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Advanced Clean Energy Systems

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 30558

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Fu Gu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Center of Engineering Management, Polytechnic Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310015, China
Interests: environmental management; technological management; applied economics
Dr. Jingxiang Lv

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Smart Manufacturing Systems, School of Construction Machinery, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710064, China
Interests: low carbon manufacturing; additive manufacturing
Dr. Shun Jia

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Industrial Engineering, College of Energy and Mining Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266590, China
Interests: sustainable design and manufacturing; green manufacturing; lean production

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

“Advanced Clean Energy Systems” is dedicated to the advancement and dissemination of knowledge on the emerging processes, methods, and technologies that are related to the adoption of clean energies in various industrial systems, with the objective to improve the sustainability of the ongoing industrial and social transition, in which the economic growth and life quality improvement are supposed to be increasingly decoupled from the consumption of non-renewable fossil fuels.

Energy transition in industrial sectors is recognized as a primary measure to tackle the problems associated with climatic change, which is one of the major challenges for humanity in the forthcoming decades. Effective implementation of the state-of-the-art clean technologies in various industrial processes will propel this transition via improving efficiency, conserving fuels, and utilizing sustainable energies. Yet, such integration still needs to be carefully examined, as solving old problems goes hand in hand with new ones, particularly in industrial systems with extreme complexity. Without scrutinizing the interaction between clean energies, industrial systems, and emerging technologies, the cleanness of clean energies themselves would be questionable, thus compromising the purposefulness of developing alternative fuels.

Sustainability is a perfect arena for the interdisciplinary assessment of complicated industrial systems. Taking this into consideration, the Special Issue intends to provide an opportunity for researchers in a wide range of areas to develop, discuss, share, and disseminate new ideas and knowledge on how clean energies would be adopted in industries to facilitate the energy transition toward a more sustainable future.

Dr. Fu Gu
Dr. Jingxiang Lv
Dr. Shun Jia
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 2400 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

  • clean energy
  • industrial system
  • renewable energy
  • energy management

Published Papers (16 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 5944 KiB  
Article
Biodiesel Production through the Transesterification of Non-Edible Plant Oils Using Glycerol Separation Technique with AC High Voltage
by Saad S. Almady, Ali I. Moussa, Mohammed M. Deef, Moamen F. Zayed, Saleh M. Al-Sager and Abdulwahed M. Aboukarima
Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 2896; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072896 - 30 Mar 2024
Viewed by 639
Abstract
The biodiesel industry is a promising field globally, and is expanding significantly and quickly. To create a biodiesel business that is both sustainable and commercially feasible, a number of studies have been conducted on the use of non-edible oils to produce biodiesel. Thus, [...] Read more.
The biodiesel industry is a promising field globally, and is expanding significantly and quickly. To create a biodiesel business that is both sustainable and commercially feasible, a number of studies have been conducted on the use of non-edible oils to produce biodiesel. Thus, this study highlights biodiesel synthesis from non-edible plant oils such as pongamia and jatropha using a glycerol separation technique with an AC high voltage method through the transesterification reaction. In this context, non-edible plant oil has emerged as an alternative with a high potential for making the biodiesel process sustainable. Moreover, the study introduces how the created biodiesel fuel behaves when burned in a diesel engine. The results showed that the optimum conditions for creating biodiesel were a temperature of 60 °C, a potassium hydroxide catalyst percentage by weight of oils of 1%, and a stirring time of 60 min at a 5:1 (v/v) ratio of methanol to oil. A high-voltage procedure was used to separate glycerol and biodiesel using two electrodes of copper with different distances between them and different high voltages. The results showed that, for a batch of 15 L, the minimum separating time was 10 min when the distance between the copper electrodes