Search Results (27)

In recent years, carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions have increased at the fastest rates ever recorded. This is a trend that contradicts global efforts to stabilise greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations and prevent long-term climate change. Over 90% of global transport relies on oil-based fuels. The continued use of diesel and petrol raises concerns related to oil costs, supply security, GHG emissions, and the release of air pollutants and volatile organic compounds. This study explored electric vehicle (EV) charging networks by assessing environmental impacts through GHG and petroleum savings, developing dynamic pricing strategies, and forecasting infrastructure needs. A substantial dataset of over 259,000 EV charging records from Palo Alto, California, was statistically analysed. Machine learning models were applied to generate insights that support sustainable and economically viable electric transport planning for policymakers, urban planners, and other stakeholders. Findings indicate that GHG and gasoline savings are directly proportional to energy consumed, with conversion rates of 0.42 kg CO₂ and 0.125 gallons per kilowatt-hour (kWh), respectively. Additionally, dynamic pricing strategies such as a 20% discount on underutilised days and a 15% surcharge during peak hours are proposed to optimise charging behaviour and improve station efficiency. Full article

The increased uptake of Electric Vehicles (EVs) requires the installation of charging stations in parking lots, both to facilitate charging while running daily errands and to support EV owners with no access to home charging. Photovoltaic (PV) generation is ideal for powering up EVs, both for environmental reasons and for the benefit it creates for Charging Point Operators (CPOs). In this paper, we propose a centralised V1G Smart Charging (SC) algorithm for EV parking lots, considering real EV charging dynamics, which minimises both the EV charging costs for their owners and the CPO electricity provision costs or the related CO₂ emissions. We also introduce an innovative SC benefit-splitting algorithm that makes sure SC savings are fairly split between EV owners. Eight scenarios are described, considering costs or emissions minimisation, with and without a PV system. The centralised algorithm is benchmarked against a decentralised one, and tested in an exemplary workplace parking lot in Denmark, that includes includes 12 charging stations and one PV system, owned by the same entity. Reductions of up to 11% in EV charging costs, 67% in electricity provision costs for the CPO, and 8% in CO₂ emissions are achieved by making smart use of a 35 kWp rooftop PV system. Additionally, the SC benefit-splitting algorithm successfully ensures that EV owners save money when adopting SC. Full article

Sustainable mobility in university environments presents both a challenge and an opportunity to reduce environmental impact and promote energy efficiency. This study assesses the feasibility of implementing electric buses in the internal transportation system of the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), considering environmental, economic, and operational aspects. The analysis demonstrates that transitioning to this model can lead to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, noise pollution mitigation, and optimization of operational costs throughout the vehicle’s life cycle. The study examines technical, structural, and financial factors, emphasizing the necessary infrastructure, academic community acceptance, and the economic viability of the project, as well as the strategic advantage of integrating the electric fleet with photovoltaic energy generation. The key highlights of this research include: (i) Sustainability and energy efficiency, emphasizing a reduction of up to 52.52% in CO₂ emissions when vehicles are powered by photovoltaic energy in an LCA context, alongside improvements in air quality and noise pollution mitigation. (ii) Economic feasibility analysis, comparing operational and maintenance costs between electric and conventional diesel buses, evaluating the financial viability and potential return on investment. (iii) Infrastructure and implementation challenges, addressing the need for charging stations, adaptation of UFPB’s infrastructure, and financing models, including government subsidies and strategic partnerships. (iv) Impact on the academic community, analyzing student and staff perceptions and acceptance of fleet electrification and the promotion of sustainable practices. (v) Future projections and replicability, exploring trends in the sustainable transportation sector, as well as the potential expansion of the electric fleet and its integration with energy storage systems. The results indicate that adopting electric buses at UFPB can position the institution as a benchmark in sustainable mobility, serving as a replicable model for other universities and contributing to carbon emission reduction and modernization of university transportation. Full article

