Journal Description
Energies
Energies
is a peer-reviewed, open access journal of related scientific research, technology development, engineering policy, and management studies related to the general field of energy, from technologies of energy supply, conversion, dispatch, and final use to the physical and chemical processes behind such technologies. Energies is published semimonthly online by MDPI. The European Biomass Industry Association (EUBIA), Association of European Renewable Energy Research Centres (EUREC), Institute of Energy and Fuel Processing Technology (ITPE), International Society for Porous Media (InterPore), CYTED and others are affiliated with Energies and their members receive a discount on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), Ei Compendex, RePEc, Inspec, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: CiteScore - Q1 (Engineering (miscellaneous))
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 16.1 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.3 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Sections: published in 41 topical sections.
- Testimonials: See what our editors and authors say about Energies.
- Companion journals for Energies include: Fuels, Gases, Nanoenergy Advances and Solar.
Impact Factor:
3.2 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
3.3 (2022)
Latest Articles
Research on the Improvement of Cable Ampacity in Dense Cable Trench
Energies 2024, 17(11), 2579; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17112579 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
Due to the influence of many factors, distribution cables are often densely placed at the bottom of the cable trench. As a result, it is easy for distribution cables to become the thermal bottleneck of the whole transmission line. To address this dilemma,
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Due to the influence of many factors, distribution cables are often densely placed at the bottom of the cable trench. As a result, it is easy for distribution cables to become the thermal bottleneck of the whole transmission line. To address this dilemma, this paper establishes a finite element simulation model of a cable trench to analyze the hot spots of cables with different arrangements in the cable trench. Then, the model’s accuracy is verified based on real temperature rise experiments. For an arrangement with overheating risk, the ampacity improvement method of filling the cable trench with high-thermal-conductivity material was proposed, and the ampacity improvement effect under different filling ratios was assessed. Finally, combined with the analysis of economic benefit and cost, the method of determining the optimal filling ratio was used, and the impact resistance of the cables under the impact of new energy load was analyzed. The results indicate that, for the case of the optimal filling ratio, the cables in the dense cable trench showed superior impact resistance. The investigations in this paper make significant contributions to the promotion of the maximum utilization of cables.
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(This article belongs to the Section F: Electrical Engineering)
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Trends in Hybrid Renewable Energy System (HRES) Applications: A Review
by
Daniel Alejandro Pérez Uc, Susana Estefany de León Aldaco and Jesús Aguayo Alquicira
Energies 2024, 17(11), 2578; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17112578 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
Microgrids and hybrid renewable energy systems play a crucial role in today’s energy transition. They enable local power generation and distribution, reducing dependence on large centralized infrastructures, can operate independently or connected to a grid, and can provide backup power, thus increasing system
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Microgrids and hybrid renewable energy systems play a crucial role in today’s energy transition. They enable local power generation and distribution, reducing dependence on large centralized infrastructures, can operate independently or connected to a grid, and can provide backup power, thus increasing system resilience. In addition, they combine multiple renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, and biomass, to maximize the efficiency and reliability of the supply, and are also adaptable to location-specific conditions, taking advantage of locally available energy resources and reducing the need for energy imports. Moreover, they contribute to decarbonization goals by offering a cleaner and more sustainable alternative. In this article, a documentary review is presented on the interaction of Homer Pro software 3.16.2 (July 2023), used for the design of hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES), with other methods of optimization or sizing. Allusion is made to the type of architecture in the most prominent clean and fossil source configurations, the levelized cost, net annual cost, and maintenance and capital investment cost. A comparison is made among the works reported in the last five years regarding the use of this software tool, based on load demand, geographical area, renewable energy sources, fossil sources, and objective functions, applied to the educational, rural, and industrial sectors. It is shown that India is one of the countries that has reported the most number of HRES techno-economic environmental analysis works, and that the case studies have focused approximately 47% on rural areas, 20% on educational agencies, 14% on commerce and industry, and 29% on urban buildings.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Consumption in the EU Countries: 3rd Edition)