was 2.5 cm, and the high voltage was 15 kV. The density, kinematic viscosity, and flash point of jatropha oil were reduced from 0.920 to 0.881 g/cm3 at 15 °C, from 37.1 to 4.38 cSt at 40 °C, and from 211 to 162 °C, respectively, for the production of biodiesel. Additionally, the density, kinematic viscosity, and flash point of pongamia oil were reduced from 0.924 to 0.888 g/cm3 at 15 °C, from 27.8 to 5.23 cSt at 40 °C, and from 222 to 158 °C, respectively, for the production of biodiesel. The calorific value of jatropha oil was increased from 38.08 to 39.65 MJ/kg for the production of biodiesel, while that of pongamia oil was increased from 36.61 to 36.94 MJ/kg. The cetane number increased from 21 for oil to 50 for biodiesel and from 32 for oil to 52 for jatropha and pongamia biodiesel, respectively. In order to run an air-cooled, single-cylinder, four-stroke diesel engine at full load, the produced biodiesel fuel was blended with diesel fuel at different percentages—10, 20, and 30%—for jatropha and pongamia methyl esters. The produced engine power values were 3.91, 3.69, and 3.29 kW for B10, B20, and B30, respectively, compared with the engine power value of jatropha methyl ester, which was 4.12 kW for diesel fuel (B00); meanwhile, the values were 3.70, 3.36, and 3.07 kW for B10, B20 and B30, respectively, for pongamia methyl ester. The findings suggest that the biodiesel derived from non-edible oils, such as pongamia and jatropha, could be a good alternative to diesel fuel. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Clean Energy Systems)
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21 pages, 7305 KiB  
Article
Wind Flow and Its Interaction with a Mobile Solar PV System Mounted on a Trailer
by Alireza Eslami Majd, David S. Adebayo, Fideline Tchuenbou-Magaia, James Willetts, Dave Nwosu, Zackery Matthews and Nduka Nnamdi Ekere
Sustainability 2024, 16(5), 2038; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16052038 - 29 Feb 2024
Viewed by 625
Abstract
Efficient implementation of clean energy technologies is paramount, with mobile solar PV systems on trailers (MSPTs) emerging as pivotal solutions, particularly in regions with limited power grid access. This endeavour is vital for meeting escalating electricity demands and aligning with the UN Sustainable [...] Read more.
Efficient implementation of clean energy technologies is paramount, with mobile solar PV systems on trailers (MSPTs) emerging as pivotal solutions, particularly in regions with limited power grid access. This endeavour is vital for meeting escalating electricity demands and aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), aimed at ensuring dependable and sustainable energy provision in developing countries. This study investigates the aerodynamic behaviour of a designed MSPT using numerical simulation and experimental methods, thereby offering optimization potential for MSPT design and enhancing overall performance and reliability. Specifically, the study focuses on the effects of wind velocity and tilt angles on the drag and lift forces, as well as drag and lift coefficients on the panel used in the MSPT system. The overall wind force on the entire MSPT, including nine large solar PV panels, is scrutinised, considering combined wind flow and system geometry effects. The numerical investigations were conducted using ANSYS-Fluent software (version 2022/R2) and experimental testing was performed within the C15-10 Wind Tunnel, utilizing scaled-down models to validate the accuracy of the simulation. The findings from the numerical investigations showed an increased turbulence caused by gaps between panels, resulting in almost 62% higher suction flow velocity and 22% higher suction pressure compared to a single panel. Drag and lift forces on the entire MSPT were approximately 6.7 and 7.8 times greater than those on a single panel with the same 30-degree tilt angle, respectively. The findings revealed that scaling forces on a single panel is insufficient for accurately predicting the aerodynamic forces on the entire MSPT. The insights and the knowledge from this study pave the way for further improvements in mobile solar PV technology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Clean Energy Systems)
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13 pages, 1679 KiB  
Article
Comparative Analysis of Gas Emissions from Ecokiln and Artisanal Brick Kiln during the Artisanal Firing of Bricks
by Juan Figueroa, Hugo Valdes, Juan Vilches, Walter Schmidt, Felipe Valencia, Viviana Torres, Luis Diaz-Robles, Pedro Muñoz, Viviana Letelier, Valentina Morales and Marion Bustamante
Sustainability 2024, 16(3), 1302; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16031302 - 3 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1280
Abstract
This article focuses on the research of gas emissions in two types of brick kilns located in the Maule Region, Chile. One of them is an artisanal brick kiln known as a “chonchón” (AKC), while the other is a semi-artisanal brick kiln with [...] Read more.
