Showing papers in "Environment and Sustainable Development in 2013"

Exergy, environment and sustainable development

Abstract: The relation between sustainable development and the use of resources, particularly energy resources, is of great significance to societies. Attaining sustainable development requires that sustainable energy resources be used, and is assisted if resources are used efficiently. Exergy methods are important since they are useful for improving efficiency. This chapter considers exergy as the confluence of energy, environment, and sustainable development. The basis for this treatment is the interdisciplinary character of exergy and its relation to each of these disciplines. The primary objective is to present a unified exergy-based structure that provides useful insights and direction to those involved in exergy, environment, and sustainable development for analyzing and addressing appropriately each of these areas using exergy concepts. Further, as energy policies increasingly play an important role in addressing sustainability issues and a broad range of local, regional, and global environmental concerns, policy makers also need to appreciate the exergy concept and its ties to these concerns. The exergy-related implications that assist in achieving sustainable development by providing insights into efficiency improvement and environmental-impact reduction are also discussed. These insights, combined with economics and other factors, can assist in improving the sustainability of the electricity generation process considered and the broader provision of electricity and electrical-related services in regions. The need to understand the linkages between exergy and energy, sustainable development, and environmental impact has become increasingly significant as it allows the problems to be better addressed and helps to develop solutions that are beneficial for the economy and society.

Exergy and Energy Analyses

Abstract: This chapter presents theoretical and practical aspects of thermodynamics that are most relevant to energy and exergy analyses. Exergy analysis is a thermodynamic analysis technique based on the second law of thermodynamics that provides an alternative and illuminating means of assessing and comparing processes and systems rationally and meaningfully. It yields efficiencies which provide a true measure of how nearly actual performance approaches the ideal, and identifies more clearly than energy analysis the causes and locations of thermodynamic losses. Consequently, exergy analysis can assist in improving and optimizing designs. Increasing application and recognition of the usefulness of exergy methods by those in industry, government, and academia have been observed in recent years. Exergy has also become increasingly used internationally. The study examines exergy analysis methodologies and applies them to industrial systems, thermal energy storage, and environmental impact assessment. General implications of exergy analysis results are shown and a step-by-step procedure for energy and exergy analyses is given. Results of exergy analyses of processes and systems have direct implications on application decisions and on research and development (R&D) directions. It is noted that application and R&D allocation decisions should not be based exclusively on the results of energy and exergy analyses, even though these results provide useful information to assist in such decision making. Other factors must be considered such as economics, environmental impact, safety, and social and political implications.

Exergy and Industrial Ecology

Abstract: Industrial ecology is an approach to designing industrial systems that promotes systems that are less damaging to the environment. The approach seeks a reasonable balance between industrial profit and environmental stewardship and thereby can contribute to sustainable development. This chapter describes and illustrates the relation between industrial ecology and exergy. The enhancements possible of industrial ecology methods through inclusion of exergy concepts are highlighted. Important ways of implementing industrial ecology include the appropriate combination of separate technologies in order to match the waste outputs of one with the inputs of the other and the introduction of processes that reduce non-renewable energy consumption. Industrial ecology methods can beneficially incorporate exergy to provide more powerful tools. Exergy analysis can help in designing industrial systems that follow the principles of industrial ecology and in the evaluation of the efficiencies and losses for such activities. One such evaluation measure is the depletion number, which relates the exergy destruction and exergy input for a system. An example is used to illustrate how to compare depletion numbers for separate and combined technologies to assess the effectiveness of their integration. The analysis suggests that an exergy-based approach to industrial ecology can be advantageous in the creation and modification of industrial systems through integrating separate technologies and other measures.

Exergy Analysis of Cogeneration and District Energy Systems

Abstract: Cogeneration is a technique for producing heat and electricity in one process that can save considerable amounts of energy. Cogeneration is often associated with the combustion of fossil fuels but can also be carried out using some renewable energy sources and by burning wastes. Cogeneration often reduces energy use cost-effectively and improves security of energy supply. Cogeneration helps overcome the main drawback of conventional electrical and thermal systems: the significant heat losses that detract greatly from efficiency. Heat losses are reduced and efficiency is increased when cogeneration is used to supply heat to various applications and facilities. Energy and exergy analyses of cogeneration-based district energy systems are described in this chapter. Relative to conventional systems, such integrated systems can be complex in that they often carry out the provision of electrical, heating, and cooling services simultaneously. Consequently, they are sometimes referred to as trigeneration systems. This chapter describes the benefits of applying exergy analysis to such systems and explains key exergy-based measures of the performance of such systems. A specific case is considered to illustrate the determination of system and component efficiencies and their improvement. The study reveals insights that can aid in the design of such systems and related optimization activities and in the selection of the proper types of systems for different applications and situations. This knowledge can help energy utilities improve existing plants where appropriate and develop better designs.

