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Selected Papers from the 11th European Conference on Renewable Energy Systems

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 January 2024) | Viewed by 5736

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Prof. Dr. Erol Kurt

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Guest Editor

Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
Interests: theoretical and experimental cutting-edge studies; energy systems including wind, solar, geothermal, and hydrogen
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Jose Manuel Lopez-Guede

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Guest Editor

Department of Automation Control, University of the Basque Country, Biscay, Spain
Interests: LiDAR data processing; image processing; control for autonomous vehicles; computational intelligence
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This issue is devoted to the highly qualified selected papers of 11th European Conference on Renewable Energy Systems (ECRES2023 – ecres.net), which will take place in Riga, Latvia in hybrid format. This international event is expected to have participants from more than 60 countries.

ECRES aims to bring together researchers, engineers, and natural scientists from all over the world that are interested in the advancement of all branches of renewable energy systems. Wind, solar, hydrogen, hydrothermal, geothermal, and solar concentrating systems, fuel cells, energy harvesting, and other energy-related topics are welcome.

We are open to the inclusion of these and other related topics:

Energy material production and characterization;
Power electronic systems for renewable energy;
Conventional energy systems and recovery;
Engines and their combustion features;
Off-shore and tidal energy systems;
Energy statistics and efficiency;
Energy transmission systems;
Heating/cooling systems;
Energy/exergy analysis;
Energy efficiency;
Wind energy;
Solar concentrating system;
Photovoltaics and their installation;
Energy harvesters;
Smart grid;
Electrical machines;
Hydro-energy plants;
Biomass systems;
Biodiesel systems;
Combustion;
Nuclear fusion systems;
Hydrogen energy systems;
Fuel-cell systems;
Efficiency in nuclear plants;
Energy education;
Energy informatics.

The papers for this Special Issue have been already submitted to the ECRES 2023 conference via the link: https://cmt3.research.microsoft.com/ECRES2023 and presented to the conference successfully. After approval, the successful papers will be directed to the journal.

Prof. Dr. Erol Kurt
Dr. Jose Manuel Lopez-Guede
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.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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23 pages, 1679 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Empowering Sustainability: A Consumer-Centric Analysis Based on Advanced Electricity Consumption Predictions

by Hafize Nurgul Durmus Senyapar and Ahmet Aksoz

Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 2958; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072958 - 2 Apr 2024

Viewed by 650

Abstract

This study addresses the critical challenge of accurately forecasting electricity consumption by utilizing Exponential Smoothing and Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) models. The research aims to enhance the precision of forecasting in the dynamic energy landscape and reveals promising outcomes by employing a robust methodology involving model application to a large amount of consumption data. Exponential Smoothing demonstrates accurate predictions, as evidenced by a low Sum of Squared Errors (SSE) of 0.469. SARIMA, with its seasonal ARIMA structure, outperforms Exponential Smoothing, achieving lower Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) values on both training (2.21%) and test (2.44%) datasets. This study recommends the adoption of SARIMA models, supported by lower MAPE values, to influence technology adoption and future-proof decision-making. This study highlights the societal implications of informed energy planning, including enhanced sustainability, cost savings, and improved resource allocation for communities and industries. The synthesis of model analysis, technological integration, and consumer-centric approaches marks a significant stride toward a resilient and efficient energy ecosystem. Decision-makers, stakeholders, and researchers may leverage findings for sustainable, adaptive, and consumer-centric energy planning, positioning the sector to address evolving challenges effectively and empowering consumers while maintaining energy efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the 11th European Conference on Renewable Energy Systems)

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30 pages, 1567 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Energy Labels and Consumer Attitudes: A Study among University Staff

by Hafize Nurgul Durmus Senyapar, Bilal Duzgun and Fatih Emre Boran

Sustainability 2024, 16(5), 1754; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16051754 - 21 Feb 2024

