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A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "B: Energy and Environment".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2022) | Viewed by 35607

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Prof. Dr. Agnieszka Iwan

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1. Faculty of Security and Safety Research, General Tadeusz Kosciuszko Military University of Land Forces, Wroclaw, Poland
2. Military Institute of Engineer Technology, Wroclaw, Poland
Interests: polymerization; polymers; nanomaterials; materials; material characterization; photovoltaics; thin films and nanotechnology; thin film deposition; semiconductor device physics; optoelectronics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The definition of energy security includes access to clean, reliable, and inexpensive energy services for cooking, heating, lighting, communications and other productive uses. This approach requires the collaboration of scientists, entrepreneurs, economists, environmentalists, politicians, and societies around the world. Only a global approach to the issue of energy security can have a positive impact on the development and protection of the Earth against the effects of global warming. In this Special Issue, taking into account the above, I invite you to publish topics related to sociological and technical aspects and innovations in the field of broadly understood energy security. This Special Issue welcomes review papers, original research, and case studies dealing with all generations of solar cells (inorganic, organic), energy storage (supercapacitors, batteries), fuel cells, radioactive sources, scintillators, chargers, sensors, nuclear energy, biofuels, aspects of green chemistry, or blackouts. We also welcome papers on related issues.

Prof. Dr. Agnieszka Iwan
Guest Editor

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Keywords

radiation
scintillation
photovoltaic cells
conversion
nuclear battery
electrochemical capacitor, activated carbon
redox electrolyte
photo-charger
impulsive electronic systems
dye-sensitized solar cells
supercapacitors
energy storage system
photovoltaics
engineering concept
maximum operating point
lithium ion batteries
photovoltaic charger
maximum operating point tracking, silicon solar cells
battery pack
nanophosphate batteries
charging-discharging
energy security
blackouts, renewable sources of energy, social security
nuclear energy, public opinion
transport, ecology, air, energy resources - savings, energy
energetic security, natural gas, diversification of sources
solar panels, wind turbines, military
ecological awareness, energy awareness

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 2437 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristics of Natural Background Radiation in the GIG Experimental Mine ‘Barbara’, Poland

by Agata Walencik-Łata, Katarzyna Szkliniarz, Jan Kisiel, Kinga Polaczek-Grelik, Karol Jędrzejczak, Marcin Kasztelan, Jacek Szabelski, Jerzy Orzechowski, Przemysław Tokarski, Włodzimierz Marszał, Marika Przybylak, Robert Hildebrandt and Krzysztof Fuławka

Energies 2022, 15(3), 685; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15030685 - 18 Jan 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2055

Abstract

Underground locations can be used in various ways for scientific and economic purposes. One of the main factors influencing the safety level in the underground mine workings is natural radioactivity. The article presents research carried out on the natural radioactivity in shallow mine workings at the GIG Experimental Mine ‘Barbara’. The description of the natural radiation includes radon determination in the air, in situ gamma spectrometry, neutron flux measurements, and laboratory measurements of ^226,228Ra, ⁴⁰K, and ^234,238U isotopes using gamma and alpha spectrometry techniques. In the measurement chamber at the depth 46 m (122 m w.e.) in the sandstone layer, the photon flux registered at the 7–3150 keV energy range is equal to 17.6 ± 1.9 cm⁻²s⁻¹, the gamma-ray dose rate is 0.200 ± 0.029 µSv/h, and the thermal neutron flux is equal to (8.6 ± 1.1) × 10⁻⁶ cm⁻²s⁻¹. After closing the measurement chamber and turning off ventilation, a significant ingrowth of ²²²Rn content was observed, reaching the value of 4040 ± 150 Bq/m³. An increased gamma-ray flux and thermal neutron flux were observed in the investigated location. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Security - Sociological and Technical Aspects and Innovations)

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14 pages, 2300 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Use of the Maximum Power Point Tracking Method in a Portable Lithium-Ion Solar Battery Charger

by Marcin Szczepaniak, Paweł Otręba, Piotr Otręba and Tomasz Sikora

Energies 2022, 15(1), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15010026 - 21 Dec 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3684

Abstract

The use of solar panels in low-power applications is an increasingly developing topic. Various methods are currently used to obtain the highest possible solar panel power generation efficiency. The methods of determining the maximum power point (MPP) and its tracking are under constant development, resulting in the creation of new algorithms to accelerate the operational efficiency while maintaining good parameters. Typically, these methods are only used in high-power photovoltaic installations. Due to the problems resulting from the adjustment to MPP working conditions for low-power solar panels used to charge a Li-Ion battery, an attempt was made to check the feasibility of operating control based on a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) method and a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm like the one used in high-power solar systems also for low-power systems. The article presents adaptation of PWM and MPPT methods for small chargers, including the stages of modelling a solar charger and the results of a computer simulation of the charger operation. The stages of building a real, physical device are also presented. From the analysis of the test results of the constructed charger in real- and laboratory conditions with the use of a device imitating sunlight, the so-called solar box, and comparisons with computer simulations show that the assumed goal was achieved. The results obtained with the PWM method were compared with the MPPT method. The optimization of the device operation parameters and improvement of the algorithms used in the MPPT method resulted in better optimalization of maximum point tracking, improving the efficiency of energy storage from solar cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Security - Sociological and Technical Aspects and Innovations)

