Showing papers in "Journal of Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems in 2016"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present findings from initial fieldwork studies of sustainable energy community development methodologies in two islands in Denmark and one rural village in Ireland and conclude that social barriers are interconnected and often reinforce each other.
Abstract: This paper presents findings from initial fieldwork studies of sustainable energy community development methodologies in two islands in Denmark and one rural village in Ireland. The main goals of this study were to determine the enablers and barriers to their successful development and to assess the successful elements of these previously implemented sustainable energy community development methodologies. The study involved extensive semi-structured interviews with the managers of the sustainable energy community projects and comprehensive site visits of each project. The evidence presented in this paper indicates that social barriers are interconnected and often reinforce each other. This article suggests that a comprehensive understanding of how barriers can be transformed into enablers supports the successful development of sustainable energy communities at local level in Europe. The findings in this research indicate that although each of the sustainable energy communities studied did not have any specific implementation framework developed for their projects, many of the successful tools and methodologies used across all communities were similar. The significant contribution of this work is the illumination of key factors influencing the successful development of sustainable energy communities in Ireland and Europe.
34 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors found that energy consumption and sludge application to land are the largest contributors to the environmental impact associated with waste water treatment in the European Water Act 91/271/EEC.
Abstract: The European Water Act 91/271/EEC introduced a series of measures for the purpose of protecting the environment from the adverse effects of effluent discharge from Waste Water Treatment Plants (WWTP). There are environmental costs associated with attaining the required level of water quality set out in the act such as, emissions from energy production, ecotoxicity from sludge application to land. The goal of this study is to assess these costs. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) has been the analytical tool used to evaluate the environmental loadings. The CML 2001 Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) methodology has been adopted and implemented using GaBi 6.0 LCA software. Two plants of varying size and location were chosen for the study. The study found that energy consumption and sludge application to land are the largest contributors to the environmental impact associated with waste water treatment.
22 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the environmental impacts of the construction, operation and decommissioning of a hydroelectric power station based on life cycle assessment, and the main focus is the Curua-Una hydropower plant that is located in the Amazon forest in northern Brazil, in Santarem municipality (Para state).
Abstract: Brazil as well as the rest of the world, faces a major challenge related to the electricity sector, to meet the growing demand with energy production from renewable sources. Many hydroelectric plants are being implemented, especially in the northern region of Brazil, but its environmental impacts are yet unknown. Energy produced by hydropower plants has been considered totally renewable and clean, but more recent studies describe analysis pointing to the existence of emissions by hydroelectric plants, especially if a lifecycle approach is considered. Thus, the objective of this study is the investigation of environmental impacts of the construction, operation and decommissioning of a hydroelectric power station based on life cycle assessment. The main focus is the Curua-Una hydropower plant that is located in the Amazon forest in northern Brazil, in Santarem municipality (Para state).
19 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the utilization of waste-to-energy technology can help in mitigating the lack of electricity access in rural areas and the management of agricultural waste in Indonesia, and this can help to improve the quality of life of the people.
Abstract: Indonesia is facing challenges on the lack of electricity access in rural areas and the management of agricultural waste. The utilization of waste-to-energy technology can help in mitigating these ...
15 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyzed the greenhouse gas mitigation potential in different economic sectors of the city by using Long-range Energy Planning (LEAP) frame work and showed that the effect of implementing various low carbon development strategy options can reduce 35.2% of total greenhouse gas emission from energy use as compared to the base case scenario in 2030.
Abstract: Kathmandu is one of the fastest growing cities in South Asia facing various challenges related to climate change, local pollutants emissions and energy security of supply. This study analysed the greenhouse gas mitigation potential in different economic sectors of the city by using Long-range Energy Planning (LEAP) frame work. It shows that the effect of implementing various low carbon development strategy options can reduce 35.2% of total greenhouse gas emission from energy use as compared to the base case scenario in 2030. This indicates the need for exploring the possibility of utilizing the global climate funds and adopting voluntary mechanisms for greenhouse gas mitigation. The estimated demand side technology investment cost of low carbon measures for different sectors ranges from less than USD 1/tonne CO2e for residential sector to USD 99/tonne CO2e for transport sector. The low carbon options also results co-benefits in terms of significant reduction in emission of local pollutants and improvement of energy security. As Government of Nepal has envisioned following low carbon economic development path on the long run, there is the need of establishment of regulatory framework, institutional framework and development of clear action plans for realizing the implementation of low carbon development strategy measures in the country.
