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Innovations-Sustainability-Modernity-Openness in Energy Research 2019

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "A: Sustainable Energy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2019) | Viewed by 27848

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Physics, School of Engineering Sciences of Belmez, University of Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
Interests: water treatment; water used in energy production; renewable energy for application in hot domestic water and heating; activation of water by plasma technology; application of activated water
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Guest Editor
Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences, Bialystok University of Technology, Wiejska 45A, 15–351 Białystok, Poland
Interests: water and wastewater treatment; water and wastewater quality; water pollution monitoring; filtration; activated sludge
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear colleagues,

The VIII International Scientific Conference “Innovations-Sustainability-Modernity-Openness: Environmental Engineering Through A Young Eye” (ISMO’19) provides an opportunity for scientists, engineers, managers and professionals from all over the world to sum up their scientific achievements and to highlight the outstanding problems in the area of environmental and energy engineering. The primary goal of the conference is to promote research and developmental activities in engineering. It aims to be a field for scientific information exchange between experienced researchers, engineers and young scientists who take their first steps towards innovations.

One of the most important engineering problems nowadays is the growing consumption of energy in the world and its impact on the environment and climate change. As societies are increasingly based on renewable energies, they are searching for higher efficiency and more environmentally-friendly solutions, allowing a reduction of energy consumption. This makes the development of new technologies and an exchange of ideas among specialists in the field extremely necessary. The VIII ISMO considers this issue as one of the priority objectives of this year's edition.

The ISMO’19 Organizing Committee invites experienced researchers, academics, science enthusiasts and young scientists to participate in the conference. The best papers will be selected for publication in this Special Issue with a discount of the processing charge. The Special Issue will feature topics that reflect the diversity of the conference, such as energy sources, energy storage, the energy efficiency of HVAC and DHW systems, sustainable energy systems, energy policy, energy conversion systems, domestic and industrial use of energy or environmental pollution, however submissions are not limited to these issues.

Assoc. Prof. Dorota Anna Krawczyk
Prof. Antonio Rodero Serrano
Assoc. Prof. Iwona Skoczko
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • renewable energy,
  • wind turbines,
  • solar energy,
  • hydroelectricity,
  • biomass,
  • heat pumps,
  • energy use in buildings,
  • energy efficiency,
  • energy storage,
  • sustainable energy systems,
  • planning of RE investments.

