochemical routes currently seen as the main green methods for solar fuel production. In this context, among the relevant potential redox materials, thermochemical cycles based on volatile and non-volatile metal oxides are particularly attractive. Most redox pairs in two-step cycles proceed with a phase change (solid-to-gas or solid-to-liquid) during the reduction step, which can be avoided by using non-stoichiometric oxides (chiefly, spinel, fluorite, or perovskite-structured materials) through the creation of oxygen vacancies in the lattice. The oxygen sub-stoichiometry determines the oxygen exchange capacity, thus determining the fuel production output per mass of redox-active material. This paper provides an overview of the most advanced cycles involving ZnO/Zn, SnO2/SnO, Fe3O4/FeO, ferrites, ceria, and perovskites redox systems by focusing on their ability to perform H2O and CO2 splitting during two-step thermochemical cycles with high fuel production yields, rapid reaction rates, and performance stability. Furthermore, the possible routes for redox-active material integration and processing in various solar reactor technologies are also described.
Capacitance Temperature Dependence Analysis of GaN-on-Si Power Transistors
Authors: Rigaud-Minet Florian , Buckley Julien , Vandendaele William , Charles Matthew , Jaud Marie-Anne , Rémont Elise , Morel Hervé , Planson Dominique , Gwoziecki Romain , Gillot Charlotte , Sousa Véronique
Published: September 2022

Many kinds of defects are present in the different layers of GaN-on-Si epitaxy. Their study is very important, especially because they play a significant role on the device characteristics. This paper investigates the cause of the temperature dependence of the output and Miller capacitance at three temperatures: 25 °C, 75 °C and 150 °C of GaN-on-Si power transistors. In particular, this study focuses on the temperature dependence of the depletion voltage seen in these characteristics due to the progressive depletion of the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) under the device field plates. First, variations of the epitaxial growth are studied, showing that the intrinsic carbon concentration does not play a significant role. Secondly, the deep acceptor trap origin of the temperature dependence is analyzed with a TCAD simulation study. Thirdly, by adjusting TCAD parameters and binding them with experimental concentrations to fit experimental data, trap properties were obtained. The comparison of these properties with the acceptor traps in the literature suggests that the origin is a gallium vacancy tied to oxygen atom(s) on the N site.
Microscopic Mechanism for the Displacement of Shale Oil by CO2 in Organic Nanopores
Authors: Dou Xiangji , Zhu Pengfei , Qi Guodong , He Yanfeng , Shao Dongdong , Qian Kun
Published: September 2022

The effective displacement of the shale oil from organic nanopores plays a significant role in development of the shale oil reservoirs. In order to deeply understand the microscopic displacement mechanism of alkane of shale oil by CO2 in organic nanopores, microscopic pore model of organic matter and molecular model of CO2 and n-dodecane were established to investigate the influences of key parameters on the displacement process by using the Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulation method. The instantaneous adsorption of molecules demonstrates that the displacement of n-dodecane and the adsorption of CO2 are proportional to the increase of the injection pressure of CO2 as well as the pore size. In addition, the results also show that the adsorption capacity of CO2 first increases and then decreases with the increase of the temperature, which indicates that the optimum temperature exists for the adsorption of CO2. This work can provide critical insights into understanding the microscopic displacement mechanism of shale oil by CO2 in organic nanopores in shale oil reservoirs and lay a solid foundation for the CO2 flooding in the shale oil reservoir and the CO2 storage.
Quasi-Zero Stiffness-Based Synchronous Vibration Isolation and Energy Harvesting: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Chen Zhiwen , Chen Zhongsheng , Wei Yongxiang
Published: September 2022

In recent years, the advantages of nonlinearity in vibration isolation and energy harvesting have become increasingly apparent. The quasi-zero stiffness (QZS) of the nonlinear term provided by the negative stiffness element can achieve vibration isolation under low-frequency environments while improving the efficiency of energy harvesting. The QZS provides a new research idea for simultaneous vibration isolation and energy harvesting. The main purpose of this paper is to review past research results, summarize possible problems, and discuss trends. After briefly analyzing the basic principle of QZS vibration isolation, the progress of QZS in vibration isolation and energy harvesting in recent years is reviewed. At the same time, main challenges of QZS in realizing synchronous vibration isolation and energy harvesting are also discussed. Finally, according to the existing QZS challenges, the future development trend of QZS is proposed. This paper would provide a quick guide for future newcomers to this field.
Equation of State for Bismuth at High Energy Densities
Authors: Khishchenko Konstantin
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this work is to describe the thermodynamic properties of bismuth in a broad scope of mechanical and thermal effects. A model of the equation of state in a closed form of the functional relationship between pressure, specific volume, and specific internal energy is developed. A new expression is proposed for the internal energy of a zero-temperature isotherm in a wide range of compression ratios, which has asymptotics to the Thomas–Fermi model with corrections. Based on the new model, an equation of state for bismuth in the region of body-centered cubic solid and liquid phases is constructed. The results of calculating the thermodynamic characteristics of these condensed phases with the new EOS are compared with the available experimental data for this metal in waves of shock compression and isentropic expansion. The parameters of shock waves in air obtained earlier by unloading shock-compressed bismuth samples are reconsidered. The newly developed equation of state can be used in modeling various processes in this material at high energy densities.
Parameter Matching, Optimization, and Classification of Hybrid Electric Emergency Rescue Vehicles Based on Support Vector Machines
Authors: Agyeman Philip K. , Tan Gangfeng , Alex Frimpong J. , Valiev Jamshid F. , Owusu-Ansah Prince , Olayode Isaac O. , Hassan Mohammed A.
Published: September 2022