Current environmental challenges demand immediate action, especially in the transport sector, which is one of the largest CO₂ emitters. Vehicle electrification is considered an essential strategy for emission mitigation and combating global warming. This study presents methodologies for the modeling and energy management of microgrids (MGs) designed as charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs). Algorithms were developed to estimate daily energy generation and charging events in the MG. These data feed an energy management algorithm aimed at minimizing the costs associated with energy trading operations, as well as the charging and discharging cycles of the battery energy storage system (BESS). The problem constraints ensure the safe operation of the system, availability of backup energy for off-grid conditions, preference for reduced tariffs, and optimized management of the BESS charge and discharge rates, considering battery wear. The grid-connected MG used in our case study consists of a wind turbine (WT), photovoltaic system (PVS), BESS, and an electric vehicle fast charging station (EVFCS). Located on a highway, the MG was designed to provide fast charging, extending the range of EVs and reducing drivers’ range anxiety. The results of this study demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed energy management approach, with the optimization algorithm efficiently managing energy flows within the MG while prioritizing lower operational costs. The inclusion of the battery wear model makes the optimizer more selective in terms of battery usage, operating it in cycles that minimize BESS wear and effectively prolong its lifespan. Full article

Air pollution is a vital concern for developing countries, and the growing concentration of air pollutants in Kabul—the most polluted city in Afghanistan—has raised concerns about the health of its citizens. This study examines Kabul’s ambient air quality from a socio-economic and environmental perspective, primarily focusing on some crucial parameters, such as the Air Quality Index (AQI), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), particulate matter (PM2.5), and carbon monoxide (CO). Using multiple regression analysis modeling in R and data from satellite imagery, air quality monitoring stations, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), this study demonstrates a strong relationship between air quality and urban green spaces, population growth, vehicle count, temperature, and electricity availability. Key results indicate that increasing urban green areas improves air quality, but that population growth and heat make air pollution worse. This study suggests that airborne pollutants could be reduced through efficient emissions management, green energy sources, and urban planning. These observations provide policymakers and urban planners with practical recommendations to enhance Kabul’s air quality and general public health. Full article

With the growing concern over climate change and energy security, the Government of India expedited enhancing the share of renewable energy (RE) derived from solar, wind and biomass sources within the energy blend. In this paper, a techno-economic and environmental analysis of a microgrid-integrated electric vehicle charging stations fueled by renewable energy is proposed for a typical area in the State of Karnataka, South India. The power transaction with the grid and the sell-back price to the national grid were investigated. Carbon emissions were also assessed, and 128,406 CO₂ kg/Yr can be saved in the grid-connected mode. Also, in this work, different scenarios such as injecting active power, reactive power, and active and reactive power, and injecting active and absorbing reactive power to the grid are comprehensively assessed. Out of four types, type 3 (inject real and reactive power) provides significant reduction in power losses by up to 80.99%. The synchrophasor-technology-based monitoring method is adopted in order to enhance the microgrid system’s overall performance. The execution times for different cases with distributed generators (DGs) and electric vehicle charging stations (EVCSs) for conventional systems and micro-phasor measurement units (µPMU) were observed to be 19.07 s and 5.64 s, respectively, which is well accepted in the case of online monitoring. Full article

This study develops a new method to evaluate the economic viability of co-generation electric vehicle stations that concurrently generate electricity and hydrogen for charging battery electric vehicles and refueling hydrogen vehicles. The approach uniquely differentiates the costs associated with various energy outputs in co-generation stations and includes often-overlooked peripheral devices critical for accurate evaluation of the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) and hydrogen (LCOH). The method was tested across three design configurations: two featuring single storage options (battery and fuel cell, respectively) and a third using hybrid storage employing both. Each configuration was modeled, simulated, and optimized using HOMER Pro 3.14.2 to determine the most optimal sizing solution. Then, based on the optimal sizing of each design, LCOE and LCOH were evaluated using the proposed method in this study. The analysis revealed that excluding often-overlooked peripheral devices could lead to a 27.7% error in LCOH evaluation, while the impact on LCOE was less than 1%. Among different configurations, the design with hybrid storage proved economically superior, achieving a total levelized cost of energy (TLCOE) for the entire system of USD 0.113/kWh, with the LCOE at USD 0.025/kWh and LCOH at USD 0.088/kWh (or USD 3.46/kg). Comparative analysis with state-of-the-art studies confirmed the accuracy of the proposed method. This study provides a more precise and holistic approach that can be leveraged for the feasibility analysis of electric vehicle stations globally, enhancing strategic decision-making in sustainable energy planning. Full article