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 502 KiB  
Article
Determinants of the Forward Premium in the Nord Pool Electricity Market
by Erik Haugom, Peter Molnár and Magne Tysdahl
Energies 2020, 13(5), 1111; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13051111 - 02 Mar 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4435
Abstract
Nord Pool is the leading power market in Europe. It has been documented that the forward contracts traded in this market exhibit a significant forward premium, which could be a sign of market inefficiency. Efficient power markets are important, especially when there is [...] Read more.
Nord Pool is the leading power market in Europe. It has been documented that the forward contracts traded in this market exhibit a significant forward premium, which could be a sign of market inefficiency. Efficient power markets are important, especially when there is a goal to increase the share of the power mix stemming from renewable energy sources. We therefore contribute to the understanding of this topic by examining how the forward premium in the Nord Pool market depend on several economic and physical conditions. We utilise two methods: ordinary least squares and quantile regression. The results show that the reservoir level and the basis (the difference between the forward and spot price) have a significant impact on the forward premium. The realised volatility of futures prices and the implied volatility of the stock market have strong effects on both the conditional lower and upper tails of the forward premium. We also find that, as the market has matured, the forward premium has decreased, indicating an increase in market efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations-Sustainability-Modernity-Openness in Energy Research 2019)
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12 pages, 2238 KiB  
Article
Reduction of Heat Losses Using Quadruple Heating Pre-Insulated Networks: A Case Study
by Tomasz Janusz Teleszewski, Dorota Anna Krawczyk and Antonio Rodero
Energies 2019, 12(24), 4699; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12244699 - 10 Dec 2019
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2548
Abstract
The paper presents an analysis of heat loss and reductions of annual emissions of air pollutants of a quadruple pre-insulated heating network by comparing this solution with the existing pre-insulated network consisting of four pre-insulated single pipes and the variant consisting of two [...] Read more.
The paper presents an analysis of heat loss and reductions of annual emissions of air pollutants of a quadruple pre-insulated heating network by comparing this solution with the existing pre-insulated network consisting of four pre-insulated single pipes and the variant consisting of two twin pipe pre-insulated. For calculations, an existing heating network located in central Poland was adopted, where heat is transported for heating purposes of buildings and domestic hot water with circulation of domestic hot water through four separate pre-insulated underground pipes. The idea of the construction of four pre-insulated pipes presented in the paper consists in the location of four steel pipes in a common round thermal insulation, which perform the role of heat transport for heating purposes in multi-family buildings (supply and return) and two pipes transporting hot water (a pipe with domestic hot water with circulation). In Poland, heating pipes used in multi-family housing have a larger diameter compared to domestic hot water pipes, which is why standard twin pipe heating pipes have been used in the construction of four pre-insulated networks, in which the domestic hot water pipe has been added to the thermal insulation and circulation of domestic hot water. In order to determine heat losses, a simplified two-dimensional model of conductive heat transfer was developed using Fortran to create a computer program. The results of numerical simulations show that the use of twin pipes for the construction of pre-insulated quadruple networks has contributed to a significant reduction in heat loss in relation to the existing single pre-insulated network (up to 57.1%), while reducing the thermal insulation field of the cross-section of the pre-insulated pipe by 21.4%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations-Sustainability-Modernity-Openness in Energy Research 2019)
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18 pages, 3957 KiB  
Article
Densification and Fuel Properties of Onion Husks
by Sławomir Obidziński, Magdalena Dołżyńska, Małgorzata Kowczyk-Sadowy, Krzysztof Jadwisieńczak and Paweł Sobczak
Energies 2019, 12(24), 4687; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12244687 - 09 Dec 2019
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 2823
Abstract
The aim of the described research was to assess the suitability of onion husk waste as a material for the production of solid fuels in the form of granules (pellets). Due to the low susceptibility to thickening of onion husks, the addition of [...] Read more.
The aim of the described research was to assess the suitability of onion husk waste as a material for the production of solid fuels in the form of granules (pellets). Due to the low susceptibility to thickening of onion husks, the addition of a binder in the form of potato pulp was used (waste with a high starch content). Both wastes were subjected to elemental analysis determining the content of C, H, N, S, Cl, and their HHV (High Heating Value) and LHV (Low Heating Value). Mixtures containing the addition of 10%, 15%, and 20% potato pulp to onion husks were subjected to granulation in a “flat matrix–thickening rollers” operating system at three rotational speeds of the granulator matrix a 170, 220, and 270 rpm. The influence of the potato pulp addition and matrix rotational speed on the quality of the obtained pellet was determined. The highest quality product was combusted in a low-power boiler with a retort grate, and the content of CO, CO2, SO2, NO, and HCl in the exhaust gas was determined. The highest quality granulate was obtained from a mixture containing 10% potato pulp, which was compacted at 170 rpm matrix, where the kinetic strength was 99.50% and the density was about 650 kg·m−3. The results of the combustion emissions from onion husk granules exceed the requirements of the EcoDesign Directive with the greatest being the case of CO. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations-Sustainability-Modernity-Openness in Energy Research 2019)
