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Keywords = industrial heat sources

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16 pages, 5284 KiB  
Article
Hydration, Soundness, and Strength of Low Carbon LC3 Mortar Using Waste Brick Powder as a Source of Calcined Clay
by Saugat Humagain, Gaurab Shrestha, Mini K. Madhavan and Prabir Kumar Sarker
Materials 2025, 18(15), 3697; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18153697 - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
The construction industry is responsible for 39% of global CO2 emissions related to energy use, with cement responsible for 5–8% of it. Limestone calcined clay cement (LC3), a ternary blended binder system, offers a low-carbon alternative by partially substituting clinker [...] Read more.
The construction industry is responsible for 39% of global CO2 emissions related to energy use, with cement responsible for 5–8% of it. Limestone calcined clay cement (LC3), a ternary blended binder system, offers a low-carbon alternative by partially substituting clinker with calcined clay and limestone. This study investigated the use of waste clay brick powder (WBP), a waste material, as a source of calcined clay in LC3 formulations, addressing both environmental concerns and SCM scarcity. Two LC3 mixtures containing 15% limestone, 5% gypsum, and either 15% or 30% WBP, corresponding to clinker contents of 65% (LC3-65) or 50% (LC3-50), were evaluated against general purpose (GP) cement mortar. Tests included setting time, flowability, soundness, compressive and flexural strengths, drying shrinkage, isothermal calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Isothermal calorimetry showed peak heat flow reductions of 26% and 49% for LC3-65 and LC3-50, respectively, indicating a slower reactivity of LC3. The initial and final setting times of the LC3 mixtures were 10–30 min and 30–60 min longer, respectively, due to the slower hydration kinetics caused by the reduced clinker content. Flowability increased in LC3-50, which is attributed to the lower clinker content and higher water availability. At 7 days, LC3-65 retained 98% of the control’s compressive strength, while LC3-50 showed a 47% reduction. At 28 days, the compressive strengths of mixtures LC3-65 and LC3-50 were 7% and 46% lower than the control, with flexural strength reductions being 8% and 40%, respectively. The porosity calculated from the SEM images was found to be 7%, 11%, and 15% in the control, LC3-65, and LC3-50, respectively. Thus, the reduction in strength is attributed to the slower reaction rate and increased porosity associated with the reduced clinker content in LC3 mixtures. However, the results indicate that the performance of LC3-65 was close to that of the control mix, supporting the viability of WBP as a low-carbon partial replacement of clinker in LC3. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Sustainable Low-Carbon Concrete—Second Edition)
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26 pages, 9475 KiB  
Article
Microalgae-Derived Vesicles: Natural Nanocarriers of Exogenous and Endogenous Proteins
by Luiza Garaeva, Eugene Tolstyko, Elena Putevich, Yury Kil, Anastasiia Spitsyna, Svetlana Emelianova, Anastasia Solianik, Eugeny Yastremsky, Yuri Garmay, Elena Komarova, Elena Varfolomeeva, Anton Ershov, Irina Sizova, Evgeny Pichkur, Ilya A. Vinnikov, Varvara Kvanchiani, Alina Kilasoniya Marfina, Andrey L. Konevega and Tatiana Shtam
Plants 2025, 14(15), 2354; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14152354 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 315
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), nanoscale membrane-enclosed particles, are natural carriers of proteins and nucleic acids. Microalgae are widely used as a source of bioactive substances in the food and cosmetic industries and definitely have a potential to be used as the producers of EVs [...] Read more.