Based on the requisition for an ideal precise power source for a hybrid electric emergency rescue vehicle (HE-ERV), we present an optimistic parameter matching and optimization schemes for the selection of a HE-ERV. Then, given a set of optimized power source components, they are classified into different types of HE-ERV. In this study, due to the different design objectives of different types of emergency rescue vehicles and the problems of hybrid electric vehicle parameter matching, a multi-island genetic algorithm (MIGA) and non-linear programming quadratic Lagrangian (NLPQL) is proposed for the matched parameters. The vehicle dynamic model is established based on the AVL Cruise simulation platform. The power source performance parameters are matched by theoretical analysis and coupled to the simulation platform. Finally, the optimized matched parameters are classified based on the support vector machines classification model to determine the category of the HE-ERV. The classification results showed that there is an unprecedented level for categorizing several factors of the power source parameters. This research showed that its more logical and reasonable to match HE-ERVs with medium motor/engine power output and battery capacity, as these can attain dynamic performance, extended driving range, and reduced energy consumption.
A Working Fluid Assessment for a Biomass Organic Rankine Cycle under Different Conditions
Authors: Ji Jie , Zhang Jiayu , Jia Xiaoying , Ji Rundong , Sheng Zhenglin , Qin Jingxin , Zhao Huanyu , Tang Jiankang , Su Jiaoyue , Wang Yaodong
Published: September 2022

Many thermal resources are not reasonably used in the chemical industry’s production process. To recover the waste heat from organic waste residue-calcium carbonate (CaCO3), which is added to inhibit hydrogen production, an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) system is applied in this research. An ORC system can reuse the low-temperature waste heat that is not fully utilized. In this study, the mathematical model of the biomass ORC power generation system is constructed. Five organic working fluids, R11, R113, R123, R141b, and R245fa, were selected from the physical characteristics and safety of working fluids. The system application case is the low-temperature heat absorption in a chemical industry’s production process. The system is simulated by Aspen Plus V11 software, so as to study and analyze the influence of different working fluids and working conditions on the system performance and to obtain the preferred working fluids under different working conditions. At the same time, the economic evaluation and entropy method of the system are evaluated by using the investment profit rate PRI from different angles. It can be found that R11 and R141b have advantages, but R11 does not have advantages in environmental aspects. Through research, it is found that it is difficult to have a working fluid that can adapt to the biomass ORC power generation system under any working conditions. This paper can provide a basis for the subsequent research and selection of working fluids in the biomass ORC system.
Economic Dispatch of Power Retailers: A Bi-Level Programming Approach via Market Clearing Price
Authors: Zhou Hui , Ding Jian , Hu Yinlong , Ye Zisong , Shi Shang , Sun Yonghui , Zhang Qiyu
Published: September 2022

For power retailers in a smart grid, it is necessary to design an economic dispatch method to maintain a balance between power supply and demand on the sale side as well as obtain better economic benefits. This study concentrates on the economic dispatch of the dominant retailer in a regional market. The dominant retailer is considered to be equipped with generator resources such as distributed photovoltaics (PV), wind turbines (WT), and microturbines (MT). As one retailer cannot exactly predict the market conditions of other retailers, the retail market is considered to be modeled as a dichotomous-market model consisting of the dominant retailer market and the other retailers market. As a result, a bi-level optimal dispatch model is proposed for the dominant power retailer based on the dichotomous-market model. In the proposed model, the outer problem aims to minimize the costs of purchases under time-of-use (TOU) price given in the market clearing process, while the inner problem is formulated to simulate the process of market clearing. Furthermore, the bi-level model is converted to a single-level model via the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) conditions and eventually solved by employing the YALMIP toolbox with Gurobi solver. Finally, a case study is conducted to validate the effectiveness and adaptability of the proposed model, and the analysis of the variables is presented.
A 1D-3D Coupling Model to Evaluate Hydropower Generation System Stability
Authors: Zhang Meng , Feng Jinhai , Zhao Ziwen , Zhang Wei , Zhang Junzhi , Xu Beibei
Published: September 2022

