Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) represent a promising bio-electrochemical technology with the potential for sustainable energy generation and environmental remediation. These systems exploit the metabolic processes of microorganisms to directly convert organic substrates into electrical energy, providing an environmentally benign alternative to traditional energy sources. The operation of MFCs relies on intricate biological and electrochemical interactions, where microorganisms transfer electrons to electrodes, generating an electric current. MFCs can be classified based on their configuration, electron transfer mechanisms, and operational conditions, each offering distinct advantages and limitations in different contexts. Recent developments in MFC technology have focused on improving power density, stability, and scalability. Innovations in electrode materials, biocatalysts, and reactor design have enhanced energy output, making MFCs more viable for real-world applications. Notably, MFCs show promise in wastewater treatment, as they can simultaneously degrade organic pollutants and generate electricity, thus offering a dual-function solution that contributes to both sustainable energy production and environmental cleanup. Despite these advances, several challenges persist, including the high cost of materials, limited power output, and the need for better integration into existing infrastructure. These issues hinder the widespread adoption of MFCs. Future research must focus on the development of cost-effective materials, the optimization of reactor design, and scaling the technology to achieve commercial feasibility. With continued innovation and refinement, MFCs hold the potential to play a transformative role in renewable energy systems and integrated waste management strategies, contributing to the broader goals of sustainable development.
The Weibull distribution (WD) is widely recognized as an effective statistical tool for characterizing wind speed (WS) variability. This study investigates the applicability of the WD to analyze WS data from a selection of African stations, with data spanning from 2000 to 2023, obtained from the Power Data archive in comma- separated values (CSV) format. The analysis aimed to assess the distribution's ability to represent the variations in WS across different regions in Africa. The results reveal significant spatial variability in the Weibull parameters across the selected stations. wind direction patterns were analyzed, with the highest frequency recorded from the east-north-east (ENE) direction, reaching a value of approximately 400 at certain locations. The lowest wind direction frequencies were observed in Abuja, where the predominant directions were north-northwest (NNW) and north (N). The probability distribution of WS demonstrated a considerable range, with Abuja exhibiting the highest values (exceeding 0.5), while Tunis recorded the lowest values (approximately 0.2). The mean WS for each location varied over the year, with Nairobi experiencing the highest recorded mean WS in October (5.72 m/s), accompanied by a standard deviation of 1.22 m/s. In contrast, the lowest mean WS was observed in Luanda during September (1.72 m/s), with a standard deviation of 0.46 m/s. The maximum and minimum wind power density (PDw) recorded across the selected station are ($>100 \mathrm{~W} / \mathrm{m}^2$) and ($>18 \mathrm{~W} / \mathrm{m}^2$). These findings highlight the considerable potential for wind energy across Africa, emphasizing the importance of incorporating wind energy into the region's renewable energy strategy. The results underscore the need for region-specific energy policies and further research to optimize the utilization of wind resources for sustainable development in Africa.
Jayapura City, Indonesia, presents significant potential for solar energy utilisation, driven by its high solar radiation levels. However, the presence of urban obstacles, such as buildings, trees, and varied topography, can obstruct the direct transmission of solar radiation to the ground, thereby reducing its efficiency for solar energy systems. This study aims to develop a methodology for predicting and assessing the shade projection of solar radiation intensity across Jayapura City. A quantitative descriptive approach was employed, involving the measurement of elevation and azimuth angles using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. Data were analysed using RETScreen and Sun Locator Pro (SLP) software. The analysis of the collected data facilitated the generation of a detailed shade projection map, which can be utilised to optimise the placement of solar panels and enhance the performance of the city's Solar Power Generation System (SPGS). The findings indicated that the highest elevation angle occurred at 12:00 pm in March. In September, the sun's position was nearly directly above the equator, leading to a minimal shadow ratio (SR = 0.08), with the projection closely aligned with the object. The azimuth angle, measured at noon, exhibited an extreme angular shift, reflecting the standard reference towards the north (180° at noon). This study demonstrates the potential of this methodology to inform the strategic placement of solar infrastructure, improving the efficiency and efficacy of solar power systems in urban environments characterised by complex topographies.
