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Special Issue "Renewable Energy and Utility System Optimization for Sustainable Industries"

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 May 2023) | Viewed by 10948

Special Issue Editors

School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, PA1 2BE, UK
Interests: biomass; biofuels; renewable energy; microalgae
School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, PA1 2BE, UK
Interests: whole site system optimisation and scheduling; system reliability and availability analysis; waste heat recovery

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The integration of new renewable energy systems and utility system optimization are two ways of improving the sustainable performance of industrial processes. The environmental and economic sustainability of industries greatly depends on the source and use of energy and the optimization of the multiple utilities. This Special Issue invites novel contributions and comprehensive reviews covering all aspects of sustainable industries; focused but not limited to the following:

  • Bioenergy in industry
  • Energy optimization
  • Waste heat recovery
  • Decarbonization
  • Pinch analysis
  • Machine learning for system optimization
  • System reliability, availability, and maintainability (RAM) analysis
  • System optimization and scheduling

Dr. Cristina Rodriguez
Dr. Li Sun
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. Sustainability 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 2200 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

  • bioenergy
  • renewable energy
  • energy optimization
  • waste heat recovery
  • sustainable development
  • decarbonization
  • pinch analysis
  • machine learning
  • system optimization and scheduling
  • carbon footprint
  • RAM

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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Article
Optimal Parameter Determination of Membrane Bioreactor to Boost Biohydrogen Production-Based Integration of ANFIS Modeling and Honey Badger Algorithm
Sustainability 2023, 15(2), 1589; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021589 - 13 Jan 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 656
Abstract
Hydrogen is a new promising energy source. Three operating parameters, including inlet gas flow rate, pH and impeller speed, mainly determine the biohydrogen production from membrane bioreactor. The work aims to boost biohydrogen production by determining the optimal values of the control parameters. [...] Read more.
Hydrogen is a new promising energy source. Three operating parameters, including inlet gas flow rate, pH and impeller speed, mainly determine the biohydrogen production from membrane bioreactor. The work aims to boost biohydrogen production by determining the optimal values of the control parameters. The proposed methodology contains two parts: modeling and parameter estimation. A robust ANIFS model to simulate a membrane bioreactor has been constructed for the modeling stage. Compared with RMS, thanks to ANFIS, the RMSE decreased from 2.89 using ANOVA to 0.0183 using ANFIS. Capturing the proper correlation between the inputs and output of the membrane bioreactor process system encourages the constructed ANFIS model to predict the output performance exactly. Then, the optimal operating parameters were identified using the honey badger algorithm. During the optimization process, inlet gas flow rate, pH and impeller speed are used as decision variables, whereas the biohydrogen production is the objective function required to be maximum. The integration between ANFIS and HBA boosted the hydrogen production yield from 23.8 L to 25.52 L, increasing by 7.22%. Full article
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Article
A Comparison of Different Renewable-Based DC Microgrid Energy Management Strategies for Commercial Buildings Applications
Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 16656; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142416656 - 12 Dec 2022
Viewed by 758
Abstract
DC microgrid systems allow commercial buildings to use locally generated energy and achieve an optimal economy efficiently. Economical and eco-friendly energy can be achieved by employing renewable energy sources. However, additional controllable sources, such as fuel cells, are required because of their reduced [...] Read more.
DC microgrid systems allow commercial buildings to use locally generated energy and achieve an optimal economy efficiently. Economical and eco-friendly energy can be achieved by employing renewable energy sources. However, additional controllable sources, such as fuel cells, are required because of their reduced efficiency and fluctuated nature. This microgrid can use energy storage systems to supply transient power and enhance stability. The functioning of the microgrid and its efficiency are related to the implemented energy management strategy. In this paper, a comparison of several reported energy management strategies is fulfilled. The considered EMSs include the fuzzy logic control (FLC) strategy, the state machine control (SMC) strategy, the equivalent consumption minimization strategy (ECMS), and external energy maximization strategy (EEMS). These strategies are compared in terms of power-saving, system efficiency, and power quality specifications. The overall results confirm the ability of EEMS (high efficiency of 84.91% and economic power-saving 6.11%) and SMC (efficiency of 84.18% with high power-saving 5.07%) for stationary applications, such as building commercial applications. These strategies provide other advantages, which are discussed in detail in this paper. Full article
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Article
A New Fractional-Order Load Frequency Control for Multi-Renewable Energy Interconnected Plants Using Skill Optimization Algorithm
Sustainability 2022, 14(22), 14999; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142214999 - 13 Nov 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 854
Abstract
