Energy nexus最新文献

{"title":"Optimizing energy management in reconfigurable distribution networks: Integrating Hybrid Transformer-CNN with wind turbines and electric vehicles","authors":"Mohsen Zare ,&nbsp;Sina Dehghanian ,&nbsp;Mohammad Reza Rahmanian ,&nbsp;Anna Pinnarelli ,&nbsp;Pasquale Vizza ,&nbsp;Alireza Soleimani","doi":"10.1016/j.nexus.2026.100676","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nexus.2026.100676","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A primary principle of modern distribution networks is to maintain the voltage profile within permissible limits while minimizing power losses. However, challenges arising from the uncertainty of electric vehicles (EVs) and wind power plants necessitate proper distribution network reconfiguration to maintain stability. Therefore, operators require fast and reliable tools for managing network configuration. In this research, a data-driven framework based on a Hybrid Transformer-CNN (HT-CNN) model is presented for network reconfiguration. In this framework, wind speed is first predicted using a TCN-BiGRU model. Then, the main HT-CNN model uses this prediction, along with load data and EV charging/discharging profiles, to simultaneously estimate bus voltages, switch statuses, and network losses. The proposed model, trained with wind, load, and EV charging data on the IEEE 33-bus system, reduced the loss error to 1.46 kW and the voltage error to 0.00417 per-unit, while predicting switch statuses with 94.96% accuracy. These errors are significantly lower than the standard 5% margin in network planning, confirming the model’s high reliability for identifying optimal configurations with minimal losses. In this study, EV charging and discharging data were simulated in MATLAB. This data, along with predicted wind data, was used to solve a linearized network reconfiguration problem in GAMS. Subsequently, the GAMS output was used to train and test the neural network model in Python. Finally, the accuracy and results of the methods were analyzed and validated using DIgSILENT software.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":93548,"journal":{"name":"Energy nexus","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 100676"},"PeriodicalIF":9.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146188340","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sustainable electricity mix planning for the United Arab Emirates using a multi-objective optimization modeling","authors":"Ridvan Aydin ,&nbsp;Abdul Ghani Olabi ,&nbsp;Sameh Tawfiq AlShihabi ,&nbsp;Lina Abu Lail","doi":"10.1016/j.nexus.2025.100611","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nexus.2025.100611","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ensuring an optimal electricity mix is essential for policymakers seeking to meet rising electricity demand, foster economic development and job creation, mitigate the impact of global warming, and promote renewable energy adoption. However, the economic and environmental impacts of energy resources have not been well addressed in developing existing optimal electricity mix models. This study introduces a multi-objective optimization model to establish an optimal sustainable electricity mix in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) through 2050 while simultaneously minimizing the total cost and CO₂ emissions released in electricity generation from different energy sources. The proposed model incorporates the retirement of old natural gas power plants, promoting a shift towards renewable energy. The non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) is adopted to obtain Pareto optimal solutions for the UAE’s electricity mix until 2050. The findings indicate that solar photovoltaic energy will dominate future capacity, followed by natural gas and nuclear energy, potentially reducing CO₂ emissions to below 200 gCO₂/kWh by 2050. This represents a substantial reduction from the UAE’s present gas-dominated system and brings it below the current levels of some major European economies, such as Germany (344 gCO₂/kWh in 2024). The Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) is used to select the most sustainable electricity mix from the Pareto set. Unlike previous models, this study uniquely integrates power plant retirement schedules, ensuring peak demand reliability, and a combined NSGA-II–TOPSIS framework to offer a novel and policy-relevant approach to sustainable electricity mix planning.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":93548,"journal":{"name":"Energy nexus","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 100611"},"PeriodicalIF":9.