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Open AccessArticle
Standalone and Hybridised Flywheels for Frequency Response Services: A Techno-Economic Feasibility Study
by
Andrew J. Hutchinson and Daniel T. Gladwin
Energies 2024, 17(11), 2577; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17112577 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
Frequency response services are one of the key components used by major electrical networks worldwide, acting to help control the frequency within set boundaries. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESSs) are commonly deployed for this purpose; however, their potential is limited by susceptibility to
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Frequency response services are one of the key components used by major electrical networks worldwide, acting to help control the frequency within set boundaries. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESSs) are commonly deployed for this purpose; however, their potential is limited by susceptibility to cycle-based degradation and widely reported safety incidents. Flywheel Energy Storage Systems (FESSs) do not share these weaknesses and hence could be a potential candidate for longer-term participation in frequency response markets. This study presents the most in-depth and wide-ranging techno-economic analysis of the feasibility of FESSs for frequency response to date. Standalone FESSs are shown to be economically viable across a range of different specifications, achieving a positive Net Present Value (NPV) under varying economic conditions. At a capital cost of 500 GBP/kW with a discount rate of 4%, a 5C FESS can achieve an NPV of GBP 38,586 as a standalone unit. The complex trade-offs when considering hybridising FESSs and BESSs for this application are also investigated in-depth for the first time, again showing positive changes to NPV under various scenarios. Conversely, under some conditions, hybridisation can have a significant negative impact, showcasing the optimisation needed when considering hybrid systems. The impact of introducing a hybrid BESS varies from a low of decreasing the NPV of the system by GBP 97,955 to a high of increasing the NPV by GBP 119,621 depending on the configuration chosen. This comprehensive work provides the foundations for future research into FESS deployment for frequency response services and shows for the first time the circumstances under which deployment for this application would be both technically and economically viable.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Systems)
Open AccessArticle
Integrated Vehicle-Following Control for Four-Wheel Independent Drive Based on Regenerative Braking System Control Mechanism for Battery Electric Vehicle Conversion Driven by PMSM 30 kW
by
Pataphiphat Techalimsakul and Wiwat Keyoonwong
Energies 2024, 17(11), 2576; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17112576 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
This study proposed the hybrid energy storage paradigm (HESP) equipped with front-wheel permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) for battery electric vehicles (BEVs). In this case, all four wheels are driven by a single motor using mechanical coupling to distribute the motor’s power to
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This study proposed the hybrid energy storage paradigm (HESP) equipped with front-wheel permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) for battery electric vehicles (BEVs). In this case, all four wheels are driven by a single motor using mechanical coupling to distribute the motor’s power to each wheel evenly. The HESP is a combination of several supercapacitors (SCs) and an NMC-lithium battery equipped with an advanced artificial neural network (ANN) that will enhance the regenerative braking system (RBS) efficiency of energy storage during braking. The three-phase inverter switching algorithm ensures efficient regenerative braking and fine adjustment of the brake force distribution. Under the RBS, the HESP with the ANN first transfers braking energy to the SC and, when the safety standard is reached, the SC transfers it to the battery. The RBS control maintains an even distribution of braking force at all distances to ensure stability during braking. The results show that a traditional BEV can drive 245.46 km (35 cycles), while an EV with an RBS-only battery can drive 282.56 km (40 cycles). An EV with HESP-RBS can drive 338.78 km (48 cycles), which is an increase of 93.32 km (13 cycles). The HESP-RBS increased the regenerative efficiency by 38.01% when compared to a traditional BEV.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Optimization and Control Strategies of Electric Vehicles and Green Energy Systems)
Open AccessArticle
Parameter Identification of Power Grid Subsynchronous Oscillations Based on Eigensystem Realization Algorithm
by
Xueyang Zeng, Gang Chen, Yilin Liu, Fang Zhang and Huabo Shi
Energies 2024, 17(11), 2575; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17112575 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
The subsynchronous oscillation caused by the resonance between power electronic devices and series compensation devices or weak power grids introduced by large-scale renewable energy generation greatly reduces the transmission capacity of the system and may endanger the safe operation of the power system.
