Search Results (14,776)

The increasing complexity of urban energy systems requires decentralized, sustainable, and scalable solutions. The paper presents a new multi-layered framework for smart energy management in microgrids by bringing together advanced forecasting, decentralized decision-making, evolutionary optimization and blockchain-based coordination. Unlike previous research addressing these components separately, the proposed architecture combines five interdependent layers that include forecasting, decision-making, optimization, sustainability modeling, and blockchain implementation. A key innovation is the use of Temporal Fusion Transformer (TFT) for interpretable multi-horizon forecasting of energy demand, renewable generation, and electric vehicle (EV) availability which outperforms conventional LSTM, GRU and RNN models. Another novelty is the hybridization of Genetic Algorithms (GA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), to simultaneously support discrete and continuous decision variables, allowing for dynamic pricing, efficient energy dispatching and adaptive EV scheduling. Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning (MARL) which is improved by sustainability shaping by including carbon intensity, renewable utilization ratio, peak to average load ratio and net present value in agent rewards. Finally, Ethereum-based smart contracts add another unique contribution by providing the implementation of transparent and tamper-proof peer-to-peer energy trading and automated sustainability incentives. The proposed framework strengthens resilient infrastructure through decentralized coordination and intelligent optimization while contributing to climate mitigation by reducing carbon intensity and enhancing renewable integration. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed framework achieves a 14.6% reduction in carbon intensity, a 12.3% increase in renewable utilization ratio, and a 9.7% improvement in peak-to-average load ratio compared with baseline models. The TFT-based forecasting model achieves RMSE = 0.041 kWh and MAE = 0.032 kWh, outperforming LSTM and GRU by 11% and 8%, respectively. Full article

The article presents an overview of knowledge in the field of energy microgrids as smart structures enabling energy self-sufficiency, with particular emphasis on decarbonisation. Based on a review of the literature and technical solutions, the characteristics have been classified and, emphasising the potential for integrating different technologies within microgrid structures, the role that microgrids and their users can play in the functioning of the energy system has been defined. Energy microgrids can be the pillar on which smart energy structures and smart grids, including energy systems using multiple energy carriers, will be based. Microgrids can guarantee energy self-sufficiency within their area of operation and support the entire energy system in this respect. Sensors that respond to both electrical and non-electrical quantities must play a special role in such structures, as they form the technical basis for the functioning of the smart energy sector. Full article

This study evaluated the inclusion of increasing levels of xylanase in reduced-energy diets for commercial laying hens. A total of 280 Lohmann LSL white laying hens were equally allocated one of five dietary treatments, with seven replicates of eight hens each being a positive control: a wheat and soybean meal-based diet (PC, ME 2725 kcal/kg), a negative control diet (NC, PC minus 100 kcal) and three diets with increasing xylanase levels of 50, 100 and 150 g/MT (NC + XM50, NC + XM100 and NC + XM150, respectively). The hens were monitored from 20 to 40 weeks of age to assess productive performance, egg quality and intestinal health, including histomorphometry, permeability and microbiota composition. Xylanase inclusion at 50 and 100 g/MT significantly improved egg production and egg mass, as well as shell strength and thickness, while maintaining feed intake and feed conversion efficiency, while xylanase inclusion at 150 g/MT decreased egg production and egg mass. Additionally, intestinal permeability was significantly reduced, and positive changes were observed in the gut microbiota. Higher doses of xylanase (100 and 150 g/MT) increased bacterial abundance and diversity, with a greater presence of beneficial phyla such as Bacteroidota, which play an important role in gut health. There was also a reduction in Actinobacteriota, indicating a lower presence of potential pathogens. Changes in Campylobacterota, Cyanobacteria and Proteobacteria were observed, especially with the highest xylanase dose. These findings suggest that xylanase can improve laying hen performance and promote intestinal integrity and microbial balance when included in energy-reduced diets, offering a promising strategy to enhance health and productivity in commercial egg production systems. Full article

