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Energy Efficiency and Environmental Issues

A topical collection in Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This collection belongs to the section "B: Energy and Environment".

Viewed by 15797

Editors

Department of Power Systems and Environmental Protection Facilities, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Robotics, AGH University of Science and Technology, Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Kraków, Poland
Interests: environmental protection processes and devices; water and wastewater treatment; sewage sludge to energy; energy consumption in sewage sludge treatment; flue gas cleaning; modelling of power systems; clean energy systems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Department of Power Systems and Environmental Protection Facilities, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Robotics, AGH University of Science and Technology, Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Kraków, Poland
Interests: design and operation of machines and equipment in renewable energy and environmental protection; use of numerical methods in modelling machinery and equipment operation; validation and reliability of obtained results; modelling wind turbines; settlers; modelling fluid flow; multiphase systems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Department of Power Systems and Environmental Protection Facilities, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Robotics, AGH University of Science and Technology, Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Kraków, Poland
Interests: waste to energy processes; sewage sludge to energy; fluid mechanics; modern power systems; decarbonisation; climate protection

Topical Collection Information

Dear Colleagues,

Energy harvesting is one of the primary activities of society today, necessary not only for our development, but also for our survival. Each industrial process, economy and individual household requires access to a source of energy, which is mainly electricity. Since the Industrial Revolution, we primarily obtain energy by burning fossil fuels. This applies to both large industrial plants and smaller business entities, and even most individual farms that are connected to electricity or heating networks. Unfortunately, using fossil fuels for energy has a significant negative impact on the environment. The emission of large CO2 loads cause substantial climate changes, while the emission of other gaseous pollutants, the environmental degradation related to the acquisition of these fuels, and even the management of post-process waste are also problems. Another equally important aspect of the use of fossil fuels is the unstable economic situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as current political events in Europe and across the world. These issues cause a significant increase in interest in using energy other than fossil energy sources. The problems mentioned above significantly translate into significant increases in the prices of energy and its carriers. The most effective way to ensure the energy supply and change its negative environmental impact is to avoid unnecessary consumption. Hence, it is very important to search for ways to increase the energy efficiency of all processes related to the harvesting and processing of primary energy carriers. With huge volumes of energy being processed/consumed, even a slight improvement in energy efficiency in the energy processing chain will bring about significant effects in the form of energy savings and a substantial reduction in climate impact. Optimisation of the processes for obtaining and processing energy is, therefore, not a scientific or engineering curiosity, but it is a significant way to at least partially solve the problems related to the energy crisis. Improving, at the same time, the efficiency of the processes that obtain energy and the processes that consume energy will allow for the development of technology, which provides an excellent opportunity to reduce our harmful impacts on the environment, from the use of energy sources to consumer utility devices.

The legislation of many countries and international institutions, such as the European Union, currently considers the environmental impact of energy conversion. Examples of such efforts include, for example, the EU Energy Efficiency Directive (2012/27 UE) and a document entitled "The European Green Deal", a part (extension) of which is the "Fit for 55" package. One of the leading lines of action in the Fit for 55 package is the increase in energy efficiency.

Increasing energy efficiency can and should be sought out through the optimisation of energy processes, the construction and insulation of buildings or structures, and the machine operation regime (after all, by definition, the operation of each machine is related to energy conversion). In other words, an improvement in energy efficiency applies to almost all aspects of the functioning of society: from mineral extraction plants; through all manufacturing, municipal and processing processes; to all aspects of people's everyday activities. In every aspect of human activity, the energy efficiency of the processes and devices used can be improved.

These problems mentioned above are the main themes of this Topical Collection of Energies.