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The subsynchronous oscillation caused by the resonance between power electronic devices and series compensation devices or weak power grids introduced by large-scale renewable energy generation greatly reduces the transmission capacity of the system and may endanger the safe operation of the power system. It even leads to system oscillation instability. In this paper, based on the advantages of a simple solution, a small amount of calculation and anti-noise of ERA, a method of subsynchronous oscillation parameter identification based on the eigensystem realization algorithm (ERA) is proposed. The Hankel matrix in the improved ERA is obtained by splicing the real part matrix and the imaginary part matrix of the synchrophasor, thus solving the problem of angular frequency conjugate constraints of two fundamental components and two oscillatory components which are not considered in the existing ERA. The solution to this problem is helpful to improve the accurate parameter identification results of ERA under the data window of 200 ms and weaken the limitation caused by the assumption that the synchrophasor model is fixed. The practicability of the improved method based on PMU is verified by the synthesis of ERA and the actual measurement data. Compared with the existing ERA, the improved ERA can accurately identify the parameters of each component under the ultra-short data window and realize the dynamic monitoring of power system subsynchronous oscillation.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stability Problems and Countermeasures in New Power Systems)
Open AccessArticle
Techno-Feasibility Assessment of a Floating Breakwater Concept for Supporting Marine Renewables in Deep Waters
by
Andrew Borg, Charise Cutajar, Tonio Sant, Robert N. Farrugia and Daniel Buhagiar
Energies 2024, 17(11), 2574; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17112574 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
The previous research has proven that one of the fundamental requirements for ensuring increased profitability and economic competitiveness in offshore-based projects is co-locating different technologies within the same marine space. This paper presents a number of techno-feasibility analyses for floating offshore technologies for
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The previous research has proven that one of the fundamental requirements for ensuring increased profitability and economic competitiveness in offshore-based projects is co-locating different technologies within the same marine space. This paper presents a number of techno-feasibility analyses for floating offshore technologies for the Maltese Islands, located in the central Mediterranean Sea. The first part compares the feasibility between offshore floating solar photovoltaics with onshore-based systems, taking into consideration Malta’s average land rental price per square metre. The second part considers the use of a novel floating breakwater design that integrates energy storage and creates a sheltered water area for a multi-use marine park, thus introducing different revenue streams. The latter includes renting the sheltered marine space out to operators of floating solar farms, aquaculture cages and vessel berthing facilities, as well as the provision of energy storage services. It is found that the combined income from the multiple revenue streams from the multi-use marine park is still insufficient to justify the investment and that financial support from governments is essential to render the floating breakwaters viable.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section A: Sustainable Energy)
Open AccessArticle
A Framework to Assess and Analyze Enhancement Options for Microgrid Resiliency against Extreme Wind
by
Rajesh Karki and Binamra Adhikari
Energies 2024, 17(11), 2573; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17112573 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
The objective of a power system is to provide electricity to its customers as economically as possible with an acceptable level of reliability while safeguarding the environment. Power system reliability assessments are routinely performed to ensure adequate system resources and reliable operation using
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The objective of a power system is to provide electricity to its customers as economically as possible with an acceptable level of reliability while safeguarding the environment. Power system reliability assessments are routinely performed to ensure adequate system resources and reliable operation using well-established methods, quantitative metrics, regulatory standards and compliance incentives in the jurisdictions of responsibilities. The alarming increase in the occurrence of extreme events, which are not included in routine reliability evaluation, has raised growing concerns due to the catastrophic impacts of these events on distribution systems. The potential economic losses due to prolonged and large-scale outages have motivated utility planners, operators and policy makers to acknowledge the importance of system resiliency against such events. Power system resiliency, however, lacks widely accepted modeling frameworks, standards, assessment methods and metrics. This paper presents a resilience assessment framework, along with quantifiable metrics to assess the resiliency of a distribution system against extreme winds, which are among the most common form of natural disasters affecting the North American region. The paper assesses the effectiveness of infrastructural and operational resilience enhancement strategies. The effectiveness of preventive and corrective strategies is also analyzed on a test distribution system.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Control of Renewable Power Generation and Microgrids)