The built environment contributes approximately 25% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions, positioning it as a critical sector in the national net-zero strategy. This review investigates the enabling role of the domestic smart metering infrastructure combined with other IoT systems in accelerating the decarbonisation of residential buildings. Drawing from experience gained from governmental and commercially funded R&D projects, the article demonstrates how smart metering data can be leveraged to assess building energy performance, underpin cost-effective carbon reduction solutions, and enable energy flexibility services for maintaining grid stability. Unlike controlled laboratory studies, this review article focuses on real-world applications where data from publicly available infrastructure is accessed and utilised, enhancing scalability and policy relevance. The integration of smart meter data with complementary IoT data—such as indoor temperature, weather conditions, and occupancy—substantially improves built environment digital energy analytics. This capability was previously unattainable due to the absence of a nationwide digital energy infrastructure. The insights presented in this work highlight the untapped potential of the UK’s multibillion-pound investment in smart metering, offering a scalable pathway for low-carbon innovation for the built environment, thus supporting the broader transition to a net-zero future. Full article

The ocean offers abundant wind and wave energy resources. This paper proposes an integrated concept that co-locates a semi-submersible floating wind platform with wave energy converters (WECs) to exploit the geographical consistency of these resources. By sharing the platform foundation and power transmission infrastructure, this integrated system enhances the utilization efficiency of marine space and renewable energy. Inspired by the principles of the Tuned Mass Damper (TMD) and leveraging mature hydraulic technologies from wave energy conversion and offshore drilling heave compensation systems, this study introduces a novel scheme. This scheme integrates a heave plate with a hydraulic Power Take-Off (PTO) system, functionally acting as a wave energy converter, to the floating platform. The primary objective is to mitigate the platform’s motion response while simultaneously generating electricity. The research investigates the motion performance improvement of this integrated platform under South China Sea conditions. The results demonstrate that the proposed WEC–PTO system not only improves the platform’s wave resistance and adaptability to deep-sea environments but also increases the overall efficiency of marine energy equipment deployment. Full article

The photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into energy-dense fuels using visible light provides a sustainable approach for solar-to-chemical energy transformation. Among the diverse metal molecular systems developed, ruthenium (II) (Ru(II)) complexes have emerged as promising catalysts due to their superior redox properties, strong visible light absorption, and customizable ligand structures. This review explores recent advances in Ru(II)-catalyzed CO₂ photoreduction, with particular attention given to catalyst design strategies, mechanistic pathways, and system integration methodologies. Key configurations, including photosensitizer/catalyst (PS/Cat) mixed systems, covalently bonded dyads, and hybrid/supramolecular frameworks, are evaluated in terms of efficiency, turnover numbers (TON), and selectivity. A critical analysis of challenges such as competing H₂ generation, inefficient charge transfer, and limited long-term stability is presented. Emerging trends toward the use of pincer ligands, transition metal integration, and self-photosensitizing frameworks are discussed as potential approaches for improving efficiency. Overall, this review offers insights into the structural and mechanistic features driving CO₂ photoreduction and provides perspectives for the rational design of next-generation Ru-based photocatalytic systems for efficient solar CO₂ conversion and the photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into energy-dense fuels using visible light. Full article

The growing need for sustainable energy practices necessitates technology-driven interventions that can effectively bridge the disparity between consumer intentions and actual behavior. This paper formulates and empirically substantiates an IoT-enabled digital nudge architecture designed to promote sustainable energy behavior. The architecture provides goal-setting, social comparison, feedback, and informational nudges across multiple digital channels, utilizing linked devices, data processing layers, and a rule-based nudge engine. An 815-responder survey was analyzed using structural equation modeling with partial least squares (SEM-PLS) to identify the drivers of sustainable energy behavior and explore technology readiness as a moderating factor. The results show that nudges utilizing the Internet of Things (IoT) significantly enhance the alignment between intention and behavior. Goal-setting and feedback mechanisms have the highest effects. The findings also demonstrate that being ready for new technology improves nudge response, highlighting the importance of user-centered system design. This paper presents a scalable infrastructure for integrating IoT into sustainability projects, as well as theoretical contributions to technology adoption and behavioral intervention research. The study enhances the dialogue on environmental technology by illustrating the implementation of digital nudges through IoT infrastructures to expedite progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Full article

