Search Results (162)

Drip irrigation system performance is largely governed by emitter hydraulic characteristics. This study systematically compares the hydraulic performance of a novel cylindrical asteroid-shaped channel emitter against a conventional toothed labyrinth design. Standardized specimens were produced using precision molds and integrated into drip tapes at 300 mm spacing. To comprehensively analyze flow behavior, pressure–discharge relationships, flow indices, and internal flow fields, a combination of physical experiments and CFD simulations was employed. Experimental results showed that across 20–200 kPa, the cylindrical asteroid-shaped emitter delivered flow rates 24–28% higher than the labyrinth type while maintaining a lower flow index, demonstrating enhanced hydraulic stability. Flow field analysis at 100 kPa revealed that the divergent asteroid geometry generates more intense and sustained turbulent kinetic energy throughout the channel units, resulting in superior energy dissipation. The cylindrical asteroid-shaped unit achieved a pressure drop of 17.5 kPa, exceeding the 15.3 kPa observed in the labyrinth channel, with outlet velocities of 1.6 m/s versus 1.76 m/s. Additionally, the flow pattern promotes comprehensive wall scouring through large-scale vortices, indicating improved resistance to clogging. These findings validate the design superiority of the cylindrical asteroid-shaped emitter and offer a theoretical reference for developing high-uniformity, water-saving irrigation devices. Full article

Modern agriculture has to alleviate extremes in water demand and/or water waste. In this regard, this work showcases how soil moisture instruments can be combined with low-end microcontrollers, energy-efficient communication protocols, single-board computers, flow and pressure sensors, and purpose-built actuators to form a synergistic platform able to generate and study realistic irrigation scenarios. These scenarios, potentially emulating anomalies such as clogged emitters or pipe leaks with a satisfactory time granularity of a few minutes, provide valuable data that pave the way for the creation of intelligent models intercepting water misuse events and/or irrigation failures. The proposed system utilizes widely available, well-documented, low-cost components to form a functioning whole which is optimized for outdoor, low-power, low-maintenance and long-term operation and is accessible remotely via typical end-user devices. Two drip irrigation points were set up, each having a TEROS 12 and a TEROS 10 instrument placed at different depths, while a prototype water flow/pressure control and report system was developed. All modules sent data in real time, via LoRa, to a central node implemented using a Raspberry Pi for further processing and to make them widely available via common network infrastructures, also provisioning for remote scenario invocation. The system does not claim to achieve specific irrigation water savings, but it contributes to maintaining/increasing the benefits of modern irrigation practices (such as drip irrigation). This goal is served by emulating a wide variety of irrigation events and by gathering and studying the corresponding data. These multimodal data are collected at a frequency of a few minutes, reflecting key irrigation-specific parameters with an accuracy better than or equal to 3%. The exact steps for specific hardware and software component interoperation are clearly explained, allowing other teams of researchers and/or university educators worldwide to be inspired and benefit from platform replication. Full article

Hydrodynamic Energy-Saving Devices (ESDs) have become effective solutions to improve vessel operational efficiency in maritime applications. A novel toroidal boosted appendage which is installed behind the KP505 propeller, featuring an integrated self-driving turbine and closed-loop blade structure, is proposed to simultaneously enhance propulsion efficiency, rectify wake non-uniformity, and mitigate vortex-induced energy losses. High-fidelity Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations are conducted to evaluate the hydrodynamic performance of the device, aiming to minimize side effects such as the generated tip vortices and pressure pulses. Based on the STAR-CCM+ software, the Realizable $k-\epsilon$ turbulence model is adopted to simulate the flow fields of the propeller with and without the novel appendage. This paper focuses on investigating the influence of the new appendage on the propeller’s propulsion performance and conducts open-water performance prediction and wake field comparative analysis under different advance coefficients. The results show that the new appendage significantly improves the wake situation behind the propeller disk, changing from diffusion-flow to constriction-flow and achieving a uniform distribution of the wake field. The propulsion efficiency is increased by up to 7.453% at the design advance coefficient, and the novel toroidal boosted appendage is confirmed to have the potential to enhance the hydrodynamic performance of the propeller. Full article