This paper proposes a novel 1D-3D approach for the stability characteristics of the hydropower generation system (HGS) in transition processes. First, a 1D-3D coupling model was established for the HGS in the load-reduction process. Second, a sensitivity analysis of the HGS’s parameters to the rotation speed and discharge was conducted. Third, the pressure pulsation characteristics of the HGS with three typical guide vane openings were analyzed during the load-reduction process. The results show that with the closure of the guide vane, the discharge gradually decreases and it is sensitive to the change in hydraulic parameters. The rotation speed fluctuates at the early stage of the transition process and is easily affected by mechanical parameters. In addition, the pressure pulsation inside the Francis turbine is more intense under small openings than large openings, and the primary frequency of pressure pulsation under three opening degrees is the blade frequency. The 1D-3D coupling model successfully integrates the advantages of traditional methods and provides a reference for predicting system stability and exploring the stability mechanism.
Modeling and Analysis of a Thermophotovoltaic Integrated Self-Powered Furnace
Authors: Cheekatamarla Praveen , Kowalski Stephen , Abu-Heiba Ahmad , LaClair Timothy , Gluesenkamp Kyle
Published: September 2022

This work investigates the energy efficiency and carbon reduction potential of self-powered residential building heating equipment using a thermodynamic modeling approach. An integrated thermophotovoltaic power module and residential scale furnace system (40,000 Btu/h) were modeled and studied in detail to assess the influence of different design configurations on primary energy efficiency. Operational characteristics such as total power generation, electrical efficiency, and heat recovery were examined in a self-powered system configuration. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine the influence of the electric grid’s carbon dioxide footprint (carbon intensity) and the cost of electricity on the environmental, as well as the economic, benefit associated with the self-powered configuration. Compared with a traditional furnace powered by an electric grid at a carbon intensity of 0.5 kg CO2eq/kWhEL, the self-powered furnace was shown to decrease the annual carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 550 kg (~75% reduction), while also saving more than USD 200 in utility expenses, annually. Additionally, the carbon emission reduction potential of blending different concentrations of hydrogen in natural gas fuel was also studied.
Determinants of Renewable Energy Development: Evidence from the EU Countries
Authors: Tu Yu-Xia , Kubatko Oleksandr , Piven Vladyslav , Sotnyk Iryna , Kurbatova Tetiana
Published: September 2022

Sustainable development of the global economy can be achieved with the help of renewable energy (RE). The paper investigates the determinants of RE development in order to boost its adoption. The determinants of RE deployment were analyzed using random-effects GLS regression for the panel data from 27 EU member states in 2011–2020.The results confirm that economic development and high employment in advanced technology manufacturing are drivers of the RE sector, whereas unemployment growth affects RE deployment negatively. Our results show that active political participation and economic freedom promote RE; however, the level of corruption and democracy does not have a statistically significant impact on it. Favorable geographical location was proved to be a determinant of RE development. The hypothesis that plenty of natural resources discourage countries to develop RE was disproved. The major policy implications for RE promotion include the importance of economy deregulation, open market development and educational transformations. Following the results, prospects for further research were outlined.
Self-Heating, Drying, and Dry Matter Losses of Stockpiled Stemwood Chips: The Effect of Ventilation
Authors: Jylhä Paula , Ahmadinia Saleh , Hyvönen Juha , Laurén Annamari , Prinz Robert , Sikanen Lauri , Routa Johanna
Published: September 2022

The comminution of fuelwood for efficient transportation and handling exposes the material to various biological and chemical decomposition processes. The stockpiling of fuel chips can result in significant dry matter losses (DML) and consequent release of CO2 into the atmosphere. The decomposition processes could be controlled by managing the chip moisture content (MC). MC control by utilizing the self-heating of stockpiled stemwood chips together with wind-driven ventilation was tested in a practical storage experiment, using uncovered and plastic-covered piles as references. The data were analyzed with linear mixed models. The predicted DML was 2.4–3.8% during the monitoring period of 5.9 months, but no significant differences appeared between the storage treatments. The increase in the basic density of the chips decreased DML. On average 1.7–3.5% of the recoverable energy content of the chips was lost during the experiment. The predicted average decline in the MC was ca. 4–8 percentage points (p.p.). The MC of the chip samples stored under plastic tarp was 4–5 p.p. lower than those stored in the uncovered piles. Heat generation within the piles was modest due to the high quality of the chips, and the ventilation solution tested only marginally affected the drying process and the mitigation of DML.
Numerical Simulation of Flow and Heat Transfer of a Discontinuous Single Started Helically Ribbed Pipe
Authors: Kügele Simon , Mathlouthi Gino Omar , Renze Peter , Grützner Thomas
Published: September 2022