13 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the influence of addition of Vitroplast, generated by mechanical treatment of printed circuit boards waste on concrete properties such as compressive strength was investigated in laboratory conditions.
Abstract: The goal of this work is to find a solution for disposal of Vitroplast FR4, a material found in waste printed circuit boards. In this study, the influence of addition of Vitroplast, generated by mechanical treatment of printed circuit boards waste on concrete properties such as compressive strength was investigated in laboratory conditions. By substitution of filler (i.e. sand) in a mass ratio of 5, 10, 15 and 20% with Vitroplast in concrete mixture, the compressive strength decreased into 57.5, 84.5, 95.0 and 95.9%. The results of leaching tests have shown that by incorporating Vitroplast in concrete mixtures in a 10% mass ratio, the elution of arsenic and cadmium is below the limitations prescribed for inert wastes. The studied approach offers the possibility for environmental friendly recycling of printed circuit boards.
13 citations
12 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the physical and mechanical characteristics of the particleboards with the following alternative raw materials: sugarcane bagasse and leaves of bamboo were characterized, and it was shown that the addition of leaves of cane in the mixtures, contrary to what was expected, did not confer a greater degree of resistance to the particleboard.
Abstract: In the worldwide market of particleboard production, the use of alternative raw materials is increasing, due to high demand and lack of traditional raw material, despite efforts of reforestation. In Brazil, the main agricultural commodity is sugarcane due to the copious production of sugar and ethanol. In the state of Sao Paulo alone approximately 140 million tons of sugarcane bagasse are produced every year, from which around 70% is burned for energy production, not adding value to the residue and generating pollution to the environment; and the other 30% is sold for composting. The objective of this work is to add value to the sugarcane bagasse by using it as a raw material for particleboard production to be employed as flooring in the area of civil construction. To achieve this, the present research characterized the physical and mechanical characteristics of the particleboards with the following alternative raw materials: sugarcane bagasse and leaves of bamboo. Particleboards were produced to reach high density (0.8 g/cm 3 ) using the resin (bi-component) polyurethane castor oil. Tests for abrasion, roughness and resistance to denting and wear (Janka hardness) verified that the addition of leaves of bamboo in the mixtures, contrary to what was expected, did not confer a greater degree of resistance to the particleboards. Lastly, the results showed that sugarcane bagasse is a viable raw material alternative for the production of particleboards, intended to be used as products and flooring.
12 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the problem of modernization of the heat module with two-stage mixing scheme connection of hot water supply by installations of a heat pump during interheating period is considered.
Abstract: The problem of modernization of the heat module with two-stage mixing scheme connection of hot water supply by installations of the heat pump during interheating period is considered. Heating water of the in-house circuit of the building heating system is used as a heat source for heat pump. The district cooling of the residential areas is possible through the heaters during the summer. R600 refrigerant is chosen for heat pump for its environmental-friendliness and low-pressure of evaporation and condensation. The economic calculation is made for interheating period comparing the operation with and without heat pump. This paper advances selection of optimum amount of heat to be recovered during low potential heat utilisation and targets for heating and cooling capacities.
12 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the mode of adsorption was examined by employing important isotherm models, namely Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich models.
Abstract: Bay leaves are used for flavoring in cold drinks production, in bakery goods, sauces, confectionary products and liquors. The waste generated from these sources has been valorized by attempting the remediation of waste water. Hence, adsorption of toxic metals onto Bay leaves has been investigated after optimizing the experimental parameters, namely the pH, contact time, adsorbent and Zn(II) concentrations as well as the temperature of the equilibrium mixture (consisting of the metal solution in contact with the adsorbent). The participation of the constituent functional groups, of the adsorbent, was ascertained with Fourier transform spectroscopic studies. The mode of adsorption was examined by employing important isotherm models, namely Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich models. The adsorption process was found to follow pseudo-first order kinetic model and also followed the intraparticle diffusion up to 60 minutes of contact time. The thermodynamic parameters suggest the spontaneous nature of adsorption.
