Energy nexusPub Date : 2024-11-01DOI: 10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100336
{"title":"Production economics and carbon footprint of an integrated timber harvesting operation in the Northeastern US","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100336","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100336","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Woody biomass has tremendous potential to reduce the reliance on non-renewable energy, however, the high cost, uncertain harvesting carbon footprint, and policies may hinder it from becoming a predominant component of the US renewable energy sector, particularly in the Northeast. The objectives of this study were to a) assess productivity (m<sup>3</sup> PMH<sup>−1</sup>) and cost ($ m<sup>−3</sup>) of a stump-to-truck integrated timber harvesting operation; b) identify and evaluate major factors affecting operational productivity and cost; and c) quantify carbon footprint of the harvesting operation. Detailed time and motion studies were conducted in a softwood dominated forest stand in upstate New York, during the summer of 2021. Stump-to-truck life cycle assessment (LCA) of roundwood harvesting and wood chips production was quantified using USLCI and US-EI 2.2 databases and TRACI method in Simapro 9.3.0.3 software. The functional units were 1 m<sup>3</sup> of green roundwood (50 % moisture content) and 1 tonne of green wood chips (moisture content 50 %). The results showed that the harvesting cost was $12.98 m<sup>−3</sup> and $7.40 tonne<sup>−1</sup> for roundwood and wood chips, respectively. Grapple skidder had the lowest productivity (m<sup>3</sup> PMH<sup>−1</sup>) and the highest carbon footprint. The carbon footprint of stump-to-truck timber harvesting operation accounted for 0.726 kg CO<sub>2</sub> eq m<sup>−3</sup> and 0.818 kg CO<sub>2</sub> eq tonne<sup>−1</sup> for roundwood and wood chips, respectively. The chipping cost was $7.40 tonne<sup>−1</sup>. The harvesting cost decreased by 4.5 % when self-loading truck was used instead of a loader. Estimating operating cost and carbon footprint of integrated timber harvesting operations is essential to promote the forest residues as a major contributor of bioenergy in the changing scenarios of climate.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":93548,"journal":{"name":"Energy nexus","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142572772","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Energy nexusPub Date : 2024-10-24DOI: 10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100335
{"title":"Cost breakdown indicates that biochar production from microalgae in Central Europe requires innovative cultivation procedures","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100335","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100335","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In most current academic thinking, the prevailing consensus underscores the potential of algae as a promising biochar feedstock. Nevertheless, a significant gap exists in the literature, as most assertions conducted outside tropical and subtropical regions lack substantiation through comprehensive analyses on a comparison of the economic benefits and the costs associated with the application of algae biochar is mostly missing. This study reports a meticulous breakdown of production costs for algae biochar derived from 6 various cultivation systems via 2 harvesting techniques under the conditions characteristic of central Europe. The findings revealed that the production costs of the algae biochars always greater than 110 €.kg<sup>−1</sup>that is much higher than the selling prices of the most common biochars on the market including the most expensive biochars made of hard woods. To achieve social acceptability, it is recommended to prefer higher value-added applications for algae and to implement biochar production as the final stage of the refining process.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":93548,"journal":{"name":"Energy nexus","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142572773","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Energy nexusPub Date : 2024-10-24DOI: 10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100329
{"title":"pH shift extraction technique for plant proteins: A promising technique for sustainable development","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100329","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100329","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>With the recognition of animal-derived foods as unhealthy and their association with climate change, researchers are increasingly focusing on plant-based protein as a sustainable alternative. Plant proteins offer versatile functional and dietary benefits, making them suitable for various food applications. This study investigates the influence of alkaline and acidic pH conditions on the extraction yield and the functional and nutritional properties of plant-based proteins. The primary sources of plant protein include cereals, legumes, and oilseeds, which can be used to address essential amino acid deficiencies through blending. Several methods have been employed for protein extraction from plant sources, such as salt extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and micellar precipitation. Among these techniques, the pH shift method stands out due to its non-thermal nature, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. In this method, proteins are solubilized at alkaline