Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
5.3
2.5
Journals
Applied Sciences
Special Issues
The Transition toward Clean Energy Production 2024
applsci-logo
Submit to Applied Sciences Review for Applied Sciences Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

The Transition toward Clean Energy Production 2024

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy Science and Technology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 December 2024) | Viewed by 11319

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Angelo Algieri

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Mechanical, Energy and Management Engineering, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Cubo 44C, 87036 Rende, Italy
Interests: geothermal energy; innovative energy systems; renewable energies; organic Rankine cycle; internal combustion engines; polygeneration
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We invite submissions to the Special Issue “The Transition toward Clean Energy Production 2024”. Today, traditional fossil fuels are still the leading energy sources worldwide, despite concerns about greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, and alternative pathways are evidently necessary. In this context, the exploitation of renewable sources and the development of innovative solutions are fundamental factors which drive the transition toward sustainable and clean energy production. Furthermore, energy efficiency promotion and the effective management of energy sources and systems provide various environmental, social, and economic benefits.

In this Special Issue, we invite submissions which explore cutting-edge research and recent advances in the field of the transition towards clean and sustainable energy production. Both theoretical and experimental studies are welcome, as are comprehensive reviews and survey papers.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, renewable sources, energy efficiency, multi-source energy systems, greenhouse gas emissions mitigation, sustainability, climate change, distributed energy production, energy communities, energy policy, life cycle assessment, economic studies on innovative green solutions, and best practices.

Dr. Angelo Algieri
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • clean production
  • energy efficiency
  • energy supply security
  • greenhouse gas emissions
  • optimization
  • renewable sources