Exergetic life cycle assessment

Abstract: Publisher Summary Society has become increasingly concerned about the issues of natural resource depletion and environmental degradation. The environmental performance of products and processes has become an important concern, leading many companies to investigate ways to reduce or minimize their impacts on the environment. Adequate evaluation of environmental impact and energy use throughout the overall production and utilization life cycle (“from cradle to grave”) is critical for the proper evaluation of technologies. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a methodology for this type of assessment and represents a systematic set of procedures for compiling and examining the inputs and outputs of materials and energy and the associated environmental impacts directly attributable to a product or service throughout its life cycle. A life cycle is the interlinked stages of a product or service system, from the extraction of natural resources to final disposal. In this chapter, LCA is modified and extended by considering exergy. Exergetic LCA (ExLCA) is described and, as a case study, applied to several hydrogen production technologies. The importance of LCA becomes apparent if one considers industrial processes (metallurgical, chemical, etc.) for products (metals, plastics, glass, etc.) and services and notes that almost all currently rely on fossil fuels, the consumption of which leads to a range of environmental impacts. ExLCA aims to reduce material and energy use and environmental and ecological impacts while increasing product quality and sustainability. It also examines exergy flows and seeks to reduce exergy destruction and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of processes and systems.

Analysis of the Reason of Formation and the Characteristic of Pollutionabout Fog or Haze at Key Cities in Autumn and Winterin China

Abstract: Fog and haze are very common at key cities in center and east of China in autumn and winter.Analyses thecharacteristic of the relative humidity,wind speed,air temperature,andPM2.5 concentration in the fog occurring process,result shows that bothmeteorological factors and environmental factors cause the fog or haze.Motionless wind and high relative humidity arethebasic conditions,in this case vapor could get saturated and be condensed,moreover the particle matter could accumulate and scatter the visible light,then the visibilitydeteriorates and the haze occurs.

Guidelines and Highlights of National Environmental Supervision Capacity Building during the 12th Five-Year Plan Period in China

Abstract: Environmental supervision capacity is an essential foundation and guarantee for achieving the goals of environment protection.During the 11th Five-Year Plan period,remarkable achievements had been made in building the national environmental supervision capacity.In view of higher pressure exerted on environment protection in future,it is a high priority for the government to substantially build the environmental supervision capacity during the 12th Five-Year Plan period.This paper intends to study and put forward the highlights of all fields involved in environmental supervision based on the analysis of characteristics and demands of the environmental supervision capacity building during the 12th Five-Year Plan period,following the guidelines of strengthening top-level planning,reinforcing harmonious promotion and valuing integration effect.

Exergy analysis of renewable energy systems

Abstract: Exergy analysis is usually used to determine exergy efficiencies and identify and quantify exergy destructions so that directions for improved efficiency can be determined. This chapter presents exergy analyses of several renewable energy systems including solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, solar ponds, wind turbines, and geothermal district heating systems and power plants. It describes solar PV systems and their components and discusses the use of exergy analysis to assess and improve solar PV systems. Exergy methods provide a physical basis for understanding, refining, and predicting the variations in solar PV behavior. The study also provides and compares energy- and exergy-based solar PV efficiency definitions. It presents a thermodynamic analysis of wind energy using energy and exergy analysis and the exergy is formulated of wind energy and its components. Energy and exergy efficiencies are compared and shown to depend on the area considered. A spatio-temporal mapping approach to wind exergy analysis is also provided. Finally, the chapter presents two case studies: energy and exergy analyses of a geothermal district heating system and exergy analysis of a dual-level binary geothermal power plant. These and other renewable energy systems are likely to play increasingly important roles in societies in the future.