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), nanoscale membrane-enclosed particles, are natural carriers of proteins and nucleic acids. Microalgae are widely used as a source of bioactive substances in the food and cosmetic industries and definitely have a potential to be used as the producers of EVs for biomedical applications. In this study, the extracellular vesicles isolated from the culture medium of two unicellular microalgae, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Chlamy-EVs) and Parachlorella kessleri (Chlore-EVs), were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), cryo-electronic microscopy (cryo-EM), and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). The biocompatibility with human cells in vitro (HEK-293T, DF-2 and A172) and biodistribution in mouse organs and tissues in vivo were tested for both microalgal EVs. An exogenous therapeutic protein, human heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), was successfully loaded to Chlamy- and Chlore-EVs, and its efficient delivery to human glioma and colon carcinoma cell lines has been confirmed. Additionally, in order to search for potential therapeutic biomolecules within the EVs, their proteomes have been characterized. A total of 105 proteins were identified for Chlamy-EVs and 33 for Chlore-EVs. The presence of superoxide dismutase and catalase in the Chlamy-EV constituents allows for considering them as antioxidant agents. The effective delivery of exogenous cargo to human cells and the possibility of the particle yield optimization by varying the microalgae growth conditions make them favorable producers of EVs for biotechnology and biomedical application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Cell Biology)
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20 pages, 28281 KiB  
Article
Infrared-Guided Thermal Cycles in FEM Simulation of Laser Welding of Thin Aluminium Alloy Sheets
by Pasquale Russo Spena, Manuela De Maddis, Valentino Razza, Luca Santoro, Husniddin Mamarayimov and Dario Basile
Metals 2025, 15(8), 830; https://doi.org/10.3390/met15080830 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 330
Abstract
Climate concerns are driving the automotive industry to adopt advanced manufacturing technologies that aim to improve energy efficiency and reduce vehicle weight. In this context, lightweight structural materials such as aluminium alloys have gained significant attention due to their favorable strength-to-weight ratio. Laser [...] Read more.
Climate concerns are driving the automotive industry to adopt advanced manufacturing technologies that aim to improve energy efficiency and reduce vehicle weight. In this context, lightweight structural materials such as aluminium alloys have gained significant attention due to their favorable strength-to-weight ratio. Laser welding plays a crucial role in assembling such materials, offering high flexibility and fast joining capabilities for thin aluminium sheets. However, welding these materials presents specific challenges, particularly in controlling heat input to minimize distortions and ensure consistent weld quality. As a result, numerical simulations based on the Finite Element Method (FEM) are essential for predicting weld-induced phenomena and optimizing process performance. This study investigates welding-induced distortions in laser butt welding of 1.5 mm-thick Al 6061 samples through FEM simulations performed in the SYSWELD 2024.0 environment. The methodology provided by the software is based on the Moving Heat Source (MHS) model, which simulates the physical movement of the heat source and typically requires extensive calibration through destructive metallographic testing. This transient approach enables the detailed prediction of thermal, metallurgical, and mechanical behavior, but it is computationally demanding. To improve efficiency, the Imposed Thermal Cycle (ITC) model is often used. In this technique, a thermal cycle, extracted from an MHS simulation or experimental data, is imposed on predefined subregions of the model, allowing only mechanical behavior to be simulated while reducing computation time. To avoid MHS-based calibration, this work proposes using thermal cycles acquired in-line during welding via infrared thermography as direct input for the ITC model. The method was validated experimentally and numerically, showing good agreement in the prediction of distortions and a significant reduction in workflow time. The distortion values from simulations differ from the real experiment by less than 0.3%. Our method exhibits a slight decrease in performance, resulting in an increase in estimation error of 0.03% compared to classic approaches, but more than 85% saving in computation time. The integration of real process data into the simulation enables a virtual representation of the process, supporting future developments toward Digital Twin applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Manufacturing Processes of Metallic Materials)
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13 pages, 5599 KiB  
Article
Full-Scale Experimental Study on the Combustion Characteristics of a Fuel Island in a High-Speed Railway Station
by Wenbin Wei, Jiaming Zhao, Cheng Zhang, Yanlong Li and Saiya Feng
Fire 2025, 8(8), 291; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire8080291 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 456
Abstract
This study aims to provide a reference for the fire protection design and fire emergency response strategies for fuel islands in high-speed railway stations and other transportation buildings. By using an industrial calorimeter, this paper analyzes the combustion characteristics of a fuel island. [...] Read more.