Dr. Marian Banaś
Dr. Krzysztof Kołodziejczyk
Dr. Tadeusz Paja̧k
Collection Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • energy
  • primary energy
  • energy efficiency
  • energy consumption
  • reducing energy consumption
  • energy economics and policy
  • circular economy in renewable energy
  • energy sources and recourses
  • energy harvesting
  • combustion
  • energy conversion
  • energy storage
  • energy recovering
  • pollutant emissions
  • emission reduction
  • climate change
  • greenhouse gas
  • decarbonisation
  • carbon capture, utilisation and storage
  • clean energy
  • fossil fuel
  • alternative fuel
  • biomass
  • solar
  • wind
  • tidal
  • geothermal
  • fuel cells
  • hydrogen
  • municipal solid wastes
  • waste to energy
  • EU Energy Package
  • fit for 55 package

Published Papers (14 papers)

2023

Jump to: 2022

23 pages, 6695 KiB  
Article
Modelling of Automated Store Energy Consumption
by Konrad Gac, Grzegorz Góra, Maciej Petko, Joanna Iwaniec, Adam Martowicz and Artur Kowalski
Energies 2023, 16(24), 7969; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16247969 - 08 Dec 2023
Viewed by 508
Abstract
Over the last decade, a constantly growing trend of the popularization of self-service automated stores has been observed. Vending machines have been expanded into fully automated stores, the offer of which is comparable to small, conventional stores. One of the basic reasons for [...] Read more.
Over the last decade, a constantly growing trend of the popularization of self-service automated stores has been observed. Vending machines have been expanded into fully automated stores, the offer of which is comparable to small, conventional stores. One of the basic reasons for the popularization of modern automated stores is the reduction in a store’s energy consumption while ensuring a comparable range of products offered. The research into possibilities of reducing greenhouse gases emission is important in terms of the environment and climate protection. The research presented in the paper concerns the development of a model for determining electricity consumption, operating costs and CO2 emission of an automated store designed and developed by Delfin company. In the developed model, the potential location of the store, prevailing climatic conditions and expected product sales are taken into account. Estimated energy demand for the store is the information of key importance for the potential investors and the manufacturer of the automated store. It is worth emphasizing that the average annual electrical energy consumption evaluated for a grocery store of an area of 70 m2 amounted to approximately 38.4 MWh, while for an automated store of an area of 9 m2 and a comparable product range, the electricity consumption was approximately 10.1 MWh, i.e., 74% smaller. Full article
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26 pages, 28505 KiB  
Article
Shell Shape Influence on Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage Performance during Melting and Solidification
by Jerzy Wołoszyn and Krystian Szopa
Energies 2023, 16(23), 7822; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16237822 - 28 Nov 2023
Viewed by 694
Abstract
Phase-change materials have various applications across industries from thermal energy storage through automotive battery temperature management systems to thermal stabilisation. Many of these applications are shell and tube structures with different shell shapes. However, it is not yet known how the shape of [...] Read more.
Phase-change materials have various applications across industries from thermal energy storage through automotive battery temperature management systems to thermal stabilisation. Many of these applications are shell and tube structures with different shell shapes. However, it is not yet known how the shape of the shell affects the melting, solidification times, and heat transport processes in such structures. To fill this research gap, seventeen shell shapes/orientations were compared using a simulation study. The well-known and validated enthalpy porosity algorithm implemented in the Fluent 2021R2 software was used. The numerical calculations were preceded by the measurement of thermal conductivity, phase change enthalpy, and specific heat during melting and solidification of the phase-change material. The shortest melting time was achieved for a semi-circular shell shape in the downward position, which was 44% shorter than the reference circular case. The shortest solidification times were recorded for an isosceles trapezium in an upward orientation relative to the reference circular case. Therefore, it is possible to significantly reduce the melting time in shell-and-tube systems as a result of the appropriate selection of the shell shape. Full article
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14 pages, 2831 KiB  
Article
Research on the Whole Lifecycle Emission Reduction Effect of Buildings with Different Structures in Severely Cold Regions—A Case Study in China
by Han Yang, Koki Kikuta and Motoya Hayashi
Energies 2023, 16(14), 5285; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16145285 - 10 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 817
Abstract
Since the construction industry is one of China’s high carbon emission industries, to achieve China’s carbon neutrality target by 2060, CO2 emissions in cold regions must be reduced. At the same time, forests have excellent carbon sequestration abilities, so this paper takes [...] Read more.