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18 pages, 2034 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Toward Low-Carbon European Union Society: Young Poles’ Perception of Climate Neutrality

by Jarosław Gryz and Barbara Kaczmarczyk

Energies 2021, 14(16), 5107; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14165107 - 19 Aug 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2490

Abstract

(1) Introduction: The European Union is a global leader in the transition to a low-carbon economy. The community’s population has already reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 22%, while the gross domestic product (GDP) in its member states increased by 58% between 1990 and 2017. The Union has shown that economic growth is possible in the link between politics, nature, and the citizens’ eco-empathy. It has implications for both the European and global economy, infrastructure, food production, public health, and biodiversity, the formula for political stability. The hallmark of the European Union is the blending of politics, culture, and nature in its quest for climate neutrality. The community’s horizon is a zero-emission economy by 2050. (2) Theoretical framework: The cognitive assumptions of the article are the following theses: 1. The Union strives to accelerate the transition process to a regenerative growth model using technologies for obtaining and distributing energy for individual and collective needs; 2. The Union and the European citizens want to hand over more to planet Earth than they take away from it, thus making progress toward keeping resource consumption within planetary limits. 3. The Union aims to reduce its consumption footprint and double the rate of applying closed-loop materials in the next decade. Finally, it fits in with the organization’s policy projections. (3) Methodology and research results: Qualitative and quantitative research methods were used in the research process. The literature has been analyzed on the subject and the applicable legal acts, making it possible to classify, generalize, describe, and systematize the facts collected during the research. A survey was conducted on 1106 students, and in-depth interviews were conducted with three energy experts: Krzysztof Tomaszewski (the University of Warsaw, researcher and lecturer on energy security issues), Dariusz Pachniewski (inventor in energy sector, businessman in hydrogen energy sector), and Tomoho Umeda (President of Polish Chamber of Commerce). The research aimed to identify the environmental and energy awareness, knowledge of renewable energy sources, and opinions of young Poles on their use in two areas: home and work. (4) Discussion: The reinforced narrative of creating a low-carbon society, a green economy, was adapted and evaluated for innovative individual and collective approaches in the research conducted in this paper. In the quantitative and qualitative samples, the assumptions made were double-checked. The former verified the students’ views, while the latter, the experts’ views. The procedure established the directions of knowledge evolution and approach to technologies and innovations among students of technical faculties related to the energy sector. There were existing individual and collective mental constructs on energy transition and climate neutrality identified. (5) Conclusions: The surveys conducted among university students of energy-related majors and specialties and experts revealed important information. First, it concerned the way knowledge is communicated and how it is interpreted; second, informing and implementing the European Union’s climate policy; third, the creation of a low-carbon society; fourth, the perception of climate neutrality among young Poles, and finally, preferences in energy generation and use in homes and businesses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Security - Sociological and Technical Aspects and Innovations)

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24 pages, 4067 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tactical Risk Assessment Method for Resilient Fuel Supply Chains for a Military Peacekeeping Operation

by Jacek Ryczyński and Agnieszka A. Tubis

Energies 2021, 14(15), 4679; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14154679 - 1 Aug 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3894

Abstract

The article focuses on research on the functioning of liquid fuel supply chains, supplying troops carrying out peacekeeping and stabilisation operations in a foreign territory. Timely and complete supplies of fuels in war conditions determine the achievement of the assumed goals of a military operation. They often determine the health and life of soldiers. For this reason, the role of building the resilience of supply chains to disruptions, the type and frequency of which is entirely different from the undesirable events occurring in civil goods flows, is increasing. Therefore, the critical concept supporting building the resilience of fuel supply chains is risk management in these chains. The authors have developed a risk analysis method that integrates the Kaplan and Garrick approach and the fuzzy theory. The analysis identifies the existing disturbances and assigns them to the individual phases of the supply process. To illustrate the applicability of the proposed method, the authors analyse nine scenarios for the three most important stages of the procurement process in terms of building the resilience of the entire chain: Planning, delivery and storage. The fuzzy theory estimates the risk level for the analysed scenarios of adverse events. The proposed method is universal. It can be implemented to analyse the resistance of supply chains of other materials. It can also support the decision-making process for those responsible for planning, organisation and proper functioning of supply systems in all high-risk conditions, not only in the zone of war and stabilisation operations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Security - Sociological and Technical Aspects and Innovations)