Exergy analysis of fuel cell systems

Abstract: Energy is an important factor in interactions between nature and society and is considered a key resource for economic development. Environmental concerns encompass a range of pollutants and hazards to health and the environment. Technologies using fossil fuels are major sources of air pollutants and contribute significantly to environmental concerns such as regional acidification and climate change. These concerns combined with uncertainties about fossil fuel reserves and increasing oil prices have increased interest in alternative fuels and energy conversion technologies that limit environmental impact, provide energy security, and facilitate economic growth and sustainable development. This chapter presents exergy analyses of two systems: a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell power system for a light-duty fuel cell vehicle and a combined solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC)–gas turbine system. Integrated systems involving SOFCs and gas turbines are analyzed and compared. Parametric studies are also conducted to investigate the effect of operating-condition variations on the performance of the systems. It demonstrates the ability of exergy analysis to improve understanding of a system, highlight potential beneficial improvements, and compare alternatives.

Exergy analysis of heat pump systems

Abstract: Publisher Summary This chapter presents energy and exergy analyses of an air-source heat pump system. Exergy losses for each component of the system are identified, while the potential for efficiency improvements is described. The idea of using a heat engine in a reverse mode as a heat pump came into common use mainly for refrigeration. They have the advantage of being combustion free, and thus do not generate indoor pollutants like carbon monoxide. More generally, in evaluating the efficiency of heat pump systems, the most commonly used measure is the energy (or first law) efficiency. However, for indicating the possibilities for thermodynamic improvement, energy analysis is inadequate and exergy analysis is needed. The exergy analysis of the air-source heat pump system shown in this chapter identifies improvement potential. Heat pump efficiency is determined by comparing the amount of energy delivered by the heat pump to the amount of energy it consumes. The efficiency measures are usually based on laboratory tests and do not necessarily measure how a heat pump performs in actual use. Comprehensive energy and exergy analyses are presented and applied for evaluating heat pump systems and their components. Actual data are utilized in the analysis. Exergy destructions in the overall heat pump system and its components are quantified. Some concluding remarks that can be drawn from the results are discussed.

Exergy Analysis of Steam Power Plants

Abstract: Steam power plants are widely utilized throughout the world for electricity generation, and coal is often used to fuel these plants. Although the world's existing coal reserves will be sufficient for about two centuries, the technology largely used today to produce electricity from coal causes significant negative environmental impacts. Of the analysis techniques available, exergy analysis is perhaps the most important because it is a useful, convenient, and straightforward method for assessing and improving thermal generating stations. The insights gained with exergy analysis into plant performance are informative. Exergy-analysis results can aid efforts to improve the efficiency, and possibly the economic and environmental performance, of thermal generating stations. In this chapter, energy and exergy analyses are utilized to examine and better understand the performance of steam power plants and to identify and evaluate possible process modifications to improve the plant efficiencies. Some alternative process configurations are then proposed. Exergy is useful for providing a detailed breakdown of the losses, in terms of waste exergy emissions and irreversibilities, for the overall plants and their components. Some illustrative examples are presented to demonstrate the importance of exergy in performance improvement of steam power plants. Measures to improve efficiency should be weighed against other factors and implemented only where appropriate.

Exergy analysis of aircraft flight systems

Abstract: Exergy analysis is useful for understanding the efficiencies of aircraft and their engines and can assist in improvement efforts. This chapter provides an understanding of the effects that varying reference environments have on exergy efficiencies and losses and is helpful in engine design work to provide a more comprehensive assessment of performance, allowing an engine to be better tailored to the types of flights and operating conditions it will encounter. One important aspect is aircraft performance, which plays a vital role in the economic fortunes of airlines and aircraft designers and manufacturers. An exergy analysis is presented in this chapter of an aircraft with a turbojet engine over a flight. The application of exergy to aerospace engines has been somewhat limited. Developing a method of assessing efficiencies and making comparisons that account for this operation is the focus of recent exergy-based work. This chapter focuses on the second major distinction in the exergy analysis of aerospace as opposed to ground-based systems: the variation in the operating environment. Since a fixed reference environment is unrealistic for most aerospace applications, the reference environment can be modeled as the ambient operating environment by allowing it to vary as the operating environment changes. The effect is assessed here of three different reference-environment models on the exergy efficiencies of a turbojet engine during a flight. Continually varying and constant reference environments are considered. The chapter builds on previous work by focusing on the significantly varying operating environment encountered when applying exergy analysis to aerospace engines over a flight.