This article focuses on the research of gas emissions in two types of brick kilns located in the Maule Region, Chile. One of them is an artisanal brick kiln known as a “chonchón” (AKC), while the other is a semi-artisanal brick kiln with an improved design. The latter is referred to as the Ecokiln. This study focuses on the assessment of the emission profiles of key pollutants such as particulate matter (PM), CO, CO2, SO2, and NOx. The emission measurements of gasses, temperature, and flow were conducted during the operation of the kilns. These measurements were carried out following the protocol established by Chilean standards. The Ecokiln’s design facilitates optimal fluid dynamics. In direct comparison to the AKC, it exhibits reduced fuel consumption, shorter operation periods, an increased brick processing capacity, decreased burnt brick losses, and notably lower emissions, with a concentration of SO2 that is 83% less than that of the AKC, NOx emissions, 58% lower than the AKC, and a remarkable 74.3% reduction in PM10 emissions. Moreover, the Ecokiln reduces pollutant emissions, improving the well-being of brickmakers and their communities. These results offer insights into the environmental impact of local brick production and support sustainable manufacturing practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Clean Energy Systems)
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12 pages, 3211 KiB  
Article
Numerical Simulation of Hydrogen Diffusion in Cement Sheath of Wells Used for Underground Hydrogen Storage
by Anireju Dudun, Yin Feng and Boyun Guo
Sustainability 2023, 15(14), 10844; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151410844 - 11 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1314
Abstract
The negative environmental impact of carbon emissions from fossil fuels has promoted hydrogen utilization and storage in underground structures. Hydrogen leakage from storage structures through wells is a major concern due to the small hydrogen molecules that diffuse fast in the porous well [...] Read more.
The negative environmental impact of carbon emissions from fossil fuels has promoted hydrogen utilization and storage in underground structures. Hydrogen leakage from storage structures through wells is a major concern due to the small hydrogen molecules that diffuse fast in the porous well cement sheath. The second-order parabolic partial differential equation describing the hydrogen diffusion in well cement was solved numerically using the finite difference method (FDM). The numerical model was verified with an analytical solution for an ideal case where the matrix and fluid have invariant properties. Sensitivity analyses with the model revealed several possibilities. Based on simulation studies and underlying assumptions such as non-dissolvable hydrogen gas in water present in the cement pore spaces, constant hydrogen diffusion coefficient, cement properties such as porosity and saturation, etc., hydrogen should take about 7.5 days to fully penetrate a 35 cm cement sheath under expected well conditions. The relatively short duration for hydrogen breakthrough in the cement sheath is mainly due to the small molecule size and high hydrogen diffusivity. If the hydrogen reaches a vertical channel behind the casing, a hydrogen leak from the well is soon expected. Also, the simulation result reveals that hydrogen migration along the axial direction of the cement column from a storage reservoir to the top of a 50 m caprock is likely to occur in 500 years. Hydrogen diffusion into cement sheaths increases with increased cement porosity and diffusion coefficient and decreases with water saturation (and increases with hydrogen saturation). Hence, cement with a low water-to-cement ratio to reduce water content and low cement porosity is desirable for completing hydrogen storage wells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Clean Energy Systems)
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21 pages, 8388 KiB  
Article
Geothermal Exploration Using Remote Sensing, Surface Temperature, and Geophysical Data in Lunayyir Volcanic Field, Saudi Arabia
by Faisal Alqahtani, Essam Aboud, Muhsan Ehsan, Zohaib Naseer, Murad Abdulfarraj, Mohamed F. Abdelwahed and Nabil El-Masry
Sustainability 2023, 15(9), 7645; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097645 - 6 May 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3481
Abstract
Energy consumption worldwide has undergone a recent shift, with hydrocarbons, coal, and new energy sources taking center stage. However, fossil fuels face criticism due to their negative impacts on the environment through air pollution. Geothermal energy is a clean, renewable, and eco-friendly alternative [...] Read more.