pH and then precipitated at their isoelectric point, resulting in a collection of protein precipitate. It is crucial to optimize extraction techniques based on qualitative and quantitative analysis to enhance protein yield, characteristics, and nutritional value. Most conventional protein extraction methods require a large quantity of chemicals, which imposes the issue of safe disposal, compromising environmental sustainability. Traditional methods also produce protein with non-proteinaceous constituents, adding another purification step and resulting in increased overall cost. However, the pH shift method utilizes comparatively less harsh chemicals and has a high protein extraction yield, which makes it comparatively more environmentally and economically sustainable. The sustainable extraction of plant-based proteins addresses the health and environmental concerns associated with animal-derived foods and offers a promising solution to promote sustainability in the food industry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":93548,"journal":{"name":"Energy nexus","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142560594","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Energy nexusPub Date : 2024-10-24DOI: 10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100333
{"title":"Optimal rule-based energy management and sizing of a grid-connected renewable energy microgrid with hybrid storage using Levy Flight Algorithm","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100333","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100333","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The study addresses the integration of hybrid hydrogen (<span><math><msub><mi>H</mi><mn>2</mn></msub></math></span>) and battery (BT) energy storage systems into a renewable energy microgrid comprising solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind turbine (WT) systems. The research problem focuses on improving the effectiveness and computational efficiency of energy management systems (EMS) while ensuring high system reliability. Despite the existing optimization methods for hybrid microgrids, challenges remain in optimizing energy storage and capacity planning in grid-connected microgrids. To solve this, we propose the use of the Levy Flight Algorithm (LFA) to optimize the capacities of PV, WT, <span><math><msub><mi>H</mi><mn>2</mn></msub></math></span> tanks, electrolyzers (EL), fuel cells (FC), and BT, which presents a complex nonlinear optimization challenge. The novelty of this study lies in integrating the LFA with a rule-based EMS, enhancing system reliability and efficiency. The proposed approach significantly reduces the annualized system cost (ASC) and the levelized cost of energy (LCOE). The result demonstrate that the LFA outperforms methods like the Salp Swarm Algorithm (SSA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) and Genetic Algorithm (GA), yielding cost savings of $3,309, $5,297, $4,484, and $5,129 respectively. The LFA achieves the lowest LCOE at $0.275/kWh, compared to $0.278/kWh with SSA, $0.289/kWh with GA, $0.280/kWh with PSO and $0.283/kWh with GWO. This research contributes to the broader scientific community by providing a more efficient approach to optimizing renewable energy microgrids with hybrid storage systems, thus promoting eco-friendly and cost-effective energy solutions. The proposed system design offers a pathway to future energy systems with high renewable integration, especially as technology advances and costs continue to decrease.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":93548,"journal":{"name":"Energy nexus","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142553285","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Energy nexusPub Date : 2024-10-22DOI: 10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100331
{"title":"Optimization of ultrasound-assisted biodiesel production from python fat oil using response surface methodology","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100331","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100331","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Diversification of oil feedstocks for biodiesel production is very necessary to reduce dependence on traditional vegetable oils and animal fats. Therefore, a conventional and ultrasound-assisted single-step transesterification process was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) for biodiesel production from a novel feedstock python fat oil (PFO). Second-order polynomial models of the conventional (CM) and ultrasound-assisted (USM) methods were used to predict the biodiesel yield, and the coefficient of determination (R<sup>2</sup>) was found to be at 0.9946, and 0.9873, respectively. The optimal biodiesel yield of USM calculated from the model is 99.12 % with the following reaction conditions: PFO/methanol ratio of 33.77 wt%, PFO/KOH ratio of 1.05 wt%, and reaction time of 128.53 min. Biodiesel yield results under optimal conditions have demonstrated that the regression models are consistent with experimental data. Besides, the biodiesel yield of USM (98.90 %) was significantly higher than that of CM (92.73 %). In particular, the properties of PFO biodiesel produced under optimal conditions were found to agree with EN 14,214 standard specifications. In summary, single-step biodiesel production from the PFO new feedstock with USM can be commendably used to engender and adopt a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy approach.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":93548,"journal":{"name":"Energy nexus","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142537754","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Energy nexusPub Date : 2024-10-22DOI: 10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100330