A Strategic Evaluation on the Development of Shale Gas in China Based on SWOT Model

Abstract: Based on the state quo of shale gas development at home and abroad,this paper firstly uses SWOT method to analyze the internal advantages and disadvantages of shale gas development in China,and to discuss the external opportunities and challenges facing.Then the stakeholder analysis method is conducted to explore the relationship of different stakeholders involved in shale gas development.Finally some policy recommendations are put forward to promote the sound development of the shale gas industry in China.

Applications of exergy in industry

Abstract: Publisher Summary Many researchers and practicing engineers refer to exergy methods as powerful tools for analyzing, assessing, designing, improving, and optimizing systems and processes. Therefore, the exergy methods are used in some industries. Exergy analysis is first and foremost a technical tool for guiding efficiency-improvement efforts in engineering and related fields; one would expect industry to wholeheartedly embrace the use of exergy. However, exergy analysis is used only sparingly by many industries, and not at all by others. Exergy analysis for sustainable buildings is concerned with all exergy aspects of energy and power utilization of systems and equipment for comfort and service, assessment of their impact on the environment, and development of analysis techniques, methodologies, and solutions for environmentally safer, sustainable low-exergy buildings. The study provides a strong indication that industries and engineers are now more keen than ever to improve their performance by utilizing exergy methods. The benefits of exergy analysis are numerous, especially compared to energy analysis. Some of the advantages and disadvantages of exergy methods are examined. The concerns about exergy are in reality barriers that can—and in fact should—be overcome to increase industry's adoption of exergy. The use of exergy can benefit not only industry but also society.

Study on Gauss Plume Diffusion Model Again

Abstract: Gaussian plume diffusion model put forward since the1950 s,has been spread in the air pollution research and used extensively in the treatment of atmospheric environmental quality forecast in China and the United States,the European Union will be listed as the basic model of environmental impact assessment of atmospheric environment.Many scholars at home and abroad,found that the model and the actual monitoring has the certain error.The author through a careful study of U and two important parameters in the model selection and calculation methods of delta H,and through strict mathematical deduction,rigorous mathematical expressions,and then put forward a new model of Gaussian plume diffusion.By boundary layer pollution meteorological observation,observation of smoke plume,and compared calculation show that the revised Gaussian plume diffusion model is closer to reality.

Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Atmospheric Pollution Issued by the State Council Is the Guide to Improve Air Quality in Chain

Abstract: Chinesegovernment has formulated and issued ActionPlan for Prevention and Control of Atmospheric Pollution It suggests that the Chinese government determination to control air pollution,improve people livelihood,but also indicates that atmospheric environmental management of China has entered a new historical turning point This paperexplains the Action Planof general requirements, goals and specific goals and ten basisspecific measures, reveals the key breakthrough of implementing policy and the important supporting measures

Analysis on the Construct of Fine Particle Monitoring Network and Monitoring Technique System in China

Abstract: Based onanalysis and comparisonof the fine particle monitoring networks between China and abroad,the paper points that the existing network proposed in the air monitoring strategy during the 12th five year is available for reflecting the status of PM2.5 pollution.In order to research the characteristic and the source of PM2.5,should considerate setting up some industrial stations and traffic stations,and monitoring both mass concentration and major chemical composition in the future.In the matter of monitoring technique,bothbeta attenuation monitor incorporates a dynamic heating system and tapered element oscillating microbalance monitor incorporates a filter dynamic measurement system can meet the demand,after estimating the performance and running cost of each monitor,we could come to the conclusion that the beta attenuation monitor is more convenient to operate and has lower cost,and is more suitable to be used in the PM2.5 monitoring network in China.

Exergy Analysis of Crude Oil Distillation Systems

Abstract: Petroleum refining is the process of separating the many compounds present in crude petroleum. The utilization of thermodynamic analysis to improve efficiency has increased in the industrial world for many reasons, including the following: easily accessible energy resources are limited and environmental policies are becoming stricter. Increases in oil prices in the 1970s and rising concerns in the 1980s and 1990s about the adverse environmental impact caused by energy systems have caused considerable effort to be dedicated to improving efficiencies of existing and future designs of energy systems, using thermodynamics and other tools. Energy analysis is conventionally used to optimize the yield of desired products in crude oil distillation. However, for economic, resource scarcity, and environmental reasons, we seek to optimize the utilization of energy resources, and exergy analysis has become an increasingly popular tool for such activities. However, most attention is still focused on using energy analysis and many studies have been undertaken on energy analyses of various thermodynamic systems and processes in the petroleum and petrochemical industries. Relatively limited work has been reported on exergy analyses of distillation processes and units.

