Editorial

7 pages, 207 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES 2022)

by Oz Sahin, Russell Richards and Ioana C. Giurgiu

Sustainability 2023, 15(22), 15805; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152215805 - 10 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 708

The findings of the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report highlighted significant gaps in the targeted global reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES 2022))

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

17 pages, 38427 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Long-Range Wireless Communication for In-Line Inspection Robot: 2.4 km On-Site Test

by Huseyin Ayhan Yavasoglu, Ilhami Unal, Ahmet Koksoy, Kursad Gokce and Yusuf Engin Tetik

Sustainability 2023, 15(10), 8134; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15108134 - 17 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1653

Abstract

This paper presents a study of the feasibility of using in-line inspection (ILI) techniques with long-range communication-capable robotic systems deployed with advanced inspection sensors in natural gas distribution pipelines, which are rare in the literature. The study involved selecting appropriate antennas and determining [...] Read more.

This paper presents a study of the feasibility of using in-line inspection (ILI) techniques with long-range communication-capable robotic systems deployed with advanced inspection sensors in natural gas distribution pipelines, which are rare in the literature. The study involved selecting appropriate antennas and determining the appropriate communication frequency for an ILI robot operating on Istanbul 12″ and 16″ steel pipelines. The paper identifies the frequency windows with low losses, presents received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) information for various scenarios, and evaluates the impact of T-junctions, which are known to be the worst components in terms of communication. To utilize the pipeline as a waveguide, low-attenuation-frequency windows were determined, which improved communication by a factor of 500 compared to aerial communication. The results of laboratory tests on a 50 m pipeline and real-world tests on a 2.4 km pipeline indicate that long-distance communication and video transmission are possible at frequencies of around 917 MHz with low-gain antennas. The study also assessed the impact of the early diagnosis of anomalies without incidents on the environment, achievable with ILI robots using long-range wireless communication. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES 2022))

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16 pages, 2394 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainability Topics Integration in Supply Chain and Logistics Higher Education: Where Is the Middle East?

by Maja Rosi and Matevž Obrecht

Sustainability 2023, 15(8), 6955; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15086955 - 20 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1673

Abstract

The global logistics industry has grown significantly in the last decade and has become essential to global business activities. In addition, the logistics industry is vital in transportation, urbanization in the Middle East, and transshipment through the Middle East. Due to their increasing [...] Read more.

The global logistics industry has grown significantly in the last decade and has become essential to global business activities. In addition, the logistics industry is vital in transportation, urbanization in the Middle East, and transshipment through the Middle East. Due to their increasing importance and size, there is an increasing demand for adequately qualified people capable of managing the logistics systems and supply chains holistically and sustainably to avoid problems caused by unsustainable practices in mobility, transport, and supply chains. However, it is unclear whether the logistic and supply chain education of future leaders, managers, and engineers will follow SDG goals, the rise of new trends, and green technologies or lag behind. This paper pioneered a systematic approach and analyzed Middle Eastern countries regarding their sustainability integration into higher education programs related to supply chain management and logistics studies. It revealed enormous differences among countries and a lack of sustainability topics in most studied countries. Some countries are also significantly more oriented toward partial logistics challenges such as transport efficiency instead of sustainable supply chains, which are becoming critical challenges for the near future and must be accompanied by formal and life-long learning on sustainability-related topics. The circular economy and corporate social responsibility are especially neglected. It was also revealed that sustainability integration in higher education does not correlate with sustainability scores and the ranking of countries within the sustainability index. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES 2022))

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18 pages, 4744 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Cultural Factors on Choosing Low-Emission Passenger Cars

by Ioana Ancuta Iancu, Patrick Hendrick, Dan Doru Micu, Denisa Stet, Levente Czumbil and Stefan Dragos Cirstea

Sustainability 2023, 15(8), 6848; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15086848 - 19 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1181

Abstract

The decrease in greenhouse gas emissions by passenger cars is one of the key factors for climate protection measures. Besides EU strategies for low-emission mobility, policy makers must consider the behavioural factors of buyers. This study aims to cover this gap by investigating [...] Read more.