Since the construction industry is one of China’s high carbon emission industries, to achieve China’s carbon neutrality target by 2060, CO2 emissions in cold regions must be reduced. At the same time, forests have excellent carbon sequestration abilities, so this paper takes residential buildings in severely cold regions as the object of carbon emission reduction research. A model of a two-story building in Changchun was constructed, and the life-cycle carbon emissions of reinforced concrete and wood structures were measured using the life-cycle evaluation method as the basis for calculation and simulation with DesignBuilderVer.7 software. The results show that the life-cycle carbon emission of a wood structure house is 61.46 t less than that of a reinforced concrete house, and the life-cycle carbon emission reduction rate of a wood structure house is 43.39%. Based on the data, it has been proven that wooden structures effectively reduce carbon dioxide emissions during the building life cycle while enhancing building performance, given the same structural conditions. Full article
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24 pages, 5363 KiB  
Article
Thermomodernization as a Mechanism for Improving Energy Efficiency and Reducing Emissions of Pollutants into the Atmosphere in a Public Utility Building
by Krzysztof Szczotka, Anna Barwińska-Małajowicz, Jakub Szymiczek and Radosław Pyrek
Energies 2023, 16(13), 5026; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16135026 - 28 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 666
Abstract
Improving energy efficiency indicators and reasonable use of energy resources in the context of the increasing demand for energy are sectors that must definitely be paid attention to. The fight against climate change must start in the construction sector, as buildings are the [...] Read more.
Improving energy efficiency indicators and reasonable use of energy resources in the context of the increasing demand for energy are sectors that must definitely be paid attention to. The fight against climate change must start in the construction sector, as buildings are the main consumers of energy. Saving energy through the rational use of energy sources and good thermal insulation of buildings allows you to reduce the amount of heating and/or cooling bills as well as to care for the environment by reducing emissions. This article presents aspects of improving the energy efficiency of a health clinic building in Mszana Dolna through the use of comprehensive thermal modernization of the external envelope. Thermal modernization of the most energy-intensive and leaky external partitions in the building, i.e., the external walls below and above the ground and the ventilated flat roof, managed to save 53% of the building’s thermal energy, which directly translates into lowering the building’s operating costs. We managed to achieve an improvement in energy efficiency ratios from 37% to almost 60%, and a reduction in CO2 emissions at a level of nearly 50%. Full article
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21 pages, 3961 KiB  
Article
Audit-Based Energy Performance Analysis of Multifamily Buildings in South-East Poland
by Piotr Michalak, Krzysztof Szczotka and Jakub Szymiczek
Energies 2023, 16(12), 4828; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16124828 - 20 Jun 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 846
Abstract
Multifamily buildings account for about half of all residential buildings in Poland and about 70% of the urban population live in them. Most of them require thermal refurbishment. Evaluation of a building’s energy performance with the use of correlation models has been very [...] Read more.
Multifamily buildings account for about half of all residential buildings in Poland and about 70% of the urban population live in them. Most of them require thermal refurbishment. Evaluation of a building’s energy performance with the use of correlation models has been very rarely used in relation to buildings in Poland. This method is simple, fast and can improve the decision process on thermal modernisation. It is especially important at the pre-design stage of planned investments. This paper presents an attempt to develop correlations that could be used in the energy assessment of multifamily buildings. For this purpose a dataset containing of 29 audits of multifamily buildings was used. The statistical analysis was performed for buildings before and after planned refurbishment. Obtained relationships showed strong correlation between thermal demand for space heating or domestic hot water and ventilation airflow and thermal transmittance of windows (R2 > 0.6). After designed modernisation the number of strong correlations decreased. Energy for domestic hot water was correlated with the number of inhabitants (R2 = 0.6). Energy for space heating was correlated with the number of users and heated volume of a building. Full article
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26 pages, 42862 KiB  
Article
The Efficiency Improvement of the Device Based on the Example of a High Building Facade Washer in the Area of Industry 4.0
by Witold Żołna, Przemysław Jura, Marian Banaś and Krzysztof Szczotka
Energies 2023, 16(10), 4246; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16104246 - 22 May 2023
Viewed by 776
Abstract
The publication analyzes aspects of energy efficiency of various types and several technological concepts of facade washing devices. The conducted analyses and tests answered the most essential question of this stage: which, from the technical point of view of solving the problem of [...] Read more.
