Showing papers in "Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews in 2003"
TL;DR: In this article, a literature review on solar-powered Stirling engines and low temperature differential Stirling engine technology is provided, and the aim of this review is to find a feasible solution which may lead to a preliminary conceptual design of a workable solar powered LTDStirling engine.
Abstract: This article provides a literature review on solar-powered Stirling engines and low temperature differential Stirling engines technology. A number of research works on the development of Stirling engines, solar-powered Stirling engines, and low temperature differential Stirling engines is discussed. The aim of this review is to find a feasible solution which may lead to a preliminary conceptual design of a workable solar-powered low temperature differential Stirling engine. Results from the study indicate that Stirling engines working with relatively low temperature air are potentially attractive engines of the future, especially solar-powered low temperature differential Stirling engines with vertical, double-acting, gamma-configuration.
441 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a bottom-up energy system optimisation model is proposed in order to support planning policies for promoting the use of renewable energy sources in Apulia region in Southern Italy.
Abstract: In this paper, a bottom-up energy system optimisation model is proposed in order to support planning policies for promoting the use of renewable energy sources. A linear programming optimisation methodology based on the energy flow optimisation model (EFOM) is adopted, detailing the primary energy sources exploitation (including biomass, solid waste, process by-products), power and heat generation, emissions and end-use sectors. The modelling framework is enhanced in order to adapt the model to the characteristics and requirements of the region under investigation. In particular, a detailed description of the industrial cogeneration system, that turns out to be the more efficient and increasingly spread, is incorporated in the regional model. The optimisation process, aiming to reduce environmental impact and economical efforts, provides feasible generation settlements that take into account the installation of combined cycle power plants, wind power, solid-waste and biomass exploitation together with industrial combined heat and power (CHP) systems. The proposed methodology is applied to case of the Apulia region in the Southern Italy.
291 citations
TL;DR: Wang et al. as discussed by the authors reviewed the production and consumption of traditional and renewable energy in China over the past three decades and presented an overview on the research and development of renewable energy, such as solar, biomass, geothermal, ocean and wind energy.
Abstract: China is the second largest energy consumer in the world This paper reviews the production and consumption of traditional and renewable energy in China over the past three decades It also presents an overview on the research and development of renewable energy, such as solar, biomass, geothermal, ocean and wind energy in China Study indicated that the usage of renewable energy in China shows a promising prospect in the near future, of which biomass is found to be one of the most promising renewable energy resources that have great potential for development in China
199 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a status report on solar transparent insulation materials (TIM), which covers a survey of the literature, various physical and other properties of TIM devices, their classifications, applications, fabrication procedures, availability and cost trends.
Abstract: This paper presents a status report on solar transparent insulation materials (TIM). It covers a survey of the literature, various physical and other properties of TIM devices, their classifications, applications, fabrication procedures, availability and cost trends. The global resurgence of research is clarified. Subsequently, the development of TIM cover systems (often referred to as advanced glazing) from such products as polymer sheets, capillaries and cellular profiles, is discussed. Their design and performance characteristics are investigated; results corresponding to experimental measurements, as well as computational models, are presented. An explicit comparative study of absorber parallel and absorber perpendicular configurations of TIM cover systems is presented. The TIM covers with black end cover plates, and cellular walls of high emissivity, as well as those with selective cover plates and cellular walls fully transparent to IR radiations, have relatively lower heat loss coefficients.
124 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present the prevailing and the expected energy situation and energy demand in Turkey and discuss the potential of wind energy potential in Turkey, which is a large importer of primary energy despite having ample renewable energy sources.
Abstract: Turkey has very limited indigenous energy resources and has to import around 65% of primary energy to meet her needs. It is a large importer of primary energy despite having ample renewable energy sources. Turkey’s vibrant economy has led to increased energy demand in recent years. This situation is expected to continue in the near future because its economy is dependent mainly on imported oil, natural gas and electricity. This paper presents the prevailing and the expected energy situation and energy demand. Wind energy potential in Turkey is also discussed.
122 citations
TL;DR: The status and outlook of solar energy use in Pakistan is discussed in this paper, where the role of R&D organizations in promoting solar energy technologies in the country is also presented including a description of some proposed projects.