This study introduced a new small-scale semi-mechanized planting method for Kappaphycus alvarezii (Doty) and compared its efficiency to traditional methods. A semi-mechanized sewing (S-MS) device was designed to speed up the planting process using affordable materials. To validate the S-MS model, three different cultivation systems (S-MS method, tie-tie, and tube-net systems) using two color morphotypes of K. alvarezii were implemented, each in triplicate. The experiment spanned 40 days. Water quality and technical indicators were monitored, and data on material consumption and productivity were analyzed. The exclusive S-MS mechanism was successfully completed. The S-MS significantly reduced rope usage by 4.3 times per each propagule sewn to the main cable and planting time (S-MS = 1 min 12 s per meter) compared to the traditional method (tie-tie = 1 min 48 s per meter). Final biomass varied among treatments (p < 0.05), with the S-MS method showing a higher final biomass (15.26 ± 0.88 kg) with olive green K. alvarezii. The average daily growth rates (6.38%) were higher for the S-MS method with olive green K. alvarezii. The S-MS technique offers cost and time savings for seaweed farmers, making it a viable alternative to traditional methods, showed comparable productivity to tie-tie but superior efficiency and resource economy. Full article

Climate change presents significant global challenges, with rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and degrading ecosystems threatening both human societies and the environment. The increasing intensity of these climatic effects demands innovative approaches to adaptation and mitigation. Hydrogels, three-dimensional networks of crosslinked polymers with water absorption and retention properties, have become viable multipurpose materials for climate solutions in response to these pressing issues. This review examines four primary applications of hydrogels as climate technologies: atmospheric water harvesting, passive cooling, soil health enhancement, and energy conservation. These materials address climate challenges through their unique properties including high water absorption capacity, stimuli-responsive behavior, and biocompatibility. By effectively capturing moisture, hydrogel-based devices provide sustainable freshwater production in areas with limited water resources. For thermal management, they offer passive cooling through evaporative processes, reducing energy consumption compared to conventional air conditioning systems. Superabsorbent hydrogels in agriculture help drought-resistant crop development in arid areas and improve soil water retention. Smart windows with thermochromic hydrogels allow for passive energy savings by dynamically modulating the sun’s light without the need for additional electricity. Through integrated deployment techniques, biodegradable formulations from sustainable sources handle various climate issues while ensuring environmental compatibility. Full article

The maritime industry faces increasing pressure to improve energy efficiency, a challenge that extends to the luxury yacht sector. This study presents a comprehensive hydrodynamic assessment for retrofitting a bespoke Energy Saving Device (ESD) onto a 45 m motor yacht. A full-scale self-propulsion Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model was developed and validated directly against dedicated sea trial data, ensuring high fidelity and bypassing traditional scaling uncertainties. The validated model was then utilized to design and optimize a custom pre-propeller duct system. A parametric study varying the duct’s angle of attack identified an optimal configuration of ${20}^{\circ }$, which achieves a definitive power saving of 4.7% at the vessel’s cruise speed of 12.3 knots. Analysis of the propulsive factors reveals that the gain is primarily driven by a substantial increase in the hull efficiency, ${\eta }_H$, achieved by conditioning the propeller inflow. This improvement successfully compensates for the corresponding decrease in the propeller’s open-water efficiency, ${\eta }_o$. This work demonstrates a successful end-to-end numerical workflow for designing and verifying an effective, retrofittable ESD, highlighting a practical solution for reducing fuel consumption in existing motor yachts. Full article

