Search Results (4,634)

The rapid growth of urban populations intensifies congestion, air pollution, and energy demand. Green mobility is central to sustainable smart cities, and the Internet of Things (IoT) offers a means to monitor, coordinate, and optimize transport systems in real time. This paper presents an Internet of Things (IoT)-based architecture integrating heterogeneous sensing with edge–cloud orchestration and AI-driven control for green routing and coordinated Electric Vehicle (EV) charging. The framework supports adaptive traffic management, energy-aware charging, and multimodal integration through standards-aware interfaces and auditable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). We hypothesize that, relative to a static shortest-path baseline, the integrated green routing and EV-charging coordination reduce (H1) mean travel time per trip by ≥7%, (H2) CO₂ intensity (g/km) by ≥6%, and (H3) station peak load by ≥20% under moderate-to-high demand conditions. These hypotheses are tested in Simulation of Urban MObility (SUMO) with Handbook Emission Factors for Road Transport (HBEFA) emission classes, using 10 independent random seeds and reporting means with 95% confidence intervals and formal significance testing. The results confirm the hypotheses: average travel time decreases by approximately 9.8%, CO₂ intensity by approximately 8%, and peak load by approximately 25% under demand multipliers ≥1.2 and EV shares ≥20%. Gains are attenuated under light demand, where congestion effects are weaker. We further discuss scalability, interoperability, privacy/security, and the simulation-to-deployment gap, and outline priorities for reproducible field pilots. In summary, a pragmatic edge–cloud IoT stack has the potential to lower congestion, reduce per-kilometer emissions, and smooth charging demand, provided it is supported by reliable data integration, resilient edge services, and standards-compliant interoperability, thereby contributing to sustainable urban mobility in line with the objectives of SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Full article

The evolution of the generation mix towards deep decarbonization poses pressing questions about the role of hydropower and its possible share in the future mix. Most technical–economic analyses of deeply decarbonized systems either rule out hydropower growth due to lack of additional hydro resources or take it into account in terms of additional reservoir capacity. This paper analyzes a generation mix made of photovoltaic, wind, open-cycle gas turbines, electrochemical storage and hydroelectricity, focusing on the optimal generation mix’s reaction to different methane gas prices, hydroelectricity availabilities, pumped hydro reservoir capacities, and mean filling durations for hydro reservoirs. The key feature of the developed model is the sizing of both optimal peak power and reservoir energy content for hydropower. The results of the study point out two main insights. The first one, rather widely accepted, is that cost-effective decarbonization requires the greatest possible amount of hydro reservoirs. The second one is that, even in the case of totally exploited reservoirs, there is a strong case for increasing hydro peak power. Application of the model to the Italian generation mix (with 9500 MWp and 7250 MWp of non-pumped and pumped hydro fleets, respectively) suggests that it is possible to achieve methane shares of less than 10% if the operating costs of open-cycle gas turbines exceed 160 EUR/MWh and with non-pumped and pumped hydro fleets of at least 9200 MWp and 28,400 MWp, respectively. Full article

Global efforts to achieve carbon neutrality increasingly rely on institutional green policy that reshape corporate environmental behavior. This study examines whether green policy improves corporate environmental performance (EP). Using panel data of the A-share listed firms from 2010 to 2022, we exploit the rollout of pilot cities as a quasi-natural experiment and apply a difference-in-differences (DID) framework, supplemented by double machine learning (DML) and robustness tests. The results show that the New Energy Demonstration City (NEDC) policy notably increases EP, with stronger effects for state-owned enterprises, large firms, and regulated industries. Mechanism analysis indicates that artificial intelligence innovation capacity and the stringency of regional environmental regulation amplify the policy’s effectiveness, revealing a “innovation–regulation” dual mechanism. By focusing on integrated EP rather than single outcomes, this paper extends the literature on green policy instruments. It demonstrates that structural policies combining fiscal incentives and regulatory constraints can correct market failures and foster long-term green transition. Beyond China, the findings provide insights for other developing economies where market-based instruments alone may be insufficient to trigger low-carbon transformation. Full article