In situ process monitoring systems (IPMSs) are rapidly gaining importance in quality assurance of laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) parts, yet standardized methods for their objective evaluation are lacking. This study introduces a novel, system-independent assessment method for IPMSs based on a specially designed Energy Step Cube (ESC) test specimen. The ESC enables systematic variation in volumetric energy density (VED) by adjusting laser scan speed, without disclosing complete process parameters. Two industrially relevant IPMSs—PrintRite3D by Divergent and Trumpf’s integrated system—were evaluated using the ESC approach with AlSi10Mg as the test material. System performance was assessed based on sensitivity to VED changes and correlation with actual porosity, determined by metallographic analysis. Results revealed significant differences in sensitivity and effective observation windows between the systems. PrintRite3D demonstrated higher sensitivity to small VED changes, while the Trumpf system showed a broader stable observation range. The study highlights the challenges in establishing relationships between IPMS signals and resulting part properties, currently restricting their standalone use for quality assurance. This work establishes a foundation for standardized IPMS evaluation in additive manufacturing, offering valuable insights for technology advancement and enabling objective comparisons between various IPMSs, thereby promoting innovation in this field. Full article

This paper investigates the integration of hydropower and solar energy within the Lower Olt River cascade as a pathway toward sustainable energy generation in Romania. The study focuses on the conceptual design of future hybrid power plants consisting of existing hydropower facilities where floating photovoltaic panels are proposed to be installed on the reservoir’s surfaces. An estimation of electricity production from both sources was performed, followed by the formulation of a trading strategy for the July–September 2025 period. The paper also explores the interaction between tactical and strategic management in hydropower operation and planning, describing how forecasting and decision-making processes are structured within the institutional framework. Finally, results for the selected hydropower plants demonstrate the positive influence of floating photovoltaic deployment on company performance, the national energy mix, and the overall sustainability of energy generation in Romania. Full article

Biocatalysis is fundamental to biological processes and sustainable chemical productions. Over time, the biocatalysis strategy has been widely researched. Initially, biomanufacturing and catalysis of high-value chemicals were carried out through direct immobilization and application of biocatalysts, including natural enzymes and living cells. With the evolution of green chemistry and environmental concern, hybrid photoelectro-biocatalysis (HPEB) platforms are seen as a new approach to enhance biocatalysis. This strategy greatly expands the domain of natural biocatalysis, especially for bio-based components. The selective valorization of renewable furan derivatives, such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and furfural, is central to advancing biomass-based chemical production. Biocatalysis offers high chemo-, regio-, and stereo-selectivity under mild conditions compared with traditional chemical catalysis, yet it is often constrained by the costly and inefficient regeneration of redox cofactors like NAD(P)H. Photoelectrocatalysis provides a sustainable means to supply reducing equivalents using solar or electrical energy. In recent years, hybrid systems that integrate biocatalysis with photoelectrocatalysis have emerged as a promising strategy to overcome this limitation. This review focuses on recent advances in such systems, where photoelectrochemical platforms enable in situ cofactor regeneration to drive enzymatic transformations of furan-based substrates. We critically analyze representative coupling strategies, materials and device configurations, and reaction engineering approaches. Finally, we outline future directions for developing efficient, robust, and industrially viable hybrid catalytic platforms for green biomass valorization. Full article

Floating offshore wind–wave hybrid systems, as a novel structural form integrating floating wind turbine foundations and WECs, can effectively enhance the efficiency of renewable energy utilization when properly designed. A numerical model is established to investigate the dynamic responses of a wind–wave hybrid system comprising a semi-submersible FOWT and PA wave energy converters. The optimal damping values of the PTO system for the wind–wave hybrid system are determined based on an NSGA-II. Subsequently, a comparative analysis of dynamic responses is carried out for the PTO system with different states: latching, fully released, and optimal damping. Under the same extreme irregular wave conditions, the pitch motion of the FOWT with optimal damping is reduced to 71% and 50% compared to the latching and fully released states, respectively. The maximum mooring line tension in the optimal damping state is similar to that in the fully released state, but nearly 40% lower than in the latching state. This optimal control strategy not only sustains power generation but also enhances structural stability and efficiency compared to traditional survival strategies, offering a promising approach for cost-effective offshore wind and wave energy utilization. Full article