This study aims to provide a reference for the fire protection design and fire emergency response strategies for fuel islands in high-speed railway stations and other transportation buildings. By using an industrial calorimeter, this paper analyzes the combustion characteristics of a fuel island. For the fuel island setup in this test, the fuel island fire development cycle was relatively long, and the maximum fire source heat release rate reached 4615 kW. Before the fire source heat release rate reaches the maximum peak, the HRR curve slowly fluctuates and grows within the first 260 s after ignition. Within the time range of 260 s to 440 s, the fire growth rate resembled that of a t2 medium-speed fire, and within the time range of 400 s to 619 s, it more closely aligned with a t2 fast fire. It is generally suggested that the growth curve of t2 fast fire could be used for the numerical simulation of fuel island fires. The 1 h fire separation method adopted in this paper demonstrated a good fire barrier effect throughout the combustion process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fire Science and Fire Protection Engineering)
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24 pages, 3016 KiB  
Article
Industrial Off-Gas Fermentation for Acetic Acid Production: A Carbon Footprint Assessment in the Context of Energy Transition
by Marta Pacheco, Adrien Brac de la Perrière, Patrícia Moura and Carla Silva
C 2025, 11(3), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/c11030054 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 469
Abstract
Most industrial processes depend on heat, electricity, demineralized water, and chemical inputs, which themselves are produced through energy- and resource-intensive industrial activities. In this work, acetic acid (AA) production from syngas (CO, CO2, and H2) fermentation is explored and [...] Read more.
Most industrial processes depend on heat, electricity, demineralized water, and chemical inputs, which themselves are produced through energy- and resource-intensive industrial activities. In this work, acetic acid (AA) production from syngas (CO, CO2, and H2) fermentation is explored and compared against a thermochemical fossil benchmark and other thermochemical/biological processes across four main Key Performance Indicators (KPI)—electricity use, heat use, water consumption, and carbon footprint (CF)—for the years 2023 and 2050 in Portugal and France. CF was evaluated through transparent and public inventories for all the processes involved in chemical production and utilities. Spreadsheet-traceable matrices for hotspot identification were also developed. The fossil benchmark, with all the necessary cascade processes, was 0.64 kg CO2-eq/kg AA, 1.53 kWh/kg AA, 22.02 MJ/kg AA, and 1.62 L water/kg AA for the Portuguese 2023 energy mix, with a reduction of 162% of the CO2-eq in the 2050 energy transition context. The results demonstrated that industrial practices would benefit greatly from the transition from fossil to renewable energy and from more sustainable chemical sources. For carbon-intensive sectors like steel or cement, the acetogenic syngas fermentation appears as a scalable bridge technology, converting the flue gas waste stream into marketable products and accelerating the transition towards a circular economy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Carbon Cycle, Capture and Storage)
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21 pages, 18596 KiB  
Article
Thermal Accumulation Mechanisms of Deep Geothermal Reservoirs in the Moxi Area, Sichuan Basin, SW China: Evidence from Temperature Measurements and Structural Characteristics
by Wenbo Yang, Weiqi Luo, Simian Yang, Wei Zheng, Luquan Zhang, Fang Lai, Shuang Yang and Zhongquan Li
Energies 2025, 18(15), 3901; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18153901 - 22 Jul 2025
Viewed by 226
Abstract
The Moxi area in the Sichuan Basin hosts abundant deep geothermal resources, but their thermal regime and accumulation mechanisms remain poorly understood. Using 2D/3D seismic data, drilling records, and temperature measurements (DST), we analyze deep thermal fields, reservoir–caprock systems, and structural features. The [...] Read more.