Abstract: Pakistan is an energy deficient country, where a large fraction of the population still does not have access to modern day energy services such as electricity. This is due to very limited fossil fuel resources and poor economy, which restrains the import of fossil fuels on a large scale. To overcome energy shortage, Pakistan needs to develop its indigenous energy resources like hydropower, solar and wind. Pakistan lies in an area of one of the highest solar insolation in the world. This vast potential can be exploited to produce electricity, which could be provided to off-grid communities in the northern hilly areas and the southern and western deserts. Applications other than electricity production such as solar water heaters and solar cookers also have vast applications. All this will help in both reducing the import of fossil fuels and dependency of people on fuel wood, which in turn will provide some respite for the dwindling forest reserves of Pakistan. Accordingly, the status and outlook of solar energy use in Pakistan is discussed in this paper. In addition, the role of R&D organizations in the promotion of solar energy technologies in Pakistan is also presented including a description of some proposed projects. It is concluded that the current infrastructure has not been able to advance the status of solar energy of Pakistan. Significant efforts are needed to effectively utilize this cheap renewable energy source.
120 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focused on the state of the art of thermal solar systems use and on the possibilities of combining those with state-of-the-art technologies in sorption refrigeration, in order to cover the cooling demand of residential and commercial buildings.
Abstract: Changes in the standards of thermal comfort in the urban microclimate and in the capital cost of air-conditioning equipment have drastically increased the energy consumption in the building sector over the last decade. At the same time, the integration of renewable energy systems, mainly active solar ones, in buildings has been an area of intense research over the last 30 years. This has also been the case in the field of solar refrigeration, mainly in the field of sorption systems. The analysis discussed in the paper is focused on the state of the art of thermal solar systems use and on the possibilities of combining those with state of the art technologies in sorption refrigeration, in order to cover the cooling demand of residential and commercial buildings. This was done by assessing the available solar and refrigeration technologies as well as by highlighting the situation in the building market, as this is still the dominant factor for the propagation of such systems.
106 citations
TL;DR: The technical feasibility of operating commercial aircraft on low concentration biodiesel in kerosene blends is reviewed in this paper, and it seems plausible that a biodiesel component could be introduced without significant modification to aircraft, airport infrastructure, and flight operations.
Abstract: The technical feasibility of operating commercial aircraft on low concentration biodiesel in kerosene blends is reviewed. Although the analysis is preliminary, it seems plausible that a biodiesel component could be introduced without significant modification to aircraft, airport infrastructure, and flight operations. The use of a biodiesel component, even for only a subset of flight operations, would open the possibility of giving all passengers, the world over, regardless of route, the option to pay a premium to make their journey on “green” fuel (actually biodiesel). In this way, the airline industry could recover the additional cost of biodiesel in comparison to kerosene. The costs associated with such a scheme are estimated, as is consumer demand. Although the analysis is preliminary, the scheme appears commercially viable. From a humanitarian and/or environmental perspective, marketing flight on biodiesel as “green air travel” is problematic. On the one hand, the use of biodiesel in aviation would reduce addition of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere and foster development of sustainable technology. On the other hand, it would require that agricultural resources be dedicated to air travel, nominally a luxury, in a world where agricultural resources appear destined to come under increasing strain merely to satisfy humanity’s basic food and energy needs. A preliminary discussion of these issues is presented. It is hoped that this can serve as the starting point for further discussion, at an international level, to reach consensus on whether marketing of flight on biodiesel as “green air travel” should be allowed to proceed, or whether it should be declared unethical.
101 citations
TL;DR: Tidal currents are formed by the energy dissipated by the tides and can be thalassic, estuarine or fluvial There has been a growing interest to harness these currents and turn the energy into electrical power as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Tidal currents are formed by the energy dissipated by the tides These can be thalassic, estuarine or fluvial There has been a growing interest to harness these currents and turn the energy into electrical power The potential is considerable The technology is in existence or adaptable The sites are numerous, though as with most ocean energies, only a small fraction of the global potential could be converted The paper provides a brief review of an area that has been scrutinized for more than quarter of a century
95 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a computer-based cost model has been developed to assess the life cycle economics of ethanol produced from cassava, and the results indicated that ethanol has the potential to be competitive if there are incentives and improved cassava yields.
Abstract: For energy security and environmental improvement reasons, the Chinese government is developing biomass ethanol as one of its transportation fuels. Cassava is a good feedstock to produce this ethanol because it has a high starch content and it is abundant in the southern provinces. A computer-based cost model has been developed to assess the life cycle economics of ethanol produced from cassava. The results are compared to gasoline as a base-line case. Although ethanol fuel is not currently competitive with conventional gasoline, these life cycle cost results indicate that, at present market prices, ethanol has the potential to be competitive if there are incentives and improved cassava yields. In addition, this renewable energy could help to alleviate poverty, improve land utilization and bring energy independence in Guangxi province in southeast China. This computer model will be an important tool for the energy policy makers to understand whether an energy alternative is cost-competitive, as well as providing a way to find appropriate measures throughout the entire life cycle that optimizes the process and removes the economic barriers.
