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Showing posts from August, 2025

Woody Biomass Utilization: Energy Optimization and Simulation

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Woody biomass is emerging as a vital resource in the transition toward clean and sustainable energy systems. Derived from forest residues, sawmill by-products, and dedicated energy plantations, it offers a renewable and carbon-neutral alternative to fossil fuels. However, its efficient utilization requires more than simple combustion—it calls for integrated processes, optimization strategies, and advanced simulations to maximize energy recovery while minimizing waste. One of the most promising approaches involves the  integrated utilization of woody biomass , where multiple processes—such as pyrolysis, gasification, combustion, and biochemical conversion—are combined to generate power, heat, and bio-based products. This integration not only enhances efficiency but also ensures that every fraction of the biomass is converted into useful energy or materials. For instance, while larger wood fractions can be used for direct heat and power generation, smaller residues may serve as feed...

Sustainable biomass processing: Optimizing energy efficiency through ash waste heat recovery for fuels dewatering

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Sustainable biomass processing has become an essential focus in the renewable energy sector, as the world seeks practical solutions to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Improving efficiency in biomass systems not only makes clean energy more competitive but also ensures that resources are used wisely. One promising approach is utilizing ash waste heat recovery to support the dewatering of fuels, turning what was once discarded energy into a valuable resource. During the combustion of biomass, ash is produced as a byproduct. While often overlooked, this ash contains a considerable amount of residual heat that usually goes to waste. By capturing and reusing this thermal energy, industries can enhance the processing of fuels such as biomass briquettes, pellets, and slurry. In particular, waste heat recovery helps reduce the high energy demand of fuel dewatering , making the overall process more sustainable and cost-effective. The integration of ash waste heat recovery offers multiple be...

Best Paper Award: Recognizing Knowledge that Inspires

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 The  Best Paper Award  is more than just a recognition—it is a celebration of ideas that shape the future of research, innovation, and knowledge-sharing. This prestigious honor highlights outstanding scholarly contributions that demonstrate originality, technical excellence, and relevance in addressing today’s global challenges. Every winning paper represents a journey of dedication, curiosity, and a commitment to advancing human understanding. By rewarding high-quality research, the award inspires not only the authors but also the wider academic and professional community to aim higher, think deeper, and innovate further. The Best Paper Award serves as a platform to spotlight research that goes beyond theory—work that drives impact, sparks conversation, and opens doors for new opportunities. It acknowledges scholars whose ideas resonate across disciplines,  empowering others to build upon a foundation of excellence. Ultimately, this award is a tribute to knowl...

Harnessing Algal Biomass for Renewable Energy and Biofuel Production: Current Strategies and Future Insights

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 Algal biomass is emerging as one of the most promising solutions for renewable energy and sustainable biofuel production. Unlike traditional feedstocks such as corn or sugarcane, algae offer exceptionally high productivity, rapid growth rates, and the ability to thrive in non-arable lands and wastewater. This makes them a powerful candidate for addressing global energy challenges while reducing competition with food crops. Currently, a range of strategies are being applied to harness algal biomass for biofuel. Microalgae are cultivated in open ponds and closed photobioreactors, where they convert sunlight and carbon dioxide into valuable lipids and carbohydrates. These lipids can be processed into biodiesel, while the carbohydrates can be fermented into bioethanol or biogas. Additionally, algal biomass can be converted into hydrogen through advanced biophotolysis and anaerobic digestion processes. Beyond fuels, the residual biomass is also rich in proteins and nutrients, making i...

Facilitating Climate Change Action Across Built Environment Life Stages

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The built environment is at the heart of the climate change challenge. Buildings and infrastructure consume vast resources, generate significant emissions, and directly impact how communities adapt to a changing climate. Professionals working across architecture, engineering, construction, and facility management emphasize that climate action must be embedded at every stage of the built environment lifecycle—design, construction, operation, and end-of-life. At the  design stage , architects and planners stress the importance of early integration of sustainability principles. Passive design, renewable energy integration, climate-resilient layouts, and eco-friendly material choices are not just add-ons—they define the long-term environmental footprint of projects. By making climate-conscious decisions at the outset, professionals can set the foundation for buildings that are both functional and future-ready. During construction and delivery , engineers and contractors see opportuni...