The publication analyzes aspects of energy efficiency of various types and several technological concepts of facade washing devices. The conducted analyses and tests answered the most essential question of this stage: which, from the technical point of view of solving the problem of stabilizing the track of the washing machine, gives the highest guarantee of effective stabilization of this track in unfavorable wind conditions. The literature analysis showed several solutions to the problem of track stabilization of facade washing machines on the market, of which suction cups stabilize the machine device, a system not attached to the wall of the building, and fans or propellers have been commercialized. However, it pointed out that there are no universal solutions. Detailed analysis of solutions under many criteria led to finding the solution with the fewest defects at this stage of analysis and potentially the greatest chance of success. Thanks to the results of work and research on the effectiveness of technology, it was possible to implement a number of solutions leading to the improvement of work efficiency, safety, and the development of Industry 4.0. Full article
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12 pages, 1185 KiB  
Perspective
Balance and Energy Use of Biogas in Poland: Prospects and Directions of Development for the Circular Economy
by Józef Ciuła, Iwona Wiewiórska, Marian Banaś, Tadeusz Pająk and Piotr Szewczyk
Energies 2023, 16(9), 3910; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16093910 - 05 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1251
Abstract
The production of biogas from biodegradable waste generated in all sectors of the economy in Poland is a key issue for the diversification of energy sources and climate neutrality. The biogas balances presented in the literature based on bio-waste often contain overly optimistic [...] Read more.
The production of biogas from biodegradable waste generated in all sectors of the economy in Poland is a key issue for the diversification of energy sources and climate neutrality. The biogas balances presented in the literature based on bio-waste often contain overly optimistic data, which in reality only represent the theoretical potential of biogas in Poland. The pragmatic approach presented in this study fills a gap in research by presenting a technical balance of biogas (real potential) that can be realistically achieved. The objective of the work was to perform a biogas balance in the context of electricity and heat generation in cogeneration units. The tests made it possible to estimate the technical potential of biogas, depending on the source of its generation, the possibility of its conversion to biomethane and biohydrogen and the methods of its use. The research results showed a 30% increase in biogas potential on an annual basis compared to the current state, resulting in a 29% increase in electricity production and a 28% increase in heat production. The technical potential of biogas was estimated at 2186.62 million m3, which would allow for the production of 4627.06 GWh of electricity and 1869.64 TG of heat. The technical balance of biogas and the potential energy production can serve as input material for developing plans and strategies for the development of renewable energy sources in Poland. The work is consistent with the issues of balancing the renewable energy resources from biogas and the methods of conversion into other energy carriers using sustainable energy transformations in order to optimise energy production processes. Full article
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24 pages, 3644 KiB  
Article
Wave Energy Generation in Brazil: A Georeferenced Oscillating Water Column Inventory
by Adriano Silva Bastos, Tâmara Rita Costa de Souza, Dieimys Santos Ribeiro, Mirian de Lourdes Noronha Motta Melo and Carlos Barreira Martinez
Energies 2023, 16(8), 3409; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16083409 - 13 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1780
Abstract
Seas and oceans offer great potential as a widely available source of clean and renewable energy near high energy consumption centers. This source of energy is a valuable option in the energy transition and in energy matrix decarbonization. Wave energy and an oscillating [...] Read more.
Seas and oceans offer great potential as a widely available source of clean and renewable energy near high energy consumption centers. This source of energy is a valuable option in the energy transition and in energy matrix decarbonization. Wave energy and an oscillating water column (OWC) device stand out as the types of ocean energy with the most potential. An onshore OWC requires locations with rocky outcrops and steeper slopes as the device needs to be physically installed and has lower energy dissipation due to friction with the seabed. However, Brazil has approximately 7490 km of coastlines, with various shoreline geometries and geomorphologies, some of which are very suitable for OWC implementation. Some authors have estimated that the Brazilian coast has a total potential of 114 GW, distributed between wave and tidal energy, with a great possibility of contributing to global decarbonization efforts. This study aimed to identify and quantify the potential of locations suitable for implementing wave energy farms equipped with onshore OWC. For this, a prospect was carried out using the georeferencing software QGIS, resulting in a georeferenced map with a dataset of 319 locations, and determining a power capacity of exploitation of 9.84 GW and an estimated energy of 83,689 GWh/year in ten of the seventeen coastal states. This energy corresponds to twice the energy consumption of the state of Rio de Janeiro, which has a population of approximately 17.5 million people. If the same amount of wave energy as gas-fired thermal generation energy were to be consumed, the use of wave energy would reduce emissions by approximately 44.52 million tons of CO2 annually. This result suggests that wave energy generation should be included in future studies on the expansion of Brazilian electric systems as an accelerating factor in the energy transition. Full article