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145712479","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Scenario-based stochastic techno-economic assessment of energy-efficient spectrum selective greenhouses","authors":"Farhat Mahmood ,&nbsp;Muhammad Usman Sajid ,&nbsp;Yusuf Bicer ,&nbsp;Tareq Al-Ansari","doi":"10.1016/j.nexus.2026.100647","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nexus.2026.100647","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Agricultural production in arid climates faces challenges due to harsh conditions, requiring cooling technologies to support crop growth. Mechanically active cooling systems, such as heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning, are effective but energy-intensive, leading to high costs. This study proposes using spectrum-selective fluids in greenhouse roofs to supplement the cooling system by blocking near-infrared radiation while allowing photosynthetic active radiation to pass. This approach decreases cooling demand but also reduces yield, presenting a trade-off in greenhouse performance. A stochastic techno-economic analysis was conducted using an integrated input-yield model with historical solar irradiance and temperature data. Scenarios were generated and reduced using k-means clustering. Monte Carlo simulations were used to evaluate the techno-economic performance of the ATO-WO₃ greenhouse system under uncertainty. Key indicators assessed included the expected net present value, minimum selling price, and discounted payback period. Although the ATO-WO₃ greenhouse exhibited a lower expected tomato yield, 5.87% and 11.55% less than that of the water-based and conventional greenhouse systems, respectively, it outperformed in terms of economic viability. The ATO-WO₃ system achieved an expected net present value of $1465.07 m^-2, a minimum selling price of $2.25 kg^-1, and a discounted payback period of 8.22 years. In addition, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to quantify the influence of key input variables on these techno-economic indicators.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":93548,"journal":{"name":"Energy nexus","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 100647"},"PeriodicalIF":9.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147396204","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Co-pelletization of coarse olive pits and food-industry residues for sustainable bioenergy production: physicochemical, environmental, and techno-economic assessment","authors":"Jorge Sandoval-Manríquez ,&nbsp;Diógenes Hernández Espinoza ,&nbsp;Ricardo Rebolledo-Leiva ,&nbsp;Loreto Muñoz ,&nbsp;Joaquín Aburto-Hole ,&nbsp;Chibuy He ,&nbsp;José Alarcón ,&nbsp;Patricio Ubilla ,&nbsp;Sara Gonzalez-García ,&nbsp;Felipe Varas-Concha","doi":"10.1016/j.nexus.2026.100663","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nexus.2026.100663","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Co-pelletization of agro-industrial residues represents a promising route for decentralized and low-carbon bioenergy production. This study investigates the valorization of a cellulose and glycerin-rich granular residue (RI), generated by the food processing industry during sausage manufacturing and currently landfilled through co-pelletization with coarse olive pits (CA). This strategy addresses the insufficient heating value of the target residue RI for commercial application via mono-pelletization, aiming to convert it into a solid biofuel suitable for industrial biomass boilers while complying with the ISO 17225 specifications. A simplified, low-energy pre-treatment was applied, avoiding fine milling (particle size ≥ 1 mm) and enabling pelletization at high moisture (30–35 %). Four CA/RI blends (10–40 % RI w/w) were evaluated under ISO 17225 standards. The optimal blend (70%CA/30%RI) achieved a higher heating value of 17.6 MJ·kg^-1, bulk density comparable to commercial wood pellets, and mechanical durability exceeding A2-grade thresholds. Combustion tests revealed lower NO_x, SO_x, and VOC emissions relative to <em>Pinus radiata</em> pellets, with slightly higher CO levels attributed to laboratory-scale combustion constraints. Olive pits were selected for their local availability and proven suitability as industrial boiler fuel. Life cycle assessment (LCA) indicated a 35 % lower carbon footprint compared to conventional <em>Pinus radiata</em> pellets. Techno-economic analysis estimated a production cost of 162.4 USD·t⁻¹ with profitability achievable at a 1,800 t·yr⁻¹ scale. These results confirm that simplified co-pelletization of CA and RI is technically feasible, economically viable, and environmentally advantageous, providing a circular bioeconomy pathway for valorizing underutilized food-industry residues.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":93548,"journal":{"name":"Energy nexus","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 100663"},"PeriodicalIF":9.