Circular Economy, Eco-Innovation, and Sustainable Production Systems

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The transition toward a sustainable future demands that industries rethink the way they produce and consume resources. Circular economy practices provide a powerful framework to achieve this by closing material loops, minimizing waste, and extending product lifecycles. Unlike the traditional linear “take-make-dispose” model, the circular economy emphasizes reuse, recycling, and regeneration, ensuring that production systems become more resilient and adaptable to global environmental and economic challenges. Eco-innovation plays a vital role in this transformation by fostering the development of new technologies, business models, and processes that reduce environmental impacts while improving competitiveness. By integrating eco-innovative solutions into production, companies can redesign their operations to be more resource-efficient, energy-conscious, and pollution-free. This not only enhances resilience against supply chain disruptions and resource scarcity but also contributes to l...

Cultivating Sustainability: Harnessing Open Innovation and Circular Economy Practices for Eco-Innovation in Agricultural SMEs

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Sustainability is becoming the foundation for growth and survival in today’s agricultural sector. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the need to balance productivity with environmental responsibility has never been greater. These businesses, often limited in resources compared to large corporations, are now seeking innovative ways to thrive while reducing their ecological footprint. Cultivating sustainability is not only about protecting the planet but also about ensuring long-term competitiveness and resilience. One of the most effective approaches lies in embracing open innovation. By collaborating with universities, startups, research centers, and even local communities, agricultural SMEs can access new technologies, creative ideas, and practical solutions without the high cost of developing everything in-house. This cooperative mindset allows them to adapt quickly to changes, adopt modern practices, and stay aligned with evolving consumer expectations for healthier an...

On the Real Energy Model of a Solar Thermal System in Buildings: Creation and Validation

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As the demand for energy-efficient and sustainable solutions in the building sector grows, solar thermal systems are gaining more attention as a reliable option for heating and hot water supply. However, to maximize their effectiveness, it is essential to develop accurate energy models that can represent real-world performance. This is where the creation and validation of a real energy model for solar thermal systems plays a crucial role. A real energy model goes beyond theoretical assumptions—it takes into account climatic conditions , building design, system components, and operational behavior. Such a model helps in predicting energy output, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, while also identifying potential system losses. By integrating real-world parameters, the model becomes a practical tool for engineers, researchers, and building planners. Validation is the next critical step. Comparing the model’s predictions with actual measured data ensures reliability. Through validatio...

Innovative PV-Thermal Storage System for Rural Households in Cold Regions

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Access to reliable energy in remote cold regions remains a major challenge. Rural households often depend on firewood, coal, or kerosene for heating and cooking, which not only contributes to deforestation and pollution but also affects health due to indoor smoke. With extreme weather conditions demanding continuous heating, there is an urgent need for clean, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions. An innovative answer lies in photovoltaic-based thermal energy storage (PV-TES) systems . These systems capture solar energy through photovoltaic panels and store excess electricity as heat in thermal storage units. The stored heat can then be used for space heating, hot water, and cooking during night-time or cloudy days, ensuring uninterrupted energy access. This dual use of solar energy—electricity plus heat—makes PV-TES particularly suitable for regions where heating demand is high. The benefits of this system extend beyond energy access. It reduces reliance on fossil fuels, cuts ...

Distributed Economic Model Predictive Control for the Joint Energy Dispatch of Wind Farms and Run-of-the-River Hydropower Plants

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In the transition towards sustainable power systems, integrating multiple renewable energy sources has become a key strategy for maximizing efficiency and reliability. Wind farms and run-of-the-river hydropower plants, when operated together, offer complementary benefits—wind power is variable and weather-dependent, while run-of-the-river hydropower provides steady, flexible output. However, coordinating their joint operation is complex, requiring advanced control strategies that can balance economic efficiency with system stability. This is where Distributed Economic Model Predictive Control (DEMPC) comes into play. Unlike traditional centralized approaches, DEMPC divides the overall optimization task into smaller, coordinated sub-problems. Each renewable plant makes local decisions based on its own constraints and forecasts, while also sharing critical information with other plants to achieve system-wide optimal performance. This distributed approach reduces computational burden, en...