Energy consumption worldwide has undergone a recent shift, with hydrocarbons, coal, and new energy sources taking center stage. However, fossil fuels face criticism due to their negative impacts on the environment through air pollution. Geothermal energy is a clean, renewable, and eco-friendly alternative that can be harnessed for power generation. The Lunayyir volcanic field is located in the western part of Saudi Arabia and has been identified as a potential geothermal resource. In this study, a comprehensive analysis of the gravity, magnetic, and land surface temperature data collected over the study area is conducted to investigate the geothermal potential. The gravity data are processed using standard techniques to correct for instrument drift, diurnal variations, and topographic effects and to filter out high-frequency noise. The magnetic data are processed using standard procedures. Analysis of the gravity data shows that the Lunayyir volcanic field is characterized by a series of gravity anomalies, which can be interpreted as indicative of the presence of subsurface geologic structures that are similar in geothermal areas, such as faults, fractures, and intrusions. The magnetic data, on the other hand, show that the volcanic field has a relatively low magnetic susceptibility, which is consistent with the presence of volcanic rocks implying shallow heat sources. Landsat satellite data are utilized to calculate the land surface temperature through the use of GIS software. Additionally, the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) is calculated using the near-infrared and red bands of the Landsat satellite. The land surface temperature of the year 2007 shows the relatively high temperature at the surface as compared to 2000 and 2021, which is an indication of volcanic activities in the subsurface. It is suggested that these structures may provide conduits for hot fluids, which could potentially be exploited for geothermal energy production. The obtained results emphasize the importance of combining different geophysical datasets to obtain a better understanding of underground geology and geothermal systems. In general, this study improves the assessment of the Lunayyir volcanic field in the western part of Saudi Arabia for geothermal energy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Clean Energy Systems)
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14 pages, 3772 KiB  
Article
Power Flow Optimization Strategy of Distribution Network with Source and Load Storage Considering Period Clustering
by Fangfang Zheng, Xiaofang Meng, Lidi Wang and Nannan Zhang
Sustainability 2023, 15(5), 4515; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054515 - 2 Mar 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1448
Abstract
The large-scale grid connection of new energy will affect the optimization of power flow. In order to solve this problem, this paper proposes a power flow optimization strategy model of a distribution network with non-fixed weighting factors of source, load and storage. The [...] Read more.
The large-scale grid connection of new energy will affect the optimization of power flow. In order to solve this problem, this paper proposes a power flow optimization strategy model of a distribution network with non-fixed weighting factors of source, load and storage. The objective function is the lowest cost, the smallest voltage deviation and the smallest power loss, and many constraints, such as power flow constraint, climbing constraint and energy storage operation constraint, are also considered. Firstly, the equivalent load curve is obtained by superimposing the output of wind and solar turbines with the initial load, and the best k value is obtained by the elbow rule. The k-means algorithm is used to cluster the equivalent load curve in different periods, and then the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method is used to determine the weighting factor of the optimization model in each period. Then, the particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to solve the multi-objective power flow optimization model, and the optimal strategy and objective function values of each unit output in the operation period are obtained. Finally, IEEE33 is used as an example to verify the effectiveness of the proposed model through two cases: a fixed proportion method to determine the weighting factor, and this method to determine the weighting factor. The proposed method can improve the economy and reliability of distribution networks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Clean Energy Systems)
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16 pages, 4310 KiB  
Article
Dynamic Analysis of a Combined Spiral Bevel Gear and Planetary Gear Set in a Bucket Elevator with High Power Density
by Zhaoxia He, Zengfei Xing, Qing Zhou and Lehao Chang
Sustainability 2023, 15(5), 4304; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054304 - 28 Feb 2023
Viewed by 2168
Abstract
A combined spiral bevel gear and planetary gear set was designed for bucket elevators to reduce the system’s complexity and improve the system’s efficiency. The dynamic model of a combined spiral bevel gear and a 2K-H planetary gear train was developed by using [...] Read more.