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147396689","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Synergizing In Vitro and energy-based computational approaches to investigate the potential of Lagenaria siceraria against olanzapine-induced cardiometabolic disorders using H9c2 (2-1) cardiomyocytes","authors":"Faizan A. Beerwala ,&nbsp;Shruti V. Kolambkar ,&nbsp;Vishal S. Patil ,&nbsp;Adilmehadi Karikazi ,&nbsp;Nayeem A. Khatib ,&nbsp;Harish R. Darasaguppe ,&nbsp;Subarna Roy","doi":"10.1016/j.nexus.2026.100636","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nexus.2026.100636","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Olanzapine (OLZ), a widely prescribed atypical antipsychotic, is notably associated with the onset of cardiometabolic disorders (CMDs). <em>Lagenaria siceraria,</em> traditionally recognized for its cardioprotective effects and benefits for CMD(s). However, its potential in mitigating OLZ-induced CMD(s) has not been extensively explored. This study aims to assess the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of <em>Lagenaria siceraria</em> hydroalcoholic extract (LSE) in counteracting OLZ-induced CMD(s) through <em>in vitro</em> and computational approaches. The effects of LSE on OLZ-challenged H9c2(2-1) cardiomyocytes were evaluated by measuring lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), nitric oxide (NO), and glucose utilization. Additionally, the expression of essential key genes (such as IL6, BAX, BCL2, CASP3, CAMK2B) implicated in OLZ-induced CMD(s) was analysed using qRT-PCR. Computational analyses, including gene set enrichment, network pharmacology, and molecular docking <em>via</em> (AutoDock Vina, POAP pipeline), followed by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, MM-PBSA, and binding stability assessments <em>via</em> (GROMACS), were employed to predict compound-target interactions. The results demonstrated that LSE significantly attenuated OLZ-induced elevations in LDH, CK-MB, and NO levels while enhancing glucose utilization in cardiomyoblasts. LSE also modulated gene expression by downregulating IL6, BAX, CASP3, and CAMK2B, while upregulating BCL2. Network pharmacology identified 10 phytocompounds from LSE targeting 17 common proteins involved in OLZ-induced CMD(s), with beta-sitosterol- AKT and beta-sitosterol- CALM1 complexes exhibiting the strongest binding affinities. MD simulations confirmed the stability of these interactions over a 100 ns period. In conclusion, the findings suggest that LSE holds cardioprotective potential against OLZ-induced CMD(s). Further research, including studies with purified compounds and clinical trials, is necessary to evaluate LSE as an adjunctive therapeutic agent.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":93548,"journal":{"name":"Energy nexus","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 100636"},"PeriodicalIF":9.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977274","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Introducing waste generation as a factor affecting carbon footprint in hotel operation and assessment of reduction practices","authors":"Athanasia Orfanou ,&nbsp;Eleftheria Klontza ,&nbsp;Stergios Vakalis ,&nbsp;Irene Voukkali ,&nbsp;Antonis A. Zorpas ,&nbsp;Demetris F. Lekkas","doi":"10.1016/j.nexus.2025.100615","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nexus.2025.100615","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hospitality sector is a crucial industry for Greek and global economy which applies environmental pressure through services such as accommodation, food and waste management. This study proposes a methodology for the calculation of the carbon footprint during hotel operation by considering four main domains: energy consumption, propane gas consumption (used for meal preparation), hotel waste and food waste. A 5-star resort hotel in Northern Greece was used as a pilot study. Reports on energy consumption were provided through electricity meters installed in the hotel, while data on the quantities of waste and the existing management practices were collected through staff interviews and questionnaires. Emissions (CO₂eq) were calculated using RETScreen, the average-data method and emission factors. The results demonstrate that energy consumption is responsible for the 81 % of CO₂eq emissions/ guest night, followed by emissions from food waste (11 %), waste (5 %), and propane gas used in the kitchen which contributes the least (3 %) in total emissions. Different scenarios were analysed to evaluate sustainable practices such as Renewable Energy Sources penetration, food waste composting and increasing recycling and their contribution to the reduction of total emissions. Scenario analysis showed that solar energy use could reduce total emissions by 36 %, while it is underlined that the application of sustainable waste management practices, which are often easier and less costly than energy efficiency improvements, could lead up to 15 % reduction of overall emissions, reducing them to 25.79 kgCO₂eq/guest-night. The combination of all the proposed scenarios could lead to a total reduction of 47.45 % of hotel emissions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":93548,"journal":{"name":"Energy nexus","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 100615"},"PeriodicalIF":9.