The Moxi area in the Sichuan Basin hosts abundant deep geothermal resources, but their thermal regime and accumulation mechanisms remain poorly understood. Using 2D/3D seismic data, drilling records, and temperature measurements (DST), we analyze deep thermal fields, reservoir–caprock systems, and structural features. The following are our key findings: (1) Heat transfer is conduction-dominated, with thermal anomalies in Late Permian–Early Cambrian strata. Four mudstone/shale caprocks and three carbonate reservoirs occur, with the Longtan Formation as the key seal. Reservoir geothermal gradients (25.05–32.55 °C/km) exceed basin averages. (2) Transtensional strike-slip faults form E-W/NE/NW networks; most terminate at the Permian Longtan Formation, with few extending into the Lower Triassic while penetrating the Archean–Lower Proterozoic basement. (3) Structural highs positively correlate with higher geothermal gradients. (4) The deep geothermal reservoirs and thermal accumulation mechanisms in the Moxi area are jointly controlled by crustal thinning, basement uplift, and structural architecture. Mantle-derived heat converges at basement uplift cores, generating localized thermal anomalies. Fault networks connect these deep heat sources, facilitating upward fluid migration. Thick Longtan Formation shale seals these rising thermal fluids, causing anomalous heating in underlying strata and concentrated thermal accumulation in reservoirs—enhanced by thermal focusing effects from uplift structures. This study establishes a theoretical framework for target selection and industrial-scale geothermal exploitation in sedimentary basins, highlighting the potential for repurposing oil/gas infrastructure. Full article
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34 pages, 2504 KiB  
Review
Review of Challenges in Heat Exchanger Network Development for Electrified Industrial Energy Systems
by Stanislav Boldyryev, Oleksandr S. Ivashchuk, Goran Krajačić and Volodymyr M. Atamanyuk
Energies 2025, 18(14), 3685; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18143685 - 12 Jul 2025
Viewed by 358
Abstract
Shifting towards electrified industrial energy systems is pivotal for meeting global decarbonization objectives, especially since process heat is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the industrial sector. This review examines the changing role of heat exchanger networks (HENs) within electrified process [...] Read more.
Shifting towards electrified industrial energy systems is pivotal for meeting global decarbonization objectives, especially since process heat is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the industrial sector. This review examines the changing role of heat exchanger networks (HENs) within electrified process industries, where electricity-driven technologies, including electric heaters, steam boilers, heat pumps, mechanical vapour recompression, and organic Rankine cycles, are increasingly supplanting traditional fossil-fuel-based utilities. The analysis identifies key challenges associated with multi-utility integration, multi-pinch configurations, and low-grade heat utilisation that influence HEN design, retrofitting, and optimisation efforts. A comparative evaluation of various methodological frameworks, including mathematical programming, insights-based methods, and hybrid approaches, is presented, highlighting their relevance to the specific constraints and opportunities of electrified systems. Case studies from the chemicals, food processing, and cement sectors demonstrate the practicality and advantages of employing electrified heat exchanger networks (HENs), particularly in terms of energy efficiency, emissions reduction, and enhanced operational flexibility. The review concludes that effective strategies for the design of HENs are crucial in industrial electrification, facilitating increases in efficiency, reductions in emissions, and improvements in economic feasibility, especially when they are integrated with renewable energy sources and advanced control systems. Future initiatives must focus on harmonising technical advances with system-level resilience and economic sustainability considerations. Full article
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43 pages, 5558 KiB  
Review
A Comprehensive Review of Permeate Gap Membrane Distillation: Modelling, Experiments, Applications
by Eliza Rupakheti, Ravi Koirala, Sara Vahaji, Shruti Nirantar and Abhijit Date
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6294; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146294 - 9 Jul 2025
Viewed by 430
Abstract
Permeate Gap Membrane Distillation (PGMD) is an emerging desalination technology that offers a promising alternative for freshwater production, particularly in energy-efficient and sustainable applications. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of PGMD, covering its fundamental principles, heat and mass transfer mechanisms, and key [...] Read more.