Open AccessReview
Exploring the Role of Additives in Enhancing the Performance of Limestone-Based Thermochemical Energy Storage: A Review
by
Rehan Anwar and M. Veronica Sofianos
Energies 2024, 17(11), 2572; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17112572 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
This review article explores the critical role of additives in enhancing the performance and durability of thermochemical energy storage (TCES) materials, particularly in limestone-based systems. It evaluates various strategies, including hydration and the use of fine particles, along with additives like Al2
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This review article explores the critical role of additives in enhancing the performance and durability of thermochemical energy storage (TCES) materials, particularly in limestone-based systems. It evaluates various strategies, including hydration and the use of fine particles, along with additives like Al2O3 and ZrO2, to address challenges like performance degradation and sintering over multiple cycles. Additionally, the review examines how multicyclic stability and material activity toward CO2 are related. It emphasizes the importance of selecting support materials that optimize both stability and reactivity. Furthermore, it highlights the need for systematic investigation into the selection, synthesis methods, and additive percentages to identify optimal formulations for improved multicyclic stability. Finally, it underscores the importance of understanding the mechanisms of interaction between additives and CaO/CaCO3 matrices to guide the design of effective additive-integrated systems. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into current methodologies, emerging trends, and future directions for advancing sustainable energy storage technologies.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Systems)
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Greenhouse Gas Emissions of a Hydrogen Engine for Automotive Application through Life-Cycle Assessment
by
Antonella Accardo, Trentalessandro Costantino, Gianfranco Malagrinò, Michele Pensato and Ezio Spessa
Energies 2024, 17(11), 2571; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17112571 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
Hydrogen combustion engine vehicles have the potential to rapidly enter the market and reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) compared to conventional engines. The ability to provide a rapid market deployment is linked to the fact that the industry would take advantage of the
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Hydrogen combustion engine vehicles have the potential to rapidly enter the market and reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) compared to conventional engines. The ability to provide a rapid market deployment is linked to the fact that the industry would take advantage of the existing internal combustion engine production chain. The aim of this paper is twofold. First, it aims to develop a methodology for applying life-cycle assessment (LCA) to internal combustion engines to estimate their life-cycle GHG emissions. Also, it aims to investigate the decarbonization potential of hydrogen engines produced by exploiting existing diesel engine technology and assuming diverse hydrogen production routes. The boundary of the LCA is cradle-to-grave, and the assessment is entirely based on primary data. The products under study are two monofuel engines: a hydrogen engine and a diesel engine. The hydrogen engine has been redesigned using the diesel engine as a base. The engines being studied are versatile and can be used for a wide range of uses such as automotive, cogeneration, maritime, off-road, and railway; however, this study focuses on their application in pickup trucks. As part of the redesign process, certain subsystems (e.g., combustion, injection, ignition, exhaust gas recirculation, and exhaust gas aftertreatment) have been modified to make the engine run on hydrogen. Results revealed that employing a hydrogen engine using green hydrogen (i.e., generated from water electrolysis using wind-based electricity) might reduce GHG emission by over 90% compared to the diesel engine This study showed that the benefits of the new hydrogen engine solution outweigh the increase of emissions related to the redesign process, making it a potentially beneficial solution also for reconditioning current and used internal combustion engines.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vehicle Engines and Powertrains: Performance, Combustion and Emission)
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Open AccessArticle
Analyzing Current Trends in Career Choices and Employer Branding from the Perspective of Millennials within the Indonesian Energy Sector
by
Dzikri Firmansyah Hakam, Fajar Nurrohman Haryadi, Harry Indrawan, Muhammad Hanri, Lazuardi Imani Hakam, Ova Kurniawan and Andreas Putro Purnomoadi
Energies 2024, 17(11), 2570; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17112570 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the factors that influence millennials’ perceptions and preferences in regard to career choices within the state-owned energy sector in Indonesia. The research objective is to understand how to remain competitive in the current disruptive job market by examining