{"title":"“Chacco” clay from the Peruvian highlands as a potential adsorbent of heavy metals in water","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100330","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100330","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This research aimed to remove Cd (II), Cr (VI), Ni (II), Pb (II), and V (V) from aqueous solutions prepared in distilled water using “Chacco” clay from the Peruvian highlands as adsorbent. The adsorption process was carried out in Batch type systems for 120 min using solutions of each metal at a concentration of 5 mg/L in aqueous systems of a single metal or monometallic (MAS) and solutions of the five metals simultaneously or multimetallic (MMAS). For this purpose, the “Chacco” clay was first characterized by SEM-EDS analysis, finding a laminated clay structure with an elemental composition of C, Al, Fe, Na, Mg, Ca, K, As, Cu, Pd, O, and Ta. The results using 10 g/L of “Chacco” clay showed that the best adsorption efficiency in both MAS and MMAS aqueous systems is achieved at pH = 4 achieving in MAS aqueous systems the removal of 64.16 ± 0.98 % of Cd (II), 95.70 ± 0.81 % of Cr (VI), 97.20 ± 0.89 % of Ni (II), 92. 78 ± 0.79 % of Pb (II), and 95.80 ± 0.67 % of V (V), on the other hand, in aqueous MMAS systems a decrease in adsorption efficiency was observed, managing to remove 6.88 ± 0.53 % of Cd (II), 63.04 ± 0.94 of Cr (VI), 7.81 ± 0.43 % of Ni (II), 62.34 ± 0.77 % Pb (II), and 14.33 ± 0.56 % of V (V). The kinetic study showed that the adsorption mechanism would correspond to chemisorption since the process fitted best to the pseudo-second order model and Elovich. SEM-EDS analysis after adsorption confirmed the presence of the heavy metals under study in the “Chacco” clay. Metal adsorption is evidenced at 1418 cm<sup>−1</sup> by -CH<sub>2</sub>-metal deformation vibrations according to FTIR analysis. In conclusion, the “Chacco” clay would be a promising adsorbent of heavy metals in polluted waters so that scaling up to real environments could be feasible. On the other hand, the “Chacco” clay is consumed by the population of Puno, Peru, therefore its potential impact on health should be evaluated due to its capacity to accumulate metals and the presence of Al in this clay.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":93548,"journal":{"name":"Energy nexus","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142531305","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Energy nexusPub Date : 2024-10-22DOI: 10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100332
{"title":"Synergetic effect of Fe2O3 and Na2WO4 piezo catalyst to remove pharmaceuticals waste in water","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100332","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100332","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>High efficiency and stability are two crucial factors in piezocatalysis reactions. In this research, the efficiency of Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> piezo catalysts significantly increased by coupling it with Na<sub>2</sub>WO<sub>4</sub>. Results indicate that Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> and Na<sub>2</sub>WO<sub>4</sub> have a synergetic effect on the degradation of Amoxicillin (AMX), with Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>/Na<sub>2</sub>WO<sub>4</sub> degrading 88 % of AMX in the same conditions that pure Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> and Na<sub>2</sub>WO<sub>4</sub> degrade only 42 % and 20.6 %, respectively. The degradation efficiency of Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> was improved by 114 % when it was coupled with Na<sub>2</sub>WO<sub>4</sub>. Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>/Na<sub>2</sub>WO<sub>4</sub> piezo catalyst was successfully used in 8 cycles while it keeps almost 85 % of its efficiency which indicates the stability of prepared piezo catalysts. Studying the mechanism of degradation by Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>/Na<sub>2</sub>WO<sub>4</sub> revealed that superoxide free radicals have a critical function in the decomposition of AMX. The kinetic study also indicates that at lower temperatures, the reaction follows a first-order reaction.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":93548,"journal":{"name":"Energy nexus","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142531306","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Energy nexusPub Date : 2024-09-18DOI: 10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100328