Viewed by 786

Abstract

This study investigates energy label awareness among Gazi University staff, exploring the influence of demographic factors on attitudes and perceptions. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the research examines individual attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control in shaping energy efficiency awareness. A cross-sectional survey of academic and administrative staff reveals significant differences in awareness across demographic groups. Gender-specific variations in attitudes towards energy-efficient products are evident, with the greatest difference observed between female (M = 3.93, SD = 1.16) and male staff (M = 3.58, SD = 1.30) on Capacity (I-11) (Z = −2.805, p = 0.005 < 0.05). Education level also significantly influences awareness scores, particularly on the status symbol item (I-18) (χ² = 24.543, p = 0.00 < 0.05). These findings, analyzed through Wilcoxon Rank Sum and Kruskal–Wallis Tests, provide nuanced insights into the demographic factors impacting energy label awareness. Interpretation of the findings on the complex relationship between demographic characteristics and energy label awareness with TPB provided valuable insights. The practical implications of the study highlight the imperative for tailored communication strategies and targeted interventions to raise awareness among different staff groups. By addressing these nuanced factors, the study significantly contributes to the development of effective energy policies, fostering a sustainable and energy-conscious academic community. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the 11th European Conference on Renewable Energy Systems)

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28 pages, 4580 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Efficiency in the Last Mile of Autonomous Ground Vehicles with Lockers: From Conventional to Renewable Energy Transport

by Olga Levkovych and Adriana Saraceni

Sustainability 2023, 15(23), 16219; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152316219 - 22 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1098

Abstract

This research aims to compare autonomous ground vehicles with conventional and electric vans on the basis of associated vehicle costs and benefits related to their use, taking into account economic feasibility. Cost per vehicle kilometre is derived using the total cost of ownership method adjusted with the inclusion of labour costs and the impact of solar panel application on fuel efficiency while travel time-related and capacity occupations and reliability benefits serve as a basis for the total possible number of parcels delivered. The results show that, under the current structural and infrastructural conditions of urban delivery, the experimental model can be potentially successful in terms of cost per kilometre (0.133/km) but not as effective in terms of the total possible number of parcels delivered. This study defines autonomous ground vehicles with lockers as an innovative last mile solution and contributes to the academic literature by investigating the concept’s efficiency competitiveness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the 11th European Conference on Renewable Energy Systems)

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16 pages, 5919 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing the Performance of Human Motion Energy Harvesting through Optimal Smoothing Capacity in the Rectifier

by Ilgvars Gorņevs and Juris Blūms

Sustainability 2023, 15(18), 13564; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151813564 - 11 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 719

Abstract

Energy harvesting offers a promising solution for powering a growing variety of low-power electronics; however, harnessing energy from human motion, with its irregular and low-frequency bursts of power, presents conversion challenges. As rectification is a common part of it, this study investigates the influence of smoothing capacitor values on rectifier output for short, intermittent signals. We propose an analytical model that identifies an optimal smoothing capacity for the full-bridge rectifier, considering harvester internal resistance, frequency, and load resistance and leading to the highest average output voltage after rectification. The model was validated with detailed computer simulations; furthermore, a similar effect was revealed on a voltage multiplier circuit as well. Experimental measurements demonstrate that deviating from the optimal smoothing capacity results in up to 10% decrease in rectified RMS voltage, leading to significant drops in output power in specific energy harvesting systems. A real-world experiment with a human motion energy harvester further confirmed the findings in a naturally varying generation environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the 11th European Conference on Renewable Energy Systems)

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9 pages, 433 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Capability Curve Modeling for Hydro-Power Generators in Optimal Power Flow Problems

by Alberto Flores, Rafael Zárate-Miñano and Miguel Carrión

Sustainability 2023, 15(24), 16654; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152416654 - 7 Dec 2023

Viewed by 929

Abstract

With the growing emphasis on sustainability in the power sector, it becomes imperative to ensure that every component of the power system operates optimally and efficiently. More sustainable power system operation can be achieved by relying on accurate models that ensure resources, especially those from renewable sources like hydro-power, are utilized to their fullest potential. In many optimization problems based on optimal power flow formulations, the steady-state operation characteristics of hydro-power plants are modeled in an approximate manner, which could potentially lead to solutions that do not fully exploit their capabilities or even to solutions that jeopardize their stable operation. This work proposes a formulation for the complete capability curve of the plant, including the exact modeling of its generator stability limits. The ability of the proposed formulation to reproduce the plant operation boundaries is appropriately demonstrated through a test case. Furthermore, two approximate formulations commonly used in the literature are solved, highlighting their limitations. It is concluded that the complete representation of the capability curve can improve the quality of solutions provided by OPF-based problems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the 11th European Conference on Renewable Energy Systems)

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