Lifetime Achievement Award: Honoring Greatness Across Generations

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The Lifetime Achievement Award is one of the highest honors bestowed upon individuals who have made remarkable contributions throughout their careers. It recognizes not only professional excellence but also the enduring impact of dedication, vision, and leadership that extends across generations.  This prestigious award goes beyond celebrating personal success. It honors those who have inspired others, shaped their fields, and created a legacy that continues to influence society . Recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award serve as guiding lights, reminding us that true greatness lies in commitment, perseverance, and the ability to uplift others. By acknowledging lifelong contributions, the Lifetime Achievement Award becomes a symbol of respect and gratitude. It reflects the values of hard work , integrity, and passion that stand as an example for future generations to follow. World Green Energy Awards #sciencefather, #researchawards, #bestpaperaward,#bestresearcheraward, #go g...

Cobalt-Based Molecular Electrocatalyst-Mediated Green Hydrogen Generation: A Pathway to Decarbonizing the Steel Industry

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The steel industry is one of the largest contributors to global carbon emissions, primarily due to its reliance on coal in blast furnaces for reducing iron ore. To meet net-zero targets, there is an urgent need for cleaner alternatives that can replace carbon-intensive processes. One promising solution lies in green hydrogen, a sustainable fuel produced through water electrolysis using renewable energy sources. Recent advances in cobalt-based molecular electrocatalysts have opened new avenues for affordable and efficient green hydrogen production. Unlike precious metals such as platinum, cobalt is relatively abundant and cost-effective, making it a practical option for scaling up hydrogen technologies. These molecular catalysts enhance the electrochemical splitting of water, lowering energy requirements while maintaining high stability and catalytic activity. Integrating green hydrogen into steelmaking offers a revolutionary pathway for decarbonization. Instead of coal, hydrogen can...

Nonlinear Finite-Set Control of Clean Energy Systems with Nuclear Power Application

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The global energy transition is driving the need for advanced control strategies that can handle the complexities of clean energy systems. Among these,  nonlinear finite-set control  has emerged as a promising approach to improve performance, enhance reliability, and ensure stability in hybrid energy networks. Unlike conventional linear methods, this control technique effectively manages nonlinear dynamics, uncertainties, and rapid fluctuations in power systems, making it ideal for integrating diverse clean energy sources. Clean energy grids that combine solar, wind, hydro, and storage technologies often face challenges of intermittency and unstable outputs. Nonlinear finite-set control addresses these issues by optimizing switching operations in power converters, reducing energy losses, and improving system response. By enabling more precise regulation of load flow and grid synchronization, it ensures that renewable power becomes more predictable, efficient, and reliable. I...

Celebrating Minds That Shape the Future: The Best Researcher Award

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The Best Researcher Award is a prestigious honor that recognizes exceptional individuals whose research has significantly advanced knowledge and created a lasting impact in their field. This award is a celebration of intellectual brilliance, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of truth that drives innovation and societal progress. Each year, researchers from diverse disciplines are nominated based on the originality, depth, and impact of their work. The selection process is rigorous, ensuring that only the most outstanding contributions — those that challenge existing boundaries and offer fresh perspectives — are recognized. Recipients of the Best Researcher Award embody the spirit of curiosity, resilience, and creativity. Their research not only adds to academic knowledge but also addresses real-world challenges, paving the way for solutions that improve lives and shape the future. By honoring these extraordinary achievements, the award aims to inspire current and future gener...