Connection between electric power networks is essential to cover any deficit in the generation of power from any of them. The exchange powers of the plants during load disturbance should not be violated beyond their specified values. This can be achieved by installing [...] Read more.
Connection between electric power networks is essential to cover any deficit in the generation of power from any of them. The exchange powers of the plants during load disturbance should not be violated beyond their specified values. This can be achieved by installing load frequency control (LFC); therefore, this paper proposes a new metaheuristic-based approach using a skill optimization algorithm (SOA) to design a fractional-order proportional integral derivative (FOPID)-LFC approach with multi-interconnected systems. The target is minimizing the integral time absolute error (ITAE) of frequency and exchange power violations. Two power systems are investigated. The first one has two connected plants of photovoltaic (PV) and thermal units. The second system contains four plants, namely, PV, wind turbine, and two thermal plants, with governor dead-band (GDB) and generation rate constraints (GRC). Different load disturbances are analyzed in both considered systems. Extensive comparisons to the use of chef-based optimization algorithm (CBOA), jumping spider optimization algorithm (JSOA), Bonobo optimization (BO), Tasmanian devil optimization (TDO), and Atomic orbital search (AOS) are conducted. Moreover, statistical tests of Friedman ANOVA table, Wilcoxon rank test, Friedman rank test, and Kruskal Wallis test are implemented. Regarding the two interconnected areas, the proposed SOA achieved the minimum fitness value of 1.8779 pu during 10% disturbance on thermal plant. In addition, it outperformed all other approaches in the case of 1% disturbance on the first area as it achieved ITAE of 0.0327 pu. The obtained results proved the competence and reliability of the proposed SOA in designing an efficient FOPID-LFC in multi-interconnected power systems with multiple sources. Full article
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Article
Evaluation of Growth Rate and Biomass Productivity of Scenedesmus quadricauda and Chlorella vulgaris under Different LED Wavelengths and Photoperiods
Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 6108; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106108 - 17 May 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1908
Abstract
Cultivation has been identified as an essential stage for biofuel production. This research has examined two important parameters for the industrial production of microalgae, namely microalgae growth rate and biomass productivity. Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmusquadricauda were cultivated using a closed photobioreactor (PBR). [...] Read more.
Cultivation has been identified as an essential stage for biofuel production. This research has examined two important parameters for the industrial production of microalgae, namely microalgae growth rate and biomass productivity. Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmusquadricauda were cultivated using a closed photobioreactor (PBR). A novel approach for cultivation and energy input reduction was developed by incorporating periods of darkness during cultivation, as would happen in nature. Three different LED light sources (white, red, and green) were used to determine the conditions that result in the highest growth rate and biomass productivity. C. vulgaris and S. quadricauda responded differently to lighting conditions. It was found that, depending on the LED source and light period, different growth rates and biomass productivities were obtained. Overall, experimental results obtained in this study indicated that a white LED is more effective than green or red LEDs in increasing microalgae growth rate and biomass productivity. A maximum growth rate of 3.41 d−1 and a biomass productivity of 2.369 g L−1d−1 were achieved for S.quadricauda under a 19 h period of white light alternating with 5 h of darkness. For C. vulgaris the maximum growth rate of 3.49 d−1 and maximum biomass productivity of 2.438 g L−1d−1 were achieved by continuous white light with no darkness period. Full article
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Article
Developing a Hybrid Approach Based on Analytical and Metaheuristic Optimization Algorithms for the Optimization of Renewable DG Allocation Considering Various Types of Loads
Sustainability 2021, 13(8), 4447; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084447 - 16 Apr 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1215
Abstract
The optimal location of renewable distributed generations (DGs) into a radial distribution system (RDS) has attracted major concerns from power system researchers in the present years. The main target of DG integration is to improve the overall system performance by minimizing power losses [...] Read more.
The optimal location of renewable distributed generations (DGs) into a radial distribution system (RDS) has attracted major concerns from power system researchers in the present years. The main target of DG integration is to improve the overall system performance by minimizing power losses and improving the voltage profile. Hence, this paper proposed a hybrid approach between an analytical and metaheuristic optimization technique for the optimal allocation of DG in RDS, considering different types of load. A simple analytical technique was developed in order to determine the sizes of different and multiple DGs, and a new efficient metaheuristic technique known as the Salp Swarm Algorithm (SSA) was suggested in order to choose the best buses in the system, proportionate to the sizes determined by the analytical technique, in order to obtain the minimum losses and the best voltage profile. To verify the power of the proposed hybrid technique on the incorporation of the DGs in RDS, it was applied to different types of static loads; constant power (CP), constant impedance (CZ), and constant current (CI). The performance of the proposed algorithm was validated using two standards RDSs—IEEE 33-bus and IEEE 69-bus systems—and was compared with other optimization techniques. Full article
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Review

