Energies

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18 pages, 1027 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Residential Consumers’ Lifestyle Energy Usage and Energy Efficiency in Selected States in Malaysia

by Salina Daud, Wan Noordiana Wan Hanafi, Bamidele Victor Ayodele, Jegatheesan Rajadurai, Siti Indati Mustapa, Nurul Nadiah Ahmad, Wan Mohammad Taufik Wan Abdullah, Siti Norhidayah Toolib, Maryam Jamilah Asha’ari and Harni Aziera Afsarizal

Energies 2023, 16(8), 3514; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16083514 - 18 Apr 2023

Viewed by 2253

Abstract

In recent decades, significant changes have occurred in the consumer lifestyle and energy consumption structure. In order to foster a more holistic understanding of how residential consumers use energy in their everyday life and how it affects energy efficiency, individual data about energy-related [...] Read more.

In recent decades, significant changes have occurred in the consumer lifestyle and energy consumption structure. In order to foster a more holistic understanding of how residential consumers use energy in their everyday life and how it affects energy efficiency, individual data about energy-related behaviour in six primary areas, namely, housing, mobility, diet, consumption, leisure activities, and information, were studied. Specifically, the objective of this study is to investigate energy efficiency behaviour based on residential consumers’ lifestyles. An exploratory pilot study with a total of 50 respondents was carried out in month of July. Data were collected from residential consumers from six states in Peninsular Malaysia and were analysed using the Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling approach. The result showed that consumption, housing, and information are the dominant direct contributors to energy efficiency. By understanding these lifestyles, researchers and policymakers can better understand consumer energy consumption behaviour and design targeted interventions to encourage energy efficiency and conservation. The paper highlights the need for further research on consumer lifestyles and their contribution to energy efficiency. It also provides findings from this study that was used to refine the research tools for future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Renewable Energy Technologies and Energy Efficiency: Roadmap to Attaining Carbon Neutrality)

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24 pages, 4290 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Economic and Environmental Analysis of Incorporating Geothermal District Heating System Combined with Radiant Floor Heating for Building Heat Supply in Sarein, Iran Using Building Information Modeling (BIM)

by Atefeh Abbaspour, Hossein Yousefi, Alireza Aslani and Younes Noorollahi

Energies 2022, 15(23), 8914; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15238914 - 25 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1680

Abstract

Despite the considerable breakthrough in district heating systems (DHS) globally, there is not yet any policy on developing this technology in Iran. This country has a high range of energy demand, while renewable energies play a minor role in its energy supply chain. [...] Read more.

Despite the considerable breakthrough in district heating systems (DHS) globally, there is not yet any policy on developing this technology in Iran. This country has a high range of energy demand, while renewable energies play a minor role in its energy supply chain. Furthermore, the world is going through a transition towards renewable resources, which currently consist of only 10% of the total energy mix. As the first contribution in this area, this paper aims to design a 100% renewable DHS integrated with radiant floor heating for a group of residential buildings in Sarein, Iran. Moreover, the literature proposes a novel approach for combining geothermal energy and Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) to achieve a 100% renewable energy system. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is used for thermal analysis by 3D designing the buildings in SketchUp and OpenStudio and simulating the heat load in EnergyPlus. Three scenarios are presented to better compare the DHS with the decentralized heating system regarding fuel consumption, as well as environmental and economic aspects. The town’s existing heating system that consumes natural gas for both space heating and hot water demand is referred to as the IHS-G scenario. The DHS-G scenario represents an 87% renewable DHS system, working with natural gas and geothermal energy, while the DHS-MSW scenario is a 100% renewable system, consuming both geothermal energy and Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). Finally, findings suggest that DHS-MSW and DHS-G scenarios reduce the annual energy consumption of buildings by about 595 and 33 toes, respectively. Hence, the greenhouse gas effect will alleviate by mitigating the emission of 1403 and 1339 tons of CO₂-eq./year, respectively. Moreover, exporting the extra natural gas through both LNG and pipeline provides about 26 million and 28 million USD/year revenue in DHS-G and DHS-MSW scenarios. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Renewable Energy Technologies and Energy Efficiency: Roadmap to Attaining Carbon Neutrality)

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28 pages, 5955 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Automatic Monitoring System for Online Module-Level Fault Detection in Grid-Tied Photovoltaic Plants

by Belqasem Aljafari, Siva Rama Krishna Madeti, Priya Ranjan Satpathy, Sudhakar Babu Thanikanti and Bamidele Victor Ayodele

Energies 2022, 15(20), 7789; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15207789 - 21 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2105

Abstract

In this paper, a novel fault detection and diagnosis technique for a grid-tied photovoltaic (GTPV) with the ability of module-level fault location and differentiation is proposed. The proposed system measures the voltage, current, and temperature of the PV modules using low-cost sensors and [...] Read more.