This study explores the potential connections between the digital economy and water conservation technologies in the context of China’s water resource consumption from 2008 to 2021. The research employs a state-of-the-art M-MQR technique, including the PCA index, and yields several significant findings. Empirical results reveal that digital technologies play a crucial role in reducing water consumption: Mobile technology decreases water use by −0.00001 to −0.00002 across quantiles, while internet access cuts consumption by −0.0000306 at lower quantiles and −0.0000167 at higher quantiles. The digital economy index shows an overall reduction in water consumption of −0.0537 at lower quantiles and −0.0292 at higher quantiles. Water conservation technologies, such as sprinkler irrigation, also contribute significantly, with reductions of −0.005 at the 10th quantile. Furthermore, water-saving investments show a positive effect on reducing water consumption, with reductions of −0.0105 at the 95th quantile. The study emphasizes that digitalization moderates the impact of water-saving technologies, reducing consumption by −0.0124 to −0.0118 at lower quantiles and −0.00812 to −0.00761 at middle quantiles. These results highlight the potential of digital infrastructure and water-saving investments to improve water use efficiency and address China’s water resource challenges. This study proposes that digital water supply and distribution system devices can help develop smart water infrastructure, reduce waste, and improve efficiency. Full article

Multifunctional coatings integrating high transparency, thermal insulation, and self-cleaning properties are critically needed for optical devices and energy-saving applications, yet simultaneously optimizing these functions remains challenging due to material and structural limitations. This study designed a superhydrophobic transparent thermal insulation coating via synergistic co-construction of micro–nano structures using antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) and SiO₂ nanoparticles dispersed in an epoxy resin matrix, with surface modification by perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane (PFDTES) and γ-glycidyl ether oxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH560). The optimal superhydrophobic transparent thermal insulating (SHTTI) coating, prepared with 0.6 g SiO₂ and 0.8 g ATO (SHTTI-0.6-0.8), achieved a water contact angle (WCA) of 162.4°, sliding angle (SA) of 3°, and visible light transmittance of 72% at 520 nm. Under simulated solar irradiation, it reduced interior temperature by 7.3 °C compared to blank glass. The SHTTI-0.6-0.8 coating demonstrated robust mechanical durability by maintaining superhydrophobicity through 40 abrasion cycles, 30 tape-peel tests, and sand impacts, combined with chemical stability, effective self-cleaning capability, and exceptional anti-icing performance that prolonged freezing time to 562 s versus 87 s for blank glass. This work provides a viable strategy for high-performance multifunctional coatings through rational component ratio optimization. Full article

This paper investigates the transient behavior of a drain water heat recovery (DWHR) device, which recovers heat from warm grey water in buildings. Experimental and numerical investigations were conducted to study the thermal performance of the device under transient conditions. Thermal performance measurements were carried out, and a mathematical model was developed that considered the thermal inertia of the hot and cold-water streams as well as the device’s material. The experimental data were used to validate the model, and good agreement was observed between the two. Under transient operating conditions, the device’s performance was measured in terms of its effectiveness, and an actual effectiveness model was used to capture the transient effect on the system’s overall performance. The experimental results show that during short hot water usage, the actual device effectiveness is significantly reduced as it does not reach a steady state condition. An economic analysis indicates that considering the device’s transient performance leads to a 27.2% reduction in annual energy savings in a typical domestic installation with regular daily usage of hot water appliances. The presented model and analysis offer valuable insights for the development of improved DWHR devices with the potential to contribute to sustainable engineering and building practices. Full article