A combined spiral bevel gear and planetary gear set was designed for bucket elevators to reduce the system’s complexity and improve the system’s efficiency. The dynamic model of a combined spiral bevel gear and a 2K-H planetary gear train was developed by using the lumped mass method, where the time-varying mesh stiffness and comprehensive mesh error were introduced. Then, the equations of motion of the system were solved with the Newmark numerical integration method, and the dynamic transmission error and mesh force of the gear pairs were obtained. The influences of different input rotational speeds and power on the dynamic response of the system were analyzed. The dynamic responses of the bearings between the bevel gears, planet carrier, and box were calculated. It was found that the dynamic mesh force gradually decreased with an increase in speed, and it increased with an increase in power. For low-speed and heavy-load transmission systems, the influence of power on the mesh force was more significant. It could also be found that the efficiency of the transmission system composed of a spiral bevel gear and a planetary gear was improved compared with that of the traditional system. Finally, the effectiveness of the dynamic model was validated through a comparison of the test signals. The results of the analysis in this study can be used to guide the design of vibration and noise reduction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Clean Energy Systems)
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21 pages, 4617 KiB  
Article
Study on Fuel Selection for a Long-Life Small Lead-Based Reactor
by Gan Huang, Chao Yang, Jichong Lei, Lingling Su, Zhenping Chen and Tao Yu
Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 16840; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142416840 - 15 Dec 2022
Viewed by 1366
Abstract
The choice of an appropriate fuel can effectively prolong the refueling cycle of a reactor core. The Th-U cycle and U-Pu cycle are commonly used fuel breeding cycles. Oxide fuels, nitride fuels, and metal fuels are the primary candidate fuels for lead-based reactors. [...] Read more.
The choice of an appropriate fuel can effectively prolong the refueling cycle of a reactor core. The Th-U cycle and U-Pu cycle are commonly used fuel breeding cycles. Oxide fuels, nitride fuels, and metal fuels are the primary candidate fuels for lead-based reactors. For fuel selection, a core model of a 60 MWt reactor was established. The results show that the breeding performance of the breeding fuel Th-232 is better than that of U-238, and the driving performance of the driving fuel Pu-239 is better than that of U-235. Therefore, PuO2-ThO2, PuN-ThN, and Pu-Th-Zr fuels may have good performance. By comparing the reactivity loss of three types of fuel, it was found that the reactivity loss of PuN-ThN fuel is the smallest. Hence, using PuN-ThN fuel as a core fuel can result in a longer refueling cycle. On this basis, PuN-ThN fuel was used in the preliminary design of the 120 MWt core physical model. It can be seen that when PuN-ThN fuel is used as the core fuel, a smaller reactivity swing (1408 pcm), smaller power peak factor, and super long refueling cycle (more than 30 years) can be obtained. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Clean Energy Systems)
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16 pages, 4329 KiB  
Article
Finned PV Natural Cooling Using Water-Based TiO2 Nanofluid
by Ahmad Al Aboushi, Eman Abdelhafez and Mohammad Hamdan
Sustainability 2022, 14(20), 12987; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142012987 - 11 Oct 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1168
Abstract
The efficiency of PV (photovoltaic) modules is highly dependent on the operating temperature. The objective of this work is to enhance the performance of PV by passive cooling using aluminum fins that have been nanocoated (like those on an automobile radiator). A rise [...] Read more.
The efficiency of PV (photovoltaic) modules is highly dependent on the operating temperature. The objective of this work is to enhance the performance of PV by passive cooling using aluminum fins that have been nanocoated (like those on an automobile radiator). A rise in the cell temperature of the module PV leads to a decrease in its performance. As a result, an effective cooling mechanism is required. In this work, the performance of the PV module has been improved using natural convection, which was achieved by placing three similar PV modules next to each other in order to test them simultaneously. The first panel will be the base panel and will be used for comparison purposes. An automotive radiator (with aluminum fins) was firmly fixed onto the rear of the other two PV modules, and the fins of the third PV panel had titanium oxide (TiO2) water-based nanofluid applied to them. The power produced by the PV modules, as well as their rear side temperatures, were recorded every 30 min over four months. A temperature reduction of 4.0 °C was attained when TiO2 water-based nanofluid was sprayed onto the panel’s finned rear side. This was followed by the scenario where the rear side was only finned, with a temperature drop of 1.0 °C. As a result of the temperature reduction, the percentage of power produced by the coated-finned PV and the finned PV increased by 5.8 and 1.5 percent, respectively. This caused an increase in PV efficiency of 1.1 percent for coated-finned panels and 0.4 percent for finned PV. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Clean Energy Systems)
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24 pages, 5413 KiB  
Article
Adaptive Genetic Algorithm Based on Fuzzy Reasoning for the Multilevel Capacitated Lot-Sizing Problem with Energy Consumption in Synchronizer Production
by Shuai Wang, Jizhuang Hui, Bin Zhu and Ying Liu
Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5072; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095072 - 22 Apr 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1906
Abstract
The multilevel capacitated lot-sizing problem (MLCLSP) is a vital theoretical problem of production planning in discrete manufacturing. An improved algorithm based on the genetic algorithm (GA) is proposed to solve the MLCLSP. Based on the solution results, the distribution of energy consumption in [...] Read more.