In this paper, a novel fault detection and diagnosis technique for a grid-tied photovoltaic (GTPV) with the ability of module-level fault location and differentiation is proposed. The proposed system measures the voltage, current, and temperature of the PV modules using low-cost sensors and critically compares them with the mathematical evaluated data to locate the type and location of the fault in the system. Additionally, a power line communication (PLC)-based low-cost PV monitoring system for tracking the operation of individual modules along with a fault detection algorithm is proposed to detect and locate the fault in the system. An intuitive online web application is also created to make it simple for users to view monitored data online. The suggested method is shown to have reduced computing needs; thus, the transmission of data and fault diagnosis is performed using the same microcontroller without the need for extra hardware or simulation software. The usefulness of the proposed method in identifying different fault occurrences in GTPV systems has been shown via experimental findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Renewable Energy Technologies and Energy Efficiency: Roadmap to Attaining Carbon Neutrality)

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17 pages, 851 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determinants of Residential Consumers’ Acceptance of a Utility-Scale Battery Energy Storage System in Malaysia: Technology Acceptance Model Theory from a Different Perspective

by Amar Hisham Jaaffar, Nurshahirah Abd Majid, Bakhtiar Alrazi, Vigna K. Ramachandaramurty and Nofri Yenita Dahlan

Energies 2022, 15(16), 5997; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15165997 - 18 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1564

Abstract

In a developing country such as Malaysia, studies of determinants which influence residential consumers of the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) are limited. This paucity of studies was the catalyst for this study and its aim to investigate the factors affecting acceptance by [...] Read more.

In a developing country such as Malaysia, studies of determinants which influence residential consumers of the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) are limited. This paucity of studies was the catalyst for this study and its aim to investigate the factors affecting acceptance by Malaysian residential consumers of BESS as it relates to the Technology Acceptance Model Theory. A sample of 331 residential consumers indicated that consumer attitudes, social norms and self-efficacy, or the perception of behavioral control, had a positive and significant relationship with the intention to use BESS. Additionally, trust was a factor that had a significant effect on the consumers’ perceptions of cost, benefits and anticipated effects. All these variables significantly affect consumer attitudes. These findings provide important insights into BESS and facilitate the development of policies and practices relating to BESS in developing countries such as Malaysia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Renewable Energy Technologies and Energy Efficiency: Roadmap to Attaining Carbon Neutrality)

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13 pages, 4190 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Predictive Modeling of Bioenergy Production from Fountain Grass Using Gaussian Process Regression: Effect of Kernel Functions

by SK Safdar Hossain, Bamidele Victor Ayodele and Abdulrahman Almithn

Energies 2022, 15(15), 5570; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15155570 - 31 Jul 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1220

Abstract

Experimental studies have shown that bioethanol production from biomass sources has been reported to be influenced by several process parameters. It is not entirely known, however, how the interaction of these factors affects the concentration of bioethanol production. In this study, the use [...] Read more.

Experimental studies have shown that bioethanol production from biomass sources has been reported to be influenced by several process parameters. It is not entirely known, however, how the interaction of these factors affects the concentration of bioethanol production. In this study, the use of Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) in predictive modeling of bioethanol production from fountain grass has been investigated. Parametric analysis showing the interaction effect of time, pH, temperature, and yeast extract on the bioethanol production was examined. The effect of kernel functions on the performance of the GPR in modeling the prediction of bioenergy output was also examined. The study shows that the kernel function, namely, rotational quadratic (RQGPR), squared exponential (SEGPR), Matern 5/2 (MGPR), exponential (EGPR), and the optimizable (Opt.GPR.), had varying effects on the performance of the GPR. Coefficients of determination (R²) of 0.648, 0.670, 0.667, 0.762, and 0.993 were obtained for the RQGPR, SEGPR, MGPR, EGPR, OptGPR, respectively. The OptGPR with R² of 0.993 and RMSE of 45.13 displayed the best performance. The input parameters analysis revealed that the pH of the fermentation medium significantly influences bioethanol production. A proper understanding of how the various process variables affect bioethanol production will help in the real-time optimization of the process in the eventuality of scale-up. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Renewable Energy Technologies and Energy Efficiency: Roadmap to Attaining Carbon Neutrality)

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11 pages, 1579 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Techno-Economic Analysis of a Wind-Energy-Based Charging Station for Electric Vehicles in High-Rise Buildings in Malaysia

by Misbah Abdelrahim, Gamal Alkawsi, Ammar Ahmed Alkahtani, Ali M. W. Alhasan, Mohammad Khudari, Mohd Rizuan Abdul Kadir, Janaka Ekanayake and Sieh Kiong Tiong

Energies 2022, 15(15), 5412; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15155412 - 27 Jul 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2022

Abstract

Renewable energy sources have become necessary for long-term energy sustainability due to the increased demand for electric cars and worrisome rises in carbon dioxide emissions from traditional energy sources. Furthermore, transportation is one of the sectors that uses the most energy on the [...] Read more.