As an innovative plant protection method in precision agriculture, electrostatic spray technology can increase the droplet coverage area by over 30% coMpared to conventional spraying. This technology not only achieves higher droplet deposition density and coverage but also enables water and pesticide savings while reducing environmental pollution. This study, combining theoretical analysis with experimental validation, reveals the critical role of electrode material selection in induction-based electrostatic spray systems. Theoretical analysis indicates that the Fermi level and work function of electrode materials fundamentally determine charge transfer efficiency, while corrosion resistance emerges as a key parameter affecting system durability. To elucidate the effects of different electrode materials on droplet charging, a coMparative study was conducted on nickel, copper, and brass electrodes in both pristine and moderately corroded states based on the corrosion classification standard, using a targeted mesh-based charge-to-mass measurement device. The results demonstrated that the nickel electrode achieved a peak charge-to-mass ratio of 1.92 mC/kg at 10 kV, which was 8.5% and 11.6% higher than copper (1.77 mC/kg) and brass (1.72 mC/kg), respectively. After corrosion, nickel exhibited the smallest reduction in the charge-to-mass ratio (19.2%), significantly outperforming copper (40.2%) and brass (21.6%). Droplet size analysis using a Malvern Panalytical Spraytec spray particle analyzer (measurement range: 0.1–2000 µm) further confirmed the atomization advantages of nickel electrodes. The volume median diameter (Dv50) of droplets produced by nickel was 4.2–8 μm and 6.8–12.3 um smaller than those from copper and brass electrodes, respectively. After corrosion, nickel showed a smaller increase in droplet size spectrum inhomogeneity (24.5%), which was lower than copper (30.4%) and brass (25.8%), indicating superior droplet uniformity. By establishing a multi-factor predictive model for spray droplet size after electrode corrosion, this study quantifies the correlation between electrode characteristics and spray performance metrics. It provides a theoretical basis for designing weather-resistant electrostatic spray systems suitable for agricultural pesticide application scenarios involving prolonged exposure to corrosive chemicals. This work offers significant technical support for sustainable crop protection strategies. Full article

The use of oil–water rings has become an emerging, effective, and energy-saving method of transporting heavy oil. Maintaining the shape of the oil–water ring and preventing rupture during the transport of heavy oil are of great scientific significance in oil–water annular flow transportation. To ensure the oil–water ring passes smoothly through the elbow without rupture, this article proposes an asymmetrical magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) propulsion method to utilize the significant difference between the conductivity of heavy oil and electrolyte solution to achieve an accelerating effect on the outer water ring. The magnetohydrodynamic device designed by this method can generate a magnetic field and provide Lorentzian magnetic force to achieve the asymmetric acceleration of the oil and water rings, to homogenize the water ring velocity on the inner and outer elbows, to push the deviated oil core back to the center of the pipeline, and to repair the rupture of the water film. The flow state of the oil–water ring in the bend pipe under the joint action of the electric field and magnetic field is simulated by a differential MHD thick oil simulation flow model, which confirms that the device can realize the repair of the oil–water ring flow at the bend pipe and ensure that the oil–water ring flow passes through the bend pipe stably. Meanwhile, the effects of coil current, electrode plate voltage, and the conductivity of electrolyte solution on the morphology and velocity of the oil–water ring in the elbow are investigated. In addition, the role of the device in maintaining the morphology under different gravitational conditions is investigated. These results provide a reference design for related devices and offer a new approach to heavy oil transportation. Full article

Background/Objectives: The aim of the present study is to report an outbreak of bloodstream infections caused by Serratia marcescens in patients undergoing postoperational procedures in the Cardiothoracic Department and to describe the epidemiological investigations and control measures undertaken. A cluster of bacteremia due to Serratia marcescens was identified in blood cultures from postoperative patients in the Cardiothoracic Surgery Department in November 2023. Methods: Active surveillance by the hospital’s prevention and control team was initiated. Interviews with nurses and sanitary personnel and reviews of the most common procedures, such as hand washing, bladder catheterization, and intravenous catheter care, were performed. Culturing samples from hospital personnel, postoperative patients, and the environment, including pressure transducers, tap water, soap, therapeutic solutions, antiseptics, respirators, and various intravenous preparations, were drawn up. Overall, 225 samples were collected, including 149 blood cultures, and these were all sent to the Hospital’s Microbiology Laboratory. Results: Twenty-three out of forty-seven postoperative patients had positive blood cultures for Serratia marcescens. All the postoperative patients involved in the outbreak received cefepime according to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Three pre-prepared flushing syringes were found to be positive for Serratia marcescens as well. The Cardiothoracic Department was kept under surveillance with hand hygiene measures, infusion preparation, medical device use, and cleaning procedures reviewed by the infection’s prevention and control team. Conclusions: Undoubtedly, nosocomial outbreaks represent an important health issue regarding morbidity, mortality, and costs. Timely interventions by the hospital’s infection prevention and control team may be life-saving under these circumstances. Full article

