Search Results (2,040)

Inspired by the Toyota Mirai, this study presents a high-fidelity data-driven approach for modelling and simulation of a fuel cell hybrid electric powertrain. This study utilises technical assessment data sourced from Argonne National Laboratory’s publicly available report, faithfully modelling most of the vehicle subsystems as data-driven entities. The simulation framework is developed in the MATLAB/Simulink environment and is based on a power dynamics approach, capturing nonlinear interactions and performance intricacies between different powertrain elements. This study investigates subsystem synergies and performance boundaries under a combined driving cycle composed of the NEDC, WLTP Class 3 and US06 profiles, representing urban, extra-urban and aggressive highway conditions. To emulate the real-world load-following strategy, a state transition power management and allocation method is synthesised. The proposed method dynamically governs the power flow between the fuel cell stack and the traction battery across three operational states, allowing the battery to stay within its allocated bounds. This simulation framework offers a near-accurate and computationally efficient digital counterpart to a commercial hybrid powertrain, serving as a valuable tool for educational and research purposes. Full article

The maritime sector’s transition to sustainable energy is critical for achieving global carbon neutrality, with container terminals representing a key focus due to their high energy consumption and emissions. This study explores the potential of hydrogen energy as a decarbonization solution for port operations, using the Chuanshan Port Area of Ningbo Zhoushan Port (CPANZP) as a case study. Through a comprehensive analysis of hydrogen production, storage, refueling, and consumption technologies, we demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of integrating hydrogen systems into port infrastructure. Our findings highlight the successful deployment of a hybrid “wind-solar-hydrogen-storage” energy system at CPANZP, which achieves 49.67% renewable energy contribution and an annual reduction of 22,000 tons in carbon emissions. Key advancements include alkaline water electrolysis with 64.48% efficiency, multi-tier hydrogen storage systems, and fuel cell applications for vehicles and power generation. Despite these achievements, challenges such as high production costs, infrastructure scalability, and data integration gaps persist. The study underscores the importance of policy support, technological innovation, and international collaboration to overcome these barriers and accelerate the adoption of hydrogen energy in ports worldwide. This research provides actionable insights for port operators and policymakers aiming to balance operational efficiency with sustainability goals. Full article

The commercialization of proton-conducting fuel cells (PCFCs) is hindered by the limited electroactivity and durability of cathodes at intermediate temperatures ranging from 400 to 700 °C, a challenge exacerbated by an insufficient understanding of high-entropy perovskite (HEP) materials for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) optimization. This study introduces an yttrium-doped HEP to address these limitations. A comparative analysis of Ce_0.2−xY_xBa_0.2Sr_0.2La_0.2Ca_0.2CoO_3−δ (x = 0, 0.2; designated as CBSLCC and YBSLCC) revealed that yttrium doping enhanced the ORR activity, reduced the thermal expansion coefficient (19.9 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹, 30–900 °C), and improved the thermomechanical compatibility with the BaZr_0.1Ce_0.7Y_0.1Yb_0.1O_3−δ electrolytes. Electrochemical testing demonstrated a peak power density equal to 586 mW cm⁻² at 700 °C, with a polarization resistance equaling 0.3 Ω cm². Yttrium-induced lattice distortion promotes proton adsorption while suppressing detrimental Co spin-state transitions. These findings advance the development of durable, high-efficiency PCFC cathodes, offering immediate applications in clean energy systems, particularly for distributed power generation. Full article

This study utilises the Open Source Energy Modelling System (OSeMOSYS) in conjunction with the Climate, Land, Energy, and Water systems (CLEWs) framework to investigate Thailand’s energy transition, which is designed to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Two scenarios have been devised to evaluate the long-term trade-offs among energy, water, and land systems. Data were sourced from esteemed international organisations (e.g., the IEA, FAO, and OECD) and national agencies and organised into a tailored OSeMOSYS Starter Data Kit for Thailand, comprising a baseline and a carbon neutral trajectory. The baseline scenario, primarily reliant on fossil fuels, is projected to generate annual CO₂ emissions exceeding 400 million tons and water consumption surpassing 85 billion cubic meters by 2025. By the mid-century, the carbon neutral scenario will have approximately 40% lower water use and a 90% reduction in power sector emissions. Under the carbon neutral path, renewable energy takes the front stage; the share of renewable electricity goes from under 20% in the baseline scenario to almost 80% by 2050. This transition and large reforestation initiatives call for consistent investment in solar energy (solar energy expenditures exceeding 20 billion USD annually by 2025). Still, it provides notable co-benefits, including greater resource sustainability and better alignment with international climate targets. The results provide strategic insights aligned with Thailand’s National Energy Plan (NEP) and offer modelling evidence toward achieving international climate goals under COP29. Full article