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This study aims to investigate the factors that influence millennials’ perceptions and preferences in regard to career choices within the state-owned energy sector in Indonesia. The research objective is to understand how to remain competitive in the current disruptive job market by examining a company’s recruitment and retention strategies, and analyzing data collected through econometric surveys. Factors significantly affecting the willingness to work at PLN include its past and present reputation, product societal impact, CSR efforts, and the individual’s gender, age, and job-seeking status, with positive views on PLN and its CSR activities encouraging the inclination to work there. Income expectations are influenced by similar aspects—PLN’s reputation, its product’s societal role, and CSR initiatives—alongside gender and education level, particularly for those with undergraduate or Master’s degrees. Notably, favorable perceptions of PLN and higher educational attainment are linked to increased salary expectations. The results from the survey indicate that a significant proportion of respondents, over 80%, expressed a desire to work at one of Indonesia’s state-owned energy companies (PLN), with a desired monthly salary of IDR 7,466,905. Furthermore, when compared to other state-owned energy companies in Indonesia, PLN holds a strong position, ranking second among this type of companies. This study provides valuable insights for energy companies in Indonesia, by understanding the career preferences of millennials and aligning their employer branding strategies accordingly, in order to remain competitive in the current job market.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Transformation from the Perspectives of the Individual Citizen and the Market)
Open AccessArticle
Multi-Energy Load Collaborative Optimization of the Active Building Energy Management Strategy
by
Min Wang, Hang Gao, Dongqian Pan, Xiangyu Sheng, Chunxing Xu and Qiming Wang
Energies 2024, 17(11), 2569; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17112569 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
Under the dual-carbon target, the popularization and application of building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) and ground source heat pump systems have made active buildings a research hotspot in the field of architecture and energy. Aiming at this issue, based on the building energy consumption
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Under the dual-carbon target, the popularization and application of building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) and ground source heat pump systems have made active buildings a research hotspot in the field of architecture and energy. Aiming at this issue, based on the building energy consumption model of active buildings, an active building energy management system (EMS) control strategy based on multi-energy load collaborative optimization is proposed. Firstly, based on the thermal dynamic characteristics and building performance parameters of active buildings, the overall refined energy consumption model of active buildings is constructed. Secondly, based on the construction of BIPV, the ice storage air conditioning system, the ground source heat pump system, and the integrated demand response (IDR) model, a tiered carbon transaction cost model is introduced, and an energy management strategy that leverages the synergistic application of renewable and active technologies is proposed. This strategy aims to meet the comprehensive needs of active buildings in terms of economic benefits, comfort, and environmental protection. Finally, the strategy’s effectiveness is demonstrated through a practical example.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section F: Electrical Engineering)
Open AccessArticle
Wind Power Prediction Based on EMD-KPCA-BiLSTM-ATT Model
by
Zhiyan Zhang, Aobo Deng, Zhiwen Wang, Jianyong Li, Hailiang Zhao and Xiaoliang Yang
Energies 2024, 17(11), 2568; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17112568 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
In order to improve wind power utilization efficiency and reduce wind power prediction errors, a combined prediction model of EMD-KPCA-BilSTM-ATT is proposed, which includes a data processing method combining empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and kernel principal component analysis (KPCA), and a prediction model
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In order to improve wind power utilization efficiency and reduce wind power prediction errors, a combined prediction model of EMD-KPCA-BilSTM-ATT is proposed, which includes a data processing method combining empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and kernel principal component analysis (KPCA), and a prediction model combining bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM) and an attention mechanism (ATT). Firstly, the influencing factors of wind power are analyzed. The quartile method is used to identify and eliminate the original abnormal data of wind power, and the linear interpolation method is used to replace the abnormal data. Secondly, EMD is used to decompose the preprocessed wind power data into Intrinsic Mode Function (IMF) components and residual components, revealing the changes in data signals at different time scales. Subsequently, KPCA is employed to screen the key components as the input of the BiLSTM-ATT prediction model. Finally, a prediction is made taking an actual wind farm in Anhui Province as an example, and the results show that the EMD-KPCAM-BiLSTM-ATT combined model has higher prediction accuracy compared to the comparative model.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in AI Methods for Wind Power Forecasting and Monitoring)
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Open AccessArticle