In the present study, the turbulent flow field and the heat transfer in a single started helically ribbed pipe with a discontinuous rib are investigated. A large-eddy simulation (LES) technique is applied in a pipe section with cyclic boundary conditions. The aim of this study is to explain and further analyze the findings from the heat transfer measurements at such complex structures with the help of detailed flow simulations. The simulation results are validated with measurements at a Reynolds number of Re = 21,100 and a Prandtl number of Pr = 7 with water as fluid. The comparison clearly shows that the current method delivers accurate results concerning average flow field, turbulence quantities and local heat transfer. The results demonstrate that the applied method is capable of correctly simulating flows with heat transfer in complex three-dimensional structures. The overall heat transfer performance of the helically ribbed pipe with a discontinuous rib is compared to a smooth pipe and a continuous rib configuration. The impact of the interruption of the rib structure on pressure drop and heat transfer are analyzed in detail.
The Impact of the Environment, Digital–Social Inclusion, and Institutions on Inclusive Growth: A Conceptual and Empirical Analysis
Authors: Ghouse Ghulam , Aslam Aribah , Bhatti Muhammad Ishaq
Published: September 2022

Though the literature on inclusive growth is rich, further well-founded studies are required on the issue of sustainable inclusive growth. This paper seeks to summarize the role of environmental degradation in inclusive growth based on carbon dioxide emissions, and its interaction with factors such as social inclusion, digital inclusion, and institutions. One of the findings derived from the generalized method of moments (GMM) model is that sustainable inclusive growth can be achieved in all three income groups from the global data while focusing on institutional quality, digital inclusion, and social inclusion. Simultaneously, the harmful effects of carbon dioxide emissions can be circumscribed. The major recommendations of this study are that efforts to achieve sustainable inclusive growth should combine mutually reinforcing policies, namely: (i) promoting environmentally focused sustainable inclusive growth with socio-digital inclusivity; (ii) ensuring a strong institutional playing field for achieving inclusive growth; and (iii) strengthening macroeconomic policies, which means controlling inflation, and enhancing trade openness and literacy levels.
Capacity Enhancement for Free Space Optics Transmission System Using Orbital Angular Momentum Optical Code Division Multiple Access in 5G and beyond Networks
Authors: El-Mottaleb Somia , Singh Mehtab , Chehri Abdellah , Ahmed Hassan , Zeghid Medien , Khan Akhtar
Published: September 2022

This paper introduces a novel free space optics (FSO) communication system for future-generation high-speed networks. The proposed system integrates orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes with an optical code division multiple access (OCDMA) technique. Two OAM beams are used (LG0,0 and LG0,10), each of which is used for transmitting three independent channels. Each channel is assigned by fixed right shift (FRS) codes and carries 10 Gbps of information data. The performance of the proposed model is evaluated under different foggy and dust storm conditions. Furthermore, the performance of two cities with different geographical locations, Alexandria city in Egypt and Srinagar city in India, is investigated to demonstrate its ability to be implemented in future generations. Bit error rate (BER), eye diagrams, received optical power (ROP), and channel capacity are used for studying the performance of the proposed system. The observed simulation results show successful transmission of 60 Gbps overall capacity with the longest propagation FSO range for Alexandria city, which is 1400 m. Because dust storms have a large attenuation when compared to different foggy conditions, the proposed model had the shortest propagation range of 315 m under low dust (LD), 105 m under moderate dust (MD), and 40 m under heavy dust (HD). Furthermore, the cloudy weather conditions that affect Srinagar city, which is considered a hilly area, make our suggested model achieve 1000 m.
Recent Developments in Optical and Thermal Performance of Direct Absorption Solar Collectors
Authors: Hussain Muzamil , Shah Syed Khawar Hussain , Sajjad Uzair , Abbas Naseem , Ali Ahsan
Published: September 2022

Solar energy is the most promising green energy resource, as there is an enormous supply of solar power. It is considered a good potential solution for energy crises in both domestic and industrial sectors. Nowadays, many types of solar systems are used for harvesting solar energy. Most of the research is focused on direct absorption solar collectors (DASCs) due to their ability to capture more solar energy. The effectiveness of DASCs is dependent on various factors, such as working fluid properties, geometry, and operating parameters. This review summarizes the impact of different design and operating parameters on the performance of DASCs. Many effective parameters are considered and their impact on optical and thermal properties is summarized. The influence of working fluid parameters, such as base fluid type, nanoparticle type, nanoparticle size, nanoparticle shape, and nanoparticle concentration on heat transfer performance, was discussed and their optimum range was suggested. The effects of collector dimensions and many novel design configurations were discussed. The effect of the most important operating parameters, such as temperature, flow rate, flow regime, and irradiance on collector performance, was briefly summarized.
Integration of CSP and PV Power Plants: Investigations about Synergies by Close Coupling
Authors: Iñigo-Labairu Javier , Dersch Jürgen , Schomaker Luca
Published: September 2022