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Review
Wind Energy Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals: Case Study on London Array
Sustainability 2023, 15(5), 4641; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054641 - 06 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1873
Abstract
Clean and safe energy sources are essential for the long-term growth of society. Wind energy is rapidly expanding and contributes to many countries’ efforts to decrease greenhouse gas emissions. In terms of sustainable development goals (SDGs), renewable energy development promotes energy security while [...] Read more.
Clean and safe energy sources are essential for the long-term growth of society. Wind energy is rapidly expanding and contributes to many countries’ efforts to decrease greenhouse gas emissions. In terms of sustainable development goals (SDGs), renewable energy development promotes energy security while also facilitating community development and environmental conservation on a global scale. In this context, the current article aims to investigate wind energy’s role within the SDGs. Furthermore, the present study highlights the role of the London Array wind farm in achieving the SDGs. Indeed, deploying clean and economical energy sources in place of conventional fossil fuel power plants provides vital insights into environmental impacts. The London Array operation is saving approximately 1 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent. Furthermore, the London Array contributes to the achievement of multiple SDGs, including SDG 8: decent employment and economic growth; SDG 9: industry, innovation, and infrastructure; SDG 11: sustainable cities and communities; and SDG 15: life on land. To enhance the London Array’s contribution to the SDGs, a total of 77 indicators (key performance indicators) were proposed and compared to the current measurements that have been carried out. The results showed that the London Array used most of the suggested indicators without classifying them from the SDGs’ perspective. The proposed indicators will help cut operation costs, mitigate climate change and environmental damage, improve employee engagement and morale, reduce learning gaps, set goals and plans, and use resources efficiently. Full article
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Review
Solar Energy: Applications, Trends Analysis, Bibliometric Analysis and Research Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Sustainability 2023, 15(2), 1418; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021418 - 11 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1091
Abstract
Over the past decade, energy demand has witnessed a drastic increase, mainly due to huge development in the industry sector and growing populations. This has led to the global utilization of renewable energy resources and technologies to meet this high demand, as fossil [...] Read more.
Over the past decade, energy demand has witnessed a drastic increase, mainly due to huge development in the industry sector and growing populations. This has led to the global utilization of renewable energy resources and technologies to meet this high demand, as fossil fuels are bound to end and are causing harm to the environment. Solar PV (photovoltaic) systems are a renewable energy technology that allows the utilization of solar energy directly from the sun to meet electricity demands. Solar PV has the potential to create a reliable, clean and stable energy systems for the future. This paper discusses the different types and generations of solar PV technologies available, as well as several important applications of solar PV systems, which are “Large-Scale Solar PV”, “Residential Solar PV”, “Green Hydrogen”, “Water Desalination” and “Transportation”. This paper also provides research on the number of solar papers and their applications that relate to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the years between 2011 and 2021. A total of 126,513 papers were analyzed. The results show that 72% of these papers are within SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy. This shows that there is a lack of research in solar energy regarding the SDGs, especially SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 10: Reduced Inequality and SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. More research is needed in these fields to create a sustainable world with solar PV technologies. Full article
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Review
Sustainable Approaches to Microalgal Pre-Treatment Techniques for Biodiesel Production: A Review
Sustainability 2022, 14(16), 9953; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14169953 - 11 Aug 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1268
Abstract
Microalgae are a potential source of numerous nutritional products and biofuels. Their applications range from the food industry to the medical and fuel sectors and beyond. Recently, the conversion of biomass into biodiesel and other biofuels has received a lot of positive attention [...] Read more.
Microalgae are a potential source of numerous nutritional products and biofuels. Their applications range from the food industry to the medical and fuel sectors and beyond. Recently, the conversion of biomass into biodiesel and other biofuels has received a lot of positive attention within the fossil fuel arena. The objective of biorefineries is to focus on utilising biomass efficiently to produce quality biofuel products by minimising the input as well as to reduce the use of chemical or thermal pre-treatments. Pre-treatment processes in biorefineries involve cell disruption to obtain lipids. Cell disruption is a crucial part of bioconversion, as the structure and nature of microalgae cell walls are complex. In recent years, many research papers have shown various pre-treatment methods and their advantages. The objective of this paper was to provide a comprehensive in-depth review of various recent pre-treatment techniques that have been used for microalgal biodiesel production and to discuss their advantages, disadvantages, and how they are applied in algal biorefineries. Full article
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