87 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a brief review of energy use patterns in three economic sectors, namely, residential, industrial and transport sectors, is provided in order to forecast the growth in energy demand and corresponding emissions to the year 2020.
Abstract: A brief review of energy use patterns in three economic sectors; namely, residential, industrial and transport sectors is provided in this paper. The transport sector is the largest energy-consuming sector in Thailand, followed by the industrial and residential sectors, respectively. In order to reduce both imported energy and environmental emissions, energy conservation programs would be implemented. This paper forecasts the growth in energy demand and corresponding emissions to the year 2020 for those three sectors by using a model based on the end-use approach. The energy savings from the energy conservation strategies, such as energy efficiency improvement and energy demand management, are assessed and also the implications on electricity generation expansion planning are examined. The integrated resource planning (IRP) model is used to find the least-cost electricity generation expansion plans. Energy conservation options, including energy efficiency improvement programs, are introduced in the residential and industrial sectors. Public transportation and engine technology improvements are introduced in the transport sector. The effects of energy conservation options are analyzed using a scenario-based approach. The results of analysis reveal that the improvement of public transportation can reduce future energy requirements and CO2 emissions in 2020 by 635 thousand ton of oil equivalent (toe) and 2024 thousand ton of CO2 equivalent, respectively. If all options are simultaneously implemented, the potential of energy savings and CO2 mitigation in 2020 are estimated to be 1240 thousand toe and 3622 thousand ton of CO2 equivalent, respectively.
TL;DR: In this article, both historical and current UK policy relating to renewable energy is discussed, and the stated aims of policy and the level of success enjoyed with respect to each goal are discussed.
Abstract: The paper addresses both historical and current UK policy relating to renewable energy. It discusses the stated aims of policy, and discusses to what extent policy has addressed these aims, and the level of success enjoyed with respect to each goal. The paper also addresses the context in which UK policy has developed, and the effects this has had on both the creation and employment of that policy. Finally, it comments on the likely future direction of policy in the UK.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors studied the potential for the transfer of clean energy technologies under the aegis of the Kyoto Protocol and the possible influence of the Clean Development Mechanism.
Abstract: The developed countries committed to greenhouse gases reductions under the aegis of the Kyoto Protocol of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change will, in order to reduce the cost of meeting their commitments, depend on cheaper reductions elsewhere. The reductions will be materialised through several mechanisms of the Kyoto Protocol: the Emission Trade, Joint Implementation and Clean Development Mechanisms. The Mechanisms will carry a strong financial incentive for the dissemination of clean energy technologies, including renewable energy technologies and especially technologies that increase the efficiency of energy transformation and consume. This paper concentrates on the case typical of more than 30 Small Island Developing States, that all have a common situation of relatively low carbon intensity and high price of fossil fuel based economies, and on how the Clean Development Mechanism is expected to influence the transfer of clean energy technologies under the aegis of the Kyoto Protocol. The paper shows, by assessing a case of a small island, that although the emission reduction on global scale is small, there is great potential for establishing a strong market presence of renewable energy technologies in developing countries. A typical small island electricity generation is heavily dependent on Diesel engines, expensive and polluting, but still the most appropriate on such a small scale. This paper studies implications of different scenaria of development of electrical energy system on the island of Santiago, Cape Verde. An estimate of electricity demand for the period until 2030 is given. Baseline scenarium based on Diesel capacity is compared to a renewable energy scenario envisaging 30% of the electricity generated by the wind power, and the other supply side efficiency scenario replacing Diesel capacity with combined cycle. The declining price of clean energy technologies is taken into account. The possible influence of the Clean Development Mechanism is assessed. The potential for financing the technology transfer is quantified and its influence on different electricity system planning scenarios estimated.
TL;DR: In this article, the most important past and current market deployment strategies for the broader dissemination of grid-connected PV systems in the built environment are evaluated and compared. And the core objective of this paper is to document and evaluate the most relevant past and present market deployment and dissemination strategies.
Abstract: In the last decade of the 20th century a wide variety of deployment strategies and dissemination programmes for grid-connected PV systems in the built environment has been launched by quite different organizations and institutions. Governmental bodies on national and local levels have launched strategies, as have electric utilities and NGOs. The core objective of this paper is to document and evaluate the most important past and current market deployment strategies for the broader dissemination of grid-connected PV systems in the built environment.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the current energy status, choice of energy options and potential of renewable energy systems for creating sustainable livelihoods in rural areas, including six case studies of successful projects spread all over India and covering different technologies and scales of operation.
