Energies

Research

16 pages, 900 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Green Technology Innovation of Energy Internet Enterprises: Study on Influencing Factors under Dual Carbon Goals

by Yichang Zhang, Sha He, Min Pang and Qiong Li

Energies 2023, 16(3), 1405; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16031405 - 31 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2362

In order to help Energy Internet (EI) enterprises develop sustainably, promote the transformation and upgrading of energy systems and achieve the goal of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, a study on the influencing factors of green technology innovation (GTI) in EI enterprises was [...] Read more.

In order to help Energy Internet (EI) enterprises develop sustainably, promote the transformation and upgrading of energy systems and achieve the goal of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, a study on the influencing factors of green technology innovation (GTI) in EI enterprises was conducted using the Decision-making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory-Adversarial Interpretive Structure Modeling Method (DEMATEL-AISM). Through a literature review and field research, the DEMATEL-AISM-based model of the GTI influencing factors of EI enterprises was constructed on the basis of summarizing the system of GTI influencing factors of EI enterprises, visualizing the interrelationship and hierarchical structure among GTI influencing factors of EI enterprises and finally proposing relevant countermeasures and suggestions. This study shows that the proximity-level factors such as R&D investment and external cooperation directly affect the GTI of EI enterprises; the essential-level factors such as environmental regulation and development strategy are the root causes of the GTI of EI enterprises. The transition-level factors such as market competition and business model are the key nodes of the GTI of EI enterprises, and the above factors should be focused on. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technical, Economic and Managerial Aspects of the Energy Transition)

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25 pages, 3102 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improvement of Operating Efficiency of Energy Cooperatives with the Use of “Crypto-Coin Mining”

by Maciej Sołtysik, Mariusz Kozakiewicz and Jakub Jasiński

Energies 2022, 15(21), 8061; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15218061 - 30 Oct 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1949

Abstract

Poland remains the most coal-dependent economy in the EU. To minimize that problem, which is particularly clear and dangerous in the period of a shortage of fossil fuels, the Polish authorities have decided to establish various institutions, organizational and regulatory solutions. Their role [...] Read more.

Poland remains the most coal-dependent economy in the EU. To minimize that problem, which is particularly clear and dangerous in the period of a shortage of fossil fuels, the Polish authorities have decided to establish various institutions, organizational and regulatory solutions. Their role is to support the development of renewable energy sources and local energy communities. The latter are to focus on optimizing the production and consumption of energy in pursuit of energy self-sufficiency on a local scale. One such institution, set up in Poland over the last several years, is the energy cooperative, which is intended to increase the efficient use of the potential of renewable energy sources in rural and urban–rural areas. The authors of this article verify the assumptions, for instance, the number, composition or production and members’ consumption profiles, under which such a relatively new institution has the chance to develop. A novelty in this research paper is that the interests of the entities composing a given energy cooperative may additionally be secured by the use of surplus generation for crypto-coin mining, and thus the storage of energy in virtual currency. A dedicated mathematical model in mixed-integer programming technology was used, enriched with respect to previous research, making it possible for members of the cooperative to achieve energy independence while maximizing self-consumption and using their excess energy for processing cryptocurrency. This is in line with the global trend of “greening”; the processes of acquiring electronic money. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technical, Economic and Managerial Aspects of the Energy Transition)

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14 pages, 3613 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Thermal Processes in an Electromagnetic Mill

by Dariusz Całus

Energies 2022, 15(21), 7899; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15217899 - 25 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1356

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to develop effective methods for the thermal calculation of an electromagnetic mill. The article deals with the structural features of the liquid cooling system of such a device, with direct channel cooling of the induction coils. By [...] Read more.

The purpose of this research is to develop effective methods for the thermal calculation of an electromagnetic mill. The article deals with the structural features of the liquid cooling system of such a device, with direct channel cooling of the induction coils. By analysing the recent research in this area, I have revealed that in order to achieve this goal it is expedient to use the finite element method (FEM). I have also suggested the input data for the boundary values to calculate a three-dimensional thermal field of an electromagnetic mill with an internal diameter of the working chamber of 200 mm. I have also graphically shown the results of calculating this problem using FEM analysis. Based on the analysis of the temperature field and gradient, I have also synthesized and substantiated the structure of the thermal equivalent circuit, which approximates the active part of the mill with a complex of five bodies with internal heat release and enables an approximate estimation of its thermal state at the initial stages of design to be held. I have suggested the formulae to calculate the parameters of this equivalent circuit and the principle to form a system of equations for the further determination of unknown temperatures. In addition, I have performed a comparative analysis of the methods for calculating the thermal state. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technical, Economic and Managerial Aspects of the Energy Transition)

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11 pages, 5784 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of a Fractional Transfer Function for Simulating the Eddy Currents Effect in Electrical Systems

by Volodymyr Moroz and Oleksandr Makarchuk

Energies 2022, 15(19), 7046; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15197046 - 25 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1820

Abstract

Some electrical devices contain a solid nonlaminated magnetic core as a component. In the case of variable magnetic flux, eddy currents arise in such a core, which should be taken into account for computer simulation if higher precision is needed. The fractional order [...] Read more.