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24 pages, 899 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Strategic Analysis of Energy Security. Methodological Aspects of the Scenario Approach

by Piotr Daniluk

Energies 2021, 14(15), 4639; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14154639 - 30 Jul 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2781

Abstract

This article presents the research results related to the methodology of threat analysis to implement in energy security. In the conducted studies, the world’s output in scenario planning and the most famous cases of global security and technology scenarios were analysed. These projects were the Lisbon Group analysis, Shell’s scenario planning concepts, and the US National Intelligence Council’s long-term analysis. In this way, I demonstrated the limitations of a scenario-based view of the issues under study, resulting mainly from considering only one type of environment. The formulated conclusions made it possible to build the author’s model of the strategic analysis process for the energy security sector. It goes beyond scenario analysis, complementing it with the sector, portfolio, and integrated analysis methods. The strategic analysis built in this way takes into account the achievements of many scientific disciplines, namely, technology, security, strategic management, foresight, international relations, and military. The multidisciplinary knowledge used to build the proposed concept will allow one to consider the increasing complexity of the global environment. Only such a scientific approach nowadays allows practical analysis and planning in the long term. Areas of special attention in strategic analysis, which constitute directions for developing research methodology, are indicated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Security - Sociological and Technical Aspects and Innovations)

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13 pages, 2745 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristics of Natural Background Radiation in the Polkowice-Sieroszowice Mine, Poland

by Katarzyna Szkliniarz, Agata Walencik-Łata, Jan Kisiel, Kinga Polaczek-Grelik, Karol Jędrzejczak, Marcin Kasztelan, Jacek Szabelski, Jerzy Orzechowski, Przemysław Tokarski, Włodzimierz Marszał, Marika Przybylak, Krzysztof Fuławka and Sebastian Gola

Energies 2021, 14(14), 4261; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14144261 - 14 Jul 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1897

Abstract

Natural radioactivity in underground locations is the main parameter for the safety of work (occupational hazards) and for the success of experiments in physics or biology requiring unique conditions. The characterization of natural prominence was carried out in the Conceptual Lab development in one of KGHM deep copper mines co-ordinated by KGHM Cuprum R&D. Natural radioactivity studies were performed and included in situ gamma spectrometry, neutron flux measurements, radon concentration, and alpha and gamma laboratory spectrometry measurements of rock samples. At a depth of 1014.4 m (2941.8 m w.e.) within the anhydrite layer, a neutron flux of 2.0 ± 0.2 × 10⁻⁶ cm⁻² s⁻¹, a gamma-ray dose of 0.008 ± 0.001 μSv/h, a photon flux density of 0.64 ± 0.20 cm⁻² s⁻¹, and a radon concentration of 6.6 Bq/m³ were determined. Laboratory analyses of ^226,228Ra, ⁴⁰K, and ^238,234U concentrations in collected rock samples showed low values. The exceptionally low level of natural radioactivity in the Polkowice-Sieroszowice mine makes this location a unique place for scientific research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Security - Sociological and Technical Aspects and Innovations)

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12 pages, 23694 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Charging and Discharging Process of LiFePO₄ Battery Pack

by Wiesław Madej and Andrzej Wojciechowski

Energies 2021, 14(13), 4055; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14134055 - 5 Jul 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3756

Abstract

A serious issue relative to the construction of electronic devices is proper power source selection. This problem is of particular importance when we are dealing with portable devices operating in varying environmental conditions, such as military equipment. A serious problem in the construction of electronic devices is the correct selection of the power source. In these types of devices, lithium-ion batteries are commonly used nowadays, and in particular their variety—lithium iron phosphate battery—LiFePO₄. Apart from the many advantages of this type of battery offers, such as high power and energy density, a high number of charge and discharge cycles, and low self-discharge. They also have a major drawback—a risk of damage due to excessive discharge or overcharge. This article studies the process of charging and discharging a battery pack composed of cells with different initial charge levels. An attempt was made to determine the risk of damage to the cells relative to the differences in the initial charge level of the battery pack cells. It was verified, whether the successive charging and discharging cycles reduce or increase the differences in the amount of energy stored in individual cells of the pack. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Security - Sociological and Technical Aspects and Innovations)

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25 pages, 1640 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nuclear Power in Poland’s Energy Transition

by Janusz Gierszewski, Łukasz Młynarkiewicz, Tomasz R. Nowacki and Jacek Dworzecki

Energies 2021, 14(12), 3626; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14123626 - 18 Jun 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4260