11 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the performance of domestic water heaters in the three largest cities of Australia (i.e. Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane) was investigated undertaking a multi-parametric analysis, in which energy efficiency indicators and level of service indicators were combined with minimum temperature thresholds for end use points and hot water tanks.
Abstract: The energy consumption associated with domestic hot water supply services correspond to a significant portion of the total energy consumption of the urban water cycle. The objective of this study is to analyse the performance of domestic water heaters in the three largest cities of Australia (i.e. Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane). The performance of systems was investigated undertaking a multi-parametric analysis, in which energy efficiency indicators (i.e. energy intensity and power peaks) were combined with level of service indicators (i.e. compliance rate with minimum temperature thresholds for end use points and hot water tanks). The operation of water heaters was modelled using the software EnergyPlus. Results demonstrate the need for a more holistic approach for the design and assessment of domestic water heaters taking into account not only the technology type to heat water, but also site specific aspects.
TL;DR: A prediction model using a machine learning approach to identify emerging solar cells related academic research, i.e. papers that might be cited very frequently within three years, performed well and stable and was identified as one of the promising researches.
Abstract: The number of research papers related to solar cells field is increasing rapidly. It is hard to grasp research trends and to identify emerging research issues because of exponential growth of publications, and the field’s subdivided knowledge structure. Machine learning techniques can be applied to the enormous amounts of data and subdivided research fields to identify emerging researches. This paper proposed a prediction model using a machine learning approach to identify emerging solar cells related academic research, i.e. papers that might be cited very frequently within three years. The proposed model performed well and stable. The model highlighted some articles published in 2015 that will be emerging in the future. Research related to vegetable-based dye-sensitized solar cells was identified as the one of the promising researches by the model. The proposed prediction model is useful to gain foresight into research trends in science and technology, facilitating decision-making processes.
TL;DR: An efficient method for using pulsed plasma to produce hydrogen from ammonia was developed and a significant increase in hydrogen production was obtained because ammonia recombination reactions were inhibited by the permeation of hydrogen radicals generated in the plasma through a palladium alloy membrane.
Abstract: In this study, an efficient method for using pulsed plasma to produce hydrogen from ammonia was developed. An original pulsed plasma reactor with a hydrogen separation membrane was developed for efficient hydrogen production, and its hydrogen production performance was investigated. Hydrogen production in the plasma was affected by the applied voltage and flow rate of ammonia gas. The maximum hydrogen production flow rate of a typical plasma reactor was 8.7 L/h, whereas that of the plasma membrane reactor was 21.0 L/h. We found that ammonia recombination reactions in the plasma controlled hydrogen production in the plasma reactor. In the plasma membrane reactor, a significant increase in hydrogen production was obtained because ammonia recombination reactions were inhibited by the permeation of hydrogen radicals generated in the plasma through a palladium alloy membrane. The energy efficiency was 4.42 mol-H2/kWh depending on the discharge power.
TL;DR: In this article, a model was designed to analyse the performance of the biomass to synthetic natural gas chain and to estimate the effect of 1% synthetic NGL in the energy system.
Abstract: A quarter of the total primary energy demand in the European Union is met by natural gas. Synthetic natural gas produced through biomass gasification can contribute to a more sustainable energy supply system. A chain analysis of the energetic performance of synthetic natural gas where the upstream, midstream and downstream part are included has not been found in literature. The energy performance of the possible large-scale application of synthetic natural gas is therefore unsure. A model was designed to analyse the performance of the biomass to synthetic natural gas chain and to estimate the effect of 1% synthetic natural gas in the energy system. A break-even distance is introduced to determine whether it is energetically feasible to apply pretreatment. Results show that torrefaction and pelleting are energetically unfeasible within the European Union. Emissions can be reduced with almost 70% compared to a fossil reference scenario. Over 1.2 Mha is required to fulfil 0.25% of the total primary energy demand in the European Union.