Some electrical devices contain a solid nonlaminated magnetic core as a component. In the case of variable magnetic flux, eddy currents arise in such a core, which should be taken into account for computer simulation if higher precision is needed. The fractional order transfer function (FOTF) based on the simple traditional model of excitation circuit of a DC machine is proposed for eddy current simulation. This model is illustrated by mathematical (based on differential equations and the Laplace operator) and structural approaches to the excitation circuit of a common DC generator with a solid core. The skin effect for more precise simulation of eddy currents is also considered by means of fractional order transfer functions in the computer models. Magnetic saturation and hysteresis were not taken into account in this case. The proposed model is simple and ensures adequate accuracy, confirmed experimentally using the FOTF Toolbox for MATLAB and Simulink. This model is distinct and proposed for the fast and accurate computer simulation of eddy currents in electrical devices with a solid magnetic core. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technical, Economic and Managerial Aspects of the Energy Transition)

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28 pages, 1422 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Civic Energy in an Orchard Farm–Prosumer and Energy Cooperative—A New Approach to Electricity Generation

by Aleksandra Łakomiak

Energies 2022, 15(19), 6918; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15196918 - 21 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1648

Abstract

In Poland, electricity production is based on nonrenewable energy sources. The energy market is dominated by corporations. Rising electricity prices and threats of power shortages have become, among others, prerequisites for the development of distributed sources based on renewable sources, primarily using photovoltaic [...] Read more.

In Poland, electricity production is based on nonrenewable energy sources. The energy market is dominated by corporations. Rising electricity prices and threats of power shortages have become, among others, prerequisites for the development of distributed sources based on renewable sources, primarily using photovoltaic panels. The development of the renewable energy market is slow due to the lack of legal solutions and insufficient state support. Polish farmers, especially fruit growers, whose electricity consumption costs are a significant item in production costs, may become part of the energy sector by building a local energy system. In 2022, Poland introduced two new legal regulations, which currently provide three options for obtaining electricity using renewable micro-installations. The conducted study aimed at indicating which of the legally permitted option is the most advantageous for fruit farms in Poland. Growers can produce energy by being a prosumer who settles accounts in the net-metering and net-billing system and by participating in an energy cooperative. The direction of changes was ascertained by conducting a pilot study among fruit growers. The study used real quantitative and valuable data on the consumption and costs of electricity in 2012–2022 and the production of photovoltaic panels in a fruit farm in 2021. The study consisted of comparing three models of settling accounts for electricity with two comparative models in two scenarios. The analysis of prosumers’ functioning showed that the situation in Poland is favorable for the development of civic energy. However, participation in an energy cooperative with new legal solutions will not always be the more advantageous solution in terms of economy and energy. In particular, the study showed that the support mechanism needs further changes. The results of the research confirm the existing potential of fruit farms, which can be developed in the area of securing energy needs. The results of this research can be used as the premise for introducing changes to the legal conditions for the establishment and operation of energy cooperatives in Poland. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technical, Economic and Managerial Aspects of the Energy Transition)

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18 pages, 6496 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The New Model of Energy Cluster Management and Functioning

by Maciej Sołtysik, Karolina Mucha-Kuś and Jacek Kamiński

Energies 2022, 15(18), 6748; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15186748 - 15 Sep 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2176

Abstract

This article was aimed to answer the question of whether local energy communities have a sufficient energy surplus for storage purposes, including hydrogen production. The article presents an innovative approach to current research and a discussion of the concepts of the collective prosumer [...] Read more.

This article was aimed to answer the question of whether local energy communities have a sufficient energy surplus for storage purposes, including hydrogen production. The article presents an innovative approach to current research and a discussion of the concepts of the collective prosumer and virtual prosumer that have been implemented in the legal order and further amended in the law. From this perspective, it was of utmost importance to analyze the model of functioning of an energy cluster consisting of energy consumers, energy producers, and hydrogen storage, whose goal is to maximize the obtained benefits, assuming the coopetitive nature of the relationship. The announced and clear perspective of the planned benefits will provide the cluster members a measurable basis for participation in such an energy community. However, the catalogue of benefits will be conditioned by the fulfillment of several requirements related to both the scale of covering energy demand from own sources and the need to store surplus energy. As part of the article, the results of analyses together with a functional model based on real data of the local energy community are presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technical, Economic and Managerial Aspects of the Energy Transition)

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14 pages, 1561 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Economic Viability of PV Power Plant Based on a Neural Network Model of Electricity Prices Forecast: A Case of a Developing Market

by Nikola Mišnić, Bojan Pejović, Jelena Jovović, Sunčica Rogić and Vladimir Đurišić

Energies 2022, 15(17), 6219; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15176219 - 26 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2692

Abstract

In this paper, a study was completed investigating the financial viability of a 5 MW solar power plant in Montenegro with direct access to the market, rather than a long-term power purchase agreement. The empirical research included an econometric analysis and forecast of [...] Read more.