Study on Implementation of Joint Prevention and Control of Regional Air Pollution Mechanism in China

Abstract: Based on the summary of action and current situation of the development of management mechanism of joint prevention and control of regional air pollution,this paper analyses the effect and existing problems of management mechanism of joint prevention and control of regional air pollution,including the Beijing Olympic Games and Shanghai world expo and Guangzhou Asian games and other typical cases.The analysis shows that basic research is insufficient,lack of actual operation,the lack of corresponding policies and legal support,and insufficient coordination between departments to implement joint prevention and control of regional air pollution mechanism.Based on the deep thinking,this paper puts forward the corresponding solution and roadmaps,enable it to better play a role in the joint prevention and control of regional air pollution in our country.

Domestic and Foreign Research Progress ofAir Quality Model

Abstract: In this paper,Firstly,we summarized the development and latest progress of air quality models,analyzedthe basic characteristics and suitable conditions during different periods and different types;Secondly,we especially described four regulationair quality models ISC3,AERMOD,ADMS and CALPUFF in medium and small scale,and introduced basic principle and characteristic of four air quality model NAQPMS,WRF-CHEM,CAMx and CMAQ in comprehensive regional scale;Thirdly,the main problems of air quality modelsare discussed in the practical application in our countryFinally,we analyzed the necessity forregulation construction of air quality models in our country,and put forward the preconditionsand core contentsof regulation model construction

Environmental Benefits Analysis on Enterprise Green Supply Chain Practice

Abstract: Green supply chain management(GSCM) is a new type of environmental management tools.In this paper,environmental benefits on enterprise green supply chain practice,including environmental regulations compliance and environmental performance improvements,are discussed in detail.The analysis shows that,GSCM can realize the conservation and efficient utilization of resources,reduce environment loads and reuse resources throughout the chain.However considering the GSCM model is various,the enterprise shall identify its situation,formulate tailored GSCM to ensure its effective implementation.

Development Experiences on Green Supply Chain in Europe and US

Abstract: With the industrialization and urbanization,China's economic and social development facing more resources and the environmental challenges and constraints,it is the core content for balancing the relationship betweeneconomic development and environmental protection,in particular environmental protection will play a key role. Management implementation of green supply chain will help to improve the energy consumptionand pollution issues,enhance production efficiency and market competitiveness,and promote the sustainable development of enterprises and society. This paper focus on analysis green supply chain management and remarkable achievements in European Union and the United States,via summarizingits advanced policies and best practices for promoting green supply chain in China.

Policy and Measures for Total Emission Control of SO2 in Iron and Steel Industry

Abstract: The iron and steel industry is an important area in SO2 total emission controlThe present paper deep dissects the situation of SO2 emission and control,analyzes the pressure on SO2 emission reduction in iron and steel industry during "Twelfth Five-Year Plan" in view of emission standard,control effect of SO2 and the increased emission amount,then proposes policies and measures for total emission control of SO2 emission during "Twelfth Five-Year Plan" on the basis of total emission control system constructing,elimination of backward production capacity,the pollutant sources and production process control,tail gas control,environmental administration,etc

Study on Long-term Strategies and Countermeasures of PM_(2.5) Pollution Control in China

Abstract: On the basis of analyzing the development in PM2.5 pollution and the present situation and key problems in China,this paper puts forward PM2.5 pollution control strategies: from regional,from regional and city,in a standard to measure,to enterprise pollution control for the foothold.At the same time to take the following security measures: First,to improve the atmospheric environmental protection laws and regulations system;Secondly,to improve the management system;Third,to strengthen pollution monitoring early warning and assessment system;Fourth,to perfect particulate matter emissions price policy and regional compensation mechanism;Fifth,to strengthen related support of science and technology reserves.

Application of Hazardous Waste Vitrification in Reducing the Need of Landfill Disposal

Abstract: Vitrification as a promising technology is widely used in developed countries to dispose hazardous waste.The product of vitrification was deemed as general waste and there were sophisticated technical specifications and identification systems for hazardous waste vitrification in developed countries.This study analyzed the processes of vitrifiction and their influencing factors,and introduced the cases of applying this technology to reduce the need for landfill disposal.In order to ease the landfill pressure,the application of the 3vitrification should be promote by the methods of researching the technical parameters,encouraging the construction of facilities and improving identification system of hazardous characteristics for the product of vitrification.