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12 pages, 7714 KiB  
Article
A New Method to Determine the Annual Energy Output of Liquid-Based Solar Collectors
by Miroslaw Zukowski and Paulina Radzajewska
Energies 2019, 12(23), 4586; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12234586 - 02 Dec 2019
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2328
Abstract
One of the most effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is the widespread use of solar panels. A new approach to estimating the annual energy output ESC of liquid-based solar thermal collectors is presented in this paper. The main parameters of [...] Read more.
One of the most effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is the widespread use of solar panels. A new approach to estimating the annual energy output ESC of liquid-based solar thermal collectors is presented in this paper. The main parameters of the surrounding environment that affect the energy yield from solar water heating (SWH) systems are total solar radiation ES and outdoor air temperature θO. Here, two functions are developed that allow the specification of the ESC value based on these two previously determined factors. The article presents the subsequent stages that led to the development of this method. In the first step, the computer model of a solar domestic hot water (SDHW) system was built in the EnergyPlus environment. An object of the modeling procedure was the real solar installation located at Bialystok University of Technology. The database containing the annual energy output of the solar collectors, total solar radiation, and outdoor air temperature was developed based on the results of simulations made for 24 Polish cities. Then, the multiple regression method (implemented in Statistica v.13.1) was used to correlate these variables. Two contour graphs were also developed to determine the energy yield from solar collectors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations-Sustainability-Modernity-Openness in Energy Research 2019)
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13 pages, 1683 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the PAH Content in Soot from Solid Fuels Combustion in Low Power Boilers
by Ewa Szatyłowicz and Iwona Skoczko
Energies 2019, 12(22), 4254; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12224254 - 08 Nov 2019
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 2744
Abstract
The emission of carbon compounds (in the form of soot) to the atmosphere has a significant impact on the environment and human health. Air pollution with combustion products, having a unique combination of physical and chemical properties, is an important component of very [...] Read more.
The emission of carbon compounds (in the form of soot) to the atmosphere has a significant impact on the environment and human health. Air pollution with combustion products, having a unique combination of physical and chemical properties, is an important component of very fine suspended dust, which is emitted from various sources related to combustion processes. The carbon compounds in aerosol form and deposited in the substrate are found all over the Earth. The paper presents results of comparative research on the content of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in soot samples obtained as a result of combustion of solid fuels such as hard coal with granulation above 60 mm, coal with a grain size of 25–80 mm, coal with a grain size of 8–25 mm, pellets and dry wood. On the basis of the conducted tests, it was found that the soot obtained in the combustion of coal in different granulation contains more cytotoxic PAH in comparison to the combustion of wood pellets or dry firewood. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations-Sustainability-Modernity-Openness in Energy Research 2019)
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15 pages, 2989 KiB  
Article
Densification and Combustion of Cherry Stones
by Magdalena Dołżyńska, Sławomir Obidziński, Małgorzata Kowczyk-Sadowy and Małgorzata Krasowska
Energies 2019, 12(16), 3042; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12163042 - 07 Aug 2019
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3162
Abstract
The aim of the presented research was to determine the suitability of cherry stones as a solid fuel. Mixtures of cherry stones with the addition of 10%, 15%, and 20% rye bran as a binder were subjected to the pressure agglomeration process in [...] Read more.
The aim of the presented research was to determine the suitability of cherry stones as a solid fuel. Mixtures of cherry stones with the addition of 10%, 15%, and 20% rye bran as a binder were subjected to the pressure agglomeration process in a rotary matrix working system (170, 220, and 270 rpm). The density of pellets, their kinetic durability, and power demand of the granulator’s device for each mix were determined. The highest quality was characterized by pellets containing 20% rye bran, which were combusted in a 25 kW boiler with a retort grate. The concentration of CO, CO2, NO, SO2, HCl, and O2 in the exhaust gas was tested. On the basis of the results of combustion, high heating value (HHV), low heating value (LHV), and elemental analysis, it was found that pellets from cherry stones with the addition of rye bran can serve as a substitute for wood pellets in low-power installations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations-Sustainability-Modernity-Openness in Energy Research 2019)
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14 pages, 2681 KiB  
Article
Improved Performance of a PV Integrated Ventilated Façade at an Existing nZEB
by Ana Tejero-González, Dorota Anna Krawczyk, José Ramón Martín-Sanz García, Francisco Javier Rey-Martínez and Eloy Velasco-Gómez