Photovoltaic (PV) - concentrated solar power (CSP) hybrid power plants are an attractive option for supplying cheap and dispatchable solar electricity. Hybridization options for both technologies were investigated, combining their benefits by a deeper integration. Simulations of the different systems were performed for seven different sites by varying their design parameters to obtain the optimal configurations under certain boundary conditions. A techno-economic analysis was performed using the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) and nighttime electricity fraction as variables for the representation. Hybrid power plants were compared to pure CSP plants, PV-battery plants, and PV plants with an electric resistance heater (ERH), thermal energy storage (TES), and power block (PB). Future cost projections were also considered.
Flexible Low-Carbon Optimal Dispatch of Honeycombed Active Distribution Network
Authors: Xu Feng , Lu Yi , Huo Qunhai , Yin Jingyuan , Qiu Peng , Ding Chao
Published: September 2022

Microgrids have a strong ability to generate local power and consume renewable energy, which can solve the problems of power supply shortages and greenhouse gas emissions created in the process of social development. The honeycombed active distribution network (HADN) can flexibly, independently, and interconnectedly operate microgrids through power exchange stations, so appropriate HADN dispatch can produce increased low-carbon benefits than general microgrids. In this study, we first designed a model for optimizing HADN with the lowest carbon emission as the target, then we introduced the concept of carbon emission flow into the optimization process to determine the carbon emission level of each element. Finally, we illustrated and verified the proposed model by a HADN composed of three microgrids. The optimization results of the case study showed that by scheduling the DGs within the microgrids, the total carbon emissions of the system were reduced from 123,328.1 to 117,688 kg CO2; the system with a HADN structure was able to produce only 110,958 kg CO2 and effectively reduce carbon emissions by 10%, which proved that HADN can be scheduled with high flexibility and provides increased low-carbon performance through the proposed optimization dispatch method.
Optimization of Potassium Promoted Molybdenum Carbide Catalyst for the Low Temperature Reverse Water Gas Shift Reaction
Authors: Morse James R. , Holder Cameron F. , Baldwin Jeffrey W. , Willauer Heather D.
Published: September 2022

The reduction of CO2 to CO through the reverse water gas shift (RWGS) reaction is an important catalytic step in the overall strategy of CO2 utilization. The product CO can be subsequently used as a feedstock for a variety of useful reactions, including the synthesis of fuels through the Fischer–Tropsch process. Recent works have demonstrated that potassium-promoted molybdenum carbide (K-Mo2C) is a highly selective catalyst for low-temperature RWGS. In this work, we describe the systematic investigation of key parameters in the synthesis of K-Mo2C, and their influence on the overall activity and selectivity for the low-temperature RWGS reaction. Specifically, we demonstrate how catalyst support, precursor calcination, catalyst loading, and long-term ambient storage influence performance of the K-Mo2C catalyst.
Characterization Studies for Derived Biodiesel from the Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) of Waste Cooking Oil through a Fixed Fluidized Bed (FFB)
Authors: Shi Jian , An Hao , Cao Yali , Wang Cheli
Published: September 2022

Biodiesel production through transesterification or catalytic hydrogenation using vegetable oil is a sustainable method, but it has the downsides of by-product generation and a higher cost. Therefore, in this study, waste cooking oil was selected as a raw material, and fluidized catalytic cracking was carried out on the catalyst (LDO-75) through a fixed-fluidized-bed (FFB) reactor. The effects of the reaction temperature, catalyst–oil ratio and weight hourly space velocity (WHSV) on the yield of pyrolysis gas, gasoline, diesel and heavy oil fractions were studied. The composition of the pyrolysis gas was determined by gas chromatography (GC), the composition of the gasoline fraction was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and the characteristics of the diesel and heavy oil fractions were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The results show that light olefins are the main products of pyrolysis gases, and the liquid products are mainly composed of aromatic compounds. In addition, the catalytic cracking process of waste cooking oil fluid is proposed, indicating that the process of the catalytic cracking of waste cooking oil fluid includes deoxygenation, oligoaromatization and hydrodeoxygenation. The results of this study will provide a basis for the high value-added utilization of waste cooking oil.
CFD-DEM Simulation of Particle Fluidization Behavior and Glycerol Gasification in a Supercritical Water Fluidized Bed
Authors: Luo Jia , Chen Jingwei , Yi Lei
Published: September 2022

In this study, a mathematical model of hydrogen production from glycerol gasification in supercritical water was established based on the CFD-DEM method. The fluidization process of a supercritical water fluidized bed and the effects of bed height and feed structure on particle distribution and residence time of feedstock were analyzed. Additionally, the temperature field in the fluidized bed, the reaction rate distribution of each reaction and the influence of wall temperature on gas yields were also studied. The simulation results show that the bubble channel is easy to form along the wall at one side of the feed inlet. When the initial bed height is high, and the double symmetric feed inlet structure is used, the residence time of the feedstock is prolonged. The pyrolysis of glycerol mainly occurs in the middle and lower part of the fluidized bed reactor, and the reaction rate of the water gas shift reaction and methanation reaction are highest near the outlet, and a high wall temperature is conducive to the glycerol gasification.
Recent Advances in Technologies, Methods, and Economic Analysis for Sustainable Development of Energy, Water, and Environment Systems
Authors: Chu Wenxiao , Vicidomini Maria , Calise Francesco , Duić Neven , Østergaard Poul Alborg , Wang Qiuwang , da Graça Carvalho Maria
Published: September 2022

