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16 pages, 3338 KB

Open AccessArticle

Voltage Collapse and Early Failure Indicators in a Degraded EV Battery Under High-Current Load

by Michał Łanocha and Maksymilian Mądziel

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(9), 4260; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16094260 - 27 Apr 2026

Viewed by 163

This paper investigates the safety behavior of degraded lithium-ion battery modules taken from a 2016 Nissan Leaf (30 kWh, 106,394 km). The vehicle exhibited typical failure symptoms, including P33E6 faults, sudden range drops, and activation of turtle mode under load. Initial diagnostics based [...] Read more.

This paper investigates the safety behavior of degraded lithium-ion battery modules taken from a 2016 Nissan Leaf (30 kWh, 106,394 km). The vehicle exhibited typical failure symptoms, including P33E6 faults, sudden range drops, and activation of turtle mode under load. Initial diagnostics based on LeafSpy data revealed strong cell imbalance, with a voltage spread exceeding 2.3 V under high current (≈170 A). The weakest cells dropped close to 1 V, suggesting severe internal degradation. To better understand this behavior, selected modules (cells 73–88) were removed and tested under controlled laboratory conditions. Capacity measurements in a 16S2P configuration showed 49.8 Ah in the 4.1–3.1 V range, corresponding to a state of health of about 59%, which is consistent with BMS estimates. However, high-current discharge tests on the weakest segment revealed a much more critical picture. One cell experienced rapid voltage collapse (from ~4.0 V to ~1.2 V), accompanied by a sharp increase in voltage divergence and visible thermal effects. Infrared observations indicated localized heating up to 43 °C and irreversible swelling, pointing to early-stage electro-thermal instability. These results suggest that moderate SOH values do not necessarily reflect actual safety margins under dynamic load conditions. Overall, the study shows that simple OBD-based diagnostics can help identify problematic modules, but additional load testing is necessary to assess real safety risks in aged EV battery systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Transportation and Pollution Control)

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26 pages, 3921 KB

Open AccessArticle

Real-Time Optimization for a Greener Micromobility-Based Last-Mile Logistics

by Tamás Bányai, Péter Veres and Ágota Bányai

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(6), 2933; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16062933 - 18 Mar 2026

Viewed by 336

Abstract

Urban last-mile logistics systems must improve service responsiveness while reducing environmental impact. While micromobility-based delivery fleets offer significant emission advantages compared to conventional vans, their operational efficiency depends on adaptive, data-driven capacity allocation. We develop and analyze a real-time optimization framework that explicitly [...] Read more.

Urban last-mile logistics systems must improve service responsiveness while reducing environmental impact. While micromobility-based delivery fleets offer significant emission advantages compared to conventional vans, their operational efficiency depends on adaptive, data-driven capacity allocation. We develop and analyze a real-time optimization framework that explicitly integrates sustainability considerations into zone-level fleet allocation decisions. The continuous-time backlog dynamics admit a closed-form discrete-time prediction, enabling computationally efficient rolling-horizon fleet reallocation. Sustainability is explicitly embedded through zone-specific emission factors and a multi-criteria objective function balancing backlog reduction, environmental impact, and operational stability. In a ten-zone numerical case study with a fleet of 40 vehicles, the proposed method reduced backlog in all zones within a 15-min interval while preserving strict feasibility and stability (spectral radius is less than 1). The framework also demonstrated a controllable emission–service trade-off via sensitivity analysis. These results suggest the practical applicability and real-time suitability of the proposed Industry 4.0-aligned optimization approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Transportation and Pollution Control)

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27 pages, 2718 KB

Open AccessArticle

Quantifying Hidden Carbon Emissions Induced from Curbside Capacity Loss in Urban Freight Operations

by Angel Gil Gallego, María Pilar Lambán, Jesús Royo Sánchez, Juan Carlos Sánchez Catalán and Paula Morella Avinzano

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 2149; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16042149 - 23 Feb 2026

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Abstract

Urban curbside loading and unloading zones are increasingly affected by competing non-logistics uses, such as outdoor terraces or resident parking, leading to reductions in effective curbside length. These design decisions can significantly alter service capacity and generate environmental externalities in urban freight operations [...] Read more.