The equilibrium between electricity demand and consumption is vital to ensure the stability of the transmission and distribution systems grid (TS & DS) and to ensure the stable operation of the electrical system. The aim of this review study is to highlight the current legislative and technical situation and the possibilities for managing peak loads, decentralization, sharing, storage, and sale of electricity generated from renewable sources in Slovakia. The European Union′s (EU) goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and a minimum of 42.5% renewable energy consumption by 2030 brings with it obligations for individual member states. These are transposed into national strategies. The current share of renewable sources in Slovakia is approximately 24% and the EU target by 2030 is probably unrealistic. Water resources are practically exhausted; other possibilities for increasing the share of renewable energy sources (RES) are in photovoltaics, wind, and thermal sources. Due to long-term geographical and historical development, electricity production in Slovakia is based on large-scale solutions. The move towards decentralization requires legislative and technical support. The review article examines the possibilities of increasing the share of RES and energy sharing in Slovakia, and examines the legislative, economic, and social barriers to their wider application. At the same time as the share of renewable sources in electricity generation increases, the article examines and presents solutions capable of ensuring the stability of electricity networks across Europe. The study formulates diversified strategies at the distribution network level and the consumer and building levels, and identifies physical (various types of electricity storage, electromobility, electricity liquidators) and virtual (electricity sharing, energy communities, virtual batteries) solutions. In conclusion, it defines the necessary changes in the legislative, technical, social, and economic areas for the most optimal improvement of the situation in the area of increasing the share of RES, supporting the decentralization of the electric power industry, and sharing electricity in Slovakia, also based on experience and good examples from abroad. Full article

Using 31 provinces (cities and districts) on the Chinese mainland (2013–2023) as the research object, this study analyzes the development level of e-commerce through the entropy weight method and uses panel data to empirically test the driving effect of e-commerce development level on low-carbon development. According to this study, the overall development of e-commerce has a positive driving effect on low-carbon development. E-commerce development lowers the intensity of carbon emissions by optimizing regional industrial structures, innovating green technologies, and establishing resource sharing. Moreover, the analysis of the effects of regional heterogeneity reveals that, although low-level areas still have great development potential, high-level economic development areas have the greatest effect on low-carbon development. In conclusion, we clarify how e-commerce contributes to low-carbon development and provide resources for enhancing the quality and efficiency of e-commerce to conserve energy and reduce emissions. Full article

This study evaluates the energy performance of a BOGE C 22-2 oil-injected rotary screw compressor under real industrial conditions. Using direct measurements with a power quality analyzer and thermodynamic modeling, key performance indicators such as compression work, mass flow rate, compressor efficiency, and motor efficiency were determined. The results revealed actual efficiencies of 27–48%, significantly lower than the expected 60–70% for this type of equipment, mainly due to partial-load operation and low airflow demand. A low power factor of approximately 0.72 was also observed, caused by a high share of reactive power consumption. To address these inefficiencies, the study recommends the installation of an automatic capacitor bank to improve power quality and the integration of a secondary variable speed compressor to enhance performance under low-demand conditions. These findings underscore the importance of assessing compressor behavior in real-world environments and implementing techno-economic strategies to increase energy efficiency and reduce industrial electricity consumption. Full article

The study presents the results of investigations into various types of anhydrous pyrolysis aimed at determining the kinetic parameters of hydrocarbon generation processes from source rocks. Surface outcrop samples from the Silesian, Dukla, and Skole units, characterized by a low level of thermal maturity, were used as experimental material. The samples predominantly represented the Menilite Beds from the aforementioned three units, but also included Istebna, Lgota, Verovice, and Spas beds, which exhibit significantly lower parameters that describe generation properties. The anhydrous pyrolysis experiments provided information on the rate of organic matter decomposition (TG/DSC), the degree of conversion (Rock-Eval), the quality of the obtained products (Py/GC), and the isotopic composition of the gaseous products (Py/GC/IRMS). Chromatographic analyses confirmed the oil-prone nature of kerogen contained in the Menilites from the Dukla Unit (Tylawa area), the Silesian Unit (Iwonicz fold), and the Skole Unit, revealing an equal share of all hydrocarbon fractions: C₁–C₉, C₁₀–C₁₅, and C₁₅₊. Through the integration of pyrolytic studies conducted on potential source rocks in the polish Outer Carpathians, a new type of information was obtained regarding the rate of organic matter decomposition, as well as the fractional and isotopic composition of the pyrolysis products. The set of obtained results was used to estimate the activation energy and characterize the potential source levels. The innovative aspect of this approach involved the isotopic characterization of gaseous products generated during thermal degradation of the source rocks. These data were subsequently used to establish genetic correlations with natural gases accumulated in hydrocarbon reservoirs of the Carpathian region. It has been demonstrated that pyrolysis using PY-GC-IRMS can yield results comparable to those obtained through generation in natural geological conditions. Full article