Sustainability has become a broad societal goal, aiming to ensure that human beings coexist safely and harmoniously with nature over a longer time. The influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy is coming to an end. The development and merits of sustainable energy supply, advanced technology, and economic features have received significant attention over the last few decades. However, significant gaps still exist with respect to how to design, construct, and implement hybrid and optimal energy systems with the lowest investment and cost. Since 2002, the Sustainable Development of Energy, Water, and Environment Systems (SDEWES) conferences have become a significant meeting venue for researchers to introduce, discuss, share, and disseminate novel concepts and ideas. This paper presents an overview of published articles in the Special Issues (SIs) dedicated by the series SDEWES conferences, especially those published in Energies recommended by the 16th SDEWES Conference, which was held on 10–15 October 2021 in Dubrovnik, Croatia. This SI in Energies focused on four main topics, including the application of renewable bioenergy, component enhancement in renewable systems, sustainable development for buildings and economic analysis and evaluation for sustainability. The collected papers provide insight into the topics related to recent advances in improving sustainable efficiency, including studies on waste-to-wealth techniques, utilization of hybrid bioenergy systems, heat exchangers and other components for performance enhancement, energy supply and demand analysis, low-temperature DHC systems, techno-economic assessment, and environmental evaluation.
A Particle-Scale Model of Surface Tension for Two-Phase Flow: Model Description and Validation
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxi , Cao Can , Gui Nan , Huang Xiaoli , Yang Xingtuan , Tu Jiyuan , Jiang Shengyao , Zhao Qian
Published: September 2022

A particle-scale surface tension force model (STF) is proposed here to be incorporated in the smoothed hydrodynamics particle (SPH) method. This model is based on the identification of interface geometry and the gradient of densities across the interface. A square bubble of single-phase and a square bubble immersed in fluids are simulated by the STF model accompanied with a combined kernel in SPH to validate their suitability to simulate the immersed bubble motion. Two cases of rising bubbles, i.e., a single rising bubble and a pair of rising bubbles, are simulated for demonstration. The rising velocity, density, surface tension force, interfacial curvature, the power of the STF, and the smoothing length of the rising bubble and surrounding fluids are all computed by the current STF model to study the characteristics of immersed bubble’s motion and coalescence. The current model provides a way to capture the interfacial interactions in two-phase flows at particle scales.
Practical Use of the (Observer)—Reporter—Interpreter—Manager—Expert ((O)RIME) Framework in Veterinary Clinical Teaching with a Clinical Example
Authors: Carr Amanda Nichole (Mandi) , Kirkwood Roy Neville , Petrovski Kiro Risto
Published: September 2022

This review explores the practical use of the (Observer)—Reporter—Interpreter—Manager—Expert ((O)RIME) model in the assessment of clinical reasoning skills and for the potential to provide effective feedback that can be used in clinical teaching of veterinary learners. For descriptive purposes, we will use the examples of bovine left displaced abomasum and apparently anestric cow. Bearing in mind that the primary purpose of effective clinical teaching is to prepare graduates for a successful career in clinical practice, all effort should be made to have veterinary learners, at graduation, achieve a minimum of Manager level competency in clinical encounters. Contrastingly, there is relatively scant literature concerning clinical teaching in veterinary medicine. There is even less literature available on strategies and frameworks for assessment that can be utilized in the different settings that the veterinary learners are exposed to during their education. Therefore, our intent for this review is to stimulate and/or facilitate discussion and/or research in this important area. The primary aim of preparing this review was to describe a teaching technique not currently used in the teaching of veterinary medicine, with potential to be useful.
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Alleviate Salt Stress Damage by Coordinating Nitrogen Utilization in Leaves of Different Species
Authors: Ma Shilin , Yue Jianmin , Wang Jinping , Jia Zhaohui , Li Chong , Zeng Jingyi , Liu Xin , Zhang Jinchi
Published: September 2022