Hydrazine, a highly toxic and reactive compound widely used as rocket fuel, poses significant environmental and health risks, particularly in long-term space missions. This study investigates the cometabolic capacity of Chlorella vulgaris and seven extremophilic Bacillus spp. strains—isolated from the arid Dead Sea region—to tolerate and degrade hydrazine at concentrations up to 25 ppm. The microalga C. vulgaris reduced hydrazine levels by 81% within 24 h at 20 ppm, while the Bacillus isolates achieved an average reduction of 45% over 120 h. Identified strains included B. licheniformis, B. cereus, and B. atrophaeus. Co-culture experiments demonstrated that C. vulgaris and B. cereus (isolate ISO-36) stably coexisted without antagonistic effects, suggesting a synergistic detoxification interaction. Flow cytometry revealed that most bacteria transitioned into spores under stress, highlighting a survival adaptation. Titanium, representing a biocompatible material common in aerospace hardware, did not inhibit microbial growth or hydrazine degradation. These findings underscore the potential of Dead Sea-derived microbial consortia for cometabolic hydrazine detoxification and support the feasibility of converting spacecraft components into functional photobioreactors. This approach offers dual-use benefits for space missions and industrial wastewater treatment. Future studies should investigate degradation pathways, stress resilience, and bioreactor scale-up. Full article

As an efficient and low-carbon renewable energy source, hydrogen plays a strategic role in the global energy transition, particularly in the transportation sector. However, the flammable and explosive nature of hydrogen makes leakage risks in enclosed environments a core challenge for the safe promotion of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Catalytic combustion sensors are ideal choices due to their high sensitivity and long lifespan. Nevertheless, they face technical bottlenecks under vehicle operational conditions, such as high-power consumption caused by elevated working temperatures, slow response rates, weak anti-interference capabilities, and catalyst poisoning. This paper systematically reviews the research status of catalytic combustion hydrogen sensors for vehicle applications, summarizes technical difficulties and development strategies from the perspectives of hydrogen-sensitive material design and integration processes, and provides theoretical references and technical guidance for the development of catalytic combustion hydrogen sensors suitable for vehicle use. Full article

Addressing the imperative for energy transition amid depleting fossil fuels, distributed generation (DG) is increasingly integrated into distribution networks (DNs). This integration necessitates low-carbon dispatching solutions that reconcile economic and environmental objectives. To bridge the gap between conventional “electricity perspective” optimization and emerging “carbon perspective” requirements, this research integrated Carbon Emission Flow (CEF) theory to analyze spatiotemporal carbon flow characteristics within DN. Recognizing the limitations of the single-objective approach in balancing multifaceted demands, a multi-objective optimization model was formulated. This model could capture the spatiotemporal dynamics of nodal carbon intensity for low-carbon dispatching while comprehensively incorporating diverse operational economic costs to achieve collaborative low-carbon and economic dispatch in DG-embedded DN. To efficiently solve this complex constrained model, a novel Q-learning enhanced Moth Flame Optimization (QMFO) algorithm was proposed. QMFO synergized the global search capability of the Moth Flame Optimization (MFO) algorithm with the adaptive decision-making of Q-learning, embedding an adaptive exploration strategy to significantly enhance solution efficiency and accuracy for multi-objective problems. Validated on a 16-node three-feeder system, the method co-optimizes switch configurations and DG outputs, achieving dual objectives of loss reduction and carbon emission mitigation while preserving radial topology feasibility. Full article

Rail transit as a high-energy consumption field urgently requires the adoption of clean energy innovations to reduce energy consumption and accelerate the transition to new energy applications. As an energy-saving fluid machinery, the ejector exhibits significant application potential and academic value within this field. This paper reviewed the recent advances, technical challenges, research hotspots, and future development directions of ejector applications in rail transit, aiming to address gaps in existing reviews. (1) In waste heat recovery, exhaust heat is utilized for propulsion in vehicle ejector refrigeration air conditioning systems, resulting in energy consumption being reduced by 12~17%. (2) In vehicle pneumatic pressure reduction systems, the throttle valve is replaced with an ejector, leading to an output power increase of more than 13% and providing support for zero-emission new energy vehicle applications. (3) In hydrogen supply systems, hydrogen recirculation efficiency exceeding 68.5% is achieved in fuel cells using multi-nozzle ejector technology. (4) Ejector-based active flow control enables precise ± 20 N dynamic pantograph lift adjustment at 300 km/h. However, current research still faces challenges including the tendency toward subcritical mode in fixed geometry ejectors under variable operating conditions, scarcity of application data for global warming potential refrigerants, insufficient stability of hydrogen recycling under wide power output ranges, and thermodynamic irreversibility causing turbulence loss. To address these issues, future efforts should focus on developing dynamic intelligent control technology based on machine learning, designing adjustable nozzles and other structural innovations, optimizing multi-system efficiency through hybrid architectures, and investigating global warming potential refrigerants. These strategies will facilitate the evolution of ejector technology toward greater intelligence and efficiency, thereby supporting the green transformation and energy conservation objectives of rail transit. Full article

