Search Results (114)

The rising share of wind generation in power systems, driven by the need to decarbonise the energy sector, is changing the relationship between wind speed and electricity prices. In the case of Poland, this relationship has not been thoroughly investigated, particularly in the aftermath of the restrictive legal changes introduced in 2016, which halted numerous onshore wind investments. Studying this relationship remains necessary to understand the broader market effects of wind speed on electricity prices, especially considering evolving policies and growing interest in renewable energy integration. In this context, this paper analyses wind speed, wind generation, and other relevant datasets in relation to electricity prices using multiple statistical methods, including correlation analysis, regression modelling, and artificial neural networks. The results show that wind speed is a significant factor in setting electricity prices (with a correlation coefficient reaching up to −0.7). The findings indicate that not only is it important to include wind speed as an electricity price indicator, but it is also worth investing in wind generation, since higher wind output can be translated into lower electricity prices. This study contributes to a better understanding of how natural variability in renewable resources translates into electricity market outcomes under policy-constrained conditions. Its innovative aspect lies in combining statistical and machine learning techniques to quantify the influence of wind speed on electricity prices, using updated data from a period of regulatory stagnation. Full article

Ceramic tiles classified as non-biodegradable are made from fired clay, silica, and other natural materials for several construction applications. Waste ceramic tiles (WCTs) are produced from several sources, including manufacturing defects; surplus, broken, or damaged tiles resulting from handling; and construction and demolition debris. WCTs do not decompose easily, leading to long-term accumulation in landfills and occupying a significant amount of landfill space, which has substantial environmental impacts. Recycling WCTs offers several critical ecological benefits, including reducing landfill waste and pollution, conserving natural resources, lowering energy consumption, and supporting the circular economy, which in turn contributes to sustainable construction and waste management practices. In green concrete manufacturing, WCTs are widely utilized as replacements for cement, fine, and coarse aggregates, and the recycling level in the concrete industry is an increasingly explored practice aimed at promoting sustainability and reducing construction waste. From this view, this paper reports the innovative technologies, advancements in green concrete performance, and development trends in the reuse of WCTs in the production of systems. The effects of WCTs on fresh, engineering, microstructural, and durable properties, as well as their environmental performance, are reviewed. In conclusion, the use of technologies for recycling WCTs has demonstrated potential in promoting sustainability and supporting the transition toward a more environmentally friendly construction industry. This approach offers a practical contribution to sustainable development and represents significant progress in closing the recycling loop within the construction sector. Full article

This review paper addresses the design and testing of ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers, highlighting their critical functions in various industries, particularly foods, medicine, and research. ULT freezers operating at temperatures of −86 °C and lower have come a long way with improvements in freezing technology, for instance, from traditional vapor compression systems to new multi-stage refrigeration technologies. This progress has added operational reliability and energy efficiency, essential for preserving delicate samples and facilitating groundbreaking research. The article deeply explores the contribution of refrigerants to ULT freezer efficiency and sustainability. With the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), previously reliant on them, being prohibited due to environmental concerns, the sector opted for environmentally friendly substitutes like hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), natural refrigerants, and hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs). Regulatory compliance is ensured by rigid validation protocols to guarantee ULT freezers are safe and meet quality requirements without compromising the integrity of the stored material. In addition to their wide-ranging advantages, ULT freezers also have disadvantages, such as energy efficiency, incorporating automation, the integration of IoT and AI for proactive maintenance, and the development of environmentally sustainable refrigerants. Adequate management strategies, including regular employee training and advanced monitoring systems, are vital to counteract threats from temperature variations and reduce long-term diminished performance. Finally, subsequent innovations in ULT freezer technology will not only aid in research and medical initiatives but also support sustainable practices, ensuring their core role as beacons of innovation in preserving the quality of precious biological materials and increasing public health gains. Full article

This review comprehensively explores natural polymer-based materials, focusing on their characteristics, applications, and innovations across different sectors, including medicine, the environment, energy, textiles, and construction. With increasing concern about resource depletion and pollution, biomaterials offer a sustainable alternative to fossil-derived products. The review highlights polysaccharide-based and protein-based biomaterials, as well as others, such as polyisoprene, rosin, and hyaluronic acid. Emphasis is laid on their compositions and attractive characteristics, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, and functional versatility. Moreover, the review deeply discusses the ability of natural polymers to form hydrogels, aerogels, films, nanocomposites, etc., enhanced by additives for innovative applications. Future development trends of biomaterials in biomedicine, sustainable materials, environmental biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing are also explored. Their growing potential in these sectors is driven by research advances in emerging technologies such as 3D bioprinting, nanotechnology, and hybrid material innovation, which are proven to enhance the performance, functionality, and scalability of biopolymers. The review suggests several strategies, including improvement in processing techniques and material engineering to overcome limitations associated with biomaterials, thereby reinforcing their suitability and role in a circular and sustainable economy. Full article