With the intensification of coastal erosion, damage to coastal shelterbelts has gradually increased. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can improve the salinity tolerance and productivity of plants in saline–alkali soils using various strategies including nutrient uptake, osmotic regulation, soil shaping, etc. Thus, the application of AMF to alleviate the impacts of salinization for these shelterbelts has become a research hotspot. For this study, we investigated the effects of inoculation with different AMF strains on the growth and nitrogen (N) utilization of Gleditsia sinensis Lam. and Zelkova serrata (Thunb.) Makino leaves under different salt concentrations. As the salt concentration increased, the growth rates and leaf areas of the autoclaved AMF inoculant (CK) treatment exhibited a decreasing trend for both G. sinensis and Z. serrata, while Funneliformis mosseae (FM) and Corymbiglomus tortuosum (CT) treatments weakened this trend. Between them, on average, FM increased the G. sinensis height growth rate by 396.9%, ground diameter growth rate by 99.0%, and Z. serrata leaf area by 29.1%. At a salt concentration of 150 mM, the chlorophyll content and nitrate reductase activities of leaves under the FM treatment for both tree species were significantly higher than for CK, with an average increase in chlorophyll content of 106.1% and nitrate reductase activities by 74.6%. Moreover, the AMF inoculation significantly reduced the leaf N content and photosynthetic N-use efficiency of G. sinensis in contrast to Z. serrata. Further, in contrast to G. sinensis, the photosynthetic N-use efficiency was significantly positively correlated with the growth rate and leaf area of Z. serrata. Meanwhile, the nitrate reductase activity contributed most to the growth rate and leaf area of Z. serrata. Our results suggest that the issues with coastal shelterbelts might be effectively alleviated through appropriate AMF–plant combinations, which is of great significance for the optimization of forestry production.
Dynamic Evolution and Future Prediction of Land Use Patterns in the Arid Desert Region of Northwest China from 1990 to 2020
Authors: Li Xuewu , Zhang Yueying , Liu Yuheng , Zhao Tingning
Published: September 2022

Based on temporal and spatial dynamic data on land use in the arid desert region of Northwest China from 1990 to 2020, this study quantitatively analyzed and predicted future scenarios of the dynamic distribution pattern of land use using remote sensing technology. Unused land was the dominant landscape in the arid desert region of Northwest China over the past 30 years. The largest patch index of cultivated and construction land is continuously increasing, exhibiting a spatial aggregation trend. Grassland is the main vegetation type in the arid desert region of Northwest China, with the proportion of patches fluctuating between 27 and 28% during the 30-year study period. The proportion of patches in forests decreased yearly, whereas the proportion of patches in water areas relatively changed little. Meanwhile, the area of construction land is continuously increasing, accounting for 80% of the total increased area. According to the prediction made by the model, unused land and grassland will account for the majority of land use in 2040. Environmental construction in the arid desert region of Northwest China is expected to improve the robustness of the rational development and utilization of unused land and boost the protection and construction of forests and grasslands.
Effects of Biochar Application Pyrolyzed at Different Temperatures on Soil Properties, Growth and Leaf Secondary Metabolite Accumulation in Cyclocarya paliurus
Authors: Deng Rui , Lan Ziyu , Shang Xulan , Fang Shengzuo
Published: September 2022

Cyclocarya paliurus is a well-known multifunctional tree species and its leaves are in especially high demand for tea production and medical utilization in China. To meet the enormous requirements of its leaf production, lots of C. paliurus plantations have been established for harvesting the leaves, producing a large quantity of pruning residues during their management. In this study, biochar at different pyrolysis temperatures (300 °C, 500 °C and 700 °C) were prepared, utilizing the pruning residues, and the effects of biochar additions pyrolyzed at different temperatures on soil properties, growth and leaf secondary metabolite accumulation in C. paliurus were investigated. The results showed that the chemical properties and FT-IR spectra of wheel wingnut-based biochar were significantly influenced by the pyrolysis temperatures, and the application of biochars pyrolyzed at different temperatures significantly affected soil pH and nutrient availability, as well as the growth, nutrient uptake and secondary metabolite accumulation of C. paliurus seedlings (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis indicated that the total contents of polyphenols, flavonoids and triterpenoids in C. paliurus leaves were negatively correlated with the contents of total phosphorus (P) and total potassium (K) in the leaves, but positively correlated with the ratios of carbon (C)/nitrogen (N) and C/P. After 200 days of biochar treatment, the highest biomass production and leaf secondary metabolite accumulation in C. paliurus were obtained in the addition of biochar pyrolyzed at 500 °C. The findings from this pot experiment provide a potential application in C. paliurus plantations, though long-term field experiments are required to optimize the quantity of biochar addition, based on soil conditions and stand age at the planting sites.
Mid-Rotation Impacts of Stand Tending with Glyphosate on Plant Diversity in the Boreal Forest of West-Central Alberta
Authors: Mihajlovich Milo , Nash John C. , Odsen Sonya , Roth Brian E.
Published: September 2022