In response to technological advances, environmental concerns, and the depletion of conventional energy sources, the world is increasingly focusing on renewable energy sources (RES) as a means of generating electricity in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. Türkiye, with its advantageous geographical location, long hours of sunshine, and favourable climatic conditions, has a high potential for the use of solar energy. The objective of this study was to identify an energy system that minimizes investment costs while optimizing the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and minimizing greenhouse-gas (GHG) and carbon dioxide emissions. To achieve this, the study used the concept of nanogrids (NGs) and carried out different evaluations for electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) at different energy levels connected to the grid. The research focused on classic apartment buildings and multistory condominium-style buildings in Istanbul, Türkiye. Using HOMER Grid 1.11.1 version software, the study identified two optimal configurations: a PV–GRID system with 7 kW photovoltaic capacity and a PV–WT–GRID system with 90 kW PV capacity and 6 kW wind-turbine capacity. These configurations had a significantly lower LCOE compared to the cost of electricity from the conventional grid. When examining the sensitivity to economic factors, it was observed that the net present cost (NPC) and LCOE values fluctuated with electricity prices, inflation rates, and equipment costs. In particular, the two optimal configurations did not include a battery energy-storage system (BESS) due to the low energy demand in the PV–GRID system and the efficiency of the wind turbines in the PV–WT–GRID system. This highlights the need to tailor energy solutions to specific consumption patterns and resource types. In conclusion, the adoption of PV–GRID and PV–WT–GRID systems in Istanbul’s urban buildings demonstrates economic viability and environmental benefits, highlighting the importance of renewable energy sources, particularly solar PV, in mitigating energy-related environmental challenges, such as reducing CO₂ emissions and reducing dependence on conventional grid electricity. Full article

The massive introduction of electric vehicles as a mobility alternative requires deploying an infrastructure of charging stations for electric cars (ICSEC). This new mobility concept will mitigate the environmental harm caused by the emission of CO2 generated by conventional internal combustion mobility methods. The sustainability of the ICSEC depends not only on the capacity to meet the demand for charging batteries for electric vehicles (EV) but also on an adequate number of public/private charging stations (CS) distributed in a geolocalized area. It is noted that the distribution of CS must respond to a set of real mobility constraints, such as vehicular flow capacity, road capacity, and trajectories. The planning, intelligent location of public charging stations (PCS), and contingency analysis will enable us to study the increase in demand for electrical distribution substations (EDS). Therefore, the present model explains the need to plan the massive introduction of EVs by observing the user’s conditions at the trajectory level through finite resource allocation processes, segmentation, and minimum spanning trees, by observing heterogeneous vehicular flow criteria through microscopic analysis, to understand the space–time relationship of vehicular flow in georeferenced scenarios. Consequently, the computational complexity of the model is of the combinatorial type, and it is defined as NP-Hard given the multiple variables and constraints within the transportation problem. Full article

The transport sector generates more than 35% of total CO₂ emissions. Electric vehicles are the future of transportation systems, and the demand for electric vehicles has grown considerably in the last few years due to government support. Companies worldwide are investing heavily in electric car charging stations based on renewable energy. This research study presents a complete design (including an appropriate energy management strategy) for a photovoltaic energy-based electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) with or without the support of a fuel cell and electrolyzer system. The parameters considered for designing the necessary capacity of the battery pack to support the required load are relative to the location-specific solar radiation (using RETScreen^® Clean Energy Management Software, Version 9.0, Government of Canada, Toronto, Canada), the efficiency of the solar panel, the used strategy, etc. The battery capacity in the EVCS design based on a power-following strategy is about 20 times smaller than that resulting in the reference design. Additionally, the cost for an EVCS design based on a power-following strategy is almost half that resulting in the reference design. An analysis of the power-following strategy was carried out according to three EVCS operating scenarios. Full article

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are widely used in electric vehicles (EV) and energy storage stations (ESS). However, combustion and explosion accidents during the thermal runaway (TR) process limit its further applications. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the uncontrolled TR exothermic reaction for safe battery system design. In this study, different LIBs are tested by lateral heating in a closed experimental chamber filled with nitrogen. Moreover, the relevant thermal characteristic parameters, gas composition, and deflagration limit during the battery TR process are calculated and compared. Results indicate that the TR behavior of NCM batteries is more severe than that of LFP batteries, and the TR reactions becomes more severe with the increase of energy density. Under the inert atmosphere of nitrogen, the primarily generated gases are H₂, CO, CO₂, and hydrocarbons. The TR gas deflagration limits and characteristic parameter calculations of different cathode materials are refined and summarized, guiding safe battery design and battery selection for power systems. Full article