Urban curbside loading and unloading zones are increasingly affected by competing non-logistics uses, such as outdoor terraces or resident parking, leading to reductions in effective curbside length. These design decisions can significantly alter service capacity and generate environmental externalities in urban freight operations that are rarely quantified. This study introduces the Factor of Occupancy (F_o) as a space–time design indicator for curbside unloading zones, defined as the product of effective curbside length and the maximum authorised dwell time. Using direct observational data from an urban block in Zaragoza (Spain), the analysis focuses on a loading and unloading zone whose effective length was reduced by approximately 6 m due to the installation of a restaurant terrace. Two curbside configurations are compared: a reduced configuration (8 m) and a restored configuration (14 m), keeping demand and temporal constraints constant. F_o is integrated into a loss-based queueing model (M/M/1/1) to estimate blocking probabilities and the number of served and rejected freight operations. To capture the environmental implications of curbside capacity loss, the paper proposes the Hidden Carbon Emissions (HCE) indicator, which quantifies the additional CO₂ emissions generated by rejected vehicles through block recirculation and idling during illegal occupancy, based on observed behaviour and publicly available emission factors. The results show that restoring curbside length substantially increases effective service capacity and reduces rejected vehicles, leading to a marked decrease in hidden CO₂ emissions per operation. The findings highlight that minor curbside design decisions can produce measurable impacts on both urban freight efficiency and environmental performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Transportation and Pollution Control)

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18 pages, 2815 KB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental and Economic Impacts of an Articulated Barge Considering Crew Expertise and Operational Profile

by Yordan Garbatov, Petar Georgiev and Plamen Yanakiev

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 1705; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16041705 - 9 Feb 2026

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Abstract

Articulated Tug-Barge systems connect a tugboat and a barge via an articulated link, improving manoeuvrability and flow, and offering opportunities for greater efficiency. Due to their size, these systems are vital to waterborne cargo distribution, managing the transport of several types of oil, [...] Read more.

Articulated Tug-Barge systems connect a tugboat and a barge via an articulated link, improving manoeuvrability and flow, and offering opportunities for greater efficiency. Due to their size, these systems are vital to waterborne cargo distribution, managing the transport of several types of oil, chemicals, and bulk goods, as well as container barges. The interest in these systems is driven by the rising demand for energy efficiency and environmentally friendly maritime transport. Analysing reliability, costs, environmental and operational conditions, and crew experience helps manage each design option more effectively. The dual-mode Articulated Tug-Barge (ATB) system can disconnect the tug from the barge when seaway loads reach design limits. Effective load management and real-time monitoring are essential in these situations. This research introduces a method for evaluating barge efficiency using a structural reliability index and associated costs, accounting for environmental conditions, operational scenarios, and crew experience. The reliability index assesses the barge’s hull integrity, accounting for environmental pollution from oil spills and air emissions from construction and operation, as well as crew proficiency. The chosen design, operational status, crew experience, hull failure progression, and their effects on structural integrity, along with impacts on the ship, cargo, and environment from construction, voyages, and cleaning, are all incorporated into the cost analysis. Mitigating risk measures focus on improving the crew experience, directly reducing costs and enhancing reliability without requiring additional structural materials to increase strength. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Transportation and Pollution Control)

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20 pages, 3259 KB

Open AccessArticle

Green Transportation Planning for Smart Cities: Digital Twins and Real-Time Traffic Optimization in Urban Mobility Networks

by Marek Lis and Maksymilian Mądziel

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 678; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16020678 - 8 Jan 2026

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1600

Abstract

This paper proposes a comprehensive framework for integrating Digital Twins (DT) with real-time traffic optimization systems to enhance urban mobility management in Smart Cities. Using the Pobitno Roundabout in Rzeszów as a case study, we established a calibrated microsimulation model (validated via the [...] Read more.

This paper proposes a comprehensive framework for integrating Digital Twins (DT) with real-time traffic optimization systems to enhance urban mobility management in Smart Cities. Using the Pobitno Roundabout in Rzeszów as a case study, we established a calibrated microsimulation model (validated via the GEH statistic) that serves as the core of the proposed Digital Twin. The study goes beyond static scenario analysis by introducing an Adaptive Inflow Metering (AIM) logic designed to interact with IoT sensor data. While traditional geometrical upgrades (e.g., turbo-roundabouts) were analyzed, simulation results revealed that geometrical changes alone—without dynamic control—may fail under peak load conditions (resulting in LOS F). Consequently, the research demonstrates how the DT framework allows for the testing of “Software-in-the-Loop” (SiL) solutions where Python-based algorithms dynamically adjust inflow parameters to prevent gridlock. The findings confirm that combining physical infrastructure changes with digital, real-time optimization algorithms is essential for achieving sustainable “green transport” goals and reducing emissions in congested urban nodes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Transportation and Pollution Control)

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20 pages, 1392 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Environmental Impact of Inland Empty Container Movements Within Two-Depot Systems

by Alaa Abdelshafie, May Salah and Tomaž Kramberger

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(14), 7848; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15147848 - 14 Jul 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2458

Abstract

Inefficient inland repositioning of empty containers between depots remains a persistent challenge in container logistics, contributing significantly to unnecessary truck movements, elevated operational costs, and increased CO₂ emissions. Acknowledging the importance of this problem, a large amount of relevant literature has appeared. [...] Read more.