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

23 pages, 1622 KiB  
Article
An Advanced Model for Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction in the Agricultural Sector to Achieve Sustainability for Thailand’s Future
by Pruethsan Sutthichaimethee, Phayom Saraphirom and Chaiyan Junsiri
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 1485; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031485 - 31 Jan 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 761
Abstract
This research aimed to develop an advanced model for sustainably reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the future. The research employs a quantitative research approach, introducing a new model called the Structural Equation Modeling with Vector Autoregressive Latent Trajectory Model (SEM-VALTM). This model differs [...] Read more.
This research aimed to develop an advanced model for sustainably reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the future. The research employs a quantitative research approach, introducing a new model called the Structural Equation Modeling with Vector Autoregressive Latent Trajectory Model (SEM-VALTM). This model differs significantly from previous models as it identifies strategic pathways for effective national administration, ensuring high performance without spurious results, surpassing the efficiency of earlier models. The findings reveal that the environmental sector is directly affected by the economic sector, with the relationship exhibiting an inverse direction. Similarly, the environmental sector is influenced by the social sector, also in an opposing direction. The SEM-VALTM model contributes new knowledge, highlighting that the environmental sector demonstrates the slowest adjustment toward equilibrium (6%). Under a sustainability policy framework, it was found that the economic sector, particularly the industrial rate, has the highest influence on economic changes, which in turn have the most significant negative impact on the environment. The study further projects that from 2025 to 2037, greenhouse gas emissions will rise sharply, reaching 95.05 Mt CO2 Eq., exceeding the carrying capacity threshold of 60.5 Mt CO2 Eq. Based on risk management principles, continuous measures must be implemented to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, the government must establish a new scenario policy emphasizing renewable energy and clean technologies as substitutes. The findings suggest that future energy consumption will consistently decrease, resulting in greenhouse gas emissions of 50.04 Mt CO2 Eq. (2025–2037), which is below the carrying capacity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Transition toward Clean Energy Production 2024)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 5636 KiB  
Article
Studies on the Electrochemical Behavior of Sulfite on Incoloy 800 in a Neutral Environment
by Mihaela-Alexandra Lăboșel, Andrea Kellenberger, Mircea Laurențiu Dan, Nataliia Rudenko, George-Daniel Dima and Nicolae Vaszilcsin
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 1144; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031144 - 23 Jan 2025
Viewed by 679
Abstract
Avoiding atmospheric pollution with sulfur dioxide is generally achieved by its absorption from combustion gases in alkaline solutions and conversion to sulfites. Afterwards, sulfites can be transformed into neutral and environmentally safe chemicals by oxidation to sulfates. The oxidation of sulfites to sulfates [...] Read more.
Avoiding atmospheric pollution with sulfur dioxide is generally achieved by its absorption from combustion gases in alkaline solutions and conversion to sulfites. Afterwards, sulfites can be transformed into neutral and environmentally safe chemicals by oxidation to sulfates. The oxidation of sulfites to sulfates can also be carried out in a cell in which the fuel will be sulfite ions. In this way, in addition to the beneficial effect of neutralizing large quantities of sulfite waste, electrical energy is also obtained. This is one of the reasons why study of the anodic oxidation of sulfite to sulfate on various electrode materials was necessary. Given the sensitivity of electrode materials in the presence of sulfur compounds, in our research we approached the study of sulfite oxidation on the Incoloy 800 anode in neutral solution (1 mol L−1 Na2SO4). In this research, the results obtained in the study of the kinetic parameters of the anodic process as a function of the sulfite concentration (10−1, 0.5, and 1 mol L−1), using linear voltammetry, are presented. The appreciable values of the exchange current density (3.4, 3.0, and 2.6 A m−2) show that Incoloy 800 has a significant catalytic effect in the anodic oxidation of sulfite. Chronoamperometric studies have shown that the anodic oxidation of sulfite is controlled by the mass transfer of sulfite ions from the bulk solution to the electrode surface. According to the chronocoulometric diagrams, it can be appreciated that, up to anodic potentials of +1.50 V, sulfite oxidation occurs on the electrode, while at more positive potentials, the oxygen evolution reaction is the main process. Electrochemical impedance data provide evidence of a chemical reaction coupled with electron transfer, which was modeled using a Gerischer impedance. At high sulfite concentrations, the charge transfer resistance (Rct) decreases by a factor of 10, indicating that the sulfite oxidation reaction is fast at sufficiently positive potentials. On the other hand, the passivation tendency of stainless steels upon anodic polarization gives them a high corrosion resistance, so that Incoloy 800 can be a viable option as an anode material for sulfite/oxygen (air) fuel cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Transition toward Clean Energy Production 2024)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 6659 KiB  
Article
Analysis of the Influence of the Charging Process of an Electrical Vehicle on Voltage Distortions in the Electrical Installation
by Arkadiusz Dobrzycki, Leszek Kasprzyk, Muhammed Sefa Çetin and Muhsin Tunay Gençoğlu
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(17), 7691; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14177691 - 30 Aug 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1251
Abstract
The noticeable dynamic development of electromobility poses new challenges for the energy industry and users of electric vehicles. One of these challenges is coping with the change in the way we refuel. In the case of electric vehicles, the batteries can also be [...] Read more.