In recent years, micro turbine technology has become a continuously reliable and viable distributed generation system. The application of distributed energy power generation sources, such as micro gas turbines (MGT), to charge electric vehicles offers numerous technical, economical benefits, and opportunities. MGT are considered as they are smaller than conventional heavy-duty gas turbines. They also are capable of accepting and operating with different fossil fuels in the range of low–high pressure levels as well as co-generation opportunities. The MGT could provide the fast and reliable output power guaranteed and needed for grid stability. This paper provides a mathematical representation, modelling, and simulation of a low-cost fast charging station based on a micro gas turbine and a super capacitor forming altogether a power generation system suitable for use especially as energy source in fast charging stations and dynamic power systems. All the micro gas turbine’s parameters are estimated according to available performance and operational data. The proposed system generates up to 30 kW output power assuming that it operates with natural gas. The developed model of the system is simulated in the environment of MATLAB/Simulink. Each part of the micro turbine generation system is represented by a mathematical model. On the basis of the developed model of the system, the minimum value of the supercapacitor was determined, which ensures the charging schedule of a selected electric vehicle. Full article

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more attractive for a variety of reasons. One of the major advantages of EVs is that they emit fewer polluted gases. Other factors that must be addressed include an increase in fuel prices and a decline in energy resources such as fossil fuels. These characteristics have a greater impact on Pakistan’s clean and green image. Electric vehicles are becoming an attractive option for reducing global fossil fuel usage, as well as CO₂ emissions, from road transportation. The electricity required to charge an EV’s battery is commonly sourced from the power grid. When EVs are charged by the electrical grid, there are significant power constraints in the system. To promote renewable energy consumption and reduce CO₂ emissions, specific solar system-based charging stations should be designed. Other benefits of renewable energy generation include increased grid flexibility and reduced grid congestion. Moreover, the State of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan, has a huge potential for solar energy. This article investigates the possibility of designing a solar photovoltaic-based EV charging station for security bikes located in the State of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. Before installing a PV charging station, the charging station’s feasibility must be studied. The proposed study also analyzes the power reliability, energy cost, and CO₂ emissions of a PV-powered charging station. The proposed system’s outcomes are compared to grid-based charging stations. In comparison to other existing approaches, there is a significant reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, including CO₂, CO, SO₂, and NOX. The proposed study anticipates the economic and environmental benefits of EV charging stations powered by renewable energy resources. Full article

The novelty of this study is to suggest a novel design for electric vehicle charging stations using fuel cell technology. The proposed system benefits from the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) to utilize the exhaust energy of the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) stacks in addition to the Lithium-Ion battery to improve the efficiency by partial-load operation of the stacks at night. The study is supported by the thermodynamic analysis to obtain the characteristics of the system in each state point. To analyze the operation of the system during the partial-load operation, the dynamic performance of the system was developed during the day. Furthermore, the environmental impacts of the system were evaluated considering eighteen parameters using a life-cycle assessment (LCA). LCA results also revealed the effects of different fuels and working fluids for the SOFC stacks and ORC, respectively. Results show that the combination of SOFC and ORC units can generate 264.02 kWh with the respective overall energy and exergy efficiencies of 48.96% and 48.51%. The suggested 264.02 kWh contributes to global warming (kg CO₂ eq) by 5.17 × 10⁵, 8.36 × 10⁴, 2.5 × 10⁵, 1.98 × 10⁵, and 6.79 × 10⁴ using methane, bio-methanol, natural gas, biogas, and hydrogen as the fuel of the SOFC stacks. Full article

Advanced small modular reactors (SMRs) have recently been developed in many designs; therefore, nuclear energy stands out as a promising alternative to sustainability and reliability in replacing fossil fuel energies in microgrids. SMRs have been shown as the best option due to the fact of their lower initial capital, greater scalability, and siting flexibility compared to large nuclear plants. Nowadays, there are several simulators able to reproduce all the safety and control mechanics of different nuclear reactors; however, there exists a lack of emulators able to put these functionalities into a real scenario to ensure the feasibility of the use of nuclear energy within energy systems, especially in nonconventional systems. This paper aims to mimic the central control system of SMRs by modeling the nuclear processes aiming to contribute to real-time simulations using SMRs integrated with renewable energy in microgrids that could be applied for different scenarios, such as cogeneration systems or fast-charging stations for electric vehicles, by considering the impact on dispatch and reliability. The simulation process of the proposed model was validated experimentally using the hardware-in-the-loop technique, which consisted of the modeling being integrated into the hardware and tested using real-time simulators. The proposed system, also denominated as SMR-in-the-Loop, was designed and adapted to be easily integrated with existing microgrid systems to represent the behavior of an SMR in nuclear-renewable hybrid energy systems, avoiding high investments and complexity in testing and implementing actual nuclear reactors. Full article