In this paper, a study was completed investigating the financial viability of a 5 MW solar power plant in Montenegro with direct access to the market, rather than a long-term power purchase agreement. The empirical research included an econometric analysis and forecast of the prices on the exchange market, using two methods, autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and neural network auto regression (NNAR), which are compared to the forecast electricity prices. The former was used in order to obtain the electricity prices forecast, since it showed significantly better predictive performances. Consequently, the financial analysis results indicated this business strategy is a financially more viable option, even though it implies increased risks. All investigated metrics and sensitivity analysis pointed in favor of this option, which has significantly higher profitability with a shorter payback period, compared to the usual market strategy. The main conclusion and recommendation drawn from the analysis are that taking into account the entire environment and prospects for the following years, a riskier business strategy of entering the market directly, or a so-called structured PPA, is put forward to improve project returns and speed up energy-transformation processes in a developing country. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technical, Economic and Managerial Aspects of the Energy Transition)

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15 pages, 5150 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quantum Energy Storage in Dielectric<Ionic Liquid> Porous Clathrates

by Piotr Chabecki

Energies 2022, 15(16), 6069; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15166069 - 21 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1620

Abstract

The current work represents results for the encapsulation of 1-Allyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ionic liquid (IL) in the cavities of the SBA-15 mesoporous dielectric matrix for the first time to our knowledge. Obtained SBA-15<IL> clathrate is a structure with a nanodimensional phase of IL matrix-ordered [...] Read more.

The current work represents results for the encapsulation of 1-Allyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ionic liquid (IL) in the cavities of the SBA-15 mesoporous dielectric matrix for the first time to our knowledge. Obtained SBA-15<IL> clathrate is a structure with a nanodimensional phase of IL matrix-ordered and isolated by dielectric SiO₂. The character of frequency dependent impedance, loss tangent, and dielectric constant for obtained clathrate was investigated under normal conditions, under illumination, and in constant magnetic field. Current-voltage characterisation revealed the capacitive properties of the obtained nanohybrid structure and Cole-Cole diagrams confirmed the Jonscher mechanism of charge relaxation in it. The conditions of the synthesised SBA-15<IL> accumulating the electric energy at a quantum level were determined. The results presented in this work are unique and they prove that the synthesised substance is promising for application in quantum accumulators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technical, Economic and Managerial Aspects of the Energy Transition)

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21 pages, 3526 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tools for Network Smart City Management—The Case Study of Potential Possibility of Managing Energy and Associated Emissions in Metropolitan Areas

by Zbigniew J. Makieła, Grzegorz Kinelski, Jakub Stęchły, Mariusz Raczek, Krzysztof Wrana and Janusz Michałek

Energies 2022, 15(7), 2316; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15072316 - 22 Mar 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2286

Abstract

The article uses the case study of a polycentric metropolitan area as a starting point for a debate about the available tools for managing the network aspects of intelligent cities. We show that the construction of talents, the development of knowledge among officials [...] Read more.

The article uses the case study of a polycentric metropolitan area as a starting point for a debate about the available tools for managing the network aspects of intelligent cities. We show that the construction of talents, the development of knowledge among officials and inhabitants, and technological tools such as Hubgrade (which allows for heat delivery process control, supervision, inspection, and results in emission reduction) are prerequisites for the sustainable development of cities. It is critical to understand that technological solutions are insufficient to accomplish such a task. Relevant stakeholders need to consciously take advantage of technological tools and build and utilise 4T potential and the self-learning capabilities of the organisations. An inherent feature of an organisation, such as a city, is cooperation between the people who build it. The main challenges of cities includes the reduction of pollutants resulting from the use of transport, heat sources, or energy production. In many cities, an efficient manner of reducing carbon dioxide emissions is to limit the consumption of thermal energy. In order to simultaneously maintain thermal comfort, in this situation, it is necessary to use intelligent technologies. The paper includes research related to the knowledge and development of 4T potentials (technology, trust, talent, tolerance) and to networking expansion by introducing the automated Hubgrade system, used in Warsaw district heating, into a similar metropolitan area. Along with an increase in the significance of relations, information, and knowledge as a key organisational resource, cities, as organisations, have become an important element of contemporary communities and organisations. They have the possibility of a positive climate change. The possibility of cooperation and networking between people forming an organisation is its inherent feature, such as in the Hubgrade project. Conclusions and recommendations are drawn for the analysed case—linking 4T potentials and the Hubgrade system—with the potential for future generalisations and extrapolations. The authors performed a simulation of possible energy savings and the reduction of harmful emissions in Metropolis GZM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technical, Economic and Managerial Aspects of the Energy Transition)

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