Renewable energy sources have become necessary for long-term energy sustainability due to the increased demand for electric cars and worrisome rises in carbon dioxide emissions from traditional energy sources. Furthermore, transportation is one of the sectors that uses the most energy on the planet, accounting for 24% of overall consumption. Fossil fuels are still the dominant energy source for balancing global demand/supply dynamics. Supporting laws and regulations have enhanced the first phase of environmentally friendly energy-resource consumption. This has spurred the development of new solutions that cut greenhouse-gas emissions and reduce the air pollution produced by internal combustion engines that are fuelled by fossil fuels. Wind energy is one of the clean energy sources that may be utilised for this purpose. Wind energy has been used to power electric-car-charging infrastructure, generally in a hybrid mode with another renewable source. This research examines the possibility of using wind energy as a standalone energy source to support electric-vehicle-charging infrastructure. Using data from Malacca, Malaysia, and HOMER software, the project will build and optimise a standalone wind-powered charging station. An RC-5K-A wind turbine coupled to a battery and converter is the appropriate choice for the system. The findings demonstrate that the turbine can produce 214,272 kWh per year at the cost of USD 0.081/kWh, confirming wind’s future feasibility as an energy-infrastructure support source. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Renewable Energy Technologies and Energy Efficiency: Roadmap to Attaining Carbon Neutrality)

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16 pages, 4949 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Circular Economy Framework for Energy Recovery in Phytoremediation of Domestic Wastewater

by Hauwa Mohammed Mustafa, Gasim Hayder and Siti Indati Mustapa

Energies 2022, 15(9), 3075; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15093075 - 22 Apr 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1854

Abstract

Circular economy (CE) strategy is crucial in developing towards sustainable growth. It was created to promote resource utilization and the elimination of waste production. This article aimed to study the possibilities of using the CE framework in wastewater bioremediation and energy recovery using [...] Read more.

Circular economy (CE) strategy is crucial in developing towards sustainable growth. It was created to promote resource utilization and the elimination of waste production. This article aimed to study the possibilities of using the CE framework in wastewater bioremediation and energy recovery using hydroponic tanks. The integration of phytoremediation with bioenergy, construction and lifespan of hydroponic tanks in phytoremediation of wastewater, selection of aquatic plants and the expected challenges in the implementation of CE in phytoremediation of wastewater were discussed. The plant-based biomass harvested and the relative growth rate (RGR) of the selected plants from the phytoremediation process was evaluated. The findings obtained indicated that the selected plants tripled in weight after 14 days cultivation period at different retention times. E. crassipes recorded the highest growth with 2.5 ± 0.03 g g⁻¹ d⁻¹, followed by S. molesta with 1.33 ± 0.05 g g⁻¹ d⁻¹ and then P. stratiotes recorded 0.92 ± 0.27 g g⁻¹ d⁻¹ at the end of the cultivation period. Therefore, the selected plants have been identified as having the potential to be used in phytoremediation as well as a source of energy production. The outcome of our review suggested the adoption of a lifecycle assessment as the CE framework for the phytoremediation of wastewater. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Renewable Energy Technologies and Energy Efficiency: Roadmap to Attaining Carbon Neutrality)

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13 pages, 4146 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hydrogen-Rich Syngas and Biochar Production by Non-Catalytic Valorization of Date Palm Seeds

by Hani Hussain Sait, Ahmed Hussain, Mohamed Bassyouni, Imtiaz Ali, Ramesh Kanthasamy, Bamidele Victor Ayodele and Yasser Elhenawy

Energies 2022, 15(8), 2727; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15082727 - 8 Apr 2022

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 1988

Abstract

Pyrolysis has been demonstrated to be a highly effective thermochemical process for converting complex biomaterials into biochar and syngas rich in hydrogen. The pyrolysis of mixed date palm seeds from Saudi Arabia was conducted using a fixed-bed pyrolyzer that was custom made for [...] Read more.

Pyrolysis has been demonstrated to be a highly effective thermochemical process for converting complex biomaterials into biochar and syngas rich in hydrogen. The pyrolysis of mixed date palm seeds from Saudi Arabia was conducted using a fixed-bed pyrolyzer that was custom made for the purpose. The influence of the pyrolysis temperature (200–1000 °C) on the various physicochemical parameters of the date seed biochar generated through the pyrolysis process and the hydrogen-rich syngas was investigated. Proximate and ultimate analyses indicated a high carbon content in the lignocellulosic constituents such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Using energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, it was discovered that the elemental composition of biochar changes with the pyrolysis temperature. The date seeds pyrolyzed at 800 °C were found to have the maximum carbon concentration, with 97.99% of the total carbon content. The analysis of the biochar indicated a high concentration of carbon, as well as magnesium and potassium. There was a potential for the production of hydrogen-rich syngas, which increased with the pyrolysis temperature. At 1000 °C, the highest hydrogen and carbon monoxide compositions of 40 mol% and 32 mol%, respectively, were obtained. The kinetic data of the date seed pyrolysis were fitted using linearized model-free methods, such as Friedman, Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO) and Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS), as well as non-linear methods such as Vyazovkin and advanced Vyazovkin. The activation energies obtained from Friedman, FWO, and KAS varied in the range of 30–75 kJ/mol, 30–65 kJ/mol, and 30–40 kJ/mol, respectively, while those of Vyazovkin and advanced Vyazovkin were found in the range of 25–30 kJ/mol, and 30–70 kJ/mol, respectively. The analysis showed that the FWO and KAS models show smaller variation compared to Friedman. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Renewable Energy Technologies and Energy Efficiency: Roadmap to Attaining Carbon Neutrality)

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