{"title":"Integrated Python and GIS approach for Geomorphometric investigation of Man River Basin, Western Madhya Pradesh, India","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100328","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100328","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Narmada Valley and adjoining region are considered to be tectonically active. The Dhar Lineament is a major zone of fracture North of Narmada River running nearly parallel to Narmada Valley. The Man River Basin spreads across the Dhar Lineament and extends up to the Narmada Lineament. The present study attempts to understand the characteristics and development of the valley of Man River. The high-resolution satellite images, GIS software, and Python program have been used for this study. The nature and characteristics of Man River Valley are quite different on either side of the Dhar Lineament. For micro-level analysis the Man Basin has been divided into 37 subbasins and their geomorphometric indices have been computed and correlated. The results indicate that in the development of Man Basin the Dhar lineament has played a crucial role. The subparallel, angular, tight meanders, and contorted streams are present in drainage. The bifurcation ratio ranges between 2 and 9, the average length of higher-order is less than the average length of lower-order for 13 subbasins, and elongated sub-basins are situated in low-lying gentle plane areas. The Drainage characteristics are largely controlled by various sets of fractures (NE-SW, NW-SE, E-W, and N-S). The anomalous behavior of parameters indicates the tectonic influence in the Man Basin development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":93548,"journal":{"name":"Energy nexus","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142328342","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Energy nexusPub Date : 2024-09-14DOI: 10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100323
{"title":"Cost-benefit analysis of implementing a solar powered water pumping system – A case study","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100323","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100323","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Solar-powered water driving scheme (SPWDS) has been successfully employed as a practical solution to guarantee reliable water supply in various hilly regions without electrical infrastructure. The Water Supply Systems / Schemes (WSS) focus on using pumping systems for delivering potable water to the community but face practical difficulties and financial hurdles at different implementation stages. These challenges encompass the practical complexities, the absence of non-renewable energy sources, and ongoing expenses for consumable and non-consumable items incurred during the water project's execution and maintenance. The present research study evaluates the performance of four water supply systems in Nepal which use solar energy as their primary power source. The key performance indicators are assessed, including the functionality index for facility distribution. Additionally, the research aims to evaluate the feasibility of transitioning from non-renewable to sustainable renewable energy source to achieve net zero energy consumption. This evaluation concentrates explicitly on calculating the cost-effectiveness index as a key metric. A proportional analysis is undertaken to evaluate the cost-benefit of the SPWDS, considering both the potential advantages and challenges associated with these initiatives. The present study affirms the technical feasibility and economic viability of operating a WSS using renewable and eco-friendly solar energy as the power source. This finding opens avenues for reducing energy consumption and contributes significantly to developing a policy framework to for tapping solar energy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":93548,"journal":{"name":"Energy nexus","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772427124000548/pdfft?md5=d2cd385131a9d206924c27ce83797be5&pid=1-s2.0-S2772427124000548-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142312829","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Energy nexusPub Date : 2024-09-13DOI: 10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100327
{"title":"Mediating role of energy uncertainty for environmental management in electricity generation: The evidence from Pakistan","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100327","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100327","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This groundbreaking study examines the relationship between CO2 intensity, aggregated and disaggregated fossil fuels, clean and nuclear energy, and, as a mediating variable, energy uncertainty for Pakistan during 2019M01 and 2022M10 with monthly data. To this end, the ARDL Bound Testing method is used to identify the long-run relationship of the studied factors. The empirical results suggest that under the mediating effect of energy uncertainty, renewables and nuclear energy in electricity generation have a negative association with CO2 intensity. In contrast, fossil fuels in generating electricity influence positively CO2 intensity in the aggregated analysis. Moreover, the disaggregated results under the mediating role of energy uncertainty reveal that only hydro energy reduces CO2 intensity as renewables, bioenergy, wind, and solar energy do not impact CO2 intensity. Both coal and gas energies cause a rise in CO2 intensity. Regarding nuclear energy, it also has a negative relation with CO2 intensity. The increase in energy uncertainty leads to a fall in CO2 intensity in aggregated and disaggregated analyses as well. Wavelet coherence analysis shows that CO2 intensity and energy uncertainty depend on each other dynamically for almost the whole employed period.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":93548,"journal":{"name":"Energy nexus","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772427124000585/pdfft?md5=f3e135296cf8d245f365ef15026e53b1&pid=1-s2.0-S2772427124000585-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142312830","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}