The decrease in greenhouse gas emissions by passenger cars is one of the key factors for climate protection measures. Besides EU strategies for low-emission mobility, policy makers must consider the behavioural factors of buyers. This study aims to cover this gap by investigating the relation between the national cultural dimensions (Hofstede model) and car adoption by fuel type in EU countries. This could help car sellers to find better solutions for advertising cars with medium and low greenhouse gas emissions. To find better ways to increase the usage of medium- and low-emission cars using targeted advertising, correlations and a multiple regression analysis were used. The results show that the consumer preference for one type of fuel is correlated with at least one of Hofstede’s six cultural dimensions: the power distance index; individualism versus collectivism; masculinity versus femininity; the uncertainty avoidance index; long-term orientation versus short-term normative orientation; indulgence versus restraint. The major conclusion of the study underlines that, with increases in the individualism versus collectivism and indulgence versus restraint scores, the usage of low- and medium-emission cars also increases, and with the increase in the power distance and uncertainty avoidance index, the usage of low- and medium emission cars decreases. At the same time, the driving preference for low- and medium-emission vehicles decreases with the tendency towards collectivism and restraint of EU countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES 2022))

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20 pages, 3677 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thermal Comfort Analysis Using System Dynamics Modeling—A Sustainable Scenario Proposition for Low-Income Housing in Brazil

by Cylon Liaw, Vitória Elisa da Silva, Rebecca Maduro, Milena Megrè, Julio Cesar de Souza Inácio Gonçalves, Edmilson Moutinho dos Santos and Dominique Mouette

Sustainability 2023, 15(7), 5831; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15075831 - 28 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3617

Abstract

As a riveting example of social housing in Brazil, the Minha Casa Minha Vida program was set in 2009 to diminish the 6-million-home housing deficit by offering affordable dwellings for low-income families. However, recurrent thermal discomfort complaints occur among dwellers, especially in the [...] Read more.

As a riveting example of social housing in Brazil, the Minha Casa Minha Vida program was set in 2009 to diminish the 6-million-home housing deficit by offering affordable dwellings for low-income families. However, recurrent thermal discomfort complaints occur among dwellers, especially in the Baltimore Residential sample in Uberlândia City. To avoid negative effects of energy poverty, such as family budget constraints from the purchase of electric appliances and extra costs from power consumption, a simulation based on system dynamics modeling shows a natural ventilation strategy with a mixed combination of sustainable and energy-efficient materials (tilting window with up to 100% opening, green tempered glass, and expanded polystyrene wall) to observe the internal room temperature variation over time. With a 50% window opening ratio combined with a 3 mm regular glass window and a 12.5 cm rectangular 8-hole brick wall, this scenario presents the highest internal room temperature value held during the entire period. From the worst to the best-case scenario, a substantial reduction in the peak temperature was observed from window size variation, demonstrating that natural ventilation and constructive elements of low complexity and wide availability in the market contribute to the thermal comfort of residential rooms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES 2022))

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18 pages, 690 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Implications of the Interrelations between the (Waste)Water Sector and Hydrogen Production for Arid Countries Using the Example of Jordan

by Thomas Adisorn, Maike Venjakob, Julia Pössinger, Sibel Raquel Ersoy, Oliver Wagner and Raphael Moser

Sustainability 2023, 15(6), 5447; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15065447 - 20 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1986

Abstract

In the energy sector, few topics, if any, are more hyped than hydrogen. Countries develop hydrogen strategies to provide a perspective for hydrogen production and use in order to meet climate-neutrality goals. However, in this topical field the role of water is less [...] Read more.

In the energy sector, few topics, if any, are more hyped than hydrogen. Countries develop hydrogen strategies to provide a perspective for hydrogen production and use in order to meet climate-neutrality goals. However, in this topical field the role of water is less accentuated. Hence, in this study, we seek to map the interrelations between the water and wastewater sector on the one hand and the hydrogen sector on the other hand, before reflecting upon our findings in a country case study. We chose the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan because (i) hydrogen is politically discussed not least due to its high potentials for solar PV, and (ii) Jordan is water stressed—definitely a bad precondition for water-splitting electrolyzers. This research is based on a project called the German-Jordanian Water-Hydrogen-Dialogue (GJWHD), which started with comprehensive desk research mostly to map the intersectoral relations and to scope the situation in Jordan. Then, we carried out two expert workshops in Wuppertal, Germany, and Amman, Jordan, in order to further discuss the nexus by inviting a diverse set of stakeholders. The mapping exercise shows various options for hydrogen production and opportunities for planning hydrogen projects in water-scarce contexts such as Jordan. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES 2022))