Abstract: This paper discusses the current energy status, choice of energy options and potential of renewable energy systems for creating sustainable livelihoods in rural areas. It includes six case studies of successful projects spread all over India and covering different technologies and scales of operation. It also includes a proposed outline for training of Renewable Energy Technicians and their job opportunities.
TL;DR: In Brazil, the power generation is predominantly hydroelectric, corresponding approximately to 91.4% of the installed capacity as discussed by the authors, where the largest wind speed occurs exactly when the rate of flow in Sao Francisco river, which accounts for all the power energy supply of the northeast region, is low.
Abstract: In Brazil, the power generation is predominantly hydroelectric, corresponding approximately to 91.4% of the installed capacity. The energy crisis in the Brazilian electric sector meant the end of the centralized generation and the launching of a decentralized generation approach aiming to add to the existing plants through small- and medium power capacity. Such a condition matches the wind energy characteristic profile. In northeastern Brazil is one of the most promising areas for wind exploitation, where the largest wind speed occurs exactly when the rate of flow in Sao Francisco river, which accounts for all the power energy supply of the northeast region, is low. Thus, during this critical period, the wind farms can produce electrical energy, saving the Sao Francisco waters and on top of that with no environmental risk, thus contributing to the overall reduction of CO2 emission in the atmosphere. Because of those factors, the National Electrical Energy Agency (ANEEL), the Brazilian regulatory authority, has approved 77 projects for construction of wind farms, attracting foreign investment, besides the installation of wind turbine industries. The increasing use of the wind energy is prevailing over the absence of a specific legislation for the sector, but the National Congress has already taken some measures such as the act bill no. 2905/2000 and the temporary measure no. 14/2001.
TL;DR: In this paper, a method for designing the PV power system respecting the local environmental conditions is presented in this paper, and the results of measurements carried out over two years verify the reliability of the applied method.
Abstract: Palestine has a large number of rural small villages far from the national electric grids. Electrical loads in such villages are mostly small and can be covered by means of photovoltaic (PV) generators, which are economically more feasible than extending the electric grid or using diesel electric generators. Since PV has been rarely used in Palestine, this paper is devoted to investigating the potential of PV applications in Palestine, identifying the barriers for prevalence of PV applications as in other countries and demonstrating the reliability and feasibility of utilizing PV systems by presenting the test results of a PV system by supplying a rural clinic with its power demands. A method for designing the PV power system respecting the local environmental conditions is presented in this paper. The results of the measurements carried out over two years verify the reliability of the applied method. The illustrated test results show how far the PV-power generation can be matched with load demands and state of battery charge even during periods of low solar radiation. This could be achieved by respecting the local weather parameters in the illustrated sizing method. Long term field experience in designing, testing and operation of PV projects outside Palestine is presented in this paper.
TL;DR: In this paper, a system of major characteristic indicators for rural household energy consumption includes effective heat consumption for livelihood per capita per day (EHC), the proportion of commercial energy in EHC (PCE) and annual electricity consumption for LPL per capita (AEC) for three economic regions (out-of-poverty, well-off and rich areas).
Abstract: Common factors that influence Chinese rural household energy consumption are proposed and major demand characteristics of well-off rural areas are analyzed on the basis of survey data. A system of major characteristic indicators for rural household energy consumption includes effective heat consumption for livelihood per capita per day (EHC), the proportion of commercial energy in EHC (PCE) and annual electricity consumption for livelihood per capita (AEC). Typical values in three economic regions (out-of-poverty, well-off and rich areas) of China are also given.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors take a closer look at the current trends of the European electricity markets, and it becomes obvious that the liberalisation not only implies opportunities but also risks for the creation of a sustainable power sector.
Abstract: The process of liberalising European electricity markets, encompassing a wide range of restructuring activities, has mainly been spurred by the attempt to increase the economic efficiency of the whole sector. This process might be used to trigger a development towards a sustainable power sector by increasing the use of renewable energy sources and enhancing energy efficiency on the supply and demand side. However, by taking a closer look at the current trends of the European electricity markets, it becomes obvious that the liberalisation not only implies opportunities but also risks for the creation of a sustainable power sector. Many of these risks are due to market distortions and imperfections caused by the delay in creating a fully functional single European market. Thus, in the short-term, the market liberalisation tends to constitute more risks than opportunities without government actions to prevent these risks. In the long run, though, the efficiency gains of the sector and the appearance of new market factors are likely to bring forth the opportunities of liberalisation and actively foster a transformation towards a sustainable electricity sector.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the role of the tides in the generation of power resources and their role in the development of the world's power resources, including the Tide Power Resource and the Tide Generation.
