Future Energy

Review of types of diversification of electric power generation and their impact on ensuring "climate neutrality" of anthropogenic activity

2025-02-27T03:48:52+00:00

One of the problems of our time is environmental pollution by emissions of harmful substances formed as a result of the functioning of industry, agriculture, power generation facilities, transport and the household sector. The operation of all these facilities is ensured by using natural energy sources, the reserves of which are not endless. Another objectively present problem is superimposed on this problem - global warming. Regardless of the causes of global warming, humanity must adapt to this process. The question is: how can we ensure "climate neutrality" on the scale of the human environment? One of the solutions to the problems is the diversification of the energy generation methods used. In addition, the main source of atmospheric pollution in populated areas is transport, the number of which has currently reached almost 1.5 billion units in the world. The transition from cars to electric vehicles, as well as to transport using hybrid motor units (which are a combination of a heat engine and an electric motor), will reduce environmental pollution in large populated areas. Much attention is being paid to technologies for generating electricity by burning hydrogen, but at present, more than 90% of hydrogen production is provided by processing natural gas, which is accompanied by the formation of harmful substances and "greenhouse gases" that enter the atmosphere and, due to transboundary air flows, spread over many hundreds and thousands of kilometers, polluting vast territories. At the same time, the use of hydrogen will increase the emission of water vapor (a product of hydrogen combustion), which is three times more greenhouse than carbon dioxide. This article does not consider the issue of the price of the energy sources used and the electricity received since the pricing process is absolutely subjective, and often, the political factor is superimposed on it.

Exploring the impact of nano-enhanced phase change materials on Trombe wall efficiency

2025-02-26T07:46:45+00:00

A novel Trombe wall design that incorporates highly thermally conductive materials along with nano-enhanced phase change material is presented. Performance analysis is conducted using finite element method simulations. A comparative study of NePCM and PCM in a room with a Trombe Wall revealed minor differences in thermal performance during January, February, and December, but a significant discrepancy in March due to higher solar radiation levels. The enhanced latent heat storage capability of NePCM contributed to a more sustained temperature increase during periods of intense solar radiation. Over seven months, NePCM demonstrated a 16% higher average energy gain compared to PCM, attributed to its improved thermal conductivity and heat transfer efficiency. These findings indicate that nano-enhanced phase change materials are more effective than their non-nano counterparts. The results indicate a substantial impact of the system, raising room temperatures to 22°C during the day and resulting in significant energy savings.

Public policies and technological innovation in Brazil’s oil and gas industry: a patent perspective

2025-03-17T19:18:14+00:00

The Oil & Gas (O&G) sector is the mainstay of Brazil's energy matrix. Given the complexity of the segment's activities, searching for new technologies and optimizing the effort and costs involved in the process are frequent objects of study for the players operating in this field. Based on this premise, there is a need to invest in innovative studies and research. The National Innovation System (SNI) is mainly responsible for promoting investment in Research, Development, and Innovation (RD&I) in the country, and patents are a relevant input in the technological production process. In this way, this research aims to investigate whether innovation promotion mechanisms influence the technological production of the main players in the Brazilian O&G sector. The methodology used consisted of the following steps: selection of the main regulatory frameworks related to NIS in the O&G sector; identification of the main Oil Companies, National Suppliers, and Research Units and their respective participation in ANP RD&I Clause projects, using the ANP's open database; a patent survey of the main players using the EPO's Espacenet open database; treatment and correlation of patent data in the light of the selected regulatory frameworks. The results showed that most of the players analyzed have the practice of technological protection through patents in the global context. However, only some companies linked to projects with resources from public policies to encourage innovation showed results that refer to Brazilian participation in the development of these patents. It becomes clear that certain regulatory frameworks have a major influence on patent production in Brazil, both positively and negatively.

Optimal power load flow considering stochastic wind and solar power

2025-04-04T02:28:12+00:00

Optimal power flow (OPF) is a popular model in the study of power systems that aims to achieve optimization and operational stability while minimizing costs. Multiple research documents depict the various methods and algorithms to further explore system configurations that would achieve OPF or multi-objective OPF. In relation to power systems, many power plants rely on non-renewable sources such as fossil fuels to generate power to be supplied to cities, towns, and rural areas, but these sources are steadily decreasing in their availability and are no longer suitable for sustainability. Renewable sources (solar, wind, and hydro) have been around for decades and have been found to be suitable alternatives for power plants, but due to their stochastic nature, the power needed via this method of generation is inconsistent. The relationship between the types of sources and OPF can be seen via costs, emissions, and power since the costs required for generation and distribution are dependent on their source, be they renewable or non-renewable, including the possibility of a decrease in emissions from these power plants. This research is expected to show that OPF can be achieved using renewable sources within power systems, even with their stochastic behaviors.

From novel turbine designs to artificial intelligence: a review of cutting-edge innovations in hydropower systems

2025-04-25T21:34:52+00:00

This paper explores the breakthroughs made in hydropower technology and efficiency. The research aims to assess and highlight the advances in hydropower technology and efficiency by investigating the different breakthroughs such as improved turbine designs, aquatic life preservation in relation to the hydropower industry, the utilization of AI, simulations, and digitalization, advancements made in artificial channeling, exploring and advancing marine and hydrokinetic technologies, along with the methods used to optimize operations in the hydropower industry. Hydropower, as a clean and reliable renewable energy source, utilizes various types of structures to harness the kinetic energy of moving water to generate electricity. The main initiatives in advancing hydropower include increasing efficiency, improving cost effectiveness, exploring new technologies, and minimizing environmental impacts. Hydropower generates roughly six percent of the energy produced in the United States and roughly fifteen percent of all electricity worldwide. Over the last 20 years, global hydropower capacity has increased by seventy percent and is projected to grow by an additional seventeen percent between the years 2021 and 2030. This energy source shows a strong, steady upward trend in the advances made in hydropower technology and efficiencies.