TL;DR: In this paper, a real-time dynamic simulator of a power grid with power plant and battery model was developed to investigate the frequency control characteristics of a megawatt-scale high-capacity energy storage system connected to the electric power grid.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to develop a real-time dynamic simulator of a power grid with power plant and battery model. The simulator was used to investigate the frequency control characteristics of a megawatt-scale high-capacity energy storage system connected to the electric power grid. In this study, a lithium-ion secondary battery was chosen as one of the batteries for a grid-connected model. The dynamics of the model was analysed in both steady and transient states. The frequency control system of the battery model plays a role in regulating the grid frequency by controlling the power of energy storage systems according to process variables and grid frequencies. The power grid model based on the current power network of South Korea, included power plants, substations and power demands. The power supply is classified by the type of turbine generator as thermal, nuclear, hydro power, pumped power storage, combined power plants and batteries, including high-capacity energy storage systems rated for a maximum of 500 MW. This study deals with an installed capacity of 87.17 GW and peak load of 77.30 GW in the Korean power grid. For 24 hours of operation, the maximum and minimum power outputs were simulated as 61.59 GW and 46.32 GW, respectively. The commercialized real-time dynamic simulation software ProTRAX was used. The simulation was conducted to observe the operation characteristics of the frequency control system during a breakdown of power plants, as well as under governor-free operation, auto generation control operation, and with the battery energy storage system connected. The results show that the model is valid for each power plant breakdown simulation. They also confirm that the output power and frequency controls of the battery operated well during simulations.
TL;DR: In this article, the potentials of on-site energy generation and sharing in the cluster of campus buildings in Finland were studied, and the optimal combined heat and power systems capacity distribution and operation mode for minimizing annual primary energy consumption were simulated.
Abstract: This research describes the potential study on the impact of energy improvements of existing campus buildings by on-site energy management and operational strategies. The focus buildings in the campus were mainly built in the 1960s, and therefore it is time to carry out renovation work. In conjunction with the renovations, the aim is to improve the energy efficiency of the buildings, and to develop the functionality of the properties to meet the current requirements. Thus, in this study, the potentials of on-site energy generation and sharing in the cluster of campus buildings in Finland were studied. By means of optimisation method, the optimal combined heat and power systems capacity distribution and operation mode for minimizing annual primary energy consumption were simulated. The results show that the integration of buildings has an advantage of 23% of primary energy reduction for on-site energy management as compared with the present situation. Consequently, integrating buildings and optimizing on-site energy management can be one of effective strategies for minimizing primary energy consumption. Furthermore, the study to improve operation strategies of building service systems considering current space use in the buildings clarified that up to 13% of total energy use reduction is expected. The research work also proposes a way of providing environmental information to increase awareness of building energy usage in the campus.
TL;DR: Artificial Neural Network can be used to interpolate the solar radiation for the places of interest depending on the availability of the data and verified that the results were accurate in terms of the original solar radiation data known.
Abstract: Increasing global warming and decreasing fossil fuel reserves have necessitated the use of renewable energy resources like solar energy in India. To maximize returns on a solar farm, it has to be set up at a place with high solar radiation. The solar radiation values are available only for a small number of places and must be interpolated for the rest. This paper utilizes Artificial Neural Network (ANN) in interpolation, by obtaining a function with input as combinations of 7 geographical and meteorological parameters affecting radiation, and output as Global Solar Radiation (GSR). Data considered was of past 9 years for 13 Indian cities. Low values of error and high values of coefficient of determination thus obtained, verified that the results were accurate in terms of the original solar radiation data known. Thus, ANN can be used to interpolate the solar radiation for the places of interest depending on the availability of the data.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors compare and evaluate the arguments from both sides of the argument and conclude that hunger and poverty problems are due to structural and historical roots and they do not have a cause-effect relationship with biodiesel production.