Abstract

This article presents an analysis of the future role of nuclear energy in Poland’s path to a low-carbon energy transition. The arguments in favor of implementing nuclear power are to be found on three levels: energy security, economic competitiveness and energy efficiency, and lastly, limited environmental impact. In the process of creating this study, the methodology in the field of security sciences was used, including its interdisciplinary approach. Theoretical methods were used, e.g., critical analysis of scientific sources and comparison of statistical data and empirical methods, e.g., document analysis, comparative analysis. The article is based on an analysis of the literature on the subject, applicable legal acts, and government strategies in the field of energy security. The article contains the results of research no. BS.21.6.13 carried out by a research team from the Pomeranian Academy in Słupsk that allowed to indicate the probable directions of transformation of the energy sector in Poland in the next decade. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Security - Sociological and Technical Aspects and Innovations)

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14 pages, 2653 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Iodide Electrolyte-Based Hybrid Supercapacitor for Compact Photo-Rechargeable Energy Storage System Utilising Silicon Solar Cells

by Magdalena Skunik-Nuckowska, Patryk Rączka, Justyna Lubera, Aleksandra A. Mroziewicz, Sławomir Dyjak, Paweł J. Kulesza, Ireneusz Plebankiewicz, Krzysztof A. Bogdanowicz and Agnieszka Iwan

Energies 2021, 14(9), 2708; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14092708 - 9 May 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2888

Abstract

The one of the most important issues in constructing light-harvesting photovoltaic (PV) systems with a charge storage element is its reliable and uninterrupted use in highly variable and weather-dependent conditions in everyday applications. Herein, we report the construction and applicability evaluation of a ready-to-use portable solar charger comprising a silicon solar cell and an enhanced energy hybrid supercapacitor using activated carbon electrodes and iodide-based aqueous electrolyte to stabilise the PV power under fluctuating light conditions. The optimised electrode/electrolyte combination of a supercapacitor was used for the construction of a 60 F/3 V module by a proper adjustment of the series and parallel connections between the CR2032 coin cells. The final photo-rechargeable device was tested as a potential supporting system for pulse electronic applications under various laboratory conditions (temperature of 15 and 25 °C, solar irradiation of 600 and 1000 W m⁻²). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Security - Sociological and Technical Aspects and Innovations)

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Review

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39 pages, 7088 KiB

Open AccessReview

Conversion of Radiophotoluminescence Irradiation into Electricity in Photovoltaic Cells. A Review of Theoretical Considerations and Practical Solutions

by Agnieszka Iwan, Witalis Pellowski and Krzysztof A. Bogdanowicz

Energies 2021, 14(19), 6186; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14196186 - 28 Sep 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3640

Abstract

This review presents the current state of the knowledge regarding the use of radioactive sources to generate photonic light in scintillators as converters of ionizing radiation to electricity in photovoltaic cells. The possibility of using the phenomenon of the excitation of light photons in the scintillation materials during the interaction with particles and photons of ionizing radiation was analyzed in detail. The light photons obtained in such a way can generate an electric charge in photovoltaic cells. The whole process can be named as a nuclear cell (nuclear battery). Theoretically, the use of such physical phenomena seems to be an ideal practical solution to meet the energy needs of the modern world. However, there are many physical and technical problems that limit its widespread use in practical applications. In an ideal system, the ionizing radiation sources can emit the radiation for billions of years, and the energy of particles and photons from the radiation can be converted into photons in the scintillation material, with energy suitable to generate a photoelectric effect in a photovoltaic cell. Such a cascade sequence of different physical phenomena allows, from a theoretical point of view, for the creation of a virtually inexhaustible source of electricity. This review of historical and current literature reports aims to bring closer the idea of “energy perpetuum mobile”, which has troubled many scientists around the world for centuries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Security - Sociological and Technical Aspects and Innovations)

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28 pages, 7691 KiB

Open AccessReview

Bi-Triggering Energy Harvesters: Is It Possible to Generate Energy in a Solar Panel under Any Conditions?

by Krzysztof A. Bogdanowicz

Energies 2021, 14(18), 5796; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14185796 - 14 Sep 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2493

Abstract

In this review, the concept of a hybrid solar cell system, called all-weather solar cells, a new view on energy harvesting device design, is introduced and described in detail. Additionally, some critical economical, technological, and ecological aspects are discussed. Due to drastic global climate changes, traditional energy harvesting devices relying only on solar energy are becoming less adaptive, hence the need for redesigning photovoltaic systems. In this work, alternative energy harvesting technologies, such as piezoelectric and triboelectric devices, and photoelectron storage, that can be used widely as supporting systems to traditional photovoltaic systems are analysed in detail, based on the available literature. Finally, some examples of all-weather solar cells composed of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) and silicon solar cells, often modified with graphene oxide or phosphors materials, as new perspective trends in nanotechnology are presented. Two types of solar cell triggers are analysed: (i) solar cells working during day and night (DSSC with phosphors materials), and (ii) solar cells working under sun and rain conditions (piezoelectric and triboelectric silicon or DSSC solar cells). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Security - Sociological and Technical Aspects and Innovations)

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