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Women in Energy and Environment

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

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Editors

Department of Civil Engineering, University of Lisbon, IST—Tecnico Lisboa/CERIS, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1649-004 Lisbon, Portugal
Interests: hydropower; hydraulic transients; energy efficiency; eco-design projects; pumped-storage; water–energy–food nexus; hybrid energy solutions; renewable energy sources; energy recovery; hydrodynamics
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Department of Engineering, University of Naples ‘Parthenope’, Naples, Italy
Interests: low temperature and high temperature fuel cells systems; fuel cells in mobile applications; technologies for hydrogen production and storage in refuelling stations; hydrogen production by reforming systems for stationary or mobile applications; developing and optimization of internal combustion engine fuelled with hydrocarbons and hydrogen mixtures; cogeneration power plant based on fuel cell technologies; plasma gasification technologies for wastes treatment; environmental impact of power plants and pollutant dispersion analysis; microbial fuel cells technologies
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Department of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 València, Valencia, Spain
Interests: fluid mechanics; computational fluid dynamics; environment sustainability;numerical modeling; CFD simulation; water quality; numerical simulation; modeling and simulation environmental; impact assessment; energy systems; energy demand; energetic implications in engineering facilities; renewable energy sources
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Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, 27 King's College Cir, Toronto, ON M5S, Canada
Interests: life cycle assessment and techno-economic methods incorporating uncertainty; sustainable infrastructure; bioenergy systems including biobased electricity and liquid fuels (ethanol, hydrogen, and aviation fuels); conventional and alternative light-duty and medium-duty vehicles; conventional and unconventional fossil fuels; sustainable and resilient cities
Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Viale dell'Università, 03043 Cassino, FR, Italy
Interests: energy saving; improvement of energy efficiency of conventional power plants; novel plant configurations for power generation and poly-generation based on low environmental impact and high efficiency technologies (high and Low temperature fuel cells, HT-PEMFC, hydrogen)
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Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering, University of Bath, Bath, UK
Interests: integrated design and planning; architectural technology; sustainability and resource efficiency (water); resilience in modern and heritage contexts; water resource efficiency; water, energy nexus
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Topical Collection Information

Dear Colleagues,

Two sides of the same world can be identified with different objectives and priorities:

(i) On one hand, nowadays water and energy are two basic needs that should be distributed under efficient and sustainable performances. Unfortunately, some regions of the world are lacking in both these resources. Science and technology must come together in order to develop and supply alternatives that meet people's basic needs. The combination of actions in new design solutions to solve problems of water scarcity and energy availability of vulnerable populations need to be addressed. In many countries, small towns or the suburbs of cities often have problems in providing energy and water as basic survival variables in an acceptable quantity, quality, under technical, social and environment integrity. These problems can combine two common components: poor water and power sources. Accessible joint development is needed to meet the requirements of many citizens and to achieve access to both water and energy in the right capacity and in all performance levels.

(ii) On the other hand, innovative integrated solutions in terms of technical, economic, and social impacts are advisable. Impacts of environmental regulations and advancing technologies on local, national and even global energy politics are desirable. Energy recovery, pumped storage hydropower solutions, hybrid energy systems, and water-energy management, in terms of best operation and management, and moving towards more sustainable and flexible integrated solutions are welcome. Model development and digital representation have to provide both the elements and the dynamics of how an Internet of things (IoT) device operates and lives throughout its life cycle. It allows researchers to emphasize the connection between the physical model and the corresponding virtual mode as well as to generate real-time data using sensors towards smart grids.

This Topical Collection invites contributions in evolving technical, social, and environmental impacts of energy supply, transport, production and use at different levels and interactions with water, hydrogen, waste and renewable sources such as wind and solar. The integration of different models allows to detect and actuate in near real-time conditions towards a better flexible, joined and efficient energy solution. Using physics and data-based prognostic models to detect faults can also improve asset failure mode management and reduce unplanned downtime.

We welcome submissions from all authors, irrespective of gender!

Prof. Dr. Helena M. Ramos
Prof. Dr. Mariagiovanna Minutillo
Prof. Dr. Amparo López Jiménez
Prof. Dr. Heather L MacLean
Prof. Dr. Alessandra Perna
Dr. Kemi Adeyeye
Collection 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 collection 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

  • energy and environment
  • energy-water nexus
  • energy and water efficiency
  • eco-friendly solutions
  • resources management and storage
  • smart grids
  • digital water and energy
  • digital twin
  • pumped storage hydropower
  • hybrid energy solutions
  • energy conversion technologies
  • power to fuel systems
  • biomass and wastes treatment and energy utilization
  • water management and efficiency
  • sustainable developed
  • climate change and implications
  • smart irrigation solutions
  • integrity of ecosystems
  • social and environmental impacts
  • advancing technologies
  • clean energy
  • operational flexibility
  • performance and monitoring
  • asset performance management
  • operations optimization
  • business optimization and advanced controls