Energies 2019, 12(15), 3033; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12153033 - 06 Aug 2019
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3183
Abstract
Ventilated façades are among the existing measures to reduce the energy demand in buildings. The combination of this passive heating and cooling strategy with photovoltaics (PV) can drive new buildings towards the current European targets near or even to net zero energy Buildings [...] Read more.
Ventilated façades are among the existing measures to reduce the energy demand in buildings. The combination of this passive heating and cooling strategy with photovoltaics (PV) can drive new buildings towards the current European targets near or even to net zero energy Buildings (nZEB). The present work studies the thermal behavior of the PV integrated ventilated façade applied in the nZEB known as “LUCIA” (acronym in Spanish for “University Centre to Launch Applied Research”) at the University of Valladolid, Spain. The aim is to evaluate the interest of recirculating indoor air within the façade during winter, as an alternative to the present preferred operating mode during the target season, in which the façade acts as further insulation. First, the radiant properties of the PV façade are measured to use the values in a mathematical model that describes the behavior of the ventilated façade in its current operating mode in winter. Then, the solar radiation available, the air-dry bulb temperatures indoors, outdoors and inside the ventilated façade are monitored to obtain experimental data to validate the model. The results show that air recirculation can entail favorable heat gains during 10% of winter, being this alternative preferable to the present operating mode when outdoor temperatures are over 18.4 °C. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations-Sustainability-Modernity-Openness in Energy Research 2019)
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11 pages, 1546 KiB  
Article
Simulation and Analysis of Various Ventilation Systems Given in an Example in the Same School of Indoor Air Quality
by Katarzyna Gładyszewska-Fiedoruk, Vasyl Zhelykh and Andrii Pushchinskyi
Energies 2019, 12(15), 2845; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12152845 - 24 Jul 2019
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3356 | Retraction
Abstract
The quality of internal air is one of the factors that affect the pace and quality of knowledge acquisition. Therefore, it is important that classrooms have high quality of air. Using computer simulation, the effect of various building ventilation variants on air quality [...] Read more.
The quality of internal air is one of the factors that affect the pace and quality of knowledge acquisition. Therefore, it is important that classrooms have high quality of air. Using computer simulation, the effect of various building ventilation variants on air quality in classrooms was analyzed. Two criteria were analyzed and six variants of ventilation. The analysis was carried out using the CONTAMW program, used for multi-zone analysis of ventilation and air quality in a building. As an indicator of air quality, the concentration of carbon dioxide in school halls was adopted. The analyses show that natural ventilation is not able to provide proper air exchange. Regular airing of classrooms during breaks can reduce the carbon dioxide concentration to 2500 ppm, however, there is a significant reduction in indoor temperature (even below 10 °C). The best control over the internal environment can be obtained by using a supply–exhaust ventilation system with heat recovery. Obtaining a higher stabilization of ventilation is achieved by supplying additional energy to drive fans, however, this is only a small amount of energy compared to the cost of heat for heating the building (maximum 2%). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations-Sustainability-Modernity-Openness in Energy Research 2019)
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13 pages, 1274 KiB  
Article
Investigation and Evaluation of Primary Energy from Wind Turbines for a Nearly Zero Energy Building (nZEB)
by Rokas Tamašauskas, Jolanta Šadauskienė, Patrikas Bruzgevičius and Dorota Anna Krawczyk
Energies 2019, 12(11), 2145; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12112145 - 04 Jun 2019
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2654
Abstract
In order to fulfill the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) requirements regarding the reduction of energy consumption in buildings, great attention is paid to primary energy consumption. Wind energy is considered a type of primary energy. The analysis of the literature [...] Read more.
In order to fulfill the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) requirements regarding the reduction of energy consumption in buildings, great attention is paid to primary energy consumption. Wind energy is considered a type of primary energy. The analysis of the literature has revealed that wind energy is evaluated by different methods. Therefore, the aim of this article is to calculate the effect of the parameters of wind sources and wind speed on the primary energy factor of wind turbines. In order to achieve this aim, the primary energy factor of investigated 100 wind turbines and 11 wind farms operating in Lithuania was calculated. The results of the investigation show that the difference in the non-renewable primary energy factors between wind turbines with regard to their capacity is 35%. In addition, primary energy factor (PEF) values depend on geographic location and climate conditions. This paper provides a recommendation that the EU energy efficiency and renewable energy directives and regulations of all EU member states should use the same or, at least, a very similar methodology for the calculation of the primary energy factors of renewable and non-renewable energy sources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations-Sustainability-Modernity-Openness in Energy Research 2019)
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