The urgent global challenge of environmental sustainability has intensified interest in integrating Lean Management practices with environmental objectives, particularly within the automotive industry, a sector known for both innovation and high environmental impact. This study investigates the systemic relationships between 16 lean practices and three environmental performance metrics: energy consumption, CO₂ emissions, and waste generation. Using the Fuzzy Decision-Making Trial And Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) methodology, data were collected from seven lean experts in the Italian automotive industry to model the cause–effect dynamics among the selected practices. The analysis revealed that certain practices, such as Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), just-in-time (JIT), and one-piece-flow, consistently act as influential drivers across all environmental objectives. Conversely, practices like Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Total Quality Management (TQM) were identified as highly dependent, delivering full benefits only when preceded by foundational practices. The results suggest a strategic three-step implementation roadmap tailored to each environmental goal, providing decision-makers with actionable guidance for sustainable transformation. This study contributes to the literature by offering a structured perspective on lean and environmental sustainability in the context of the automotive sector in Italy. The research is supported by a data-driven method to prioritize practices based on their systemic influence and contextual effectiveness. Full article

Tire–road friction is a fundamental factor in vehicle safety, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability. This narrative review synthesizes current knowledge on the tire–road friction coefficient (TRFC), emphasizing its dynamic nature and the interplay of factors such as tire composition, tread design, road surface texture, temperature, load, and inflation pressure. Friction mechanisms, adhesion, and hysteresis are analyzed alongside their dependence on environmental and operational conditions. The study highlights the challenges posed by emerging mobility paradigms, including electric and autonomous vehicles, which demand specialized tires to manage higher loads, torque, and dynamic behaviors. The review identifies persistent research gaps, such as real-time TRFC estimation methods and the modeling of combined environmental effects. It explores tire–road interaction models and finite element approaches, while proposing future directions integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning for enhanced accuracy. The implications of the Euro 7 regulations, which limit tire wear particle emissions, are discussed, highlighting the need for sustainable tire materials and green manufacturing processes. By linking bibliometric trends, experimental findings, and technological innovations, this review underscores the importance of balancing grip, durability, and rolling resistance to meet safety, efficiency, and environmental goals. It concludes that optimizing friction coefficients is essential for advancing intelligent, sustainable, and regulation-compliant mobility systems, paving the way for safer and greener transportation solutions. Full article

The increasing global demand for clean energy highlights hydrogen as a strategic energy carrier due to its high energy density and carbon-free utilization. Currently, steam methane reforming (SMR) is the most widely applied method for hydrogen production; however, its high CO₂ emissions undermine the environmental benefits of hydrogen. Blue hydrogen production integrates carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies to overcome this drawback in the SMR process, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This study integrated a MATLAB-R2025b-based plug flow reactor (PFR) model for SMR kinetics with an Aspen HYSYS-based CCS system. The effects of reformer temperature (600–1000 °C) and steam-to-carbon (S/C) ratio (1–5) on hydrogen yield and CO₂ emission intensity were investigated. Results show that hydrogen production increases with temperature, reaching maximum conversion at 850–1000 °C, while the optimum performance is achieved at S/C ratios of 2.5–3.0, balancing high hydrogen yield and minimized methane slip. Conventional SMR generates 9–12 kgCO₂/kgH₂ emissions, whereas SMR + CCS reduces this to 2–3 kgCO₂/kgH₂, achieving more than 75% reduction. The findings demonstrate that SMR + CCS integration effectively mitigates emissions and provides a sustainable bridging technology for blue hydrogen production, supporting the transition toward low-carbon energy systems. Full article

In the context of global efforts toward energy conservation and emission reduction, accurate short-term electric load forecasting plays a crucial role in improving energy efficiency, enabling low-carbon dispatching, and supporting sustainable power system operations. To address the growing demand for accuracy and stability in this domain, this paper proposes a novel prediction model tailored for power systems. The proposed method combines Spearman correlation analysis with modal decomposition techniques to compress redundant features while preserving key information, resulting in more informative and cleaner input representations. In terms of model architecture, this study integrates Bidirectional Gated Recurrent Units (BiGRUs) with dilated convolution. This design improves the model’s capacity to capture long-range dependencies and complex relationships. For parameter optimization, an Improved Beluga Whale Optimization (IBWO) algorithm is introduced, incorporating dynamic population initialization, adaptive Lévy flight mechanisms, and refined convergence procedures to enhance search efficiency and robustness. Experiments on real-world datasets demonstrate that the proposed model achieves excellent forecasting performance (RMSE = 26.1706, MAE = 18.5462, R² = 0.9812), combining high predictive accuracy with strong generalization. These advancements contribute to more efficient energy scheduling and reduced environmental impact, making the model well-suited for intelligent and sustainable load forecasting applications in environmentally conscious power systems. Full article