The Energy Roadmap 2050 necessitates the active participation of all sectors—including energy, construction, industry, transport, and agriculture—in a transformative energy paradigm. Over the past decades, there has been a notable increase in energy-related regulations, directives, protocols, and communications, which underscore the urgency of infrastructure interventions. Intelligent networks and energy storage systems are recognized as pivotal elements in enhancing sustainability and efficiency. This study presents a comprehensive technical-managerial program aimed at improving energy performance and minimizing consumption at the University of Basilicata (UNIBAS) campus in Potenza, southern Italy. An initial energy audit identified various energy-saving techniques, while ISO 50001 standards were employed to facilitate the establishment of energy performance objectives and strategies for consumption reduction. A dynamic simulation model was developed to assess the potential integration of photovoltaic and solar thermal systems, in conjunction with heat pumps. An Energy Baseline was established to evaluate the impact of these technologies. The strategies proposed to optimize both technological and managerial practices for the major energy variables were examined, with the effects tracked over time using established energy performance indicators (EnPIs). An economic assessment of the proposed strategies was conducted to evaluate their viability. Communication initiatives aimed at enhancing awareness regarding light rationalization and systems shutdown represent immediate interventions, while more invasive efficiency improvements are classified as medium- and long-term strategies. Compliance with European and Italian legislation mandates advancements in building envelopes and distribution systems, as well as the incorporation of renewable energy sources for thermal and electrical applications, alongside automation of building-plant systems through smart grids and actuators. It is anticipated that experts in energy management processes will adapt and expand the planned actions to ensure the energy sustainability of the university throughout the period from 2022 to 2050.
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their promising potential in photovoltaic applications. Ongoing research aims to enhance the efficiency, stability, and overall performance of PSCs. This study proposes the integration of copper-based metal-organic frameworks (Cu-MOFs) to address critical issues such as inadequate light absorption, instability, and suboptimal power conversion efficiency. Cu-MOFs, synthesized via the hydrothermal method at varying concentrations, have demonstrated an ability to mitigate defects in perovskite films and enhance charge transport. The structural versatility of Cu-MOFs allows for the development of new composites with improved stability and efficiency. By selecting the optimal MOF, hole transport layer (HTL), and counter-electrode materials, the performance of PSCs can be significantly improved. This research focuses on the functionalization of Cu-MOFs within PSCs to boost their efficiency. MOFs, which are porous materials composed of organic and inorganic components, are increasingly utilized in various fields including catalysis, energy storage, pollution treatment, and detection, due to their large surface area, tunable pore size, and adjustable pore volume. Despite their potential, the application of MOFs in aqueous environments has been limited by their poor performance. However, through techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), it has been confirmed that Cu-MOFs can be successfully modified. Post-hydrothermal treatment, SEM results indicate enhanced stability and functionality of Cu-MOFs. The integration of Cu-MOFs in PSCs is expected to reduce energy consumption and significantly enhance the efficiency of these solar cells.
This study aims to develop energy-efficient and environmentally friendly cooling solutions that are both effective and adaptable to various climates and structural forms. By leveraging computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software ANSYS and simulation software Engineering Equation Solver (EES), an innovative approach was undertaken. The investigation focused on the optimization of external air cooling via adjustable injectors operating at three distinct velocities, across three airflow rates. Concurrently, the adaptability of the cooling flow was enhanced by varying the number of turns in a coil within the heat exchanger's condenser section. This dual-phase method facilitated a comprehensive analysis across 54 scenarios, employing the EES software for the calculation of the coefficient of performance (COP) enhancement metrics. The efficiency of the cooling apparatus was rigorously evaluated by methodically altering the number of cooling tube turns and injection velocities. The apparatus comprised a loop-and-tube heat exchanger with a modifiable structure, where the second phase of the study addressed the thermal impact of air entry velocity and water spray mechanisms, featuring cooling tube adjustments ranging from five to thirteen turns. The initial phase examined the effects of air entry area and water spray techniques through variable injector configurations, with diameters of 15, 24, and 20 cm, and dimensions of 10 cm in height and 25 cm in length, alongside a conduit width of 60 mm. The findings revealed that the thermal dynamics of the heat exchanger and fluid flow are significantly influenced by the apparatus's geometry, particularly the air entry area and water spraying mechanism. Temperature and velocity contours illustrated that the number of loop turns and injections markedly affects system performance. An optimal configuration, consisting of 35 injectors and 13 coil turns, achieved a COP of 4.537 at an inlet velocity of 2.0 m/s, signifying the most effective system design identified within this study.