Abstract: 2 The tides 188 21 Tide Generation 188 22 Tidal power resource 189 23 Power generation 191
TL;DR: The role of economic instruments towards the development of the Hellenic solar thermal market is investigated using a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) as discussed by the authors, and the perspectives and potential barriers for their future development are presented, analyzed by a CBA and discussed.
Abstract: The Hellenic solar thermal market is actually one of the most developed worldwide. This paper provides an overview of the evolution of this market since its start in the mid-1970s until today. The reasons for its success are discussed in detail: the role of the manufacturers, the quality assurance practices applied and the incentives on the demand and supply sides. The role of economic instruments towards the development of the Hellenic solar thermal market is investigated using a cost–benefit analysis (CBA). Although commercially successful, solar thermal applications today in Greece still cover a very limited percentage of their potential applications. The perspectives and potential barriers for their future development are presented, analyzed by a CBA and discussed. This information is useful for all parties related to this market, manufacturers, potential users, policy makers, etc. Countries having a solar energy potential similar to that of Greece but a less developed solar market may also identify in this work parameters that will contribute to the development of their national market.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluated the effectiveness of the MARKAL comprehensive model in the development of coherent medium-term strategies and sound climate protection policies at local level in the Val d'Agri, Basilicata region, Italy.
Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the MARKAL comprehensive model in the development of coherent medium-term strategies and sound climate protection policies at local level. The local case study (Val d’Agri, Basilicata region, Italy) discusses the possible role of local communities in the achievement of the national objectives derived by the Kyoto Protocol, investigating the traditional sectors responsible for air pollution and providing a full picture of the main energy and material flows. A scenario by scenario analysis was performed to analyse the response of the modelled system to the introduction of an exogenous constraint on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The main effects are presented with reference to fuel mix, technology choice, real market prices and reduced costs of competing options. The comparison of the solutions obtained for the different scenarios is useful to point out the effects of the CO2 constraint on the total system cost and on the emission levels of other atmospheric pollutants. A further multiobjective optimisation was performed to analyse the effects of combined environmental constraints (CO2 and particulate) on the overall system cost as well as in terms of marginal costs.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present the policy changes of the Hungarian government concerning the joining of the country to the European Union planned in 2004, and analyze the flows in the lower 100-150 m of the boundary layer through vertical profile estimations.
Abstract: Earlier renewable energy studies suggested that Hungary does not have considerable extractable wind power due to the low mean annual wind speed. Recent technological developments with the remarkable increase of tower height and rotor diameter of wind power stations made it possible to reevaluate wind energy consumption in continental regions such as the Carpathian Basin. This paper presents the policy changes of the Hungarian government concerning the joining of the country to the European Union planned in 2004. In order to support governmental efforts on renewable energy consumption a research project started on mapping potential wind resources of the country. It was essential to measure and analyse the flows in the lower 100–150 m of the boundary layer through vertical profile estimations. Then, serving the optimal siting the WAsP model has been applied to extrapolate the measured data at different regions of Hungary.
TL;DR: In this article, the development of autoproduction facilities in Turkey, which are the most convenient legal investment model for cogeneration investors, has been investigated, and the feasibility study was conducted.
Abstract: Turkey, with its young population and growing energy demand per person, its fast growing urbanization, and its economic development, has been one of the fast growing power markets of the world for the last 20 years. It is expected that the demand for electric energy in Turkey will be 294 billion kWh by the year 2010 and 556 billion kWh by the year 2020. Turkey’s electric energy demand is growing 7% yearly. Because a substantial amount of Turkey’s energy need has been met by cogeneration facilities in recent years. Cogeneration facilities have an important role in Turkey’s energy strategy. While there were only four cogeneration facilities and the total capacity of them was 30 MW e in 1994, in 1999, 10.6% of total electric production was produced by these facilities. In accordance with the governmental decree numbered 85/9799, cogeneration is the technology which produces electricity and heat synchronously and autoproduction is the name of the firm which was founded for the purpose of producing electricity and heat. In this study, the development of autoproduction facilities in Turkey, which are the most convenient legal investment model for cogeneration investors, has been investigated.