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145927134","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multi-analytical evaluation of combustion residues from Croatia’s biomass-fueled plants for circular agroecosystem applications","authors":"Gabrijel Ondrasek ,&nbsp;Ema Kostešić ,&nbsp;Marina Bubalo Kovačić ,&nbsp;Lidija Svečnjak ,&nbsp;Sanja Stipičević ,&nbsp;Gordana Mendaš ,&nbsp;Iva Smoljo ,&nbsp;Tatjana Orct ,&nbsp;Ankica Sekovanić ,&nbsp;Marija Trkmić ,&nbsp;Krešimir Černošek ,&nbsp;Ivana Jelovica Badovinac ,&nbsp;Jelena Horvatinec Isaković","doi":"10.1016/j.nexus.2026.100674","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nexus.2026.100674","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The rapid expansion of biomass-fueled power plants across many EU countries has led to an increase in biomass ash (BMA) over the past decade. However, its sustainable utilization and environmental management remain inadequately addressed. This study presents the first comprehensive, multi-analytical characterization of 16 BMAs collected from nine Croatian biomass power plants spanning seven regions, with the aim of evaluating their potential for circular agroecosystem applications. Morphological analyses revealed pronounced nano-microscale heterogeneity accompanied by strong chemical variability. All BMAs exhibited high alkalinity (pH &gt; 12), primarily driven by abundant Ca-/K-/Na-/Mg-bearing oxides. Fly ash (FA) samples were enriched in soluble salts, showing higher electrical conductivity (EC), whereas bottom ash (BA) was dominated by refractory silicates and metal oxides. XRD and FTIR analyses confirmed the predominance of calcite, quartz, arcanite, and apatite-type minerals, indicating agronomic potential, but limited P/K bioavailability due to their incorporation into low-solubility phosphate/silicate matrices. The lower density and higher EC of the FA matrix correlated with the elevated S content and suggested the presence of reactive, salt-rich particulates formed through volatilization and condensation of S compounds during combustion. BAs generally contained lower metal(oid) content than FAs; however, several samples exceeded inter/national limits (Zn in one, Ni in two, and Cd in nine). Persistent organic pollutants (PCBs, OCPs, and PAHs) were below regulatory thresholds in all BMAs. Overall, Croatian BMAs demonstrated strong potential as liming and nutrient-recycling agents in acidic and nutrient-deficient agroecosystems, although site-specific application and leaching assessments remain essential to ensure environmental safety and sustainable reuse.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":93548,"journal":{"name":"Energy nexus","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 100674"},"PeriodicalIF":9.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146188343","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Understanding long-term trade-offs in the water–food–climate nexus through system dynamics modeling","authors":"Mohammad Jamali ,&nbsp;Taiwo Temitope Bamgboye ,&nbsp;Saeid Eslamian ,&nbsp;Mohammad Javad Zareian ,&nbsp;Ali Torabi Haghighi ,&nbsp;Alireza Gohari","doi":"10.1016/j.nexus.2026.100651","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nexus.2026.100651","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Water scarcity is intensifying competition among agricultural, urban, and energy-related water demands, while climate change accelerates hydrological stress and groundwater depletion. Addressing these interconnected challenges requires integrated models capable of capturing cross-sectoral dynamics. This study developed a system dynamics model to examine long-term interactions within the water–food–climate nexus from 2025 to 2054. The model integrates hydrology, agricultural production, and socio-economic subsystems to evaluate how climate variability and management interventions influence water availability, land-use decisions, and agricultural performance. Agricultural land allocation is determined using physical productivity, economic productivity, and water consumption indicators, which link water-use efficiency directly to crop profitability and food system resilience. A total of 32 scenarios were designed by combining shifts in cropping patterns, improvements in irrigation efficiency, and climate projections (SSP126, SSP245, and SSP585). Under a Business-as-Usual trajectory, the results indicate severe agricultural water shortages and substantial groundwater depletion driven by both increasing water demand and climate-induced reductions in supply. Higher-emission scenarios (SSP245 and SSP585) further amplify water deficits, reduce cultivable land, and intensify socio-economic pressures. Policy-oriented simulations demonstrated that removing water-intensive crops, such as alfalfa, onion, and rice, yielded the greatest reduction in water scarcity, while improving irrigation efficiency by 30% delivered the highest increase in agricultural profitability. These findings highlight the critical trade-offs between water conservation, food production, and economic outcomes. By quantifying the long-term system behavior under multiple stressors, the model provides a decision-support framework for designing adaptive strategies that enhance the resilience of interconnected water, energy, and food systems to climate change.