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19 pages, 3630 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Double C Block Project: Thermal Performance of an Innovative Concrete Masonry Unit with Embedded Insulation

by Luca Caruso, Vincent M. Buhagiar and Simon P. Borg

Sustainability 2023, 15(6), 5262; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15065262 - 16 Mar 2023

Viewed by 1808

Abstract

The Double C Block (DCB) is an innovative composite Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) developed to offer enhanced thermal performance over standard hollow core blocks (HCBs). The DCB features an original design consisting of a polyurethane (PUR) foam inserted between two concrete c-shaped layers, [...] Read more.

The Double C Block (DCB) is an innovative composite Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) developed to offer enhanced thermal performance over standard hollow core blocks (HCBs). The DCB features an original design consisting of a polyurethane (PUR) foam inserted between two concrete c-shaped layers, thus acting as the insulating layer and the binding agent of the two concrete elements simultaneously. The purpose of this research is to describe the results obtained when assessing the thermal transmittance (U_DCB and U_HCB) of these blocks using three different methodologies: theoretical steady-state U-value calculations, numerical simulation using a Finite Element Method (FEM), and in situ monitoring of the U-value by means of the Heat Flow method (HFM). The results obtained show that the three methodologies corroborated each other within their inherent limitations. The DCB showed a performance gap of 52.1% between the predicted FEM simulation (U_DCB was 0.71 W/(m²K)) and the values measured via HFM, which converged at 1.47 W/(m²K). Similarly, a gap of 19.9% was observed when assessing the HCB. The theoretical value via FEM of U_HCB was 1.93 W/(m²K) and the measured one converged at 2.41 W/(m²K). Notwithstanding this, the DCB showed superior thermal performance over the traditional block thanks to a lower U-value, and it complies with the Maltese building energy code. Further improvements are envisaged. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES 2022))

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15 pages, 2185 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Governance Model for a Territory Circularity Index

by Elena Rangoni Gargano, Alessia Cornella and Pasqualina Sacco

Sustainability 2023, 15(5), 4069; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054069 - 23 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1266

Abstract

In a world that seeks to reduce the environmental impact of urban areas and implement the Circular Economy, governance is seen as a key to the ecological transition and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. How can we use data, knowledge, and resources [...] Read more.

In a world that seeks to reduce the environmental impact of urban areas and implement the Circular Economy, governance is seen as a key to the ecological transition and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. How can we use data, knowledge, and resources at our disposal to put into practice a governance model that implements the Circular Economy of territories? This study devised this model. The comparative assessment of enablers and barriers presented in the literature review conducted allowed for the categorisation of indicators related to the literature sample, leading to the creation of a “Territory Circularity Index” composed of four thematic areas. The index was then incorporated into an innovative governance model intended to serve as a practical tool for local governments and policy makers. In the context of the Circular Economy and Sustainable Development, a “Flexible Governance Model” tailored to the territory could effectively contribute to the creation of coherent policies, an open and transparent process, and facilitated consultation with local stakeholders. The evaluation of the results indicates the potential of the “Flexible Governance Model for a Territory Circularity Index” in promoting effective mechanisms for implementing the circular economy, based on the dual quantitative and qualitative approach from which the model originated. The research could be particularly important for various stakeholders: researchers, policy makers, entrepreneurs, and governments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES 2022))

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18 pages, 2122 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Innovative Data-Driven Energy Services and Business Models in the Domestic Building Sector

by Juan Aranda, Tasos Tsitsanis, Giannis Georgopoulos and Jose Manuel Longares

Sustainability 2023, 15(4), 3742; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043742 - 17 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2016

Abstract

The market of energy services for the residential sector in Europe is very limited at present. Various reasons can be argued such as the high transaction costs in a highly fragmented market and the low energy consumption per dwelling. The rather long payback [...] Read more.