Globally, there are now more than 19 billion connected Internet of Things (IoT) devices, which are fostering innovation across various sectors, including industry, healthcare, education, energy, and agriculture. With the rapid expansion of IoT devices, there is an increasing demand for sustainable, self-powered, eco-friendly solutions for next-generation IoT devices. Harvesting and converting radio frequency (RF) energy through rectennas is being explored as a potential solution for next-generation self-powered wireless devices. This paper presents a methodology for designing, optimizing, and fabricating a flexible rectenna for RF energy harvesting in the 5G lower mid-band and ISM 2.45 GHz band. The antenna element has a tree form based on a fractal structure, which provides a small size for the rectenna. Furthermore, to reduce the rectenna’s environmental impact, we fabricated the rectenna on a substrate from biodegradable materials—natural rubber filled with rice husk ash. The rectifier circuit was also designed and fabricated on the flexible substrate, facilitating the seamless integration of the rectenna in next-generation low-power IoT devices. The numerical analysis of the parameters and characteristics of rectenna elements, based on the finite-difference time-domain method, demonstrates a high degree of agreement with the experimental results. Full article

Agriculture and silviculture offer interesting opportunities for food, energy, and construction sectors, but to transform such raw materials into valuable products, multiple engineering works must be carried out within R&D, innovation projects, and programs. The classical official decision to promote or supervise such projects involves many agents and criteria but rarely considers engineering quality, reusability, or other valuable and measurable attributes considered in ISO 25.000 or in value engineering guidelines. Missing them would increase technological, business, and programmatic risks, potentially wasting public money or credibility. Large projects are not free from these risks, and it is not a kind of madness to derive R&D and innovation funds to enable access to such valuable knowledge comprehensively, with models. In this context, communications and services, construction, and renewables play a crucial role in smart rural environments. Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), combined with Natural Language Processing (NLP), are expected to help Knowledge Management (KM) in engineering and governance to supervise value engineering and their relationship with other metrics. Starting with a motivational and multidisciplinary framework for a smart rural transformation for System of Systems (SoS), the authors conduct specific bibliographic research on MBSE-NLP-AI use for automatizing systems engineering supervision at program governance levels. Full article

In 2022, the building sector accounted for 30% of global energy demand and 27% of CO₂ emissions, of which approximately 9% came from building material production. To mitigate this impact, it is critical to develop sustainable alternatives that reduce the environmental footprint of construction materials. This paper presents an original study where the effect of coconut fibre as a reinforcing material in gypsum composites is analysed. These plant-based fibres reduce the composite’s density, improve thermal behaviour, and integrate circular economy criteria in construction. In this way, a physico-mechanical characterisation of these novel gypsum-based composites is addressed, and their potential application for developing prefabricated slabs is innovatively explored. Composites were prepared with coconut fibre incorporation in volume up to 17.5%, and mechanical and thermal properties and their behaviour under water action were evaluated. The results indicate that the fibre addition reduced density by about 10.0%, improved flexural strength by 20.5% and compressive strength by 28.4%, and decreased thermal conductivity by 56.3%, which increased the energy efficiency of the building facade by 7.8%. In addition, hydrophobic properties improved, reducing capillary absorption by 15.9% and open porosity by 3.3%. These findings confirm the technical feasibility of coconut fibre-reinforced plaster for application in prefabricated wall and ceiling elements, promoting the efficient use of natural resources and driving the development of sustainable building materials. Full article

Climate change disrupts global food systems by affecting water, energy, ecosystems, and agricultural productivity. Building climate resilience demands integrated approaches that recognize interdependencies among water, energy, food, and environmental (WEF-E) systems. This review synthesizes current research on how the WEF-E nexus can guide climate adaptation strategies. It highlights interdisciplinary solutions—such as solar-powered irrigation, agrivoltaics, agroforestry, conservation agriculture, and nature-based water management—that enhance resource efficiency, stabilize yields, and reduce environmental degradation. Effective implementation requires governance innovation, stakeholder participation, and coherent cross-sector policies. The paper also outlines research priorities, including the development of resilience metrics, modeling tools, and inclusive decision-making mechanisms. Emphasizing both adaptation and mitigation, the WEF-E nexus offers a transformative lens for sustainable, equitable, and climate-resilient food systems. As climate pressures intensify, advancing this integrated framework presents both an urgent necessity and a strategic opportunity to align food security with environmental stewardship. Full article