Inefficient inland repositioning of empty containers between depots remains a persistent challenge in container logistics, contributing significantly to unnecessary truck movements, elevated operational costs, and increased CO₂ emissions. Acknowledging the importance of this problem, a large amount of relevant literature has appeared. The objective of this paper is to track the empty container flow between ports, empty depots, inland terminals, and customer premises. Additionally, it aims to simulate and assess CO₂ emissions, capturing the dynamic interactions between different agents. In this study, agent-based modeling (ABM) was proposed to simulate the empty container movements with an emphasis on inland transportation. ABM is an emerging approach that is increasingly used to simulate complex economic systems and artificial market behaviours. NetLogo was used to incorporate real-world geographic data and quantify CO₂ emissions based on truckload status and to evaluate the other operational aspects. Behavior Space was also utilized to systematically conduct multiple simulation experiments, varying parameters to analyze different scenarios. The results of the study show that customer demand frequency plays a crucial role in system efficiency, affecting container availability and logistical tension. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Transportation and Pollution Control)

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28 pages, 27387 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Strategies for Air Quality and Thermal Comfort Improvement: The Case Study of the University Campus of Catania

by Salvatore Leonardi, Maurizio Detommaso, Nilda Georgina Liotta, Natalia Distefano, Francesco Nocera and Vincenzo Costanzo

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 5661; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15105661 - 19 May 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2615

Abstract

Urban campuses face critical environmental challenges due to high pedestrian density, traffic-induced air pollution, and thermal stress, especially in compact Mediterranean settings. These conditions can compromise the usability and livability of outdoor spaces. This study investigates whether greening and material-based interventions can offset [...] Read more.

Urban campuses face critical environmental challenges due to high pedestrian density, traffic-induced air pollution, and thermal stress, especially in compact Mediterranean settings. These conditions can compromise the usability and livability of outdoor spaces. This study investigates whether greening and material-based interventions can offset a lower degree of traffic reduction in improving air quality and thermal comfort. The University Campus of Catania (Southern Italy) served as the case study. An integrated microscale simulation framework using ENVI-met was developed, calibrated, and validated with local traffic, meteorological data, and field measurements of PM₁₀ and PM_2.5. Three scenarios were tested: a baseline, Scenario 1 (50% traffic reduction with moderate greening), and Scenario 2 (30% traffic reduction with more extensive greening and material interventions). Results showed that Scenario 1 consistently outperformed Scenario 2 in all pedestrian hotspots. The highest reductions recorded in Scenario 1 were −0.150 μg/m³ for PM_2.5 (−11.5%), −0.069 μg/m³ for PM₁₀ (−5.9%), −2.16 °C for UTCI (−7.6%), and −2.52 °C for MRT (−4.5%). These findings confirm that traffic reduction is the dominant factor in achieving environmental improvements, although greening and innovative materials play a valuable complementary role. The study supports integrated planning strategies for climate-responsive and healthier university environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Transportation and Pollution Control)

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37 pages, 2292 KB

Open AccessArticle

Green Shipping Corridors: A Bibliometric Analysis of Policy, Technology, and Stakeholder Collaboration

by Alen Jugović, Miljen Sirotić, Tanja Poletan Jugović and Dražen Žgaljić

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(6), 3304; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15063304 - 18 Mar 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3788

Abstract

This study provides a bibliometric review of 238 studies on the concept of green shipping corridors in the maritime industry, published in 93 academic outlets and authored by 654 scholars. Bibliographical data were extracted from the Web of Science database and analyzed using [...] Read more.

This study provides a bibliometric review of 238 studies on the concept of green shipping corridors in the maritime industry, published in 93 academic outlets and authored by 654 scholars. Bibliographical data were extracted from the Web of Science database and analyzed using the bibliometrix package in R software (version 4.3.3) alongside VOSviewer (version 1.6.20). Based on citation analysis metrics, the most influential articles, journals, authors, institutions, and countries within the field were identified. Utilizing the bibliographic coupling methodology in VOSviewer, the following four underlying research clusters were distinguished: (1) Sustainable Green Shipping Practices and Research, (2) Alternative Fuels and Low-Carbon Strategies for Maritime Transport, (3) Green and Low-Carbon Maritime Development, and (4) Environmental Sustainability in Maritime Shipping. Content analysis results highlighted crucial policy recommendations, technological adaptation strategies, and collaborative stakeholder practices, providing robust insights for academia and industry practitioners seeking strategic guidance for effective maritime decarbonization via integrated green shipping corridor initiatives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Transportation and Pollution Control)

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