Permeate Gap Membrane Distillation (PGMD) is an emerging desalination technology that offers a promising alternative for freshwater production, particularly in energy-efficient and sustainable applications. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of PGMD, covering its fundamental principles, heat and mass transfer mechanisms, and key challenges such as temperature and concentration polarization. Various optimisation strategies, including Response Surface Morphology (RSM), Differential Evolution techniques, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling, are explored to enhance PGMD performance. The study further discusses the latest advancements in system design, highlighting optimal configurations and the integration of PGMD with renewable energy sources. Factors influencing PGMD performance, such as operational parameters (flow rates, temperature, and feed concentration) and physical parameters (gap width, membrane properties, and cooling plate conductivity), are systematically analysed. Additionally, the techno-economic feasibility of PGMD for large-scale freshwater production is evaluated, with a focus on cost reduction strategies, energy efficiency, and hybrid system innovations. Finally, this review outlines the current limitations and future research directions for PGMD, emphasising novel system modifications, improved heat recovery techniques, and potential industrial applications. By consolidating recent advancements and identifying key challenges, this paper aims to guide future research and facilitate the broader adoption of PGMD in sustainable desalination and water purification processes. Full article
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18 pages, 2433 KiB  
Article
Thermodynamic Assessment of the Pyrometallurgical Recovery of a Pb-Ag Alloy from a Mixture of Ammonium Jarosite–Lead Paste Wastes
by Jose Enrique Sanchez Vite, Alejandro Cruz Ramírez, Manuel Eduardo Flores Favela, Ricardo Gerardo Sánchez Alvarado, José Antonio Romero Serrano, Margarita García Hernández, Teresita del Refugio Jiménez Romero and Juan Cancio Jiménez Lugos
Recycling 2025, 10(4), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/recycling10040136 - 8 Jul 2025
Viewed by 589
Abstract
A previously pyrometallurgical process, developed to obtain a Pb-Ag alloy and a slag rich in sulfur from the recycling of a mixture of industrial wastes of jarosite and lead paste, was thermodynamically assessed at 1200 °C. The industrial jarosite sourced from a Mexican [...] Read more.
A previously pyrometallurgical process, developed to obtain a Pb-Ag alloy and a slag rich in sulfur from the recycling of a mixture of industrial wastes of jarosite and lead paste, was thermodynamically assessed at 1200 °C. The industrial jarosite sourced from a Mexican zinc hydrometallurgical plant corresponded to an ammonium jarosite with a measurable silver content. The specific heat capacity (Cp) of the ammonium jarosite was obtained from TGA and DSC measurements, as well as the thermodynamic functions of enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy. The Cp was successfully modeled using polynomial regression, with a second-degree polynomial employed to describe the low-temperature behavior. The thermodynamic data generated were input into the thermodynamic software FactSage 8.2 for modeling of the lead paste–ammonium jarosite-Na2CO3-SiC system and represented by stability phase diagrams. The thermodynamic assessment of the pyrometallurgical process predicted compounds formed at high temperatures, showing that a Pb-Ag alloy and a slag rich in Na, S, and Fe (NaFeS2 and NaFeO2) were obtained. The compounds formed evidence of the effective sulfur retention in the slag, which is crucial for mitigating SO2 emissions during high-temperature treatments. The experimental compounds, after solidification, were determined by X-ray diffraction measurements to be Na2Fe(SO4)2 and Na2(SO4), which reasonably match the thermodynamic assessment. The heat capacity of the ammonium jarosite provides essential thermodynamic insights into the compositional complexities of industrial waste, which are particularly relevant for thermodynamic modeling and process optimization in pyrometallurgical systems aimed at metal recovery and residue valorization. Full article
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26 pages, 10819 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in Thermochemical Water Splitting for Hydrogen Production Using Mixed Ionic-Electronic Conducting Membrane Reactors
by Jingjun Li, Qing Yang, Jie Liu, Qiangchao Sun and Hongwei Cheng
Membranes 2025, 15(7), 203; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes15070203 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 878
Abstract
Under the accelerating global energy restructuring and the deepening carbon neutrality strategy, hydrogen energy has emerged with increasing strategic value as a zero-carbon secondary energy carrier. Water electrolysis technology based on renewable energy is regarded as an ideal pathway for large-scale green hydrogen [...] Read more.