The multilevel capacitated lot-sizing problem (MLCLSP) is a vital theoretical problem of production planning in discrete manufacturing. An improved algorithm based on the genetic algorithm (GA) is proposed to solve the MLCLSP. Based on the solution results, the distribution of energy consumption in a synchronous production case is analyzed. In the related literature, the GA has become a much-discussed topic in solving these kinds of problems. Although the standard GA can make up for the defects of the traditional algorithm, it will lead to the problems of unstable solution results and easy local convergence. For these reasons, this research presents an adaptive genetic algorithm based on fuzzy theory (fuzzy-GA) to solve the MLCLSP. Firstly, the solving process of the MLCLSP with the fuzzy-GA is described in detail, where algorithms for key technologies such as the capacity constraint algorithm and the algorithm of solving fitness value are developed. Secondly, the auto-encoding of decision variables for MLCLSPs is studied; within this, the decision variables of whether to produce or not are encoded into a hierarchical structure based on the bill of material; combined with external demand, the decision variables of lot-sizing are constructed. Thirdly, the adaptive optimization process of parameters of the GA for the MLCLSP based on fuzzy theory is expounded, in which membership function, fuzzy rule, and defuzzification of the MLCLSP is mainly presented. Experimental studies using the processed dataset collected from a synchronizer manufacturer have demonstrated the merits of the proposed approach, in which the energy consumption distribution of the optimized production plan is given. The optimal lot-sizing is closer to the average value of the optimal value compared with the standard GA, which indicates that the proposed fuzzy-GA approach has better convergence and stability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Clean Energy Systems)
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23 pages, 5516 KiB  
Article
A New Method of Predicting the Energy Consumption of Additive Manufacturing considering the Component Working State
by Zhiqiang Yan, Jian Huang, Jingxiang Lv, Jizhuang Hui, Ying Liu, Hao Zhang, Enhuai Yin and Qingtao Liu
Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 3757; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14073757 - 22 Mar 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1966
Abstract
With the increase in environmental awareness, coupled with an emphasis on environmental policy, achieving sustainable manufacturing is increasingly important. Additive manufacturing (AM) is an attractive technology for achieving sustainable manufacturing. However, with the diversity of AM types and various working states of machines’ [...] Read more.
With the increase in environmental awareness, coupled with an emphasis on environmental policy, achieving sustainable manufacturing is increasingly important. Additive manufacturing (AM) is an attractive technology for achieving sustainable manufacturing. However, with the diversity of AM types and various working states of machines’ components, a general method to forecast the energy consumption of AM is lacking. This paper proposes a new model considering the power of each component, the time of each process and the working state of each component to predict the energy consumption. Fused deposition modeling, which is a typical AM process, was selected to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model. It was found that the proposed model had a higher prediction accuracy compared to the specific energy model and the process-based energy consumption model. The proposed model could be easily integrated into the software to visualize the printing time and energy consumption of each process in each component, and, further, provide a reference for coordinating the optimization of parts’ quality and energy consumption. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Clean Energy Systems)
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23 pages, 6077 KiB  
Article
Multi-Objective Optimization of CNC Turning Process Parameters Considering Transient-Steady State Energy Consumption
by Shun Jia, Shang Wang, Jingxiang Lv, Wei Cai, Na Zhang, Zhongwei Zhang and Shuowei Bai
Sustainability 2021, 13(24), 13803; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132413803 - 14 Dec 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3147
Abstract
Energy-saving and emission reduction are recognized as the primary measure to tackle the problems associated with climate change, which is one of the major challenges for humanity for the forthcoming decades. Energy modeling and process parameters optimization of machining are effective and powerful [...] Read more.