Due to climate change, providing the population with clean drinking water, increasing the productivity of agricultural products in terms of quality and quantity, and the timely supply of necessary water to crops has become one of the main problems in the world. The water shortage in the Republic of Uzbekistan is increasing year by year. With the increase in the population of the republic, the need for water and energy resources has increased significantly. The main goal of this scientific research is to use water and energy-saving technologies in fruit orchards growing in the mountain and foothill areas of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Republic of Karakalpakstan and the Bukhara, Kashkadarya, Namangan, Surkhandarya, and Khorezm regions), where water resources and electricity are scarce. The methodology used for the research is comprehensive in nature, using both analytical and experimental research methods. In evaluating and comparing the efficiency of the proposed technical solution, comparison with traditional methods and methods of absolute and comparative economic efficiency of capital investments are used. The obtained results showed drip irrigation of fruit orchards 8–10 times alongside pumping units with a capacity of N = 4.0 kW (8 PTBs of 500 W each) provided enough water for cultivation; the power utilization ratio increased by 30–40% compared to stationary systems; the water savings in fruit orchards compared to traditional irrigation was 67.4 percent (Republic of Karakalpakstan)—76.1 percent (Bukhara region) (for the whole republic—60–70 percent). The use of such combined devices based on drip irrigation systems, mobile solar energy installation and automation system saves significant amounts of water and energy resources and increases the reliability of irrigation. Full article

Legionella colonization of water systems represents a potential hazard for humans within healthcare facilities. It is possible to contain its spread through continuous disinfection systems and the correct management and maintenance of the systems. The hygienic and sanitary quality of the water cannot be ignored in an evaluation of the management and energy costs. The Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS in Rome has installed the “ME.SI. MR ACS” (MEthod of SavIngs Maximum eneRgy for hot water) device, which allows the system to activate, when necessary, avoiding continuous water recirculation. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the health and hygiene quality of the hospital water network and to evaluate the thermal and electrical energy savings and chlorine dioxide consumption, with and without this device in operation. This study involved three phases of microbiological sampling in the facility under study: ME.SI. MR ACS device installed but not running, with the boilers’ setpoint temperature at 60 °C; device running with the boilers’ setpoint temperature at 60 °C; and device in operation with the boilers’ setpoint temperature at 45 °C. The microbiological analyses were carried out in accordance with the ISO standard. The data show a constant absence of Legionella spp. in all samples. The application of ME.SI. MR ACS on the hot water recirculation circuit leads to a reduction in the daily consumption of electrical and thermal energy of 68.6% and 48.6%, respectively, for a savings of approximately EUR 23,000/year per circuit. Furthermore, with the device in operation, there is a 50% reduction in the chlorine dioxide consumption with a savings of EUR 11,500/year. ME.SI. MR ACS guarantees thermal and electrical energy savings associated with a reduction in chlorine dioxide consumption, maintaining the hygienic and sanitary quality of the water network. Full article

In order to save the large amount of energy consumption associated with traditional water-bath LNG vaporizer, this paper proposes a novel design for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) vaporizer by comprehensively applying the exothermic property of hydrogen storage metals and the high efficiency of solar energy storage devices. In this paper, the working theory of the proposed LNG vaporizer is first addressed; then, a system featuring a new LNG vaporizer with 1312 mm diameter and 4000 mm length is designed, and its feasibility is demonstrated through technical and economic analysis. After comparison, Mg₂Ni has higher economic benefits as a hydrogen storage metal than Mg. When Mg₂Ni is used as the hydrogen storage metal, the daily power consumption for vaporizing 1000 m³ of LNG at night during winter is just 89.78 kW·h, with an energy efficiency of about 50%. Combined with solar energy storage devices, for a northern city in China (about 40° N), the savings in electricity costs could be about $2200 per year. Full article