Under the accelerating global energy restructuring and the deepening carbon neutrality strategy, hydrogen energy has emerged with increasing strategic value as a zero-carbon secondary energy carrier. Water electrolysis technology based on renewable energy is regarded as an ideal pathway for large-scale green hydrogen production. However, polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) conventional water electrolysis faces dual constraints in economic feasibility and scalability due to its high electrical energy consumption and reliance on noble metal catalysts. The mixed ionic-electronic conducting oxygen transport membrane (MIEC–OTM) reactor technology offers an innovative solution to this energy efficiency-cost paradox due to its thermo-electrochemical synergistic energy conversion mechanism and process integration. This not only overcomes the thermodynamic equilibrium limitations in traditional electrolysis but also reduces electrical energy demand by effectively coupling with medium- to high-temperature heat sources such as industrial waste heat and solar thermal energy. Therefore, this review, grounded in the physicochemical mechanisms of oxygen transport membrane reactors, systematically examines the influence of key factors, including membrane material design, catalytic interface optimization, and parameter synergy, on hydrogen production efficiency. Furthermore, it proposes a roadmap and breakthrough directions for industrial applications, focusing on enhancing intrinsic material stability, designing multi-field coupled reactors, and optimizing system energy efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Membrane Applications for Energy)
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12 pages, 675 KiB  
Article
The Energy Potential of White Mulberry Waste Biomass
by Dominika Sieracka, Jakub Frankowski, Agnieszka Łacka, Stanisław Wacławek and Wojciech Czekała
Energies 2025, 18(13), 3541; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18133541 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 345
Abstract
White mulberry (Morus alba L.) is a tree growing up to 15 m in height. It is a plant whose cultivation is historically associated with silk production. Mulberry leaves are the only food source of the mulberry silkworm caterpillars (Bombyx mori [...] Read more.
White mulberry (Morus alba L.) is a tree growing up to 15 m in height. It is a plant whose cultivation is historically associated with silk production. Mulberry leaves are the only food source of the mulberry silkworm caterpillars (Bombyx mori L.). The cultivation of this tree has recently gained renewed importance. Due to the content of numerous bioactive substances, mulberry is a valuable raw material for the food, pharmaceutical and herbal industries. This article presents the results of tests on pellets from 1-, 3- and 5-year-old branches, which are waste biomass remaining after pruning mulberry shrubs cultivated to obtain leaves to feed silkworms. Additionally, analyses of pellets from mulberry leaves were also carried out. For the specified mulberry biomass yield, analyses of chemical composition of mulberry biomass (branches and leaves) were carried out, and energy properties (heat of combustion and calorific value) and energy potential were calculated. The heat of combustion of pellet from mulberry branches was, on average, 19,266 MJ∙Mg−1, and the calorific value was 17,726 MJ∙Mg−1. The energy potential, on the other hand, was, on average, 159 GJ∙ha−1 and 44 MWh∙ha−1. The obtained results indicate the possibility of the effective use of mulberry branches after the annual pruning of bushes in plantations for energy purposes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section A4: Bio-Energy)
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20 pages, 6761 KiB  
Article
The Homology of Atmospheric Pollutants and Carbon Emissions in Industrial Parks: A Case Study in North China
by Zhitao Li, Tianxiang Chen, Fei Fang, Tianzhi Wang, Mingzhe Zhang and Fiallos Manuel
Processes 2025, 13(7), 2070; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13072070 - 30 Jun 2025
Viewed by 317
Abstract
Industrial parks are well-known as a critical intervention point for global carbon emission reductions due to the high carbon emissions emitted. Conducting carbon accounting research in these parks can provide more precise foundational data for carbon reduction initiatives, promoting low-carbon industrial park development. [...] Read more.