Abstract: The simultaneous rise in commodity prices and the global production of biofuels, between 2007 and 2008, strengthened discussions, which persist currently, about the competition of land use between biofuel production and food production. The objective of this paper is to compare and evaluate the arguments from both sides. The methodology used was an analysis of the relevant and comprehensive reports and manuscripts on the topic, comparing them to the available data from international organizations and agencies. Biodiesel received special attention in this analysis. The conclusion is that hunger and poverty problems are due to structural and historical roots and they do not have a cause-effect relationship with biodiesel production. In fact, the production of biodiesel, under specific regulatory and production conditions, can be a driver of economic development improving energy security and promoting social inclusion in poor countries, which still have land available for agriculture.
TL;DR: A bottom-up approach for aggregating a real-time product footprint is proposed, which allows the evaluation of the environmental impact of a batch or even single product using monitoring or simulation data.
Abstract: To assess cost, time investment, energy consumption and carbon emission of manufacturing on a per-piece basis, a bottom-up approach for aggregating a real-time product footprint is proposed. This method allows the evaluation of the environmental impact of a batch or even single product using monitoring or simulation data. To analyze the infrastructure, the production plant is decomposed into modules that are in relation to each other via inputs and outputs. Distinguishing between modules for production, logistics, energy system, buildings and auxiliary systems, the different approaches for distributing resource consumption between the products are presented. Special attention is paid to typical scenarios that occur in production plants and problems that may arise from them. For example, the incorporation of standby-, setupand ramp-up times, the energy consumption of the administration and the allocation of different products and by-products manufactured at a machine are taken into account.
TL;DR: In this article, a global suitability map has been developed showing areas where this plant can be planted, and its productivity was assessed, and a Maxent model was used and was further refined by excluding protected areas and used lands (urban, agriculture, etc.).
Abstract: Biomass productivity presents a challenging problem in arid and semi-arid areas. Despite a large need for energy in the form of solid biomass, liquid fuel or needs for animal feed, these regions remain largely unproductive. A convenient way to overcome this challenge is to utilize plants with high water-use efficiency. Agave lechuguilla is an example of a highly productive (3.8 tons ha -1 yr -1 ) desert plant that holds the potential for producing biomass with minimal water resources. For this purpose, a global suitability map has been developed showing areas where this plant can be planted, and its productivity was assessed. A Maxent model was used and was further refined by excluding protected areas and used lands (urban, agriculture, etc.). Productivity assessment provides a good way forward for prioritizing the regional utilization of this plant. This study provides an initial analysis for the use of arid and semi-arid regions for biomass production. Results indicate the potential generation of 93.8 million tons per year of dry biomass if the suitable areas were fully utilized. The analytical method can be readily applied to other potential plant species to optimize the use of certain areas.
TL;DR: In this article, the performance of liquid hot water, steam explosion and ultrasonic pretreatments of corn stover was compared by fast analytical, biochemical, anaerobic digestibility and biomethane potential tests.
Abstract: The energy demand of the corn-based bioethanol production could be reduced using the agricultural byproducts as bioenergy feedstock for biogas digesters. The release of lignocellulosic material and therefore the acceleration of degradation processes can be achieved using thermal and mechanical pretreatments, which assist to hydrolyze the cell walls and speed the solubilization of biopolymers in biogas feedstock. This study is focused on liquid hot water, steam explosion and ultrasonic pretreatments of corn stover. The scientific contribution of this paper is a comprehensive comparison of the performance of the pretreatments by fast analytical, biochemical, anaerobic digestibility and biomethane potential tests, extended by energy consumptions and energy balance calculations. The effectiveness of pretreatments was evaluated by means of soluble chemical oxygen demand, biochemical oxygen demand and by the biogas and methane productivities. The results have shown that the thermal pretreatment, steam explosion and ultrasonic irradiation of biogas feedstock disintegrated the lignocellulosic structure, increased and accelerated the methane production and increased the cumulative biogas and methane productivity of corn stover in reference to the control during mesophilic anaerobic digestion. The energy balance demonstrated that there is an economical basis of the application of the liquid hot-compressed water pretreatments in a biogas plant. However, the steam explosion and ultrasonication are energetically not profitable for corn stover pretreatment.