In the realm of heat transfer, the phenomenon of boiling heat transfer is paramount, especially given its efficiency in harnessing the latent heat of vaporization for significant thermal energy removal with minimal temperature alterations. This mechanism is integral to various industrial applications, including but not limited to the cooling systems of nuclear reactors, macro- and micro-electronic devices, evaporators in refrigeration systems, and boiler tubes within power plants, where the nucleate pool boiling regime and two-phase flow are prevalent. The imperative to optimize heat exchange systems by mitigating excessive heat dissipation, whilst simultaneously achieving downsizing, has consistently been a critical consideration. This research uses computational, based on Fluent software, to analyze thermal characteristics and cooling mechanisms of different concentrations of nanofluids, in conjunction with surfaces adorned with diverse fin geometries. Specifically, the study scrutinizes the thermal performance of water-based nanofluids, incorporating Copper (II) Oxide (CuO) nanoparticles at concentrations ranging from 0% to 1.4% by volume, under boiling conditions. The analyses extend to the efficacy of different fin shapes—including circular, triangular, and square configurations-within a two-dimensional geometry, under the conditions of forced convection heat transfer in both steady and transient, viscous, incompressible flows. The findings are poised to contribute to the design of more efficient heat exchange systems, facilitating enhanced heat dissipation through the strategic use of nanofluids and meticulously designed surface geometries.
This investigation addresses the critical challenge of devising robust and sustainable energy infrastructures by integrating renewable energy sources in Makkovik, Newfoundland, and Labrador. A hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) comprising wind turbines, photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, battery storage, and backup diesel generators was evaluated for its viability and efficiency. With the help of the HOMER Pro software, extensive modeling and optimization were conducted, aimed at reducing dependency on fossil fuels, cutting carbon emissions, and enhancing economic benefits via decreased operational costs. The results indicated that the energy demands of Makkovik could predominantly be met by the proposed system, utilizing renewable resources. Significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions were observed, alongside improved cost-efficiency throughout the system's projected lifespan. Such outcomes demonstrate the system’s capability to provide an environmentally friendly and technically viable solution, marking a substantial step towards energy resilience and sustainability for isolated communities. The integration of diverse renewable energy sources underlines the potential for substantial emission reductions and operational cost savings, highlighting the importance of innovative energy solutions in enhancing the sustainability and resilience of remote areas. This study contributes vital insights into optimizing energy systems for economic and environmental benefits, advancing the discourse on renewable energy utilization in isolated regions.
In the quest to secure energy supply and mitigate dependence on imported fossil fuels, nations are diversifying into renewable energy sources (RES). This study investigates the impact of renewable electricity production on economic growth, alongside the interplay with research and development (R&D) expenditures, through a comparative lens focusing on Norway and Brazil—both pioneers in the renewable energy arena. Analysis incorporates per capita R&D expenditures to gauge the nexus between renewable energy initiatives and R&D investment, employing data spanning from 2003 to 2014. The investigation reveals a notable divergence between the two nations. In Norway, no significant link was identified between the volume of renewable energy produced and per capita R&D expenditures. Nonetheless, a causal connection between economic growth and R&D investment was observed, with a robust correlation suggesting a profound influence of economic expansion on R&D activities. Contrarily, Brazil's scenario delineates a unidirectional causal relationship where economic growth positively influences the renewable energy sector, with no discernible association between R&D expenditures per capita and economic growth. These findings underscore the variegated impacts of renewable energy policies and R&D investments on economic dynamics within the context of Norway and Brazil, highlighting the necessity for tailored approaches in leveraging renewable energy for sustainable development.
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