The growing demand for low-emission maritime transport and efficient onboard energy management has intensified research into advanced control strategies for hybrid shipboard microgrids. These systems integrate both AC and DC power domains, incorporating renewable energy sources and battery storage to enhance fuel efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support operational flexibility. However, integrating renewable energy into shipboard microgrids introduces challenges, such as power fluctuations, varying line impedances, and disturbances caused by AC/DC load transitions, harmonics, and mismatches in demand and supply. These issues impact system stability and the seamless coordination of multiple distributed generators. To address these challenges, we proposed a hierarchical control strategy that supports sustainable operation by improving the voltage and frequency regulation under dynamic conditions, as demonstrated through both MATLAB/Simulink simulations and real-time hardware validation. Simulation results show that the proposed controller reduces the frequency deviation by up to 25.5% and power variation improved by 20.1% compared with conventional PI-based secondary control during load transition scenarios. Hardware implementation on the NVIDIA Jetson Nano confirms real-time feasibility, maintaining power and frequency tracking errors below 5% under dynamic loading. A comparative analysis of the classical PI and sliding mode control-based designs is conducted under various grid conditions, such as cold ironing mode of the shipboard microgrid, and load variations, considering both the AC and DC loads. The system stability and control law formulation are verified through simulations in MATLAB/SIMULINK and practical implementation. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed secondary control architecture enhances the system robustness and ensures sustainable operation, making it a viable solution for modern shipboard microgrids transitioning towards green energy. Full article

Nodular Cast Iron (NCI, also known as ductile iron) is widely used in important components such as crankshafts for automotive engines and internal combustion engines, as well as storage and transportation containers for spent fuel in nuclear power plants, due to its good comprehensive mechanical properties such as strength, toughness, and wear resistance. The effect of temperature on the fracture behavior of NCI was investigated using compact tensile (CT) specimens at different temperatures. The results showed that the conditional fracture toughness parameter (K_Q) of the NCI specimens firstly increased and then decreased with decreasing temperature. The crack tip opening displacement δ_m shows a significant ductile–brittle transition behavior with the decreasing of temperature. δ_m remains constant in the upper plateau region but sharply decreases in the ductile–brittle region (−60 °C to −100 °C) and stabilizes at a smaller value in the lower plateau region. Multiscale fractographic analysis indicated that the fracture mechanism changed from ductile fracture (above −60 °C) to ductile–brittle mixed (−60 °C to −100 °C) and then to completely brittle fracture (below −100 °C). As the temperature decreased, the fracture characteristics changed from ductile dimples to dimple and cleavage mixed and then to brittle cleavage. Full article

Carbon capture technologies are largely considered to play a crucial role in meeting the climate change and global warming target set by Net Zero Emission (NZE) 2050. These technologies can contribute to clean energy transitions and emissions reduction by decarbonizing the power sector and other CO₂ intensive industries such as iron and steel production, natural gas processing oil refining and cement production where there is no obvious alternative to carbon capture technologies. While the progress of carbon capture technologies has fallen behind expectations in the past, in recent years there has been substantial growth in this area, with over 700 projects at various stages of development. Moreover, there are around 45 commercial carbon capture facilities already in operation around the world in different industrial processes, fuel transformation and power generation. Carbon capture technologies including pre/post-combustion, oxyfuel and chemical looping combustion have been widely exploited in the recent years at different Technology Readiness level (TRL). Although, a large number of review studies are available addressing different carbon capture strategies, however, studies related to the commercial status of the carbon capture technologies are yet to be conducted. In this review article, we summarize the state-of-the-art of different carbon capture technologies applied to different emission sources, focusing on emission reduction, net-zero emission, and negative emission. We also highlight the commercial status of the different carbon capture technologies including economics, opportunities, and challenges. Full article