The market of energy services for the residential sector in Europe is very limited at present. Various reasons can be argued such as the high transaction costs in a highly fragmented market and the low energy consumption per dwelling. The rather long payback time for investments render Energy Services Companies’ (ESCOs) services financially unattractive for many ESCOs and building residents, thus hindering a large potential of energy savings in a sector that is responsible of almost half of Europe’s energy consumption. If the ambitious 2030 and 2050’s decarbonisation targets are to be met, the EU’s residential sector must be part of the solution. This paper offers insights about novel ESCO business models based on intensive data-driven Artificial Intelligence algorithms and analytics that enable the deployment of smart energy services in the domestic sector under a Pay-for-Performance (P4P) approach. The combination of different sources of energy efficiency services and the optimal participation of domestic consumers in aggregated demand response (DR) schemes open the door to new revenue streams for energy service providers and building residents and reduce the hitherto long payback periods of ESCOs services in the sector. Innovative business models for ESCOs and demand flexibility Aggregators are thoroughly described. Especially customised Performance Measurement and Verification protocols enable fair and transparent P4P ESCO contracts. The new human-centric energy and non-energy services increase the energy consumption awareness of building users and deploy behavioural and automated responses to both environmental and market signals to maximise the economic benefit for both energy service providers and consumers, always respecting data protection rules and the consumers’ comfort preferences. The new hybrid business models of P4P energy services make traditional EPC more attractive to energy service providers, with low cost data collection and treatment systems to bring payback periods below 10 years in the residential building sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES 2022))

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14 pages, 3732 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Production and Characterisation of Pickering Emulsions Stabilised by Colloidal Lignin Particles Produced from Various Bulk Lignins

by Julia Tomasich, Stefan Beisl and Michael Harasek

Sustainability 2023, 15(4), 3693; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043693 - 16 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1482

Abstract

The use of lignin, an abundant phenolic bio-polymer, allows us to transform our fossil-based economy into a sustainable and bio-based economy. The transformation of bulk lignin into colloidal lignin particles (CLPs) with well-defined surface chemistry and morphology is a possible way to cope [...] Read more.

The use of lignin, an abundant phenolic bio-polymer, allows us to transform our fossil-based economy into a sustainable and bio-based economy. The transformation of bulk lignin into colloidal lignin particles (CLPs) with well-defined surface chemistry and morphology is a possible way to cope with the heterogeneity of lignin and use it for material applications. These CLPs can be used as emulsifiers in so-called Pickering emulsions, where solid particles stabilise the emulsion instead of environmentally harmful synthetic surfactants. This work investigates the application of CLPs produced from various bulk lignins as a stabiliser in o/w Pickering emulsions with two different oil phases (solid and liquid state). The CLPs had a primary particle size of 28 to 55 nm. They were successful in stabilising oil-in-water Pickering emulsions with high resistance to coalescence and a strong gel-like network. This enables novel applications for CLPs in the chemical and cosmetic industries, and can replace fossil-based and synthetic ingredients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES 2022))

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18 pages, 1873 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transformation of the RESPO Decision Support System to Higher Education for Monitoring Sustainability-Related Competencies

by Andreja Abina, Bojan Cestnik, Rebeka Kovačič Lukman, Sara Zavernik, Matevž Ogrinc and Aleksander Zidanšek

Sustainability 2023, 15(4), 3477; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043477 - 14 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1089

Abstract

A result-oriented engagement system for performance optimisation (RESPO) has been developed to systematically monitor and improve the competencies of individuals in business, lifelong learning and secondary schools. The RESPO expert system was transferred for use in higher education institutions (HEIs) based on successful [...] Read more.