The increasing share of renewable energy sources in power grids demands greater load flexibility from thermal power plants. Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) combustion systems, while offering fuel flexibility and high thermal inertia, face challenges in maintaining hydrodynamic and thermal stability during load transitions. This study investigates partial flue gas recirculation (FGR) as a strategy to enhance short-term load flexibility in a 1 MW_th CFB pilot plant fired exclusively with solid recovered fuel. Two experimental test series were conducted. Under conventional operation, where fuel and fluidization air are reduced proportionally, load reductions to 86% and 80% led to operating regime shift. Particle entrainment from the riser to the freeboard and loop seal decreased, circulation weakened, and the temperature difference between bed and freeboard zone increased by 71 K. Grace diagram analysis confirmed that the system approached the boundary of the circulating regime. In contrast, the partial FGR strategy maintained total fluidization rates by replacing part of the combustion air with recirculated flue gas. This stabilized pressure conditions, sustained particle circulation, and limited the increase in the temperature difference to just 7 K. Heat extraction in the freeboard remained constant or improved, despite slightly lower flue gas temperatures. While partial FGR introduces a minor efficiency loss due to the reheating of recirculated gases, it significantly enhances combustion stability and enables low-load operation without compromising fluidization quality. These findings demonstrate the potential of partial FGR as a control strategy for flexible, waste-fueled CFB systems and supports its application in future low-carbon energy systems. Full article

Background: Metabolic flexibility, the ability to efficiently switch between fuel sources in response to changing nutrient availability and energy demands, is recognized as a key determinant of metabolic health. In a recent randomized controlled human feeding trial, overweight individuals receiving American black elderberry juice (EBJ) demonstrated improvements in multiple clinical indices of metabolic flexibility, but the mechanisms of action were unexplored. The objective of this study was to utilize RNA sequencing to examine how EBJ modulates the transcriptional response to fasting and feeding, focusing on pathways related to metabolic flexibility. Methods: Overweight or obese adults (BMI > 25 kg/m²) without chronic illnesses were randomized to a 5-week crossover study protocol with two 1-week periods of twice-daily EBJ or placebo (PL) separated by a washout period. RNA sequencing was performed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 10 participants to assess transcriptomic responses collected at fasting (pre-meal) and postprandial (120 min post-meal) states during a meal-challenge test. Results: The fasted-to-fed transition for EBJ showed 234 differentially expressed genes following EBJ consumption compared to 59 genes following PL, with 44 genes shared between interventions. EBJ supplementation showed significantly higher enrichment of several metabolic pathways including insulin, FoxO, and PI3K–Akt signaling. KEGG pathway analysis showed 27 significant pathways related to metabolic flexibility compared to 7 for PL. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that short-term elderberry juice consumption may promote metabolic flexibility in overweight adults. Full article

Decarbonisation of urban energy and transportation systems has become a priority for cities worldwide, with policies primarily aiming to promote rooftop solar electricity generation and a shift to private electric vehicles (EVs). However, these policies may also increase inequalities in access to affordable, low-carbon mobility and the associated benefits. While academic literature shows increasing awareness of these equity impacts and risks, the extent to which this applies to policy practice remains unclear. We therefore conducted a case study of seven Dutch cities, analysing local policy documents and conducting interviews with policymakers. The study provided insight into the current policy landscape and revealed a general sensitivity among interviewed policymakers to possible equity impacts of the current decarbonisation policies. Only a few measures to address these impacts are currently in place, but policymakers have proposed a range of novel and more inclusive measures, which can be tested for their impacts and scaling potential in real-life experiments. Another priority for future research is exploring the potential of shared electric mobility to provide equitable access to low-carbon transportation. Full article

This paper presents TwinP2G, a software application for optimal planning of investments in power-to-gas (PtG) systems. TwinP2G provides simulation and optimization services for the techno-economic analysis of user-customized energy networks. The core of TwinP2G is based on power flow simulation; however it supports energy sector coupling, including electricity, green hydrogen, natural gas, and synthetic methane. The framework provides a user-friendly user interface (UI) suitable for various user roles, including data scientists and energy experts, using visualizations and metrics on the assessed investments. An identity and access management mechanism also serves the security and authorization needs of the framework. Finally, TwinP2G revolutionizes the concept of data availability and data sharing by granting its users access to distributed energy datasets available in the EnerShare Data Space. These data are available to TwinP2G users for conducting their experiments and extracting useful insights on optimal PtG investments for the energy grid. Full article

The distributed renewable energy sources have been rapidly increasing in distribution networks, and some of them are configured with energy storage devices. Indeed, sharing surplus energy storage capacities for subsidizing the investment costs is economically attractive. Although such willingness is emerging, targeted trading mechanisms are less explored. Inspired by the electricity markets, this paper innovates a peer-to-peer energy storage flexibility market within distribution networks, which involves multiple vendors and customers, accompanied by a marginal pricing mechanism to enable the economic reallocation of surplus energy storage capacities in distribution systems. A small-scale market is first studied to show the proposed market mechanism and a larger-scale case is used to further demonstrate the scalability and effectiveness of the mechanism. Case studies set three distinct scenarios: markets with or without deficits and with carryover energy constraints. The numerical simulation validates its ability in reflecting the capacity supply–demand relationship, ensuring revenue adequacy and effectively improving economic efficiency. Full article