Energy-saving and emission reduction are recognized as the primary measure to tackle the problems associated with climate change, which is one of the major challenges for humanity for the forthcoming decades. Energy modeling and process parameters optimization of machining are effective and powerful ways to realize energy saving in the manufacturing industry. In order to realize high quality and low energy consumption machining of computer numerical control (CNC) lathe, a multi-objective optimization of CNC turning process parameters considering transient-steady state energy consumption is proposed. By analyzing the energy consumption characteristics in the process of machining and introducing practical constraints, such as machine tool equipment performance and tool life, a multi-objective optimization model with turning process parameters as optimization variables and high quality and low energy consumption as optimization objectives is established. The model is solved by non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II), and the pareto optimal solution set of the model is obtained. Finally, the machining process of shaft parts is studied by CK6153i CNC lathe. The results show that 38.3% energy consumption is saved, and the surface roughness of workpiece is reduced by 47.0%, which verifies the effectiveness of the optimization method. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Clean Energy Systems)
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14 pages, 4981 KiB  
Article
Improvement of Temperature and Humidity Control of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
by Shusheng Xiong, Zhankuan Wu, Wei Li, Daize Li, Teng Zhang, Yu Lan, Xiaoxuan Zhang, Shuyan Ye, Shuhao Peng, Zeyu Han, Jiarui Zhu, Qiujie Song, Zhixiao Jiao, Xiaofeng Wu and Heqing Huang
Sustainability 2021, 13(19), 10578; https://doi.org/10.3390/su131910578 - 24 Sep 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2611
Abstract
Temperature and humidity are two important interconnected factors in the performance of PEMFCs (Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells). The fuel and oxidant humidity and stack temperature in a fuel cell were analyzed in this study. There are many factors that affect the temperature [...] Read more.
Temperature and humidity are two important interconnected factors in the performance of PEMFCs (Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells). The fuel and oxidant humidity and stack temperature in a fuel cell were analyzed in this study. There are many factors that affect the temperature and humidity of the stack. We adopt the fuzzy control method of multi-input and multi-output to control the temperature and humidity of the stack. A model including a driver, vehicle, transmission motor, air feeding, electrical network, stack, hydrogen supply and cooling system was established to study the fuel cell performance. A fuzzy controller is proven to be better in improving the output power of fuel cells. The three control objectives are the fan speed control for regulating temperature, the solenoid valve on/off control of the bubble humidifier for humidity variation and the speed of the pump for regulating temperature difference. In addition, the results from the PID controller stack model and the fuzzy controller stack model are compared in this research. The fuel cell bench test has been built to validate the effectiveness of the proposed fuzzy control. The maximum temperature of the stack can be reduced by 5 °C with the fuzzy control in this paper, so the fuel cell output voltage (power) increases by an average of approximately 5.8%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Clean Energy Systems)
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Review

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31 pages, 7533 KiB  
Review
Solar Chimney Power Plants for Sustainable Air Quality Management Integrating Photocatalysis and Particulate Filtration: A Comprehensive Review
by Dipak Kumar Mandal, Sharmistha Bose, Nirmalendu Biswas, Nirmal K. Manna, Erdem Cuce and Ali Cemal Benim
Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2334; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062334 - 12 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 912
Abstract
Urban air pollution has become a pressing challenge in recent times, demanding innovative solutions. This review delves into the potential of Solar Chimney Power Plants (SCPPs) as a sustainable approach to mitigating air pollution. The idea of mitigation of pollution may be an [...] Read more.