A Stabilization Control Strategy for Wind Energy Storage Microgrid Based on Improved Virtual Synchronous Generator
by
Jingguang Huang, Xinyuan Lin, Jiahang Sun and Huixin Xu
Energies 2024, 17(11), 2567; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17112567 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
In high-penetration renewable-energy grid systems, conventional virtual synchronous generator (VSG) control faces a number of challenges, especially the difficulty of maintaining synchronization during grid voltage drops. This difficulty may lead to current overloads and equipment disconnections, and it has an impact on the
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In high-penetration renewable-energy grid systems, conventional virtual synchronous generator (VSG) control faces a number of challenges, especially the difficulty of maintaining synchronization during grid voltage drops. This difficulty may lead to current overloads and equipment disconnections, and it has an impact on the security and reliability of the system, as well as limiting the dynamic reactive power support capability of the system. To solve this problem, in this study, a wind–solar hybrid power generation system is designed with a battery energy storage device connected on the DC side, and proposes a low voltage ride-through (LVRT) control strategy for the grid-connected inverter based on an improved VSG. The control strategy employs an integrated current limiting technique combining virtual impedance and vector current limiting to ensure that the VSG exhibits good dynamic power support characteristics during symmetrical faults by adjusting the setpoint value of reactive power. At the same time, it maintains the synchronization and power angle stability of the VSG itself to achieve the goal of LVRT. Simulation results show that the proposed control strategy can effectively suppress the renewable power fluctuations (about 30% reduction in fluctuations compared to the conventional strategy) and ensure the safe and reliable operation of the renewable energy sources and VSGs during grid-side faults. In addition, it provides a given reactive power support and stable grid voltage control (voltage dips reduced by about 20%), which significantly enhances the LVRT capability of the hybrid wind–solar-storage generation system.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Control and Optimization of Electrical Power and Energy Systems to Integrate More Renewable and Sustainable Energy Resources)
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Open AccessArticle
Proposal and Verification of the Application of an Expert Inference Method to Present the Probability of Lithium-Ion Battery Thermal Runaway Risk
by
Jong Won Shon, Donmook Choi, Hyunjae Lee and Sung-Yong Son
Energies 2024, 17(11), 2566; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17112566 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
This study proposes a probabilistic quantification technique that applies an expert inference method to warn of the risk of a fire developing into a thermal runaway when a lithium-ion battery fire occurs. Existing methods have the shortcomings of low prediction accuracy and delayed
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This study proposes a probabilistic quantification technique that applies an expert inference method to warn of the risk of a fire developing into a thermal runaway when a lithium-ion battery fire occurs. Existing methods have the shortcomings of low prediction accuracy and delayed responses because they determine a fire only by detecting the temperature rise and smoke in a lithium-ion battery to initiate extinguishing activities. To overcome such shortcomings, this study proposes a method to probabilistically calculate the risk of thermal runaway in advance by detecting the amount of off-gases generated in the venting stage before thermal runaway begins. This method has the advantage of quantifying the probability of a fire in advance by applying an expert inference method based on a combination of off-gas amounts, while maintaining high reliability even when the sensor fails. To verify the validity of the risk probability design, problems with the temperature and off-gas increase/decrease data were derived under four SOC conditions in actual lithium-ion batteries. Through the foregoing, it was confirmed that the risk probability can be accurately presented even in situations where the detection sensor malfunctions by applying an expert inference method to calculate the risk probability complexly. Additionally, it was confirmed that the proposed method is a method that can lead to quicker responses to thermal runaway fires.
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(This article belongs to the Section D: Energy Storage and Application)
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Open AccessArticle
Simulation of the Measured Reactivity Distributions in the Subcritical MYRRHA Reactor
by
Jerzy Janczyszyn, Grażyna Domańska and Mikołaj Oettingen
Energies 2024, 17(11), 2565; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17112565 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
The designed MYRRHA reactor, in its subcritical version, will be equipped with a set of detectors monitoring its condition by measuring the current value of negative reactivity, which is a crucial parameter for its safe operation. In subcritical systems, accurate and precise measurement