Stand tending using glyphosate to promote coniferous overstory trees has been a common practice in the boreal forests of Alberta. However, there are concerns about the impact of this practice on biodiversity of understory species. This study examined the impact of broadcast glyphosate application during the active reforestation phase, two to several years post-harvest, on forest plant diversity 25 to 40 years post-harvest. Herbicide treatments had the desired effect of shifting tree layer dominance from deciduous to coniferous species, driven by a 25-fold reduction in the density of trembling aspen (3927 vs. 154 stems·ha−1, untreated and treated, respectively). However, understory plant diversity was not significantly different between treated and untreated sites as examined by the Shannon–Wiener (H) and evenness (E) indices. Shared plant species (beta) across sites was high. Of the seven site-indicator species examined, three had significantly lower cover on treated sites: Wild sarsaparilla, low bush-cranberry and oak fern. Total understory plant cover was significantly greater in the treated portion (98.0%) versus untreated (71.4%); however, this difference was not significant when bryophytes were excluded in the analysis. The establishment, maintenance and monitoring of larger long-term trials is strongly recommended.
Effect of Storage Period on the Fermentation Profile and Bacterial Community of Silage Prepared with Alfalfa, Whole-Plant Corn and Their Mixture
Authors: Mao Kai , Yu Zhu , Huang Shuai , Wang Musen , Hannaway David B.
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to investigate the impact of storage time on the bacterial community and fermentation profile of silage prepared with alfalfa, whole-plant corn, and their mixture. Fresh alfalfa and whole-plant corn were chopped and combined in fresh weight ratios of 1:0 (alfalfa, control), 0.8:0.2 (M1), 0.6:0.4 (M2), and 0:1 (corn). Three silos of each treatment were analyzed after 30, 60, and 90 d of storage. With storage time, pH, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and ammonia nitrogen levels increased in alfalfa silage (p < 0.01), whereas lactic acid level decreased (p < 0.01). Compared to alfalfa silage, M1, M2, and corn silages were better fermented and more stable during storage. The dominant bacteria in M1, M2, and corn silages shifted significantly from L. plantarum, L. buchneri, and L. brevis to L. acetotolerans and L. buchneri during 30 to 60–90 d of storage, and storage time decreased the bacterial diversity of these silages. In conclusion, storage time significantly decreased the fermentation quality of alfalfa silage and remarkably optimized the bacterial community structure of well-fermented M1, M2, and corn silages. Alfalfa should be ensiled with at least 20% whole-plant corn to improve silage fermentation quality and storage stability.
The Combined Use of UAV-Based RGB and DEM Images for the Detection and Delineation of Orange Tree Crowns with Mask R-CNN: An Approach of Labeling and Unified Framework
Authors: Lucena Felipe , Breunig Fabio Marcelo , Kux Hermann
Published: September 2022

In this study, we used images obtained by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and an instance segmentation model based on deep learning (Mask R-CNN) to evaluate the ability to detect and delineate canopies in high density orange plantations. The main objective of the work was to evaluate the improvement acquired by the segmentation model when integrating the Canopy Height Model (CHM) as a fourth band to the images. Two models were evaluated, one with RGB images and the other with RGB + CHM images, and the results indicated that the model with combined images presents better results (overall accuracy from 90.42% to 97.01%). In addition to the comparison, this work suggests a more efficient ground truth mapping method and proposes a methodology for mosaicking the results by Mask R-CNN on remotely sensed images.
Interaction of Different Drying Methods and Storage on Appearance, Surface Structure, Energy, and Quality of Berberis vulgaris var. asperma
Authors: Talebzadeh Seyede Laleh , Fatemi Hamideh , Azizi Majid , Kaveh Mohammad , Salavati Nik Amirali , Szymanek Mariusz , Kulig Ryszard
Published: September 2022

Seedless barberry fruit is native small fruit in Iran. To examine the impact of various drying methods and storage on the biochemical attributes (Vitamin C, Anthocyanin, Phenol, pH, TA), color index (a*, b*, L*, ab, and Chroma), drying time, and fruit microstructure (by SEM) of seedless barberry (Berberis vulgaris var. asperma), and effective moisture diffusivity coefficient (Deff), specific energy consumption (SEC), energy efficiency (EE) of the dryers, this experiment was performed. Drying treatments include microwave (100, 170, and 270 W), oven (60 and 70 °C), cabinet (50 and 70 °C), shade, sun, and fresh samples (control) and storage 6 months after drying (in polyethylene packaging and at a temperature of 5–10 °C). Results showed minimum and maximum drying times (50 min and 696 h), were related to microwave (270 W) and shade methods, respectively. The highest color values were observed in fruits treated with control, shade and sun treatments and the lowest values were observed in cabinet (70 °C) methods. According to the SEM results, microwave significantly affected surface structure of the dried sample compared to others. The findings indicated that the use of artificial drying methods than natural methods (sun and shade) cause a more significant reduction in color indexes, while vitamin C, soluble solids, and anthocyanin were significantly maintained at a high level. Storage reduced anthocyanin content of fruits almost 12%. Moreover, it was discovered EE and SEC values varied in the range of 1.16–25.26% and 12.20–1182 MJ/kg, respectively. Deff values were higher in microwave 270 W.