TL;DR: In this article, a series of sorption and diffusion experiments with Sr and nonactivated Ca bentonite B75 produced in the Czech Republic were performed in two background solutions (CaCl2 and NaCl).
Abstract: The study deals with sorption and diffusion behaviour of strontium in Czech bentonite B75. The study is a part of a research on reactive transport of radioactive contaminants in barrier materials of a deep geological repository of radioactive waste in the Czech Republic. Series of sorption and diffusion experiments with Sr and non-activated Ca bentonite B75 produced in the Czech Republic were performed in two background solutions (CaCl2 and NaCl). On the basis of sorption batch experiments the kinetics of strontium sorption on bentonite was assessed and the sorption isotherms for various experimental conditions were obtained. As a result of performed diffusion experiments the parameters of diffusion (i.e. effective diffusion coefficient De and apparent diffusion coefficient Da) were determined. The observed discrepancies between sorption characteristics obtained from the sorption and diffusion experiments are discussed.
TL;DR: In this paper, the main parameters for a pointed semi-rigid wing with additional circulation for hybrid propulsion are evaluated, and guidelines for structural and operational changes are provided, which may assist developers in directing their efforts to discover a better solution for ship propulsion.
Abstract: Various types of hybrid drives are increasingly being applied in transportation. Wing sails can provide additional propulsion to a motor-driven ship, thereby decreasing fossil fuel consumption. This article contributes to the selection and consideration of the influencing parameters for applying wing sails for ship propulsion. Basic developmental factors and application of wing sails are described. In addition, influential parameters and their relations are discussed. These parameters are connected to the physical and mechanical properties of wing sails and their impact on propulsion. It is important to recognize certain contributions of every influential parameter in relation to the final achievement. Parameters are ranked and described for several common types of sails, to find the best solution. Changing values of the influencing parameters on wing sails can significantly increase converted wind energy. The aim of this study was to note the parameters that influence the wing sail to drive ships more efficiently. Their importance is explained in an example based on the two most important sail types. This article evaluates the main parameters for a pointed semi-rigid wing with additional circulation for hybrid propulsion. All further research should be focused on this wing. Finally, guidelines for structural and operational changes in future wing sails are provided, which may assist developers in directing their efforts to discover a better solution for ship propulsion.
TL;DR: In this paper, a simplified model of coefficient of performance and examines its predictive capability is proposed, based on polynomial functions where the variables are temperatures and the coefficients are derived from the Australian standard test data, using regression technics.
Abstract: The heat pump water heater is one of the most energy efficient technologies for heating water for household use. The present work proposes a simplified model of coefficient of performance and examines its predictive capability. The model is based on polynomial functions where the variables are temperatures and the coefficients are derived from the Australian standard test data, using regression technics. The model enables to estimate the coefficient of performance of the same heat pump water heater under other test standards (i.e. US, Japanese, European and Korean standards). The resulting estimations over a heat-up phase and a full test cycle including a draw off pattern are in close agreement with the measured data. Thus the model allows manufacturers to avoid the need to carry out physical tests for some standards and to reduce product cost. The limitations of the methodology proposed are also discussed.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focused in La Matanza district, a very populated site in the Buenos Aires Province, to investigate acute and chronic exposure to arsenic in the area, several matrices and targets were analyzed.
Abstract: The arsenic occurrence in the water constitutes a serious world health concern due to its toxicity. Depending on the intensity and duration of exposure, this element can be acutely lethal or may have a wide range of health effects in humans and animals. In Argentina, the origin of arsenic is mainly natural, and related to different geological processes. The Argentinean concern about arsenic and its influence on human health dates back to the previous century. The disease ascribed to arsenic contamination was called ‘chronic regional endemic hydroarsenism’. It is produced by the consumption of water with high levels of this element. In our study, we focused in La Matanza district, a very populated site in the Buenos Aires Province. An increasing concern of the inhabitants of the area regarding health problems was detected. In order to establish a full view of arsenic exposure in the area, several matrices and targets were analyzed. As matrices, water and soil samples were analyzed. As targets, canine and human hair was studied. The aim of this study was to investigate acute and chronic exposure to arsenic of La Matanza inhabitants.