Developing countries face a disproportionate degree of threat from climate change. As such, they require and receive significant financial support to address the menace. However, little is known about the potential externalities of this form of external liquidity for the business sector. This paper evaluates the impact of climate finance on the ease of doing business (EODB). On the one hand, climate finance might lead to an improved business environment as the funds facilitate infrastructure provision, technological innovation, and international collaboration for recipient countries. On the other hand, however, the business environment might be negatively impacted by complex new regulations, disruptive technological transitions, market distortions, and resource diversions. Countries receiving climate funds may also introduce new environmental and business regulations, implement new technologies, and divert resources to new programs to justify the receipt of aid or demonstrate a commitment to balancing economic development with environmental objectives. We theorize that given the expected disruptions to business, climate finance should negatively impact the EODB. We also argue that this negative impact will be more severe for resource-rich countries than for their resource-poor peers. Countries rich in natural resources might experience higher disruptions to business operations as they attempt to balance resource-dependent economic operations with environmental objectives mandated by climate finance. Utilizing panel data for 86 recipient countries for the 2002–2021 period, we test our hypotheses using the Generalized Methods of Moments (GMM) technique. The baseline results suggest that climate finance has a weak positive impact on the EODB. However, as argued, resource-dependence heterogeneity analysis reveals that climate finance significantly negatively disrupts the EODB in resource-rich countries. Furthermore, a sectoral comparative analysis shows that while climate finance has a significant positive impact on the growth of the service sector, it significantly slows the growth of the resource sector, affirming the argument that climate finance might attract higher disruptions to resource-dependent business operations. By implication, lowly diversified economies might realize more negative than positive effects of climate finance, and investors should consider providing support to ease the pains of transitioning from resource-intensive growth to clean energy-driven development strategies. Full article

This study aims to develop a process to calculate the carbon footprint of a company in the textile sector for the automotive industry, thus addressing a research gap identified in this sector. Based on a structured calculation model, the project aspires to innovate by quantifying not only the greenhouse gas emissions at different stages of the company’s operations, including those generated by the consumed electricity and gas, but also the emissions related to external and in-house transportation and solid waste management. The approach includes the design of a specific calculator, capable of integrating variables such as energy consumption, transport and types of waste, analysing them in the light of recognised conversion factors. This tool not only allows for a detailed assessment of emissions but also supports strategic decision-making, guiding the implementation of more sustainable business practices. The results indicate that, considering the use of renewable energy sources, the company’s total emissions amount to approximately 18 thousand tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. On the other hand, considering non-renewable energy, purchased electricity accounts for 31 thousand megawatt-hours per year, corresponding to 5 thousand tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, with the twisting area being the largest consumer at 89% of total usage, followed by the dipping area. In terms of mobile combustion, raw materials contribute 1373 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, while finished products generate 1869 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. Among the most impactful variables, solid waste, and stationary combustion stand out as the main contributors. These findings highlight the need for concrete measures to mitigate climate change, such as transitioning from stationary natural gas combustion to green electric power; identifying companies with more suitable waste treatment solutions, process changes that reduce disposable, and easily substitutable materials; making use of green electricity; exploring alternative transport methods or combining different modes, such as using electric vehicles for short distances; and optimizing transport routes. These initiatives reinforce the company’s commitment to sustainable development goals and the promotion of responsible environmental practices. Full article

The construction sector significantly impacts the environment, driving the development of sustainable materials like plant-based concretes. These materials offer low embodied energy, effective thermal insulation, and natural hygroscopicity. However, one of the major difficulties is that the diversity of formulations complicates the performance assessment. Furthermore, few studies model their insulating capacity based on composition. This research employs mean-field homogenization techniques (Mori–Tanaka and double inclusion schemes) to predict thermal conductivity, integrating formulation, aggregate orientation due to implementation methods, and morphological characteristics at several scales. The models analyze key factors—aggregate type, aspect ratio, and orientation—improving insulation beyond experimental limitations. A multi-criteria approach further explores binder and aggregate proportions, hygric and mechanical properties, and raw material availability. One of the major results is that a preferred orientation increases thermal efficiency by 60 percent, a difficult factor to assess experimentally today. This study enables the optimized thermal performance of plant-based concretes before production, fostering innovative manufacturing approaches for eco-friendly construction. Full article