Industrial parks are well-known as a critical intervention point for global carbon emission reductions due to the high carbon emissions emitted. Conducting carbon accounting research in these parks can provide more precise foundational data for carbon reduction initiatives, promoting low-carbon industrial park development. However, industrial parks, positioned as non-independent accounting units between provincial and industry levels, face severe challenges due to ambiguous boundaries, complex accounting entities, and data selection difficulties that significantly impact the carbon accounting accuracy. This study employed the IPCC emission factor method for industrial parks, taking its management structure as the accounting boundary. Additionally, we constructed a carbon accounting method and representation system by considering the carbon emission flow path and integrating the correlation between pollutant and carbon emissions. By categorizing carbon emissions into five groups, this study obtained emissions from fuel combustion (E1), industrial processes (E2), purchased/sold electricity (E3), purchased/sold heat (E4), and carbon-sequestering products (E5). Between 2016 and 2021, the industrial park’s carbon emissions fell from 15.0783 to 6.7152 million tons, while the intensity dropped from 4.86 to 1.91 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) per CNY 10,000. The park achieved dual control targets for the total carbon emissions and intensity, with E2 being the main reduction source (70% of total). Meanwhile, total atmospheric pollutants decreased from 9466.19 to 1736.70 tons, with C25 and C26 industries contributing over 99%. In particular, C26 achieved significant reductions in nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2), aiding pollution mitigation. A strong positive correlation was found between pollutants and carbon emissions, especially in C26, SO2 (0.77), and NOx (0.89), suggesting NOx as a more suitable carbon emission indicator during chemical production. These findings offer a theoretical framework for using pollutant monitoring to characterize carbon emissions and support decision-making for sustainable industrial development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental and Green Processes)
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16 pages, 2460 KiB  
Article
Experimental Study on the Influence of Magnesium on the Separation of Carbon Dioxide from Gas Mixtures with Nitrogen by Combustion Processes
by Ioan Barabulica, Marius Sebastian Secula, Eugenia Teodora Iacob-Tudose and Ioan Mamaliga
Processes 2025, 13(7), 2054; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13072054 - 28 Jun 2025
Viewed by 301
Abstract
The goal of this paper consists in the experimental evaluation of the possibility to separate industrial gases using magnesium combustion in carbon dioxide–nitrogen mixtures of various concentrations. The choice was made primarily due to the chemical inertness of these two gases. The study [...] Read more.
The goal of this paper consists in the experimental evaluation of the possibility to separate industrial gases using magnesium combustion in carbon dioxide–nitrogen mixtures of various concentrations. The choice was made primarily due to the chemical inertness of these two gases. The study investigates how the Mg combustion changes the concentration of the initial gas mixture and the possibility to apply this process to separate this gas mixture. On the other hand, due to its greenhouse effect, CO2 separation is a process of high interest in itself. Mg reacts exothermically with CO2, so a potential use for this purpose will also benefit from a significant amount of recovered thermal energy. N2 has a particular importance due to its potential to be purified using Mg combustion, and this application might be an economical alternative to air distillation, which is widely used for N2 production at industrial scale. In practice, the CO2-N2 mixtures are commonly used as flue gases resulting from various combustion systems. Mg combustion residue is analyzed by means of energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. It is found that Mg can substantially reduce the concentration of CO2, even more than the stoichiometric reaction for the formation of MgO would suggest. The percentage decrease in CO2 concentration reaches values over 10 vol.%. A secondary yet notable effect is the heat generated by the Mg and CO2 reaction, which is currently being studied as an energy source alternative. Full article
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30 pages, 2104 KiB  
Article
Meeting 2030 Targets: Heat Pump Installation Scenarios in Italy
by Giovanni Murano, Francesca Caffari, Nicolandrea Calabrese and Marco Dall’Ombra
Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 5938; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17135938 - 27 Jun 2025
Viewed by 669
Abstract
The study examines the role of heat pumps (HPs) in achieving the targets set by the Italian National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) for 2030, using official data and European-recognized calculation methodologies to quantify the renewable energy produced. Starting from the current [...] Read more.