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20 pages, 10756 KiB  
Article
Acceleration-Insensitive Pressure Sensor for Aerodynamic Analysis
by Zygmunt Szczerba, Piotr Szczerba, Kamil Szczerba and Krzysztof Pytel
Energies 2023, 16(7), 3040; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16073040 - 27 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1083
Abstract
This paper presents a method for preparing a pressure sensor that is insensitive to acceleration along with experimental evidence of its efficacy in aerodynamic analysis. A literature review and preliminary studies revealed the undesirable effect of acceleration on sensors that are located on [...] Read more.
This paper presents a method for preparing a pressure sensor that is insensitive to acceleration along with experimental evidence of its efficacy in aerodynamic analysis. A literature review and preliminary studies revealed the undesirable effect of acceleration on sensors that are located on moving elements, as evidenced by deviations from actual pressure values for piezoresistive pressure sensors that are made using MEMS technology. To address this, the authors developed a double-membrane sensor geometry that eliminated this imperfection; a method of implementing two solo pressure sensors as a new geometry-designed sensor was also proposed. Experimental tests of this suggested solution were conducted; these measurements are presented here. The results indicated that this new sensor concept could be used to measure the dynamic pressures of rotating and moving objects in order to obtain measurement results that are more reliable and closer to the true values that are derived from aerodynamic analyses. The published results confirm the reliability of the proposed device. Full article
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16 pages, 8271 KiB  
Article
Design and Implementation of a Particulate Matter Measurement System for Energy-Efficient Searching of Air Pollution Sources Using a Multirotor Robot
by Grzegorz Suchanek, Roman Filipek and Andrzej Gołaś
Energies 2023, 16(7), 2959; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16072959 - 23 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1046
Abstract
Analyzing air pollutants is of key importance for the environmental protection goals. High concentrations of particulate matter (PM) have a particularly negative impact on human life and health. The use of an autonomous multirotor flying robot (drone) for the purposes of locating PM [...] Read more.
Analyzing air pollutants is of key importance for the environmental protection goals. High concentrations of particulate matter (PM) have a particularly negative impact on human life and health. The use of an autonomous multirotor flying robot (drone) for the purposes of locating PM sources requires the design of a dedicated measurement system from scratch. The aim of this study was to make the most important design decision, which is the correct localization of the inlet of the measurement system, taking into account disturbances in the flow field caused by the rotors. To achieve this, a computational model was built with the use of a finite-volume method in Ansys Fluent software. Based on its results, a novel criterion was proposed and applied. In addition to the trivial position outside the rotors on the extended arm, it gave the second location in the space limited by the rotors below the robot. Finally, a robot prototype was built, and a series of verification experiments were carried out, first indoors and then outdoors, at different levels of ambient PM concentrations with and without a pollution source. The field results were compiled as histograms and scatter plots and clearly demonstrated the validity of the adopted criterion. The determination coefficient between measured concentrations showed a stronger relationship when the rotors were operating. Furthermore, in cases with a present pollution source, higher concentrations were observed around the internal sensor, making it more suitable for the studied application. Full article
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21 pages, 3869 KiB  
Article
Energy Efficiency Analysis of Pumping Systems Impacted by the Golden Mussel: A Case Study in the Brazilian Amazon
by Tâmara Rita Costa de Souza, Jennifer Thayane Melo de Andrade, Rodrigo Otávio Peréa Serrano, Teofânia Heloísa Dutra Amorim Vidigal, Edna Maria de Faria Viana, Adriano Silva Bastos and Carlos Barreira Martinez
Energies 2023, 16(4), 1858; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16041858 - 13 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1128
Abstract
Pumping systems, especially those used in the water supply sector and in industrial and hydroelectric facilities, are commonly infested by the golden mussel. This causes an increase in maintenance operations (e.g., system shutdowns for cleaning) that can generate an increased energy cost. The [...] Read more.