Effects of sector coupling on the decarbonization potential of the manufacturing sector–an integration of the power, hydrogen, and manufacturing sectors

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The manufacturing sector is a key driver of global economies but also a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. While energy efficiency measures and renewable energy adoption have brought some progress, they often fall short of delivering deep decarbonization . Sector coupling—integrating the power, hydrogen, and manufacturing sectors—offers a more comprehensive solution. This approach enables renewable electricity to directly power industrial processes or produce green hydrogen, a versatile energy carrier that can replace fossil fuels in hard-to-electrify applications like steel, cement, and chemical production . By connecting these sectors, industries can maximize the use of clean energy while enhancing operational flexibility. Excess renewable power generated during low-demand periods can be converted into hydrogen and stored for later use, helping to balance the energy grid and ensure uninterrupted manufacturing operations. This not only reduces carbon emissions but also...

Decarbonization Pathways for the Pulp and Paper Industry: A Comprehensive Review

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The pulp and paper industry is a vital part of the global economy, but it is also among the most energy- and resource-intensive sectors, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. As climate change mitigation becomes an urgent priority, decarbonization strategies for this industry are gaining momentum. This comprehensive review explores technological, operational, and policy-driven pathways to achieve low-carbon operations. Key solutions include transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency in pulping and drying processes, adopting carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies, and integrating circular economy principles such as recycling and waste heat recovery. Innovative biorefinery approaches, where mills produce bio-based chemicals and fuels alongside paper, also offer significant emission reduction potential. Furthermore, digitalization and advanced process controls can optimize production, reduce waste, and minimize energy consumption. Poli...

Solar Thermal Hot Water Systems in Hospitals: Designing for Reliability Under Uncertainty

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Hospitals rely heavily on a consistent hot water supply for sterilization, cleaning, laundry, and patient care. A solar thermal hot water system offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution, but its performance can be influenced by weather variability, seasonal changes, and fluctuating demand. To ensure uninterrupted service, a robust design methodology is essential—one that factors in uncertainties right from the planning stage. By analyzing historical climate data, patient load variations, and system component performance, engineers can develop designs resilient to both short-term fluctuations and long-term changes. Key considerations include optimal collector sizing, efficient thermal storage, and hybrid backup integration to guarantee supply during cloudy or high-demand periods. Advanced simulation tools help predict real-world performance, enabling decision-makers to balance efficiency, reliability, and cost. In the healthcare sector, where service failure is not an option, a...

Experimental Study on the Effect of an Active Solar Heating Soil Heat Storage System on the Thermal Environment in Gobi Solar Greenhouses

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 Agriculture in the Gobi Desert faces extreme climate challenges, with scorching daytime heat, freezing nights, and limited water resources. To overcome these barriers, researchers have turned to innovative solutions such as Gobi solar greenhouses —structures designed to capture, store, and efficiently use solar energy for year-round cultivation. This experimental study investigates how integrating an active solar heating soil heat storage system can improve the thermal environment inside these greenhouses. In the research setup, solar air collectors harnessed energy during the day, transferring heat into an underground soil storage system via a network of pipes. This stored energy was gradually released at night, preventing sharp temperature drops that typically hinder plant growth in desert conditions. The results were striking—indoor air temperatures increased by up to 8°C at night, soil temperatures remained stable for root protection, and daytime overheating was reduced by ...

A Novel Prediction Model for the Solar Radiation Absorptivity and Reflectivity of Cooling Photovoltaic Panels with a Water Layer

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    The demand for efficient and sustainable solar energy  systems is driving researchers to explore innovative solutions that enhance the performance of photovoltaic (PV) panels. One of the most common challenges in PV technology is overheating, which significantly reduces the panels’ energy conversion efficiency. To tackle this problem, scientists have developed a  novel prediction model  to study how a thin  water layer  affects the  solar radiation absorptivity  and  reflectivity  of cooling PV panels. This approach is based on the principle that water can serve as a dual-purpose medium—cooling the panels to maintain optimal operating temperatures and modifying the way sunlight interacts with the surface. By combining optical physics with thermal analysis , the model accurately estimates how much solar energy is absorbed for power generation and how much is reflected away. Factors such as water layer thickness , solar incidenc...