The study examines the role of heat pumps (HPs) in achieving the targets set by the Italian National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) for 2030, using official data and European-recognized calculation methodologies to quantify the renewable energy produced. Starting from the current stock analysis—21 million HPs installed in 2022, providing 39 GWth of thermal capacity—the research outlines potential growth scenarios based on installation trends from the past three years: Scenario A assumes 2.5 million HPs/year, (b) 2.2 million/year, and (c) 1.6 million/year. Only Scenario A, the most ambitious, achieves full compliance with 2030 targets by ensuring over 4723 ktoe of renewable energy produced. An additional Scenario D is analyzed, based on the lowest annual installed capacity observed in the past three years but with a modified technology mix emphasizing air-to-water (A/W) and ground-source water-to-water (W/W) HPs. This scenario still achieves the 2030 goals, reaching 66.04 GWth and 4859 ktoe of renewable energy. The results confirm that technology choices will be strategic to meet the targets. The study also highlights the importance of stable incentive policies, proper development of the industrial supply chain, and a plan for the technological upgrading of the existing systems stock. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Energy Performance of Buildings)
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35 pages, 2556 KiB  
Article
Technical Trends, Radical Innovation, and the Economics of Sustainable, Industrial-Scale Electric Heating for Energy Efficiency and Water Savings
by A. A. Vissa and J. A. Sekhar
Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 5916; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17135916 - 27 Jun 2025
Viewed by 889
Abstract
This article examines the energy efficiency and climate impact of various heating methods commonly employed across industrial sectors. Fossil fuel combustion heat sources, which are predominantly employed for industrial heating, contribute significantly to atmospheric pollution and associated asset losses. The electrification of industrial [...] Read more.
This article examines the energy efficiency and climate impact of various heating methods commonly employed across industrial sectors. Fossil fuel combustion heat sources, which are predominantly employed for industrial heating, contribute significantly to atmospheric pollution and associated asset losses. The electrification of industrial heating has the potential to substantially reduce the total energy consumed in industrial heating processes and significantly mitigate the rate of global warming. Advances in electrical heating technologies are driven by enhanced energy conversion, compactness, and precision control capabilities, ensuring attractive financial payback periods for clean, energy-efficient equipment. These advancements stem from the use of improved performance materials, process optimization, and waste heat utilization practices, particularly at high temperatures. The technical challenges associated with large-scale, heavy-duty electric process heating are addressed through the novel innovations discussed in this article. Electrification and the corresponding energy efficiency improvements reduce the water consumed for industrial steam requirements. The article reviews new technologies that replace conventional process gas heaters and pressure boilers with efficient electric process gas heaters and instant steam generators, operating in the high kilowatt and megawatt power ranges with very high-temperature capabilities. Financial payback calculations for energy-optimized processes are illustrated with examples encompassing a range of comparative energy costs across various temperatures. The economics and implications of waste heat utilization are also examined in this article. Additionally, the role of futuristic, radical technical innovations is evaluated as a sustainable pathway that can significantly lower energy consumption without compromising performance objectives. The potential for a new paradigm of self-organization in processes and final usage objectives is briefly explored for sustainable innovations in thermal engineering and materials development. The policy implications and early adoption of large-scale, energy-efficient thermal electrification are discussed in the context of temperature segmentation for industrial-scale processes and climate-driven asset losses. Policy shifts towards incentivizing energy efficiency at the manufacturing level of heater use are recommended as a pathway for deep decarbonization. Full article
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