Pumping systems, especially those used in the water supply sector and in industrial and hydroelectric facilities, are commonly infested by the golden mussel. This causes an increase in maintenance operations (e.g., system shutdowns for cleaning) that can generate an increased energy cost. The geographical expansion of the golden mussel in Latin America presents an economic risk, not only to the ecosystem in general, but also to the energy sector. The imminence of its spread in the Amazon region, one of the main river basins in South America, is cause for concern with regard to the problems that bioinvasion of this species can cause. Given the absence of studies on the loss of energy efficiency in pumping systems impacted by the golden mussel, this study proposes a methodology to estimate the increase in energy consumption and costs of pumping under such bioinfestation. For the standardization of the methodology and development of mathematical calculations (both novel and improved equations), data from the literature (the growth of the golden mussel as a function of infestation time) and an analysis of the dimensions (length and height) of a sample of mussels available in the laboratory were considered. These data were used to calculate the roughness generated by the mussel infestation in the pumping suction and discharger pipe, which was necessary to determine the loss of energy efficiency (load loss, power consumption, and cost of pumping) resulting from the increase in energy consumption for pumping. This methodology was applied to a pumping station representative of the Brazilian Amazon as a case study. The results show an average increase in economic indicators (consumption and cost of pumping) after the system undergoes bioinfestation. This total increase corresponded to 19% and 44% in the first and second years, respectively, achieving a stabilization of the increase in the cost of pumping at 46%, in the 30 months of operation. Our results demonstrate the pioneering nature of the proposal, since these are the first quantitative data on the energy efficiency of pumping systems associated with bioinfestation by the golden mussel. These results can also be used to estimate the increase in costs caused by golden mussel bioinfestation in the raw water pumping systems of other facilities. Full article
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15 pages, 3293 KiB  
Article
A System of Improving Energy and Ecological Efficiency, Using the Example of Fuel Oil Combustion in Power Plant Boilers
by Wilhelm Jan Tic and Joanna Guziałowska-Tic
Energies 2023, 16(3), 1107; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16031107 - 19 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 987
Abstract
Most climatic changes are not just the result of human activity, but also of business models that harm the environment. An attempt to attain an ecological balance is an answer to the challenge posed by this situation. The combustion of liquid fuels results [...] Read more.
Most climatic changes are not just the result of human activity, but also of business models that harm the environment. An attempt to attain an ecological balance is an answer to the challenge posed by this situation. The combustion of liquid fuels results in the atmospheric emissions of pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide and hydrocarbons. To reduce emissions of these pollutants and at the same time attain an ecological balance, specific modifiers are applied. This paper presents an analysis of the energy efficiency and ecological efficiency of fuel oil combustion in power plant boilers based on the results of tests carried out by the present authors, in which a Fe/Mg/Ce modifier was used. The tests were carried out for system capacities ranging from 1 to 5 MW. It was found that savings on fuel, which resulted from the implementation of a system for the control and supervision of power plant operation, were in the range of 4 to 6%, and those resulting from the use of the combustion modifier were from 2 to 4%. Moreover, it was found that the system designed to improve efficiency also provided the extra result of reducing CO2 emission and equivalent emission (SO2, NO2, and particulate matter). Full article
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15 pages, 5794 KiB  
Article
Study of the Blade Shape Impact on the Improvement of Fan Efficiency Based on State-of-the-Art Prototyping Methods
by Michał Szelka, Andrzej Drwięga, Jarosław Tokarczyk, Marek Szyguła, Kamil Szewerda, Marian Banaś, Krzysztof Kołodziejczyk and Krzysztof Kędzia
Energies 2023, 16(1), 542; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16010542 - 03 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1801
Abstract
The article discusses the process of designing and testing as well as their results, carried out in order to increase the efficiency of axial fans, implemented as part of the European project INESI. Modifications of existing solutions based on rapid prototyping methods were [...] Read more.
The article discusses the process of designing and testing as well as their results, carried out in order to increase the efficiency of axial fans, implemented as part of the European project INESI. Modifications of existing solutions based on rapid prototyping methods were presented. Scanning, FEM and CFD numerical calculations and 3D printing were used for that purpose. Rapid prototyping involved the use of a steel blade base and 3D-printed complex aerodynamic shapes that were bonded to create completely new blades. After their installation on the new rotor, enabling the angle of attack adjusting, a number of verifying tests of the fan were carried out. The solution was successfully tested and the results are discussed in the article. Full article
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2022