A result-oriented engagement system for performance optimisation (RESPO) has been developed to systematically monitor and improve the competencies of individuals in business, lifelong learning and secondary schools. The RESPO expert system was transferred for use in higher education institutions (HEIs) based on successful practical application trials. The architecture and functionality of the original RESPO expert system have been transformed into a new format that will collect information on the required competencies and the available educational programmes to help students effectively develop competencies through formal and non-formal education. First, the initial version of the RESPO system and its functionality were tested on a selected group of students and higher education staff to validate and improve its effectiveness for the needs of HEIs. This paper summarises the key findings and recommendations of the validators for transforming the RESPO application into an application for HEIs. In addition, the selection of competencies in the RESPO application database has been adapted to align with selected study programmes and the need to develop sustainability-related competencies. These findings can support professionals working in higher education institutions in developing students’ future competencies and fostering the targeted use of learning analytics tools. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES 2022))

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12 pages, 1365 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High Temperature Lignin Separation for Improved Yields in Ethanol Organosolv Pre-Treatment

by Johannes Adamcyk, Stefan Beisl and Anton Friedl

Sustainability 2023, 15(4), 3006; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043006 - 07 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1280

Abstract

The full utilization of renewable raw materials is necessary for a sustainable economy. Lignin is an abundant biopolymer, but is currently mainly used for energy production. Ethanol organosolv pre-treatment produces high-quality lignin, but still faces substantial economic challenges. Lignin solubility increases with temperature, [...] Read more.

The full utilization of renewable raw materials is necessary for a sustainable economy. Lignin is an abundant biopolymer, but is currently mainly used for energy production. Ethanol organosolv pre-treatment produces high-quality lignin, but still faces substantial economic challenges. Lignin solubility increases with temperature, and previous studies have shown that it reprecipitates during cooling after the pre-treatment. Thus, a possibility for the optimization of lignin production with this process can be the separation of extract and residual biomass at high temperatures. In this work, lignin was extracted from wheat straw at 180 °C, and the extract was separated from the remaining solids at several temperatures after the pre-treatment. The results show that 10.1 g/kg of lignin and 2.2 g/kg of carbohydrates are dissolved at the pre-treatment temperature of 180 °C, which is reduced to 8.6 g/kg of lignin and 1.2 g/kg of carbohydrates after cooling. The precipitation of lignin separated from the extracts at 180 °C showed that a higher lignin concentration at high temperatures results in a 46% improvement in the yield of solid lignin, while there was no significant impact on the lignin purity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES 2022))

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17 pages, 11238 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Performance-Based Decision Support Workflow for Retrofitting Residential Buildings

by Suzi Dilara Mangan

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2567; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032567 - 31 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1388

Abstract

The trend towards high-performance residential buildings with new building regulations necessitates fundamental changes in the residential market, which is currently driven by low initial investment costs and dominated by weak innovative cycles. This change involves a difficult decision-making process that must consider the [...] Read more.

The trend towards high-performance residential buildings with new building regulations necessitates fundamental changes in the residential market, which is currently driven by low initial investment costs and dominated by weak innovative cycles. This change involves a difficult decision-making process that must consider the multiple and generally conflicting objectives regarding optimal retrofitting for residential buildings. This study aimed to develop an approach that would provide feedback about a building’s energy and economic performance in relation to the decision-making process to ensure that the complex residence retrofitting process is more efficient. For this purpose, a performance-oriented decision support workflow is recommended for a typical multifamily apartment block within a hypothetical settlement context in Istanbul Province, which includes (i) an automated parametric energy simulation through the coupling of EnergyPlus and MATLAB^® to determine differences between retrofit alternatives in relation to the building envelope, energy systems and renewable energy systems, and (ii) a multiple-criteria decision analysis to determine the retrofit alternatives by which the optimal performance can be achieved, taking into account the conflicting nature of key performance indicators (primary energy saving and life-cycle cost saving). Architects and residence owners—who are the main decision makers—can use this proposed workflow to explore effective retrofit alternatives and to make informed decisions about performance-based retrofitting by comparing the energy and economic performance of these alternatives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES 2022))

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15 pages, 1884 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of the EPBD on Changes in the Energy Performance of Multi-Apartment Buildings in Lithuania

by Edmundas Monstvilas, Simon Paul Borg, Rosita Norvaišienė, Karolis Banionis and Juozas Ramanauskas

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2032; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032032 - 20 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1225

Abstract

As per general provisions of European Directive 2010/31/EU on the energy efficiency of buildings (recast), the Lithuanian government transposed the Directive into Lithuanian national law. In the process, the Lithuanian government prepared strategic documents in the field of energy performance and renewable energy [...] Read more.