TL;DR: In this article, a 10 wt% of solvents including acetone, ethanol, and ethyl acetate were used to study the bio-oil's stability and the properties of samples used as the indicator of aging were viscosity and water content.
Abstract: The intention of this research was to select the ideal condition for accelerated aging of bio-oil and the consequences of additive in stabilizing the bio-oil. The bio-oil was produced from the catalytic pyrolysis of empty fruit bunch. The optimum reaction conditions applied to obtain the utmost bio-oil yield were 5 wt% of H-Y catalyst at reaction temperature of 500 °C and nitrogen flow rate of 100 ml/min. A 10 wt% of solvents including acetone, ethanol, and ethyl acetate were used to study the bio-oil’s stability. All the test samples were subjected to accelerated aging at temperature of 80 °C for 7 days. The properties of samples used as the indicator of aging were viscosity and water content. The effectiveness of solvents increased in the following order: acetone, ethyl acetate, and 95 vol% ethanol. Based on the result of Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), it could impede the chain of polymerization by converting the active units in the oligomer chain to inactive units. The solvent reacted to form low molecular weight products which resulted in lower viscosity and lessen the water content in bio-oil. Addition of 95 vol% ethanol also inhibited phase separation.
TL;DR: In this article, the interface delamination of bimaterial structures (unit cell of wind rotor blade) with different material properties under mechanical loading at physical conditions such as electricity, temperature and moisture is investigated.
Abstract: The present paper consists of two parts. In the first part the interface delamination of bimaterial structures (unit cell of wind rotor blade) with different material properties under mechanical loading at physical conditions – electricity, temperature and moisture is under consideration. The investigation of the above mentioned structures are motivated by the importance for safety of devices used for energy industry applications. The second part is devoted to renovation of old buildings by using new and modern composite materials. The goal is to find via mathematical modelling the safety zone, the reliability of the structures considered and the detection of possible interface delamination as a function of geometrical, material and physical parameters as well as the pull-out force of modern composites used in building industry. The analysis provided in both parts is based on the modified shear lag method. The results obtained in the first and second parts of the paper are illustrated by tables and figures. Some recommendations and possible criterions are proposed, as well.
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of irradiation with microwave field on polyphenolic compounds from basil, celery, dill, parsley, and parsley extracts were obtained by sonication.
Abstract: Nowadays, the use of mobile telephony and wire-less devices has become more demanding, generating electromagnetic radiations. Microwave radiation can affect the growth rate of plants. For this study, the aromatic plants i.e. parsley, celery, dill, basil, were chosen as irradiated plants. This study aims to investigate the effects of irradiation with microwave field on polyphenolic compounds from basil, celery and parsley. The extracts were obtained by sonication. Quantitative analysis of polyphenolic compounds was performed by high performance liquid chromatography using an Altima C18 column. The elution was performed in gradient, with acetonitrile (eluent A) and formic acid in water (1%, eluent B). It was observed that in the irradiated plants, the content of polyphenolic compounds was higher than in the controlled plant. This finding suggests that that plants were strongly influenced by stress due to electromagnetic fields.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed a green way to design Plug Flow Reactors (PFR) that use biodegradable polymer solutions, capable of contaminant retaining, for industrial wastewater treatment.
Abstract: This study proposes a green way to design Plug Flow Reactors (PFR) that use biodegradable polymer solutions, capable of contaminant retaining, for industrial wastewater treatment. Usually, to the design of a reactor, the reaction rate is determined by tests on a Continuous Stirred-Tank (CST), these generate toxic effluents and also increase the cost of the design. In this work, empirical expressions (called “slip functions”), in terms of the average concentration of the contaminant, were developed through the study of the transport behaviour of Cr VI into solutions of xanthan gum. “In situ” XRµF was selected as a no-invasive micro-technique to determine local concentrations. Slip functions were used with laboratory experiments planned in similar conditions using Plug Flow Reactors, to obtain useful dimensionless parameters for the industrial design.