Gasification of municipal solid waste and other biogenic residues (e.g., biomass and biowaste) is increasingly recognized as a promising thermochemical pathway for converting non-recyclable fractions into valuable energy carriers, with applications in electricity generation, district heating, hydrogen production, and synthetic fuels. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of major gasification technologies, including fixed bed, fluidized bed, entrained flow, plasma, supercritical water, microwave-assisted, high-temperature steam, and rotary kiln systems. Key aspects such as feedstock compatibility, operating parameters, technology readiness level, and integration within circular economy frameworks are critically evaluated. A comparative assessment of incineration and pyrolysis highlights the environmental and energetic advantages of gasification. The valorization pathways for main product (syngas) and by-products (syngas, ash, tar, and biochar) are also explored, emphasizing their reuse in environmental, agricultural, and industrial applications. Despite progress, large-scale adoption in Europe is constrained by economic, legislative, and technical barriers. Future research should prioritize scaling emerging systems, optimizing by-product recovery, and improving integration with carbon capture and circular energy infrastructures. Supported by recent European policy frameworks, gasification is positioned to play a key role in sustainable waste-to-energy strategies, biomass valorization, and the transition to a low-emission economy. Full article

Recently, solar energy technologies are a cornerstone of the global effort to transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy systems. However, in many rural areas of developing countries, unreliable electricity severely impacts healthcare delivery, resulting in reduced medical efficiency and increased risks to patient safety. This review explores the transformative potential of solar energy as a sustainable solution for powering healthcare facilities, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and improving health outcomes. Consequently, energy harvesting is a vital renewable energy source that captures abundant solar and thermal energy, which can sustain medical centers by ensuring the continuous operation of life-saving equipment, lighting, vaccine refrigeration, sanitation, and waste management. Beyond healthcare, it reduces greenhouse gas emissions, lowers operational costs, and enhances community resilience. To address this issue, the paper reviews critical solar energy technologies, energy storage systems, challenges of energy access, and successful solar energy implementations in rural healthcare systems, providing strategic recommendations to overcome adoption challenges. To fulfill the aims of this study, a focused literature review was conducted, covering publications from 2005 to 2025 in the Scopus, ScienceDirect, MDPI, and Google Scholar databases. With targeted investments, policy support, and community engagement, solar energy can significantly improve healthcare access in underserved regions and contribute to sustainable development. Full article

This study investigates the short- and long-run drivers of natural gas consumption in the European Union using an ARDL bounds testing approach. The analysis incorporates GDP per capita, liquid fuel use, and solid fuel use as explanatory variables. Augmented Dickey–Fuller tests confirm mixed integration orders, allowing valid ARDL estimation. The results reveal a statistically significant long-run relationship (cointegration) between gas consumption and the energy–economic system. In the short run, the use of liquid fuel exerts a strong positive influence on gas demand, while the effects of GDP materialise only after a two-year lag. Solid fuels show a delayed substitutive impact, reflecting the ongoing transition from coal. An error correction model confirms rapid convergence to equilibrium, with 77% of deviations corrected within one period. Recursive residual and CUSUM tests indicate structural stability over time. These findings highlight the responsiveness of EU gas demand to both economic and policy signals, offering valuable insights for energy modelling and strategic planning under the European Green Deal. Full article

The increasing complexity of urban structures has significantly elevated the risk and severity of façade fires in high-rise buildings. Unlike traditional models assuming continuous fuel beds, real-world fire scenarios often involve discrete combustible materials arranged in discrete fuel matrices. This study presents a systematic investigation into the influence of lateral spacing on vertical flame propagation behavior. Laboratory-scale experiments were conducted using vertically oriented polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) fuel arrays under nine different spacing configurations. Results reveal that lateral spacing plays a critical role in determining flame spread paths and intensities. Specifically, with a vertical spacing fixed at 8 cm, a lateral spacing of 10 mm resulted in rapid flame growth, reaching a peak flame height of approximately 96.5 cm within 450 s after ignition. In contrast, increasing the lateral spacing to 15 mm significantly slowed flame development, achieving a peak flame height of just under 90 cm at approximately 600 s. This notable transition in flame dynamics is closely associated with the critical thermal boundary layer thickness (~11.5 mm). Additionally, at 10 mm spacing, a chimney-like effect was observed, enhancing upward air entrainment and resulting in intensified combustion. These findings reveal the coupled influence of geometric configuration and heat transfer mechanisms on façade flame propagation. The insights gained provide guidance for cladding system design, suggesting that increasing lateral separation between combustible elements may be an effective strategy to limit flame spread and enhance fire safety performance in buildings. Full article