Urban air pollution has become a pressing challenge in recent times, demanding innovative solutions. This review delves into the potential of Solar Chimney Power Plants (SCPPs) as a sustainable approach to mitigating air pollution. The idea of mitigation of pollution may be an added advantage to the use of SCPPs in practice. Recent advancements, such as the integration of photocatalytic reactors (PCRs) for the elimination of greenhouse gases (GHGs), emphasizing the importance of addressing non-CO2 GHGs like CH4 and N2O are analyzed. The novelty of this review is that it not only focuses on the shifting and removal of particulate matter but also on the removal of greenhouse gases. Numerous case studies, ranging from filter-equipped SCPPs to Solar-Assisted Large-Scale Cleaning Systems (SALSCSs), are reviewed, providing a comprehensive understanding of their design, performance, and potential benefits. This review serves as a guide for researchers and policymakers, emphasizing the need for multifaceted approaches to address the intricate nexus of air pollution, renewable energy generation, and climate change mitigation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Clean Energy Systems)
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15 pages, 2013 KiB  
Review
Mapping Renewable Energy among Antarctic Research Stations
by Magnus de Witt, Changhyun Chung and Joohan Lee
Sustainability 2024, 16(1), 426; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16010426 - 3 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1528
Abstract
This paper presents an overview of current electricity generation and consumption patterns in the Antarctic. Based on both previously published and newly collected data, the paper describes the current status of renewable-energy use at research stations in the Antarctic. A more detailed view [...] Read more.
This paper presents an overview of current electricity generation and consumption patterns in the Antarctic. Based on both previously published and newly collected data, the paper describes the current status of renewable-energy use at research stations in the Antarctic. A more detailed view of electricity systems is also presented, demonstrating how different types of resources may be used and combined. The paper will serve as a guide to various renewable-energy generation technologies, highlighting well-established praxis, lessons learned, and potential ideas for improvement. Several renewable electricity generation technologies that have proven effective for use in the Antarctic environment are described. as well as those that are currently in use. Finally, the paper summarizes the major lessons learned to support future projects and close the knowledge gap. The use of renewable-energy sources has the potential to reduce research stations’ greenhouse gas emissions, making research in Antarctica more sustainable. The availability of high-quality energy is crucial for survival and to allow scientists to conduct meaningful research at research stations under harsh Antarctic conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Clean Energy Systems)
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24 pages, 4494 KiB  
Review
A Comprehensive Overview of Photovoltaic Technologies and Their Efficiency for Climate Neutrality
by Alexandra Catalina Lazaroiu, Mohammed Gmal Osman, Cristian-Valentin Strejoiu and Gheorghe Lazaroiu
Sustainability 2023, 15(23), 16297; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152316297 - 24 Nov 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3324
Abstract
Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology is a cornerstone of the global effort to transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy systems. This paper explores the pivotal role of PV technology in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combatting the pressing issue of climate change. At [...] Read more.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology is a cornerstone of the global effort to transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy systems. This paper explores the pivotal role of PV technology in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combatting the pressing issue of climate change. At the heart of its efficacy lies the efficiency of PV materials, which dictates the extent to which sunlight is transformed into electricity. Over the last decade, substantial advancements in PV efficiency have propelled the widespread adoption of solar PV technology on a global scale. The efficiency of PV materials is a critical factor, determining how effectively sunlight is transformed into electricity. Enhanced efficiency, achieved through a decade of progress, has driven the global expansion of solar PV. Multi-junction photovoltaic materials have now exceeded 40% efficiency in lab tests. China leads the world in solar PV installations, boasting over 253 GW of installed capacity by the end of 2021. Other prominent countries in this sector are the United States, Japan, Germany, and India. Photovoltaic (PV) cell technologies are rapidly improving, with efficiencies reaching up to 30% and costs falling below $0.50/W, making PV a competitive source of energy in many countries around the world. Solar PV technology holds immense potential for creating a cleaner, reliable, scalable, and cost-effective electricity system. To expedite its deployment and foster a more sustainable energy future, continued investment in research and development along with supportive policies and market mechanisms is essential. This paper underscores the pivotal role of solar PV technology in the global energy transition and advocates for a concerted effort to unlock its full potential in achieving a more sustainable and resilient energy future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Clean Energy Systems)
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