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The designed MYRRHA reactor, in its subcritical version, will be equipped with a set of detectors monitoring its condition by measuring the current value of negative reactivity, which is a crucial parameter for its safe operation. In subcritical systems, accurate and precise measurement of negative reactivity is disturbed by the so-called spatial effect, i.e., the response of detectors depends on their placement in the reactor core. This paper focuses on the Monte Carlo simulations of reactivity measurements using the area method for natU, 238U, 241Am, 239Pu, and 232Th detectors. The simulations were performed in six positions with increasing distance from the center of the core and at three axial levels. The obtained results allow for selecting optimum locations for detectors and detector nuclides in terms of the accuracy of reactivity measurement and illustrate the dependence of the reactivity on the distance. Additionally, the possibility of using 103Rh in self-powered neutron detectors was investigated. The influence of spatial effect in calculations using the area method was directly indicated in the MYRRHA reactor core for chosen isotopes and in-core positions. The results closest to true values were obtained for the second fuel assembly for 239Pu, and the third fuel assembly for natU, 238U, 232Th, and 241Am; thus, these nuclides and positions should be preferred when selecting detectors for MYRRHA.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Multi-Physics Modeling, Simulation, and Optimization for Nuclear Technology)
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Open AccessArticle
Viscosity Reduction Behavior of Carbon Nanotube Viscosity Reducers with Different Molecular Structures at the Oil–Water Interface: Experimental Study and Molecular Dynamics Simulation
by
Zhao Hua, Jian Zhang, Yuejun Zhu, Bo Huang, Qingyuan Chen and Wanfen Pu
Energies 2024, 17(11), 2564; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17112564 (registering DOI) - 25 May 2024
Abstract
Effectively enhancing oil recovery can be achieved by reducing the viscosity of crude oil. Therefore, this paper investigated the viscosity reduction behavior of carbon nanotube viscosity reducers with different molecular structures at the oil–water interface, aiming to guide the synthesis of efficient viscosity
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Effectively enhancing oil recovery can be achieved by reducing the viscosity of crude oil. Therefore, this paper investigated the viscosity reduction behavior of carbon nanotube viscosity reducers with different molecular structures at the oil–water interface, aiming to guide the synthesis of efficient viscosity reducers based on molecular structure. This study selected carbon nanotubes with different functional groups (NH2-CNT, OH-CNT, and COOH-CNT) for research, and carbon nanotubes with varying carbon chain lengths were synthesized. These were then combined with Tween 80 to form a nanofluid. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed an increased dispersibility of carbon nanotubes after introducing carbon chains. Contact angle experiments demonstrated that -COOH exhibited the best hydrophilic effect. The experiments of zeta potential, conductivity, viscosity reduction, and interfacial tension showed that, under the same carbon chain length, the conductivity and viscosity reduction rate sequence for different functional groups was -NH2 < -OH < -COOH. The dispersing and stabilizing ability and interfacial tension reduction sequence for different functional groups was -COOH < -OH < -NH2. With increasing carbon chain length, conductivity and interfacial tension decreased, and the viscosity reduction rate and the dispersing and stabilizing ability increased. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that, under the same carbon chain length, the diffusion coefficient sequence for different functional groups was -NH2 < -OH < -COOH. The diffusion coefficient gradually decreased as the carbon chain length increased, resulting in better adsorption at the oil–water interface. This study holds significant importance in guiding viscosity reduction in heavy oil to enhance oil recovery.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Petroleum and Gas Engineering)
Open AccessArticle
Examining the Spillover Effects of Renewable Energy Policies on China’s Traditional Energy Industries and Stock Markets
by
Haiwen Zhao, Miao Yu, Juan Meng and Yonghong Jiang
Energies 2024, 17(11), 2563; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17112563 (registering DOI) - 25 May 2024
Abstract
With the development and refinement of the carbon emissions trading market, the relationship between the carbon market and the stock market has grown increasingly intertwined. This has led to a surge in research investigating the interactions between the carbon market and related sectors.
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With the development and refinement of the carbon emissions trading market, the relationship between the carbon market and the stock market has grown increasingly intertwined. This has led to a surge in research investigating the interactions between the carbon market and related sectors. This study examines the intensity and direction of spillover effects among ten industries associated with carbon emissions, spanning traditional and emerging energy sectors. Through static analysis, we find that spillover effects between industries in the carbon and stock markets are bidirectional and asymmetric. Dynamic analysis reveals that the carbon market, acting as the primary recipient of spillover effects, is notably influenced by traditional energy industries such as coal and oil, followed by photovoltaics, new energy vehicles, and others. The magnitude of these spillover effects is subject to fluctuations influenced by energy crises and events like the COVID-19 pandemic, while policy interventions can alter the overall trends in net spillover effects across various industries.