Published Papers (3 papers)

2021

22 pages, 2098 KiB  
Review
Free-Piston Stirling Engine Technologies and Models: A Review
by Carmela Perozziello, Lavinia Grosu and Bianca Maria Vaglieco
Energies 2021, 14(21), 7009; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14217009 - 26 Oct 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 9662
Abstract
The Stirling engine is an alternative solution to produce cleaner energy in order to achieve the reduction of the fossil fuel consumption and the CO2 emissions. It comprises an external combustion engine that can convert any external heat source into mechanical power, [...] Read more.
The Stirling engine is an alternative solution to produce cleaner energy in order to achieve the reduction of the fossil fuel consumption and the CO2 emissions. It comprises an external combustion engine that can convert any external heat source into mechanical power, through cyclic expansion and compression of a working gas in a closed-regenerative cycle, with or without driving mechanisms. The free-piston Stirling Engine is significantly preferred because of the absence of any mechanical linkage resulting in longer operating life, lower noise pollution, maintenance and vibration free, self-starting and high thermal efficiency. The aim of this paper is to summarize the research works on the free-piston Stirling engine technologies and models. First, the working principles of the free-piston Stirling engine are described, identifying different configurations. Then, several applications are presented. Finally, a detailed review of the models available in literature is given, pointing out the main assumptions and equations. Full article
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15 pages, 3928 KiB  
Article
Water and Energy Efficiency Assessment in Urban Green Spaces
by Laura Monteiro, Raquel Cristina and Dídia Covas
Energies 2021, 14(17), 5490; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14175490 - 02 Sep 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2385
Abstract
Urban green spaces can be intensive water and energy consumers in the cities, particularly in water scarce regions. Though a very efficient use of such resources is necessary, tools for assessing both water and energy consumption and efficiency are not available. In this [...] Read more.
Urban green spaces can be intensive water and energy consumers in the cities, particularly in water scarce regions. Though a very efficient use of such resources is necessary, tools for assessing both water and energy consumption and efficiency are not available. In this paper, a new methodology based on water and energy balances is developed for assessing the water-use and energy efficiency in urban green spaces. The proposed balances, adapted from those developed for water supply systems, are specifically tailored for accounting for urban green spaces specificities, namely, landscape water requirements, other uses besides irrigation and over irrigation water losses. The methodology is demonstrated in two case studies of different nature and characteristics: a modern garden with a smart irrigation system and an urban park with traditional irrigation system. The results show that the developed water balances allow to estimate and assess the irrigation efficiency over the years and to assess the effectiveness of implemented water saving measures. The application of the water–energy balance demonstrates the impact of water efficiency measures on the energy efficiency of the irrigation systems. The proposed methodology can be used to assess water and water–energy efficiency in urban green spaces and to identify the most adequate improvement measures, contributing for a better management of the two resources in the cities. Full article
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21 pages, 5716 KiB  
Article
Socio-Technical Viability Framework for Micro Hydropower in Group Water-Energy Schemes
by Kemi Adeyeye, John Gallagher, Aonghus McNabola, Helena M. Ramos and Paul Coughlan
Energies 2021, 14(14), 4222; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14144222 - 13 Jul 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2450
Abstract
Most renewable energy (RE) studies focus on technology readiness, environmental benefits and/or cost savings. The market permeation, viability and adoption of RE technologies such as micro hydropower (MHP), however, require the alignment of other interrelated factors, such as the socio-technical, institutional and political [...] Read more.
Most renewable energy (RE) studies focus on technology readiness, environmental benefits and/or cost savings. The market permeation, viability and adoption of RE technologies such as micro hydropower (MHP), however, require the alignment of other interrelated factors, such as the socio-technical, institutional and political dimensions. This is particularly the case where the energy recovery potential in decentralised water networks is being explored as part of a wholesome sustainability strategy by and for individual and communal prosumers. This study employs a socio-technical approach to understand factors that influence the perceived viability and adoption of MHP in group water-energy schemes. Methods included a progressive literature review to formulate a conceptual framework for the implementation of MHP systems. The framework was validated using survey data from representative stakeholders from groups schemes in Ireland and Spain. These stakeholders were sampled and surveyed at the stage of considering the adoption of MHP in their water networks. The findings highlight the push–pull factors and discusses the opportunities and barriers to the adoption of MHP systems. It confirms that the market, institutional and policy context, cost and financial benefits, social support and collaborative services combine to influence the adoption of MHP technology. Thus, a framework for evaluating the socio-technical viability of MHP systems based on these more realistic integrated, multi-dimensional criteria is proposed. Full article
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Graphical abstract

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