As per general provisions of European Directive 2010/31/EU on the energy efficiency of buildings (recast), the Lithuanian government transposed the Directive into Lithuanian national law. In the process, the Lithuanian government prepared strategic documents in the field of energy performance and renewable energy that were integrated together through the National Energy and Climate Plan for 2021–2030 (NECP). To better understand the current situation vis-à-vis energy performance, the main characteristics of buildings pertaining to the Lithuanian multi-apartment building stock, classified according to their energy performance class, are analysed and discussed in this paper. Through the exploitation of data from the national Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) register, an overview of the energy performance of the existing Lithuanian residential building stock is presented along with an analysis of the unused potential energy savings pertinent to this building category. The results obtained from the analysed data of energy consumption in buildings shows that the policies adopted over the years were successful in improving the building stock, promoting the move towards the specifications required by a Class A++ (nearly zero energy buildings—NZEB) by 2021. The results show that this was primarily achieved by a significant reduction in the thermal energy used for space heating. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES 2022))

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16 pages, 1156 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Feasibility Study on CHP Systems for Hotels in the Maltese Islands: A Comparative Analysis Based on Hotels’ Star Rating

by Bernice Magro and Simon Paul Borg

Sustainability 2023, 15(2), 1337; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021337 - 10 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1341

Abstract

In Europe, the energy consumed for heating and cooling purposes by the hospitality sector is significant. In island economies such as that of the Mediterranean Island of Malta, where Tourism is considered essential to the local economy, energy consumption is perhaps even more [...] Read more.

In Europe, the energy consumed for heating and cooling purposes by the hospitality sector is significant. In island economies such as that of the Mediterranean Island of Malta, where Tourism is considered essential to the local economy, energy consumption is perhaps even more significant, and energy-efficient systems, or the use of renewable energy, are often listed as possible solutions to counter this. Based on this premise, the research contained in this paper presents an investigation on the technical and financial feasibility of using Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and Combined Cooling, Heating, and Power (CCHP) systems for the hospitality sector in Malta. Using a supply–demand design methodology, the research made use of the software package RETScreen to model the electrical and thermal demand of a number of hotels ranging from 3- to 5-star hotels. Based on these modelled hotels, different scenarios were simulated to analyze the technical and financial implications of installing a CHP in these modelled hotels. A number of parameters, including thermal size matching, presence of financial grants, electricity tariffs, feed-in tariffs, and fuel prices, were tested out for a total of 144 scenarios. Results showed that the parameters having the highest impact were those of a financial nature. Specifically, the study showed that the 4-star hotels considered were the hotels which would benefit the most from having such systems installed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES 2022))

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Review

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25 pages, 1827 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Comprehensive Analysis of In-Line Inspection Tools and Technologies for Steel Oil and Gas Pipelines

by Berke Ogulcan Parlak and Huseyin Ayhan Yavasoglu

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2783; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032783 - 03 Feb 2023

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 6085

Abstract

The transportation of oil and gas through pipelines is an integral aspect of the global energy infrastructure. It is crucial to ensure the safety and integrity of these pipelines, and one way to do so is by utilizing an inspection tool called a [...] Read more.

The transportation of oil and gas through pipelines is an integral aspect of the global energy infrastructure. It is crucial to ensure the safety and integrity of these pipelines, and one way to do so is by utilizing an inspection tool called a smart pig. This paper reviews various smart pigs used in steel oil and gas pipelines and classifies them according to pipeline structure, anomaly-detection capability, working principles, and application areas. The advantages and limitations of each sensor technology that can be used with the smart pig for in-line inspection (ILI) are discussed. In this context, ultrasonic testing (UT), electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT), eddy current (EC), magnetic flux leakage (MFL), and mechanical contact (MC) sensors are investigated. This paper also provides a comprehensive analysis of the development chronology of these sensors in the literature. Additionally, combinations of relevant sensor technologies are compared for their accuracy in sizing anomaly depth, length, and width. In addition to their importance in maintaining the safety and reliability of pipelines, the use of ILI can also have environmental benefits. This study aims to further our understanding of the relationship between ILI and the environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES 2022))

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