The building sector plays a key role in the transition toward climate neutrality, with national regulations across the EU requiring the construction of nearly zero-energy buildings (nZEBs). However, while energy performance has been extensively studied, less attention has been given to the problem of ensuring user comfort—both indoors and in the surrounding outdoor areas—under nZEB design constraints. This gap raises two key research objectives: (1) to evaluate whether a well-designed nZEB with extensive glazing maintains acceptable indoor thermal comfort and (2) to assess whether residents experience greater outdoor thermal comfort and satisfaction in small, sun-exposed private gardens or in larger, shaded communal green spaces. To address these objectives, a newly built residential estate near Kraków (Poland) was analyzed. The investigation included simulation-based assessments during the design phase and in situ measurements during building operation, complemented by a user survey on spatial preferences. Indoor comfort was evaluated for rooms with large glazed façades, as well as rooms with standard-sized windows, while outdoor comfort was assessed in both private gardens and a shared green courtyard. Results show that shading the southwest-oriented glazed façade with an overhanging terrace provided slightly lower temperatures in ground-floor rooms compared to rooms with standard unshaded windows. Outdoors, users experienced lower thermal comfort in small, unshaded gardens than in the larger, vegetated communal area (pocket park), which demonstrated greater capacity for temperature moderation and thermal stress reduction. Survey responses further indicate that potential future residents prefer the inclusion of a shared green–blue infrastructure area, even at the expense of building some housing units in semi-detached form, instead of maximizing the number of detached units with unshaded individual gardens. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing both indoor and outdoor comfort in residential nZEB design, showing that technological efficiency must be complemented by user-centered design strategies. This integrated approach can improve the well-being of residents while supporting climate change adaptation in the built environment. Full article

The increasing adoption of electric delivery fleets introduces significant challenges related to uneven energy utilization and suboptimal scheduling efficiency. Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) energy sharing presents a promising solution, but its effectiveness critically depends on precise matching and co-optimization within dynamic urban traffic environments. This paper proposes a hierarchical optimization framework to minimize total fleet operational costs, incorporating a comprehensive analysis that includes battery degradation. The core innovation of the framework lies in coupling high-level path planning with low-level real-time speed control. First, a high-fidelity energy consumption surrogate model is constructed through model predictive control simulations, incorporating vehicle dynamics and signal phase and timing information. Second, the spatiotemporal longest common subsequence algorithm is employed to match the spatio-temporal trajectories of energy-provider and energy-consumer vehicles. A battery aging model is integrated to quantify the long-term costs associated with different operational strategies. Finally, a multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm, integrated with MPC, co-optimizes the rendezvous paths and speed profiles. In a case study based on a logistics network, simulation results demonstrate that, compared to the conventional station-based charging mode, the proposed V2V framework reduces total fleet operational costs by a net 12.5% and total energy consumption by 17.4% while increasing the energy utilization efficiency of EV-Ps by 21.4%. This net saving is achieved even though the V2V strategy incurs a marginal increase in battery aging costs, which is overwhelmingly offset by substantial savings in logistical efficiency. This study provides an efficient and economical solution for the dynamic energy management of electric fleets under realistic traffic conditions, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient urban logistics ecosystem. Full article

This work reports the crystallographic study of two benzenesulfonamides, 1 ((E)-N-benzyl-3-((benzylimino)methyl)-4-hydroxybenzenesulfonamide) and 2 (N-benzyl-3-(3-(N-benzylsulfamoyl)-2-oxo-2H-chromene-6-sulfonamide). These compounds share structural features with belinostat, an FDA-approved histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor used in the treatment of peripheral T-cell lymphoma. Compound 1 contains one sulfonamide group, meanwhile compound 2 contains two sulfonamide moieties and presents four independent molecules in its unit cell. The crystal packing of 1 and 2 is mainly governed by N–H···O=S hydrogen bonding interactions. π → π* and n → π* stacking interactions also contribute to the molecular assembly. Hirshfeld surface (HS) analysis was carried out to further examine the intermolecular interactions of compounds 1 and 2, revealing that N–H∙∙∙O and C–H∙∙∙O hydrogen bonding interactions, along with O∙∙∙H/H∙∙∙O interactions, are the strongest contributors to the individual surfaces. Interaction energy analysis was also performed to evaluate the relative strength and nature of the intermolecular contacts. Additionally, molecular docking studies of compounds 1 and 2 were performed on the crystal structure of the enzyme HDAC2, an enzyme overexpressed in several cancers, particularly breast cancer. The results revealed that both compounds exhibit a binding mode and binding energies similar to those of belinostat, suggesting their potential as novel therapeutic agents. Full article