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(This article belongs to the Section C: Energy Economics and Policy)
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Open AccessArticle
Harvesting Electric Energy Using Thermoelectric Generators in a Residential Heating Application
by
Ugochukwu Chukwurah and Gordon McTaggart-Cowan
Energies 2024, 17(11), 2562; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17112562 (registering DOI) - 25 May 2024
Abstract
Biomass combustors provide space heating by converting chemical energy in woody biomass into low-temperature thermal energy. Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) can generate electricity from the heat flux without significantly reducing heating performance. However, most current TEGs are small (40 mm × 40 mm), requiring
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Biomass combustors provide space heating by converting chemical energy in woody biomass into low-temperature thermal energy. Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) can generate electricity from the heat flux without significantly reducing heating performance. However, most current TEGs are small (40 mm × 40 mm), requiring many TEG elements to generate useful power from a biomass combustion-based space heater. This work compares the electrical generation potential of an array of small TEGs with a larger (80 mm × 120 mm) TEG in a vertical configuration representative of a residential heating appliance. An experimental facility was developed for various representative cold-side ducts and controllable hot-side temperature and cooling airflows, and the Taguchi method was used to evaluate the impacts of temperature, airspeed, and ducting configurations. The results indicate that temperature and airspeed significantly influence TEG power, while ducting configurations have an insignificant influence. The large TEG achieved more consistent temperatures but produced lower power than an array of smaller TEGs with the same total area. The study emphasizes optimizing TEG design and operating conditions to enhance electricity generation efficiency in space heating combustors.
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(This article belongs to the Section G: Energy and Buildings)
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A Comprehensive Review of Physical Models and Performance Evaluations for Pavement Photovoltaic Modules
by
Mingxuan Mao and Xiaoyu Ni
Energies 2024, 17(11), 2561; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17112561 (registering DOI) - 25 May 2024
Abstract
Pavement photovoltaic (PV) is an innovative energy-harvesting technology that seamlessly integrates into road surfaces, merging established PV power generation methods with conventional roadway infrastructure. This fusion optimally utilizes the extensive spatial assets inherent in road networks. This paper offers an exhaustive examination of
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Pavement photovoltaic (PV) is an innovative energy-harvesting technology that seamlessly integrates into road surfaces, merging established PV power generation methods with conventional roadway infrastructure. This fusion optimally utilizes the extensive spatial assets inherent in road networks. This paper offers an exhaustive examination of the literature concerning the physical models and performance evaluation of photovoltaic pavements. This study delineates the essential three-tier structure of pavement modules and juxtaposes the advantages and drawbacks of design models across these strata, thereby facilitating the development of more suitable solutions for varying application scenarios. The importance of accommodating fluctuations in shadows and countering the heat island effect (HIE) is emphasized. Nevertheless, the technology remains in its nascent research phase, characterized by challenges associated with limited long-term durability and efficacy. Building upon these findings, this study addresses the challenges confronting pavement PV from three perspectives and outlines future prospects and recommendations for its progression.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Progress and Challenges in Solar Photovoltaic Materials and Intelligent Control)
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Combustion Characteristics of Sinusoidal-Shaped Walls with Catalyst Segmentation in Micro-Combustors for Micro-Thermophotovoltaic Application
by
Qi Yuan, Zhiping Guo and Yuan Li
Energies 2024, 17(11), 2560; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17112560 (registering DOI) - 25 May 2024
Abstract
The combustion characteristics of micro-combustors significantly impact the performance of micro-thermophotovoltaic (MTPV) systems. This study aims to investigate the effects of sinusoidal-shaped walls and catalyst segmentation on flame stability and combustion performance in a micro-combustor by using numerical methods. The numerical simulation with
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The combustion characteristics of micro-combustors significantly impact the performance of micro-thermophotovoltaic (MTPV) systems. This study aims to investigate the effects of sinusoidal-shaped walls and catalyst segmentation on flame stability and combustion performance in a micro-combustor by using numerical methods. The numerical simulation with detailed gas-phase and surface reaction mechanisms is reliable, as the results of numerical simulation align with experimental data. The results show that the interplay between flame stability and sinusoidal-shaped walls is crucial, particularly because of the cavities formed by the sinusoidal-shaped walls of the micro-combustor. The gas-phase ignition position of the sinusoidal-shaped wall combustor moves upstream by 0.050 m compared to the planar-wall combustor, but the flame is stretched. The catalyst segments coated on the crest can shorten the flame length and increase the average temperature by a maximum 62 K, but delay the gas-phase ignition. Conversely, catalyst segments coated on the trough can advance ignition, but this results in flame elongation and a decrease in the average temperature. The rational combination of catalyst segmentation and sinusoidal-shaped walls facilitates moving the ignition position upstream by a maximum of 0.065 m while substantially reducing the length of the combustor required for complete fuel conversion by more than 60%. These attributes are highly beneficial for improving efficiency and minimizing the length of the micro-combustor for MTPV application.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Combustion and Flame: Latest Research)
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