Jump to: 2023

24 pages, 10860 KiB  
Article
Influence of the Longitudinal and Tree-Shaped Fin Parameters on the Shell-and-Tube LHTES Energy Efficiency
by Grzegorz Czerwiński and Jerzy Wołoszyn
Energies 2023, 16(1), 268; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16010268 - 26 Dec 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1201
Abstract
Changes in the energy sector, associated with the move away from fossil fuels, pose a challenge for appropriate thermal energy management in residential buildings. The important element to deal with the variability of renewable energy in thermal systems is latent heat thermal energy [...] Read more.
Changes in the energy sector, associated with the move away from fossil fuels, pose a challenge for appropriate thermal energy management in residential buildings. The important element to deal with the variability of renewable energy in thermal systems is latent heat thermal energy storage. Due to the low thermal conductivity of phase change materials, a number of techniques are proposed to enhance the heat transfer process. In this research, the global sensitivity of fin geometrical parameters on the melting and solidification times and energy efficiency of these processes was investigated. The computational model of the phase change was developed using the finite volume method with the enthalpy-porosity model and Boussinesq approximation. Numerical simulations were carried out according to the design of experiments technique. The multi-dimensional response surface was developed, and the multi-objective optimisation was done. The research shows that the melting process is most influenced by the position of the top fin (α angle) and the solidification process by the position of the bottom fin (γ angle). The angle of the tree fin (β) has a different effect on both processes, with the energy efficiency decreasing during melting and increasing during solidification. Maximum values for the energy efficiencies of melting (ηm=0.973) and solidification (ηs=0.988) were obtained for α=18.2°, β=89.0°, L=10.7 mm and γ=21.0°. Full article
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