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":93548,"journal":{"name":"Energy nexus","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 100651"},"PeriodicalIF":9.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147396211","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of the energy potential of municipal solid waste for incineration: Ajo open dumpsite, Hosanna, Ethiopia","authors":"Degefe Zeleke Siyum ,&nbsp;Adane Woldemedhin Kalisido ,&nbsp;Mulatu Chake Gilago","doi":"10.1016/j.nexus.2026.100659","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nexus.2026.100659","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The concern of municipal solid waste in developing countries like Ethiopia is a headache for it is underrated and due attention is not given by concerning bodies. A proper method of handling and disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW) in Hosanna City (with a single dumpsite: Ajo/Mazoria), is a critical issue that needs to be addressed. Evaluating the energy potential of municipal solid waste for incineration would facilitate the development of viable solutions. In line with that, researchers conducted evaluations of the energy potential and feasibility for incineration of the MSW at the dumpsite. Experimental analyses of the samples were conducted to determine the waste compositions in the chemistry department lab at Wachemo University based on ASTM <span><span>standards</span><svg><path></path></svg></span>. The weekly analysis showed that the main compositions of the MSW generated at the study site were food waste, chat waste, and fruit waste, which accounted for 55 % of the total waste by weight. The average calorific value of the waste was estimated to be 19.51 MJ/kg, having moisture content of 55.65 %. The net energy potential of the MSW in the study site was calculated to be 7.21 MJ/kg, with a waste to energy conversion efficiency of 83.35 %. Accordingly, incineration of the MSW at the study site might be a feasible strategy to manage the waste being disposed of while recovering sufficient energy from it.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":93548,"journal":{"name":"Energy nexus","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 100659"},"PeriodicalIF":9.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147396227","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Thermoeconomic assessment of a cement-plant waste-heat-driven trigeneration system for power, cooling, and desalination","authors":"Heba I. Khafajah ,&nbsp;Mostafa M. Abdelsamie ,&nbsp;Mohamed I. Hassan Ali","doi":"10.1016/j.nexus.2026.100631","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nexus.2026.100631","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cement production is one of the most energy- and carbon-intensive industrial activities, with a large fraction of the fuel input rejected as medium- and low-grade waste heat from cyclone preheaters and clinker coolers. This study proposes and evaluates a waste-heat-driven trigeneration system for a 5,000 t·day⁻¹ dry-process cement plant that simultaneously delivers electricity, process cooling, and desalinated water, thereby addressing coupled energy–water challenges in water-stressed regions. The configuration cascades multi-grade waste heat through three thermally coupled subsystems: (i) a cascade Organic Rankine Cycle (C-ORC) with high- and low-pressure loops matched to the preheater (300–380 °C) and clinker-cooler (250–340 °C) exhausts, (ii) an internally recuperated double-effect LiBr/H₂O absorption chiller (DEAC), and (iii) a 20-stage brine-recirculation multi-stage flash (MSF) desalination unit fed by a closed hot-water loop with a top-brine temperature of 103 °C, below typical CaSO₄/CaCO₃ scaling limits. Aspen Plus V14 simulations show that the preferred C-ORC layout delivers 6.30 MW with an exergy efficiency of 40.66%, while the selected DEAC configuration achieves a coefficient of performance of 1.40 and an exergy efficiency of 43%. The MSF subsystem attains a gained-output ratio of about 7.5–8 and produces 2.23 × 10⁶ m³·y⁻¹ of freshwater at a specific thermal energy consumption of 83.3 kWh·m⁻³. At system level, the integrated C-ORC–DEAC–MSF arrangement recovers 514.78 GWh·y⁻¹ of waste heat, corresponding to 142.88 GWhₑ·y⁻¹ on an electricity-equivalent basis, increases the overall energy utilization factor to 0.81, and avoids 128.6 × 10³ t CO₂·y⁻¹ under standard grid-displacement assumptions. Beyond these plant-scale metrics, the work provides a transferable thermo-economic and environmental assessment framework for waste-heat-driven trigeneration and illustrates the potential of such integrated schemes to co-produce low-carbon power, cooling, and desalinated water in energy- and water-constrained industrial systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":93548,"journal":{"name":"Energy nexus","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 100631"},"PeriodicalIF":9.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977278","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}