The agricultural sector faces growing environmental and societal pressures to balance natural resource use with food security, particularly within the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems Nexus (WEFE). Increasing water demand, competition, and challenges like droughts and desertification are driving the need for innovative irrigation practices. Pressurized irrigation systems, such as sprinkler and micro-irrigation, are gaining prominence due to their automation, labor savings, and increased water application efficiency. To support farmers in designing and managing these systems, the R&D project AGIR developed a computational tool that simulates water application efficiency under site-specific conditions. The tool integrates key parameters, including system design, scheduling, soil properties, topography, meteorological data, and vegetation cover, providing a robust methodological framework with classification criteria for evaluating irrigation options. Validated using data from six case studies, the tool achieved simulated irrigation efficiencies of 73% to 90%, which are consistent with field observations. By simplifying complex irrigation requirement calculations, the model offers a user-friendly alternative while maintaining accuracy at the farm level. This innovative tool enables stakeholders to optimize irrigation systems, reduce water losses, and establish standardized recommendations for design, management, performance, and socio-economic considerations. It represents a significant step forward in supporting sustainable water management and advancing the goals of Agriculture 4.0. Full article

The textile industry ranks among the highest water-consuming sectors globally, with annual usage reaching billions of cubic meters. In manufacturing, wet processing, including dyeing, printing, and finishing, accounts for 72% of this water demand. These stages not only require vast water volumes but also produce wastewater containing hazardous chemicals, polluting ecosystems and reducing soil fertility. Furthermore, the energy-intensive nature of these processes, combined with a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. In response to these environmental challenges, innovative technologies have emerged, such as waterless dyeing using supercritical carbon dioxide, digital printing, ultrasonic-assisted processing, foam dyeing, laser-based denim finishing, and dope dyeing for man-made fibers. These methods drastically reduce water consumption, lower energy use, and minimize emissions while maintaining textile quality. However, the widespread adoption of these alternatives faces challenges, including high implementation costs, process scalability, and compatibility with existing infrastructure. This review critically explores current advancements in sustainable textile wet processing, analyzing their effectiveness, limitations, and industrial viability. By addressing these challenges, the textile industry can transition toward environmentally friendly and resource-efficient manufacturing processes. Full article

Rapid urbanization and environmental challenges necessitate innovative construction solutions in Egypt. This study presents a 6D Green Building Information Modeling (BIM) framework designed to enhance sustainability, reduce costs, and optimize construction processes. Integrating energy consumption, carbon footprint, and lifecycle performance metrics, the framework addresses critical gaps in Egypt’s construction sector, including limited technical expertise, high costs, and regulatory challenges. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining global case study analysis, 3D modeling using Autodesk Revit, energy simulations with Autodesk Insight, and project scheduling through Primavera P6. Expert interviews with industry professionals further refined and validated the framework, ensuring its practicality and adaptability to Egypt’s unique socio-economic context. Key findings highlight the framework’s ability to reduce project costs through accurate 3D models, improve scheduling efficiency with 4D and 5D simulations, and enhance sustainability with 6D analyses of energy, water, and photovoltaic systems. The framework not only supports Egypt Vision 2030’s sustainability goals but also provides a clear, step-by-step implementation process using widely adopted tools. This research contributes a comprehensive, scalable model for sustainable construction, offering practical solutions to industry stakeholders. Its adaptable nature makes it relevant for other developing countries facing similar challenges, positioning BIM as a transformative tool for achieving greener, more efficient construction practices. Full article

New power systems, predominantly based on renewable energy, necessitate active load-side management to effectively alleviate the pressures associated with balancing supply-side fluctuations and demand-side energy requirements. Concurrently, as power markets continue to evolve, both the energy market and ancillary services market offer valuable guidance for the optimal economic dispatch of industrial loads. Although substantial energy-saving potential exists within industrial production processes, their inherent complexity, dynamic nature, and mixed continuous–discrete modal characteristics present significant challenges in achieving accurate and efficient demand-side response. Conversely, the ongoing advancement of industrial internet techniques lays a robust technical foundation for the reliable, stable, and economically efficient operation of new power systems with large-scale industrial load response. This paper starts from the industrial load, discusses the resources and advantages and disadvantages of the industry itself, and carefully distinguishes the advantages and disadvantages of participating in the power market to make decisions. This paper provides a comprehensive review of intelligent optimization and regulation of industrial load flexibility in response to new power systems. Firstly, it synthesizes the three prevalent demand response strategies (load shedding, load shifting, and load substitution), along with their associated regulatory techniques, considering the operational characteristics of various industrial sectors. It then examines the trading strategies and modeling challenges of flexible industrial loads within two power market environments: the energy market and the ancillary services market. Subsequently, using the non-ferrous industry electrolytic process as a case study, it explores the optimization of production process parameters under energy usage planning. Finally, from the perspectives of market, technical innovation, and stakeholder engagement, it highlights the unresolved issues and provides insights into future research directions concerning the intelligent, digital, and market-driven integration of flexible industrial load flexibility. Full article