The noticeable dynamic development of electromobility poses new challenges for the energy industry and users of electric vehicles. One of these challenges is coping with the change in the way we refuel. In the case of electric vehicles, the batteries can also be charged via home electrical installations. The presence of a new, non-linear load with significant power may affect the quality parameters of electricity in this installation and therefore indirectly affect the operation of other loads. In order to investigate the possible impact of the electric vehicle charging process on these parameters, a number of measurements were carried out. This paper presents the results of observing voltage distortions in the installation as a result of the harmonics of the current supplying the AC/DC converter in the vehicle. The test results confirm the compliance of the voltage with the requirements of the standards; however, the large share of current harmonics requires the analysis of the anti-shock protections existing in the installation to ensure that they are effective when currents at higher frequencies flow. The research results may be a guide for designers and users of home electrical installations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Transition toward Clean Energy Production 2024)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 3231 KiB  
Article
Turning Data Center Waste Heat into Energy: A Guide to Organic Rankine Cycle System Design and Performance Evaluation
by Orlando Corigliano, Angelo Algieri and Petronilla Fragiacomo
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(14), 6046; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14146046 - 11 Jul 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5763
Abstract
This study delves into the adoption of the organic Rankine cycle (ORC) for recovering waste heat from data centers (DCs). Through a literature review, it examines energy reuse with a focus on electric power generation, the selection of working fluids, and system design [...] Read more.
This study delves into the adoption of the organic Rankine cycle (ORC) for recovering waste heat from data centers (DCs). Through a literature review, it examines energy reuse with a focus on electric power generation, the selection of working fluids, and system design principles. The objective is to develop a thorough framework for system design and analysis, beginning with a quantity and quality investigation of waste heat available. Air cooling systems, chosen often for their simplicity, account for about 70% of used cooling methods. Water cooling demonstrates greater effectiveness, albeit less commonly adopted. This study pays close attention to the selection of potential working fluids, meticulously considering the limitations presented by the available sources of heat and cold for vaporization and condensation, respectively. It reviews an ORC-based system setup, incorporating fluid streams for internal processes. The research includes a conceptual case study where the system is designed and simulations are conducted in the DWSIM environment. The simulation model considers hot air or hot liquid water returning from the data center cooling system for ORC working fluid evaporation. Ambient water serves for condensing, with pentane and isopentane identified as suitable organic fluids. Pentane assures ORC net electric efficiencies ranging between 3.1 and 7.1% when operating pressure ratios increase from 2.8 to 6.4. Isopentane systems, meanwhile, achieve efficiencies of 3.6–7.0% across pressure ratios of 2.7–6.0. Furthermore, the investigation provides key performance indicators for a reference data center in terms of power usage effectiveness (PUE), energy reuse factor (ERF), energy reuse effectiveness (ERE), and greenhouse gas (GHG) savings. This study concludes with guidelines for system analysis, including exergy considerations, and details the sizing process for evaporators and condensers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Transition toward Clean Energy Production 2024)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1403 KiB  
Article
Environmental Protection in the Planning of Large Solar Power Plants
by Boško Josimović, Božidar Manić and Ana Niković
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(14), 6043; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14146043 - 11 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2181
Abstract
The global trend of reducing the “carbon footprint” has influenced the dynamic development of projects that use renewable energy sources, including the development of solar energy in large solar power plants. Consequently, there is an increasingly pronounced need in scientific circles to consider [...] Read more.
The global trend of reducing the “carbon footprint” has influenced the dynamic development of projects that use renewable energy sources, including the development of solar energy in large solar power plants. Consequently, there is an increasingly pronounced need in scientific circles to consider the impact these projects have on space and the environment. The fact that international financial institutions consider environmental effect to be a significant factor when funding solar energy projects is one of the main reasons this topic is so important in professional circles, particularly among solar energy investors. This paper highlights the fact that solar power plants can have both positive and negative impacts on space and the environment. Those impacts need to be defined in order to choose optimal spatial and territorial solutions that ensure preventive planning and active environmental protection. In the process, the application of strategic environmental assessment (SEA) in the planning and spatial organization of solar power plants becomes important. SEA is characterized by a holistic approach where complex interactions and correlations in the location of planned implementation of the solar power plant can be understood at the earliest stage of project development. By doing this, it is possible to prevent all potential risks that may emerge in the project’s later stages of implementation, which is favorable both from the aspect of effective environmental protection and from the point of view of investors investing in solar power plant projects. Optimal solutions that bring about the basic role of SEA are sought primarily in the analysis of the spatial relations of the solar power plant with regard to land, biodiversity, landscape, and basic environmental factors, which is particularly highlighted in the paper. Also, the basic methodological concept applied in SEA is demonstrated, combining different methodological approaches and methods for impact assessment, as part of a unique semi-quantitative method of multi-criteria evaluation of planning solutions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Transition toward Clean Energy Production 2024)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-5
Back to TopTop